I RISE! We RISE! Together, we RISE!

Today, we take this opportunity for a moment of silence and quiet meditation, as we mourn the seven lives – the seven women – who left this world in fear at the hands of men, in the neighbouring metro of Ekurhuleni. 

We have a problem as men; we have a problem as a society. Our daughters, colleagues, wives, mothers, and grandmothers are not safe.

We are tired of conveying our condolences; women are tired of doing everything to keep safe. We need a reset in our society; we need to restore our Ubuntu and our humanity. The police must do their work, government must do its work, but they cannot be in our hearts.

Please bow your heads.

Fellow Risers, Members of the Media,

We are standing here, just seven weeks before millions of South Africans exercise their democratic right and responsibility to usher in new leaders, capable leaders, ethical leaders here in Johannesburg and across all 257 municipalities and 4,488 wards across the country. As RISE Mzansi alongside GOOD, we can confirm that we have successfully – and without glitches – submitted leaders to contest 32 key municipalities across five provinces: Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Limpopo.

These are women and men who want their communities to thrive – not just survive, but thrive. When our local structures thrive and services are delivered, people live in dignity, people feel safe, and people and businesses are prosperous. Without thriving local governments, we can forget everything else. It is for this reason that the people we elect matter.

Which is why RISE Mzansi has put forward a capable Johannesburg Mayoral Candidate in Lukhona Mnguni, who will anchor the inevitable coalition. The likes of Helen Zille, Herman Mashaba, and whoever the ANC eventually puts forward are for themselves not the people. Zille will abandon Joburg residents when she doesn’t become mayor; Mashaba will do the same; and the ANC will continue to break this city.

RISE Mzansi is ready to govern. RISE Mzansi is ready to ensure that services are delivered so that our communities are safe, prosperous, and equal.

We will do this through five priorities:

Putting the Right People in Charge

Making Water, Sanitation, and Roads Work

Stabilising Municipal Finances

Building Safer Communities

Growing Local Economies

The future of our communities cannot be left in the hands of those who prioritise political ambition over the people. On 4 November, South Africa faces a decisive moment. We have the power to stop the decline, restore dignity to our neighbourhoods, and build a nation where our families are safe and our local economies thrive.

Transformation will not come from empty promises – it requires ethical, capable, and committed leadership. The best and most capable amongst us must lead.

Mark your calendar: Be ready to vote on 4 November.

Vote for change: Choose leaders who are dedicated to service delivery, safety, and accountability.

Rise together: Mobilise your family, neighbours, and community to turn out in numbers.

Let us reclaim our municipalities. Vote RISE Mzansi on 4 November.

I RISE! We RISE! Together, we RISE!