New political party ARRC sets sights on ‘new dispensation’ ahead of September launch
New political party ARRC sets sights on ‘new dispensation’ ahead of September launch
The ARRC political party, led by founder and president Thabiso Mabetwa, is positioning itself as a new political alternative in South Africa, promising a new approach to leadership, governance and economic development.
Founded in 2025 and led by founder and president Thabiso Mabetwa, ARRC says it was established out of a belief that South Africa needs a political direction centred on ordinary citizens, accountable government and greater economic opportunity.
The party is expected to outline its vision and introduce its leadership more publicly at a press briefing scheduled for 2 September 2026 in Midrand.
A party built around five priorities
According to ARRC, its political platform is built around five national priorities: jobs and economic growth, functional municipalities, safer communities, youth and skills development, and honest and accountable government.
The party says these priorities are informed by challenges including unemployment, the cost of living, crime, failing infrastructure, pressure on small businesses and declining public confidence in government institutions.
ARRC says it wants to move away from what it describes as a politics of blame towards a “politics of solutions”, with leadership measured by tangible improvements in communities.
“We are a new party, but we are not new to the realities facing our communities,” the party says in its statement.
Young leadership at the centre
A key part of ARRC’s identity is its emphasis on a younger generation of political leaders.
The party says young South Africans should not simply be mobilised during election periods but should have a meaningful role in decision-making, government, business and the broader economy.
ARRC describes its leadership as comprising young professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and people with experience in the political space.
The party’s leadership includes Mabetwa as president, with Calvin Nkosi serving as deputy president for civil affairs and Lobisa Chokwe as deputy president for business affairs.
Aaron Matsimela is the national chairperson, supported by deputy chairperson Tidimalo Tsatsi.
The party’s administrative leadership comprises secretary general Johanna Mapeko, deputy secretary Mabel Makibelo, and treasury general Thabiso Ntshabeleng.
From political experience to a new party
ARRC says members of its founding leadership have previous political experience, including involvement with the Congress of the People (COPE) under former party leader Mosiuoa Lekota, as well as SARA.
Mabetwa says this experience has contributed to the leadership’s understanding of South Africa’s democratic landscape and the challenges faced by political organisations.
The party says its decision to establish ARRC was driven by a belief that the country requires a renewed approach to leadership and governance.
Promising accountability and service
ARRC says it does not promise perfection but instead intends to build its political identity around service, transparency, accountability and hard work.
The party’s broader vision is described as a “new political dispensation” in which government is closer to communities and public resources are treated as a public trust.
It says its political culture would prioritise service over political privilege and place citizens at the centre of decision-making.
“Trust is not demanded. Trust must be earned,” the party says.
Looking ahead to September
The upcoming press briefing will provide an opportunity for ARRC to present its leadership and political vision directly to the media and the public.
“For the ARRC political party, the challenge will be moving beyond promises and demonstrating how its proposed priorities can translate into practical policies and measurable outcomes.”
As South Africa’s political landscape continues to evolve, ARRC says it wants to establish itself as more than another political party and instead build what it calls a new political culture.
Its central message is straightforward: government must once again serve the people.
Everyday Mzansi will continue to follow the development of ARRC and its political programme as the party prepares for its upcoming media engagement.