“Three opposition parties — BOSA, the GOOD Party, and RISE Mzansi — have merged to form Unite for Change, a coalition designed to present a credible alternative to the ANC and DA ahead of the 2026 local elections. The alliance emphasizes ethical leadership, grassroots-driven policy, and improved service delivery, marking one of the most significant realignments in South African politics since the ANC lost its majority in 2024.”
South Africa’s political landscape has entered a transformative phase with the announcement of a merger between three prominent opposition parties — Build One South Africa (BOSA), the GOOD Party, and RISE Mzansi. The coalition, named Unite for Change, positions itself as a credible alternative to the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). With less than five months before the November 2026 local elections, this merger represents a strategic consolidation designed to maximize electoral impact and reshape the balance of power.
Background: A Fragmented Political System
The 2024 national elections were a watershed moment. For the first time since 1994, the ANC lost its outright majority, securing only 40.18% of the vote. This forced the party into a Government of National Unity (GNU) with ten other parties. While this arrangement stabilized national governance, local councils remained fragmented, with coalition politics dominating metros and municipalities. Voter turnout declined sharply, reflecting widespread disillusionment with traditional parties.
The Coalition’s Leadership Collective
The leadership council of Unite for Change reflects a deliberate effort to unite diverse voices:
- Mmusi Maimane (BOSA) – Former DA leader, known for his advocacy of ethical governance.
- Patricia de Lille (GOOD Party) – Veteran politician with a reputation for pragmatic leadership.
- Songezo Zibi (RISE Mzansi) – Reformist voice and former journalist, emphasizing accountability.
- Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Brett Herron – Leaders spanning Parliament, provincial legislatures, and municipal structures.
This collective leadership signals inclusivity and a commitment to bridging divides across demographics.
Policy Agenda
The coalition has outlined a five-point agenda:
- Ethical leadership – Rooting out corruption and restoring trust.
- Local economic recovery – Stimulating small businesses and job creation.
- Basic services dignity – Ensuring reliable water, electricity, and sanitation.
- Safety and justice – Strengthening policing and judicial accountability.
- Digitisation for governance – Using technology to improve efficiency and combat corruption.
This agenda directly addresses the failures of service delivery and governance that have plagued municipalities under ANC leadership.
Grassroots Engagement
Unite for Change has emphasized grassroots mobilization as a cornerstone of its strategy. The coalition plans to engage communities through town halls, digital platforms, and local organizing. This approach aims to rebuild trust in politics by ensuring that citizens feel directly involved in shaping policy.
Electoral Strategy
With the ANC weakened and the DA struggling to expand beyond its traditional base, Unite for Change sees an opportunity to capture disillusioned voters. Analysts suggest that the coalition could perform strongly in urban metros such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Cape Town, where service delivery failures have been most acute.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, Unite for Change faces significant challenges:
- Resource constraints compared to larger parties.
- Potential ideological clashes among coalition partners.
- Skepticism from voters wary of yet another political experiment.
The coalition’s success will depend on its ability to maintain unity, deliver a coherent message, and demonstrate tangible improvements in governance.
Conclusion
The formation of Unite for Change marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democratic journey. By consolidating opposition strength, the coalition seeks to reshape the political center and offer voters a credible alternative to the ANC and DA. Whether it succeeds will depend on its ability to translate lofty ideals into practical solutions for the everyday challenges facing South Africans.
