Three national political parties, Build One South Africa (BOSA), the GOOD Party, and Rise Mzansi, have announced they are joining forces to form a new political party and movement called Unite for Change.

The parties say the move marks the start of a new political centre aimed at giving South Africans a credible and values-based alternative in the 2026 local government elections.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the parties said they had “heard the call of the nation” and decided to put aside their differences to create a united front focused on restoring dignity, safety, and effective governance in communities across the country.

“This is not a coalition of convenience but a coming together of equals,” the statement read. “We are united for change under one name, one shared platform and one purpose.”

The Leaders’ Council of the new formation includes Dr Mmusi Maimane, Minister Patricia de Lille, Songezo Zibi, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, and Brett Herron.

According to the parties, Unite for Change will campaign on five key priorities:

• Capable and ethical leadership, ending cadre deployment and corruption;
• Local economic recovery through investment in the digital, creative, care and tourism economies;
• Dignity through basic services such as water, electricity and housing;
• Safety and justice, ensuring accountability and rule of law; and
• Digitisation, using technology to improve service delivery and prevent corruption.

The new party will be formally registered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and all current and future member parties will contest elections under the Unite for Change banner.

However, the founding parties will continue to operate under their existing brands, with current MPs, MPLs and councillors serving out their terms.

Unite for Change says it will soon embark on a nationwide community engagement campaign, including town halls, dialogues, and roundtables,  to shape its unified policy platform ahead of the 2026 elections.

“Today, we unite for working municipalities. Today, we unite for dignity. Today, we unite for safety. Today, we Unite for Change,” the statement concluded.