Good News for South Africa’s Future: GOOD Party and RISE Mzansi Team Up for 2026 Local Elections
Why the Partnership Matters
The GOOD Party and RISE Mzansi have decided to join forces ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE2026). Their goal is simple: bring ethical, capable leadership to municipalities across the country. By working together, they hope to replace old patterns of patronage and neglect with governments that are clean, safe, financially stable, and focused on development.
Shared Vision and Values
Both parties say they share a common picture of a modern, social‑democratic South Africa built on:
- Justice
- Accountability
- Inclusion
- Human dignity
They believe that ethical leadership and effective government must go hand‑in‑hand, and that political renewal is not just possible—it’s necessary for the wellbeing of millions of South Africans.
What the Cooperation Framework Means
The newly signed “Cooperation Framework” is more than just an election pact. It’s a step toward building a new political future where:
- People come before political ego
- Long‑term national renewal beats short‑term partisan gains
Through this agreement, GOOD and RISE will:
- Combine their strengths and resources
- Coordinate campaigns nationwide
- Field the strongest possible candidates and leadership teams in every municipality
Learning from Past Attempts
Last year, the trio of GOOD, RISE, and Build One SA (BOSA) tried to create a single united front called “Unite for Change.” However, merging three parties, their structures, and activists proved too complex to pull off under election pressure.
As GOOD’s secretary‑general Brett Herron explained, there simply wasn’t enough time before LGE2026 to launch a brand‑new party. Instead, the two groups have chosen a more realistic, incremental approach: keep their existing names but run a fully coordinated campaign.
Campaign Progress So Far
The partnership hit the ground running. At a recent announcement, GOOD Leader and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille introduced Lukhona Mnguni as the mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg.
RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi praised Mnguni’s background, noting his international experience and deep understanding of both local Johannesburg issues and global struggles—from Palestinian rights to Congolese mineral exploitation.
De Lille added that Mnguni represents the Johannesburg of 2026, not the past, and that his leadership will hand the baton to the next generation of leaders.
Looking Ahead: Other Cities
Candidate assessments for Cape Town’s mayoral and councillor positions are currently underway. Herron announced that more details will be shared by early June, with further updates to follow as the election draws nearer.
Conclusion
The GOOD Party and RISE Mzansi’s new partnership shows a fresh, cooperative path for South African politics. By focusing on shared values, coordinated action, and strong, principled candidates, they aim to give voters a real alternative in the 2026 Local Government Elections—one that puts people first and paves the way for a brighter, more just future.
