Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
23 October 2025 | 16:49 CAT

📸 Leaders from Build One South Africa, the Good Party, and Rise Mzansi announce the formation of the new political coalition “Unite for Change.” Award-winning political journalist Qaanitah Hunter and analyst Angelo Fick share insights on the alliance’s potential to reshape South Africa’s opposition landscape.

As South Africa’s political landscape continues to evolve in the wake of the 2024 elections, a new alliance, Build One South Africa (BOSA), the Good Party, and Rise Mzansi, has announced a merger under the banner “Unite for Change.”

The formation of this bloc has reignited debate about the future of opposition politics and what values-based leadership could mean in a country still grappling with inequality, disillusionment, and shifting political loyalties. Leaders have framed it as a pragmatic response to a fragmented opposition and a chance to present voters with a coherent alternative ahead of the 2026 municipal and 2029 national elections.

The coalition brings together familiar political figures, former Democratic Alliance (DA) stalwarts and emerging leaders, but its ambition stretches beyond personalities. The parties aim to field candidates strategically across the country, from urban centres such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, leveraging local knowledge while pooling resources for national impact. Each party retains its individual identity while collaborating on candidate selection, campaign strategy, and voter outreach, a model designed to maximise local relevance while building national visibility.

Award-winning political journalist Qaanitah Hunter told Radio Islam International that this isn’t the first attempt to unite smaller opposition parties, but this iteration appears more structured. “This coalition allows these parties to remain individually led while fielding candidates together for the upcoming local government elections. It’s largely an effort to bring coherence and stability to the opposition space,” she explained. Hunter also noted that Unite for Change could appeal to voters who feel alienated by both the ANC and the DA, particularly in urban areas where young and undecided voters are crucial.

Political analyst and Director of Research at ASRI, Angelo Fick, agrees that the coalition represents both an opportunity and a test. “Given declining youth participation in recent elections, Unite for Change must actively engage young people, not just as voters, but as members shaping the future. Slogans of unity and change are only meaningful if they translate into practical policies on jobs, education, housing, and governance,” Fick told Radio Islam International.

Fick added that while the alliance could stabilise opposition politics, it must also overcome the deep mistrust citizens have developed toward party politics in general. “South Africans are weary of recycled promises,” he observed. “If Unite for Change is to resonate, it must show that collaboration is not simply about convenience but about a shared moral commitment to good governance and accountability.”

The coalition’s formation comes amid broader questions about the role of smaller parties in South African politics. While the ANC and DA remain dominant, disillusionment over service delivery, corruption, and economic inequality has created space for alternatives. Unite for Change hopes to capitalise on this, positioning itself as a pragmatic, values-driven option that can compete both locally and nationally.

Hunter adds that grassroots credibility will be decisive. “While the names of Maimane, Patricia de Lille, and Songezo Zibi are well known, voters will ultimately judge the candidates representing them locally. Candidates who are visible and trusted in their communities will make or break the alliance’s prospects,” she said.

While immediate concerns like service delivery, jobs, and housing dominate voter priorities, international issues could still influence perceptions among certain segments of the electorate. Hunter notes that stances on matters such as Palestine may resonate with voters seeking alignment between their ethical values and political choices. “For some communities, especially those who closely follow global human rights developments, these positions can factor into how they evaluate alternative political options,” she told Radio Islam.

As the alliance gears up for the 2026 municipal elections, the challenges are clear. Aligning the differing priorities and constituencies of BOSA, the Good Party, and Rise Mzansi will require careful coordination. Yet the opportunity to present a coherent, credible opposition message is rare, and the stakes are high.

If Unite for Change can balance leadership experience with innovation, local relevance with national ambition, and values-driven policy with pragmatic action, it may not only reshape South Africa’s opposition landscape but also signal a new era of political engagement for a disillusioned electorate.