Three Parties Unite to Form “Unite for Change”
Natalie Nyathi
In a major development in South African politics, Build One South Africa, the GOOD Party, and Rise Mzansi have merged to create a new political party called “Unite for Change.” The official launch took place on October 5, 2025, in Johannesburg, marking the start of a collaborative effort to contest the upcoming 2026 local government elections.
The leaders of the three parties, Mmusi Maimane from BOSA, Patricia de Lille from GOOD, and Songezo Zibi from Rise Mzansi, emphasized that this merger represents a united front with one name, one platform, and one purpose. They aim to provide a credible alternative to the dominant African National Congress and address the growing dissatisfaction among voters. The new party will be registered with the Independent Electoral Commission and will participate in the 2026 municipal elections as a single entity.
Several factors contributed to this union. The ANC’s declining support and the rise of smaller parties have fragmented the political landscape. By combining their resources and support bases, BOSA, GOOD, and Rise Mzansi hope to create a stronger, more viable force. The leaders have acknowledged the need for ethical leadership, improved service delivery, and inclusive governance, which are key priorities for the new party.
Mmusi Maimane, the leader of BOSA, has a background in business and public administration. He previously led the Democratic Alliance and served as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Patricia de Lille, the leader of GOOD, has had a long career in South African politics, having served as Mayor of Cape Town and in various ministerial roles. Songezo Zibi, the leader of Rise Mzansi, is a former corporate spokesperson and has been a strong advocate for accountability and good governance.
While Unite for Change will function as a single political entity for the 2026 elections, the individual parties will maintain their separate identities until 2029. This means that current Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial Legislatures, and councillors will continue to serve under their existing party banners until the end of their terms. A Council of Leaders will guide the new party, ensuring compliance and shared decision-making.
Unite for Change faces challenges, including building a strong identity and attracting voters from different backgrounds. However, the merger also brings opportunities to combine resources, streamline campaigns, and offer a better choice to voters. The leaders have called for a fresh start in South Africa’s political leadership, highlighting the need for vision, integrity, and new ideas.
The formation of Unite for Change is an important step in South African politics. Whether this merger leads to success in elections remains to be seen, but it adds a new dimension to the political landscape as the country approaches the 2026 local government elections.
