RISE Mzansi-GOOD partnership wins 23 council seats across 12 municipalities

The political partnership between RISE Mzansi and the GOOD Party has secured 23 council seats across 12 municipalities, with Cape Town accounting for the largest share, as the parties prepare for coalition negotiations following the local government elections.

The two parties' joint leadership met on Monday, November 9, to reflect on the election results and discuss their next steps, including their approach to potential coalition arrangements.

Cape Town partnership secures six council seats

In a joint statement, GOOD and RISE Mzansi thanked South Africans for participating in the elections and voters who supported their candidates, helping establish a presence for their shared social democratic values in municipalities across the country.

The parties said their elected councillors would uphold the principles of justice, constitutionalism, capable and ethical leadership, and dignity while representing their respective communities.

Cape Town secured the highest number of seats for the partnership, with six councillors, followed by Johannesburg with five.

Stellenbosch and Ekurhuleni each secured two seats, while Tshwane, Mogale City, Drakenstein, Saldanha Bay, Breede Valley, Theewaterskloof, George and the Cape Winelands District each secured one seat.

Formal coalition talks expected later this week

The parties also discussed their collective approach to coalition arrangements, confirming that only informal discussions had taken place with other political parties so far.

Formal coalition discussions are expected to begin later this week.

Meanwhile, the RISE National Leadership Collective (NLC) and the GOOD Leadership Council (LC) are expected to meet in the coming days to finalise administrative arrangements ahead of the councillors-elect being sworn into office.

The leadership structures will also hold briefings with local structures, both in person and virtually, to ensure incoming councillors are prepared and equipped to begin serving their communities.

The two parties described the election outcome as an achievement in a fiercely contested political environment, adding that they remain committed to rebuilding public trust in local government and improving service delivery.

They further reiterated their shared ambition of advancing a modern, social democratic South Africa, while working towards greater political consolidation ahead of the 2029 national elections.