Build One South Africa (BOSA), the GOOD Party, and Rise Mzansi have joined forces. They announced the new political party in Johannesburg on Sunday, aiming to provide a consolidated alternative for voters. It comes amid declining support for the African National Congress (ANC).
The new party, Unite for Change, will be registered with the Electoral Commission. Its leaders include Mmusi Maimane, Patricia de Lille, and Songezo Zibi. They have stated this is not a “coalition of convenience”. Instead, it is a unified movement with one name and one platform. Existing councillors and parliamentarians will serve out their terms under their original party banners.
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A shifting political landscape
The formation of Unite for Change is seen as an attempt to counter political fragmentation. South Africa has seen many new parties emerge in recent years, leading to complex and often unstable coalition governments in municipalities. While the three parties combined secured less than 1% of the 2024 national vote, their leaders are well-known public figures. The new entity hopes to offer a credible alternative to the dominant ANC and Democratic Alliance (DA).
Analysts have offered mixed reactions to the merger. Governance expert Leo Maphosa sees it as a sign of a maturing democracy. He believes it marks a move from political proliferation to strategic collaboration. However, political commentator Goodenough Mashego labelled it a marriage of convenience. He predicted it would fail due to the parties’ differences. He suggested the parties are trying to secure local government positions as their national prospects wane.
The leadership of Unite for Change has outlined five key priorities. These are: capable leadership, local economic recovery, and ensuring basic services. They also include improving safety and using technology for smart governance. The party plans a national tour of town halls to develop a grassroots-driven policy platform.
