Good afternoon to the members of the media and South Africans at home.

It is important that I start by thanking all South Africans who braved the heat, rain, broken infrastructure and long queues, in some instances, to cast their vote. South Africans raised their voices, and they have been heard loud and clear. 

Congratulations to the IEC for executing this massive project that deepens and reinforces our constitutional democracy.

I would like to further thank RISE Mzansi councillor candidates, supporters, volunteers and professional staff who made our first foray into local government elections possible. Your votes and investment matter.

RISE Mzansi made the strategic decision to contest only seven municipalities across three provinces in order to maintain and grow our core base of supporters following our debut election in 2024.

In Gauteng, we contested in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Mogale City. In the Eastern Cape, we were in Buffalo City; and in Limpopo, we were in Greater Tzaneen and Polokwane.

We are happy with the outcome thus far, particularly in Gauteng. We will be represented in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Mogale City and Ekurhuleni. We have also made marginal but important inroads in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

Our message was not just about how we repair and rebuild our towns, cities and villages, but our campaign was equally about who the new ethical and caring leaders are behind this important responsibility of ensuring that our communities are safe, clean and prosperous.

It is clear that South Africans see the value of and need for RISE Mzansi’s social democratic proposition in our body politic. South Africans align with the universal values of freedom, equality, justice, solidarity and integrity. This is evident by the fact that in Joburg we are the second largest party in many wards.

South Africans who voted for us made a deliberate decision to vote for RISE Mzansi. In effect, South Africans have endorsed my work of protecting the public purse through SCOPA; they support Makashule Gana’s work of stopping unfettered and damaging online gambling, and holding the powerful to account through the Impeachment Committee; and the work of ending hunger and securing economic growth and inclusion through Vuyiswa Ramokgopa’s assignment in the Gauteng Executive Committee.

Voters have recognised and appreciated RISE Mzansi as honest, ethical and trustworthy. Our political opponents across the aisle recognise this too. RISE Mzansi is a small party, but it is effective in building a South Africa where all her people live lives of dignity.

The talks, and talks about talks have begun, which is important. But we want to stress that South Africans are looking for mature leadership that puts their interests first. The next few days must be about the future of our cities, towns and villages.

Whoever sits at the table with our six governance commitments: Reliable Infrastructure; Dignity in Every Ward; Safe Streets; Clean Governance; Spatial Justice and; a Living City

RISE Mzansi is entering the next leg of journey of growth and governance. We are on a firm foundation on which to build towards 2029 and 2031.

Finally, South Africa is changing, and RISE Mzansi is part of that political change. We are here to advance a new and reliable political culture that guarantees a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa.

Thank you. Ndiyabulela.