Become a councillor or maybe even mayor: Unite for Change opens applications for 2026 elections

Wanted to run for mayor or be a councillor in your community, but not sure how? Unite for Change (Unite) Leadership announced that they are calling on community leaders, citizens and professionals to apply to become councillor candidates and, where appropriate, mayoral candidates.

In a briefing held on Sunday at Parliament, the Unite leaders, Dr Mmusi Maimane MP, Minister Patricia de Lille MP, Songezo Zibi MP, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP, MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa MPL, and Brett Herron MPP announced their new approach to seeking candidates ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Formed last month, the new political party launched their website on Sunday, “offering fresh faces and new talent a pathway to public service” as they contest all eight metros, with a mayoral candidate in each to spearhead the respective city-specific campaigns.

Unite said that a decision on which local and district municipalities they will compete in will be made at a later stage and will depend on the calibre and quality of candidates applying for each respective municipality.

“Unite for Change was formed because we believe South Africa possesses an abundance of capacity and potential. It is a country of skilled people, fertile land, mineral wealth, and natural beauty. What we have missed for too long is ethical and grounded leadership that is in touch with the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.

“It is no secret that South Africa is in the grips of a governance crisis. From the economic capital, Johannesburg, to the tiny Mthonjaneni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, citizens feel the collapse of service delivery daily. Taps run dry, roads crumble and refuse is left to pile up on street corners. It doesn’t have to be this way,” Unite said.

“Just last week, we learned that a provincial skills audit revealed that more than 300 KwaZulu-Natal councillors were illiterate, unable to read performance plans, budgets and council reports.

“It is not elitist to expect councillors to possess the skills and experience required to serve ethically and professionally. It is the bare minimum. Yet the establishment parties keep on showing voters who they are, and why they should be rejected at the ballot. There is a lack of depth and leadership in governance.”

Ramokgopa said that this step is important as local government is the “coal-face of governance” and it is where the most ethical, competent people, including those with a love for their community and country, are needed.

“Our process that has opened up is transparent in that it is open to members of the three respective parties, members of Unite, as well as members of the public who emerge directly from communities.

“All we ask is that people sign up on the website, but go out and get endorsements from communities, because if you are going to represent your community, they need to want to be represented by you.

“Getting endorsements is an integral part of that process, and of course, it is about demonstrating that you are willing, ready and able to do the work. Being in public leadership is not just about having a position, it is about a willingness and desire to serve, and having a heart for service.”

The candidates' process will include local endorsement, merit-based selection, be skills-focused, and include public transparency.

The five-stage process is as follows:

• Stage 1: Application - All aspiring candidates will complete an online application to ensure a fair and standardised process. Applicants must be registered voters, members of the party, and pay a modest application fee. These funds will go toward a candidate starter pack to help with campaign materials and community engagement.
• Stage 2: Vetting - Every applicant will undergo a thorough vetting process to confirm their eligibility to run for public office.
• Stage 3: Endorsements - Candidates will demonstrate their community support by collecting 200 signatures from voters in the wards where they seek to stand.
• Stage 4: Ranking - All qualified candidates will be ranked through a transparent, points-based system that rewards merit, community engagement, education and party service. The process includes adjustments to ensure diversity and fair representation of gender, age, race and disability, creating an equitable and competitive environment for all.
• Stage 5: Public Announcement and Platforming - Approved candidates will be publicly introduced through provincial and national events alongside party leadership. Candidate profiles will also be available on their website to promote transparency and allow South Africans to learn more about the individuals standing to serve their communities.

Unite said they will embark on a series of public engagements and town hall meetings across the country to introduce our candidate process and invite citizens to shape the organisation.

“Our leadership team is collectively driving this next phase by sharing responsibilities to strengthen the organisation, broaden partnerships with like-minded parties and civic groups, and prepare for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“South Africa’s future depends on its cities and towns functioning as engines of opportunity, fairness, and innovation,” they said.

The party will have a rolling selection process, but the first round is set to close on the 15th of December.

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za