SHARPEVILLE. – “Sixty-six years ago, the brave men and women of Sharpeville and Langa courageously stood against the oppressive pass laws. The human dignity they fought for became the foundation of the South Africa we continue to build. Today, we join the nation in honouring their legacy.”

The above was uttered by the leaders of Unite for Change, a South African political party that was launched 2025 which is a merger of three political parties, namely Rise Mzansi, Good and Build One South Africa.

Its leaders are Mmusi Maimane, Songezo Zibi and Patricia de Lille.

The party commemorated Human Rights Day in Sharpeville on Saturday. The party will be registered to contest the upcoming municipal elections this year.

“For Unite for Change, Human Rights Day is more than a date of historical reflection and remembrance; it is a reckoning. It is a moment to ask honestly whether the rights enshrined in our Constitution—one of the most progressive in the world—are being enjoyed by the majority of South Africans. Sadly, the answer is no.”

In a statement, Unite for Change, said that it views a growing economy as a human rights imperative. It added that Economic justice is the next frontier of, “our struggle”,

Unite for Change said that there should be an accountable government that clears the path for growth through:

 •           Infrastructure as an economic engine: Reliable power and water are the lifeblood of industry. By fixing local government, we lower the cost of doing business and invite investment back into our cities and towns.

•            Cutting red tape: We are committed to removing the bureaucratic bottlenecks that stifle entrepreneurs. Local government must be a partner to job creators, not a barrier.

•            Dignity through a paycheque: We want a nation where every South African has the dignity of work, moving beyond a cycle of mere survival towards true prosperity.

“Unite for Change was founded to provide a credible alternative to years of dysfunction. As we look towards the 2026 Local Government Elections, our mission is clear: to rehabilitate our municipalities and work with residents as our key partners. In council chambers and coalition discussions, we will keep local government honest, focused, and working for the people.

To uphold human rights in the 21st century, the party pledged to deliver capable and ethical leadership, ending the culture of cadre deployment and corruption that robs communities of essential resources.

“Unite for Change will commit Mayors, Councillors, and Municipal Managers to giving full effect to Chapter 2 of our Bill of Rights. We will do so not begrudgingly, nor only when a court order compels us, but because we recognise that our democracy is fundamentally rights-based. Every level of government carries a profound moral and legal duty to deliver on the right to housing, water, electricity, and food. Our commitment to a rights-driven government is rooted in our clear understanding of the “marching orders” the Bill of Rights gives to those of us in office.” Mabine Seabe,” Unite for Change Communication Lead said.