Cape Town – South Africa’s Build One SA (BOSA), the GOOD Party, and Rise Mzansi are preparing a merger into a new centrist political entity, with a formal announcement expected this Sunday.
According to IOL, one insider said the parties are united in their vision, even if the finer details remain unsettled.
“They share the same vision but they don’t know the name, the leader and also how it will work out,” the report quoted the source as saying.
It looks good and I hope it works out because that is the best response to the mediocrity that we are subjected to by those in charge.”
BOSA spokesperson Graham Charters added that a media briefing will be held on Sunday to provide clarity.
South Africa’s small parties face extinction, with GOOD, Rise Mzansi and BOSA in merger talks, while ActionSA rejects joining over disputes on power sharing. https://t.co/J2xsBHrMh4
— BizNews.com (@BizNewsCOM) August 29, 2025
The parties argue that practical collaboration is necessary to address critical issues such as water shortages, unreliable electricity, poor roads, sanitation problems, and refuse collection. Instead of competing on ideological grounds, the new formation is expected to focus on service delivery and accountability.
BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane, Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi, and GOOD leader Patricia de Lille have been in regular talks, describing the discussions as a serious attempt to consolidate resources and increase influence at both local and national levels, reported Newsday.
Maimane stressed that the initiative is not about “personal egos or political branding” but about creating a force that can provide real results for South Africans who feel let down by existing parties.
SABC News previously reported that cooperation among smaller opposition parties had been on the cards for some time, with exploratory talks taking place throughout 2024. The new merger, if confirmed on Sunday, will be one of the boldest steps yet by centrist forces to form a stronger alternative to both the ANC and the Democratic Alliance.
African News Agency also confirmed that initial talks had included ActionSA, led by Herman Mashaba, but the party chose not to take part. ActionSA argued it was better positioned to maintain its independence and strengthen its own brand ahead of the 2026 local elections.
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Picture: Instagram/ @mmusimaimane
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
