Rise Mzansi, BOSA, Good Party say merging resources will allow them to compete in local govt polls

Rise Mzansi, Build One South Africa (BOSA) and the Good Party say merging their resources will allow them to better compete in the upcoming local government elections.

On Sunday, the three parties announced they had combined to form one political party - Unite For Change.

However, due to the fact that the parties still have representatives in Parliament and provincial legislatures, a complete merger into one organisation will only happen in 2029, when the current political administration term ends.

ALSO READ: Rise Mzansi, Bosa, and the Good Party say they stand a better chance at the local polls together

Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Sunday, BOSA leader, Mmusi Maimane, said the door was open for other likeminded political parties and organisations to join.

"Because when we do that, we demonstrate to the people that politics is far too important to be left up to politicians. That we build a new coalition, not of politicians but of patriots of this country, not just of parties but of a true vision of principles. South Africa doesn’t suffer a shortage of parties, I think there are many, what it suffers from is honest capability and people willing to work together."

In the same breath, Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, has rejected claims the parties were motivated by their funders to merge.

Rise Mzansi and BOSA regularly receive millions in funding from the Oppenheimer family.

"When you campaign in ward 35, you can run three, four or five campaigns or you can run one and maximise your resources. That is the logic around funding. It’s a logic that identifies itself; nobody has to tell us, I think we are fairly intelligent people around here."