BOSA, GOOD Party and Rise Mzansi unite to form new political party ahead of 2026 local elections

Mapaballo Borotho

BOSA, GOOD Party, and Rise Mzansi have merged to form a new political party called Unite for Change ahead of the 2026 local elections.
The new movement aims to offer South Africans a credible alternative by uniting under one banner, leadership structure, and shared purpose.
Its agenda will focus on leadership, local economic recovery, basic services, safety and justice, and technology-driven governance.

Build One South Africa (BOSA), the GOOD Party and Rise Mzansi have officially united to form one political party that will contest the 2026 local elections.

In a statement released by the newly formed party on Sunday, Unite for Change, the leaders of the three parties said they had heard the nation’s cry and decided to put their differences aside to bring change and hope to villages, towns, and cities across South Africa.

“We proudly announce the launch of Unite for Change, a new political party and movement that will campaign in the 2026 Local Government Elections under one shared banner. The first three founding parties are Build One South Africa (BOSA), the GOOD Party, and RISE Mzansi. We are united for change under one name, one set of electoral lists, one shared platform, and one purpose,” the statement read.

The statement confirmed that Unite for Change will be registered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and all current and future parties that join will run for elections under the new name and banner.

“The members of the Leaders’ Council, in no particular order, are Dr Mmusi Maimane MP, Minister Patricia de Lille MP, Songezo Zibi MP, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP, MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa MPL, and Brett Herron MPP.

This is a new offering to voters a credible and consolidated alternative to the lack of real options South Africans face on the ballot paper. It is not a coalition of convenience but a coming together of equals, demonstrating the responsibility of leadership, which often requires a different approach to the one we once believed was right,” the statement added.

The party’s agenda focuses on five urgent priorities: Capable and Ethical Leadership, Local Economic Recovery, Dignity Through Basic Services, Safety and Justice, and Digitisation, harnessing technology.