EXCLUSIVE: Three parties, one vision: Rise Mzansi, GOOD and BOSA set to merge ahead of 2026 elections

Rise Mzansi, the GOOD Party, and Build One SA (BOSA) are set to announce a merger into a new centrist political party ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Reliable sources have confirmed to IOL that discussions have been ongoing, focusing on ideas rooted in unity and enhanced service delivery.

The prospect of this merger follows preliminary talks with ActionSA, although Herman Mashaba’s party has since stepped back from the negotiations, stating its confidence in standing alone.

Insiders suggest that the collaboration between the three parties stems from a shared desire to offer South Africans a political alternative that prioritises concrete results over ideological differences.

A source familiar with the negotiations shared, “The talks have advanced into good terms and they will announce soon. They agreed to the same principles, but ActionSA felt that their party had a more solid identity alone.”

BOSA, through its communication, echoed sentiments about the importance of unity, acknowledging the fragmentation of political entities as detrimental to deliverables like essential services, including roads, electricity, and sanitation.

In a written response to IOL, the party stated, “Achieving that, by moving beyond ideological and personality politics, will be the organising mission.”

Mabine Seabe, spokesperson for Rise Mzansi, affirmed that the groundwork is being laid for the upcoming local elections, albeit stressing the need for discretion regarding specific details and participants involved in the consolidation pact.

“We have been talking to other political parties about coming together behind a common electoral and political program,” he said, urging for cooperation among leaders committed to establishing a new, progressive political model.

Alongside this, GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron stated that discussions continue with other parties that align with their objectives of social and economic justice.

Herron highlighted a collaborative precedent, referencing RISE Mzansi's Axolile Notywala’s transition to fill a GOOD councillor vacancy in the Cape Town City Council, showcasing the synergy in action.

Despite the departure of ActionSA from the talks, the party’s national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, acknowledged their initial involvement but maintained that ActionSA holds a distinct and robust identity.

“ActionSA has a much more established brand that can stand on its own two feet,” he remarked, while wishing the other parties success in their negotiation process.

According to sources, the merger may also potentially involve additional parties beyond the current trio, hinting at a broader coalition aimed at addressing the prevailing political fragmentation in local governance.

It's noteworthy that both GOOD Party and Rise Mzansi are part of the 10 political parties already functioning within the Government of National Unity (GNU), which was formed in 2024 after no single party claimed a majority in the general elections.

IOL