By Johnathan Paoli
Unite for Change (UFC), the political formation launched last year by the GOOD Party, RISE Mzansi, and Build One South Africa (BOSA), said on Sunday that its founding parties would contest the local government elections separately rather than under a single UFC banner.
In a statement, the three-party formation said the demands of integrating their organisations ahead of the polls had proved more complex than expected.
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“While significant ground has been covered in this regard, it has become clear that integrating three political parties, their structures, and their activists needs more time due to its intensity and complexity,” the statement read.
UFC said the “best option” would be to pursue consolidation after the local government elections and, in the meantime, adopt an interim cooperation model.
“This is based on a shared recognition that the municipal elections require the parties to leverage their respective strengths to maximise their individual and collective election potential,” the statement said.
The group said the arrangement would seek to reduce unnecessary competition between the parties where possible and still give voters access to candidates from the three organisations.
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“In short, Unite for Change will not be on the ballot, while the GOOD Party, RISE Mzansi and BOSA will be.”
Unite for Change was launched in Johannesburg in October 2025 as a new political vehicle that said it would campaign in the 2026 local government elections under one shared banner. Its founding Leaders’ Council included Mmusi Maimane, Patricia de Lille, Songezo Zibi, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa and Brett Herron.
At launch, the formation said its municipal campaign would focus on five priorities: capable and ethical leadership, local economic recovery, dignity through basic services, safety and justice, and the use of technology to improve local government. It also said candidate selection would prioritise people who are “from their community, known in their community, and accountable to their community.”
In the 2024 national elections, RISE Mzansi and BOSA each secured two seats in the National Assembly, while GOOD secured one.
UFC said it would remain in contact with applicants for municipal councillor positions and would announce the next steps later.
“The work continues, and our mission remains intact: bringing together citizens, activists, community leaders, and public servants who are committed to restoring dignity, accountability and delivery at every level of government,” it said.