Mmusi Maimane, Patricia de Lille and Songezo Zibi Launch Unite for Change (UFC): A New Political Movement for a Renewed South Africa

JOHANNESBURG – In a landmark move that could reshape South Africa’s political landscape, three prominent leaders — Mmusi Maimane (Build One SA), Patricia de Lille (GOOD Party), and Songezo Zibi (Rise Mzansi) — have joined forces to launch a new political formation, Unite for Change (UFC).

The new movement, officially unveiled under the theme “A New Banner for a New Future,” will contest the 2026 local government elections as a unified political party — aiming to restore faith in governance and rebuild communities through capable, ethical leadership.

A Coalition of Equals — Not Convenience

At the announcement, leaders emphasized that this is “not a coalition of convenience,” but a merger of shared values. Unite for Change will bring together BOSA, GOOD, and Rise Mzansi under a single electoral list, one policy platform, and a common vision for a capable and corruption-free government.

Deputy BOSA leader Nobuntu Lindumusa Hlazo-Webster said the formation of UFC is a response to the people’s call for unity and responsible leadership.

“We have heard the call of South Africans — to put aside our differences and build an offering that unites people across towns and cities,” she said. “This is a credible alternative to the limited options on the ballot.”

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Five Priorities for Change

The Unite for Change movement has outlined five core priorities aimed at revitalizing local government and community service delivery:

1. Capable and Ethical Leadership – Ending cadre deployment and corruption while nurturing new, values-based leaders.
2. Local Economic Recovery – Driving job creation through the digital, creative, care, and tourism economies.
3. Restoration of Basic Services – Ensuring access to water, electricity, refuse collection, housing, and healthcare.
4. Safety and Justice – Tackling crime and promoting the rule of law at the grassroots level.
5. Digitization and Smart Governance – Using technology to make procurement transparent and improve infrastructure management.

Maimane: “The Time for Unity and Change Has Come”

In his keynote address, Mmusi Maimane called for a generational shift in leadership, saying that the era of liberation politics has “hit its expiry date.”

“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” Maimane declared. “The time has come for all South Africans to stand together and build a nation that delivers for its people. Our towns and cities are broken — and only unity, courage, and purpose can fix them.”

He invited citizens, businesses, and civil society to take part in the movement, stressing that Unite for Change is “a platform for patriots, not politicians.”

Patricia de Lille: “Good Governance Starts at Local Level”

Speaking on governance, Minister Patricia de Lille emphasized the centrality of municipalities in South Africa’s future.

“Local government is the heartbeat of democracy,” she said. “It’s where government interacts closest with the people. To fix South Africa, we must start by fixing our towns and cities.”

De Lille pointed out that with 67% of South Africans already living in cities — a number projected to rise to 80% by 2050 — the country must urgently prepare its urban centers for sustainable growth and opportunity.

Zibi: “This Movement Is an Open Invitation”

Songezo Zibi, leader of Rise Mzansi, described Unite for Change as a movement for all South Africans, rooted in social justice, non-racialism, and anti-corruption.

“We are inviting all citizens — from academics and civil society to community leaders — to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild our towns and municipalities,” Zibi said. “Our goal is to prove that democracy can deliver when grounded in values and competence.”

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A Call to Citizens: Unite for Working Municipalities

As the country heads toward the 2026 local government elections, Unite for Change leaders say their mission is clear: to restore dignity, rebuild institutions, and reignite hope in the power of democracy.

The movement will embark on a nationwide community engagement tour, including town halls and policy dialogues, to shape its grassroots agenda.

“Today we unite for dignity. Today we unite for safety. Today we unite for change,” the leaders declared in closing.

Summary

The formation of Unite for Change (UFC) marks one of the most significant political developments in recent years — bringing together three influential parties under a shared banner of unity, accountability, and progress. As South Africans prepare for the 2026 elections, this alliance signals a strong, values-driven alternative in a crowded political field.