Bosa, Rise Mzansi, and Good Party have united to form 'Unite for Change'. Image credit: PoliticsWeb
(The Post News) – With the official launch of Unite for Change, a new moderate party created by the merging of Build One South Africa (BOSA), Rise Mzansi, and the Good Party, South Africa’s political landscape continues its dramatic reconfiguration. The new organisation, which was announced on October 5, 2025, has already set its sights on the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE).
Deputy-President Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster of BOSA characterised the merger as “not a coalition of convenience but a coming together of equals,” uniting influential political players under a collective leadership framework. Former BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane, Patricia de Lille, the head of the Good party, and Songezo Zibi, the leader of Rise Mzansi, are all members of the party’s governing body, the Leaders’ Council.
A Union Centred Challenge
Many people believe that Unite for Change was formed as a calculated attempt to gain support from centrist voters and provide a more cohesive alternative to the nation’s ruling political parties. Political observers speculate that the present Government of National Unity (GNU) was prompted by the post-2024 election scenario, in which no single party was able to obtain an absolute majority. The parties want to end the opposition’s division, which has long been criticised by many voters and pundits.
Delivering sustainable basic services, maintaining safety and justice, and removing corruption are three key governance concerns that are highly relevant at the municipal level and are at the centre of Unite for Change’s campaign strategy for the 2026 local elections. These topics were also major components of the platforms of the other parties. The 2026 LGE, which is legally scheduled to take place between November 2026 and early 2027, will be the new party’s first major electoral test.
With Leaders’ Council member Brett Herron stating that the party has been “inundated with approaches from local parties” and intends to “add some significant players” in the upcoming weeks and months, the party’s leadership has already indicated a desire to expand its membership. This demonstrates a well-defined plan for expanding partnerships to increase their visibility among the nation’s municipalities.
Leadership Question
One important aspect of political analysis is the party’s adoption of a collective leadership structure. Although some political theorists contend that broad agreement and complementary responsibilities make collective leadership essential for change, it is also pointed out that these models might be naturally “fragile” because it can be challenging to keep influential people united. The capacity of Unite for Change to manage the different political backgrounds and personalities of its three founding leaders, Maimane, De Lille, and Zibi, while maintaining a unified front for the electorate, will be a determining factor in the organisation’s success.
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