Rise Mzansi says local election results exceeded expectations

Rise Mzansi says its debut local government election campaign has delivered encouraging results and exceeded the party’s expectations, despite contesting only a limited number of municipalities as part of a deliberate growth strategy.

With the party securing 0.23% of the vote and already winning a seat in Gauteng, Rise Mzansi believes the outcome provides a solid platform from which to build ahead of the 2029 national elections.

The party’s National Organiser, Makashule Gana, says the organisation is on course to secure representation in municipalities including Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Mogale City.

As coalition talks begin to dominate the post-election landscape, Rise Mzansi is also calling for greater transparency in local government coalition arrangements.

“We are feeling great. We try sometimes. It’s been a great, great day with the results coming in. Especially the results coming in from Joburg. Results in Tshwane, Mogale City. Very encouraging because we only contested seven municipalities across the country,” says Gana.

“So, it was, it was a tactical choice on our side not to contest every municipality. The numbers indicate that we definitely have a minimum of four seats in Parliament. We’ll have seats in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Mogale City. So, one is very encouraged by the numbers, but equally encouraged by the talent that’s coming through, who will raise their hands to be candidates. And these boards were for us as we head to 2029,” he adds.

Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, says they are open to coalition talks with any party just as long as they meet their conditions.

LGE 2026 | Makashule Gana: Joburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Mogale numbers encouraging: