Rise Mzansi, GOOD Party and Build One SA (BOSA) will merge into a new centrist political party ahead of the 2026 local government elections, IOL has reliably learned. The new political bloc was also in talks with ActionSA to join the new coalition but party leader, Herman Mashaba pulled out.

The three parties confirmed to IOL that they have been engaged in talks with each other on a possible consolidation pact. An announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Sources told IOL that the talks began a while back as they felt that South Africans deserved a break from parties that did not deliver on their promises and commitments.

“Well, the talks have advanced into good terms and they will announce soon. They agreed to the same terms but ActionSA pulled out from the talks because they felt that they were a more solid party on their own,” the source said.

BOSA confirmed that talks were quietly under way with several parties on possible consolidation ahead of the elections, adding that it will all be known in due time as details were still being carefully worked out.

“This development is guided by the principle of unity through diversity. Previous elections taught us that the fragmentation of multiple political entities at the local level does not serve citizens.

“Local government is about delivering for people: roads, water, electricity, sanitation, refuse removal, and other essential services. Achieving that, by moving beyond ideological and personality politics, will be the organising mission,” BOSA said in a written response to IOL.

“Sometimes, achieving real change requires setting aside egos and old rivalries.The coming weeks may bring clarity on how unity could reshape the political landscape for the future, something BOSA is deeply excited about.”

Rise Mzansi spokesperson, Mabine Seabe, confirmed that work was underway to ready themselves for the next Local Government Elections but said it would be unfair for them to reveal the whole process including names of the role players.

“We have been talking to other political parties about coming together behind a common electoral and political program, but this work needs leaders who are willing to collaborate and build a genuinely new, unifying, and progressive political proposition.

“Talks are ongoing, so it would be unfair to refer to individuals, organisations and political parties,” said Seabe.

GOOD Party secretary-general, Brett Herron, shared the same message that they have been in discussions with like-minded parties who shared their priorities around social, spatial, environmental, and economic justice.

In August 2024, RISE Mansi’s Axolile Notywala stepped into a GOOD councillor vacancy in the Cape Town City Council. This was an example of collaboration in practice, Herron said.

However, ActionSA pulled out of the talks but the party’s national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, told IOL that his party was involved initially.

“ActionSA has a much more established brand that can stand on its own two feet,” he said.

Beaumont wished the parties well and said: “If they have progressed in talks amongst themselves we wish them well in that endeavour.”

Another source said it may not only be these three parties, but more. “Individuals can also be part of the planned project,” the source said.

GOOD Party and Rise Mzansi are part of the 10 political parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The Unity government was formed in 2024 after no party won the general elections in outright majority. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

thabo.makwakwa@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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