Unite For Change opens recruitment process for councillors to contest municipal elections

A month since launching their political alliance, Unite For Change (UFC) has officially opened their recruitment process for councillors to contest the next local government elections, with the focus on the metros.

Rise Msanzi, Good and Build One South Africa (BOSA) on Sunday launched the process at a gathering held at Parliament, inviting candidates they say will be chosen on merit and a track record of community work, rather than political affiliation.

The party’s leaders are hoping their mayoral candidates will emerge from this process and say no candidate will be foisted on supporters.

The three political parties say they will contest the next elections under their new banner, Unite For Change, which will not differentiate between the individual parties.

The next local government elections could at its earliest be a year away or at the latest by January 2027.

BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane said the selection process would weed out political opportunists.

"We are engaging those South Africans who have fought elections in their communities as independents, and maybe won, and we are saying to those citizens, let’s get together because 2026 is too important a moment to allow fragmentation."

Good Party secretary-general, Brett Herron, said that besides strict vetting and background checks, the five-step selection process would include a requirement of community endorsement.

"What kind of candidate are we not looking for? Those who exploit fear, race or religion to gain political advantage. Those who see politics as a path to personal enrichment and patronage."

The selection process will play itself out publicly on the movement’s website, with the first round expected to be concluded as early as December.

JOIN US ON WHATSAPP

Stay ahead of the story: Join our WhatsApp channel today.

Want breaking news at your fingertips, the moment it happens? Our WhatsApp Channel is the fastest way to stay connected with the stories that matter most.

From breaking news alerts to exclusive stories, analysis and must-read features - you’ll get it all directly on your phone.

Joining is simple.

Just click Follow on our WhatsApp Channel and stay informed.