The newly launched political party, Unite for Change (UFC) Party, said it will operate without a designated leader and instead be governed by a collective council at least until they have an elective conference.
Leadership Council Member, Patricia de Lille, clarified that the issue of who must be a leader must not be rushed because supporters and members need to understand the importance of the party.
“On the issue of who is the leader of the party, we have agreed that we are going to have a council of leaders so that that doesn’t become an issue of who must lead.
“But I think we further agreed that to have an elective conference towards the end of 2027 or 2028,” she said.
UFC is a merger between three political parties – Build One SA (BOSA), Rise Mzansi, and the GOOD Party. It was officially launched on Sunday in Johannesburg.
The party said it will contest the 2026 local government elections and “bring change to the people.”
According to the statement, the party is a coming together of equals – leaders who have heard the call of the nation and are putting South Africa first.
The party’s agenda centres on five urgent priorities: Capable and ethical leadership, local economic recovery, dignity through basic services, safety and justice and digitisation – using technology to drive smart governance and eliminate corruption.
Songezo Zibi, the council member of UFC and also leader of Rise Mzansi, emphasised that leaders should be elected not just out to positions.
He echoed the same sentiments of de Lille, who said the leadership matter would be discussed at a later stage.
However, Unite for Change has positioned itself as a home for voters who refuse to choose between values and competence.
It said it would be an answer to the people’s daily concerns about service delivery, job shortages and better quality of life.
Politics
