Unite for Change is a new political party formally formed by the GOOD Party, Rise Mzansi, and Build One SA (Bosa), three opposition groups.
The announcement was made at a joint media briefing on Sunday afternoon in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
This party will run as a single entity in the 2026 local government elections after registering with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). In a single statement, the groups said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of Unite for Change, a new political party and movement that will run in the 2026 Local Government Elections under one shared banner.”
The three parties will function under a single platform with “one name, one purpose, and one campaign,” even though they will remain autonomous for the time being.
According to the founders, the new organisation was created due to a common goal to rebuild hope, enhance service delivery, and restore integrity in South African communities. The project, according to Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane, aims to bring South Africans together around a shared goal rather than party politics.
Additionally, he extended an invitation to South Africans to “join the movement” and take part in what he called a “national reset.” Patricia de Lille, the head of the GOOD Party, stated that “Unite for
Change” was more than a simple political union. “It’s just the beginning, but it’s a new inclusive direction that unites our parties and resources. Convincing South Africans to join the pursuit of something better is the true challenge, De Lille said.
She advised people to keep believing in politics, especially young people: “Don’t give up hope.” Join you in your endeavor to improve South Africa. For young people in particular, now is the moment to create their own future. Songezo Zibi, the leader of Rise Mzansi, stated that the partnership was the beginning of a “complete reset” of South Africa’s political leadership.
The calibre of elected officials’ leadership is crucial. It entails acknowledging that no one political party possesses all the necessary attributes to transform South Africa,” he stated. According to Zibi, this newly formed party should focus on restoring capable moral governance rather than personalities or party egos.
“People of questionable character and ability have held the reins of power and destroyed institutions and people’s lives, which is why we are in this mess,” he continued.
Given that they now have representatives in both Parliament and provincial legislatures, the parties stated that they intend to fully combine following the 2029 elections.
Edited by Thibela Thandeka
