Joint Media Statement by RISE Mzansi and GOOD
22 May 2026
Release: Immediate
RISE Mzansi and the GOOD party enjoy a longstanding relationship built on shared values. To deepen this relationship, the two organisations have formally agreed to work together in a bold new political partnership ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
We share a common vision for a modern, social democratic South Africa rooted in justice, accountability, inclusion and human dignity. We are united by the belief that ethical leadership and capable government must go hand in hand; and that political renewal is not only possible, but necessary.
The wellbeing of millions of South Africans – the dignity of families, the safety of neighbourhoods, the opportunities available to young people, and the reliability of basic services – can no longer be entrusted to political parties whose record in government has exposed old habits of patronage, division, dysfunction and neglect.
South Africans deserve municipalities that work. Municipalities that are clean, safe, financially stable, development-focused and governed with empathy, professionalism and integrity.
It is on this foundation of shared values and shared purpose that our two organisations have formally entered into a strategic Cooperation Framework for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
This partnership represents more than electoral cooperation. It is a deliberate step toward building a new political future in South Africa – one that places people ahead of political ego, and long-term national renewal ahead of short-term partisan interests.
Our agreement enables both parties to combine our strengths, coordinate our campaigns, and put forward the strongest possible candidates and leadership teams in municipalities across the country, while maintaining our respective political identities.
Together, RISE Mzansi and GOOD are committed to restoring trust in local government by building municipalities that work for all residents – municipalities that deliver reliable basic services, maintain infrastructure, manage public finances responsibly, and govern with integrity, professionalism and care.
We believe local government should reduce the cost and stress of daily life for middle-income households by ensuring that communities can once again rely on safe public spaces, dependable water and energy services, and effective municipal governance.
At the same time, we are committed to building municipalities that protect the dignity of poor and working-class communities through responsive service delivery, safer living conditions, inclusive economic growth, and a relentless focus on reducing inequality and expanding opportunity.
South Africans are not condemned to decline. Our towns and cities can work again. Our communities can be safe again. Public trust can be rebuilt. Through ethical leadership, capable government and a shared commitment to justice, dignity and opportunity, we believe a new future is possible — and together we intend to help build it.
To ensure maximum operational efficiency and electoral impact ahead of the local 2026 elections, campaign leadership will be structured according to regional strength; specifically, RISE Mzansi will lead the campaign in Gauteng municipalities with GOOD party members and representatives fully incorporated into their structures, while the GOOD party will head the campaign in the Western Cape with RISE Mzansi members integrated into theirs, whereas in all other contested municipal areas, both parties will implement a strict joint candidate selection process to ensure that only the most capable public representatives are put forward.
Importantly, this cooperation is also a continuation of the broader political realignment both parties have long envisaged.
Both RISE Mzansi and the GOOD party explicitly agree that following the 2026 Local Government Elections, organisational consolidation must happen. We will continue working toward deeper convergence ahead of the 2029 National and Provincial Elections, while remaining open to other like-minded political and civic formations who share our democratic values and reform agenda.
ENDS…
Issued by: RISE Mzansi and GOOD
Media Queries:
Mabine Seabe
Email: rise@risemzansi.org
Mandilakhe Tshwete
Email: media@forgood.org.za