We will unite South Africans from all communities in a new political home, built on the foundation of the principles and ideals of our National Constitution. To this end we will address poverty and imbalances in our society, inspired by our unifying love of our Country and its people.
The Core Values, which the United Democratic Movement will uphold and promote and upon which its fundamental policy positions are based, are as follow : respect for life, dignity and human worth of every individual; integrity in public- and private life; the individual rights and freedoms enshrined in our Country’s Constitution;
President of the UDM
Major General (Retired) Bantubonke ‘Bantu’ Holomisa co-founded the United Democratic Movement (UDM) on 27 September 1997, and serves as its elected President, which in 2022 celebrated its 25th year of existence. He was again elected as a Member of Parliament in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections and was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans in the Government of National Unity in the 7th Administration in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet.
He was the Commander of the Transkei Defence Force and Head of the Transkei Government (former independent homeland from 1987 to 1994) up to the first National Elections in South Africa in 1994. He was one of the first two black persons accepted by the South African Army College to do a one-year senior staff course for officers in 1984.
Contribute For Us
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has worked diligently to promote the interests of all South Africans over the years. Despite the challenges and stumbling blocks the party rose to the occasion and scored many political victories. Our successes are manifested in our public representation at various levels of government across the country, but also in the influence we have had irrespective of the ruling party’s parliamentary majority.
The UDM’s vision is to be “…the political home of all South Africans, united in the spirit of South Africanism by our common passion for our Country, mobilising the creative power inherent in our rich diversity, towards our transformation into a Winning Nation”.
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27 Apr, 2026
Check against delivery Speech by the President of the United Democratic Movement and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bantu Holomisa at the UDM Qonce (King William’s Town) Rally 27 April 2026 Fellow South Africans, Leaders of our communities, Members of the United Democratic Movement, And to our new members who have made a conscious decision to walk this journey with us. I greet you all on this historic and meaningful day. Today, as we gather here in Qonce, we do so on the occasion of Freedom Day, a day that represents one of the greatest turning points in the history of our country. On this day, 30 years ago, millions of South Africans stood in long queues under the sun, united not by language, not by tribe, not by political party, but by a shared hope. A hope for freedom. A hope for dignity. A hope for a better life. It was the culmination of generations of struggle. A struggle carried by heroes and heroines. A struggle carried by the unknown and the ordinary. A struggle carried by those who paid the ultimate price so that we may stand here today and call ourselves free. But today, as we commemorate Freedom Day, we must do more than celebrate. We must reflect. We must ask ourselves, as a nation, whether we have honoured that freedom or whether we have played with it. Because the truth, fellow South Africans, is uncomfortable. We have, in many ways, played with our freedom. We inherited a country full of possibility. We inherited institutions designed to serve the people. We inherited a democratic system meant to uplift all. But instead of building on that foundation with discipline and integrity, we allowed corruption to creep in. We allowed greed to replace service. We allowed the state to be weakened. We allowed communities, especially rural communities like those we are visiting in iMidushane, to be forgotten. Freedom became something we celebrate once a year instead of something we protect every day. And today we are confronted with painful realities. Young people with qualifications but no opportunities. Families living without basic services. Crime that robs communities of peace. A widening gap between the rich and the poor. A state that too often fails the very people it was meant to serve. This is not what Freedom Day was meant to deliver. This is not what our people voted for. But fellow South Africans, this is not the end of the story. Today is not only about reflection. It is also about renewal. And that is why your presence here today matters. To those who are joining the United Democratic Movement, you are not just joining a political party. You are joining a movement born out of principle. A movement that refused to compromise on integrity. A movement that has, from its formation, stood firm against corruption, against abuse of power, and against the betrayal of the South African people. The United Democratic Movement was not built on convenience. It was built on conviction. Conviction that leadership must be accountable. Conviction that government must serve the people. Conviction that freedom must translate into real change in people’s lives. And today, more than ever, that conviction is needed. To our new members, you are joining at a critical time in our country’s history. A time when South Africans are beginning to question. A time when South Africans are beginning to demand better. A time when South Africans are no longer willing to accept excuses. In 2024, the voters of this country sent a clear and unmistakable message. They said never again will they put all their eggs in one basket. They rejected the idea that one party alone can carry the hopes of an entire nation without accountability. They chose balance. They chose oversight. They chose to open a new chapter in our democracy. As the UDM, we approach a historic milestone. Next year, we celebrate 30 years of our existence. For three decades, we have contributed immensely to the project of democracy in South Africa. We have been a consistent voice for accountability, a defender of constitutional values, and a watchdog against corruption and abuse of power. We are not approaching this anniversary as a ceremonial event, but as a moment of strategic repositioning. In September next year, we will use our 30th anniversary as a launching pad for our 2029 manifesto. We are clear that the practice of issuing manifestos just three months before elections may suit parties with deep pockets and access to resources, but we are not that kind of party and we will not follow that strategy. We will hit the ground running. We will engage communities early, build our programme from the ground up, and ensure that by the time we reach 2029, the people of South Africa already know what the UDM stands for, what it plans to do, and how it will change their lives. You are joining a generation that must correct the mistakes of the past 30 years. Because the next 30 years cannot be a repetition of the last. We cannot continue to play with freedom. We must work with it. We must rebuild the culture of accountability. We must restore the dignity of public service. We must prioritise development, especially in rural areas. We must create real economic opportunities for our people. And we must do so with urgency. As the UDM, we are clear. Freedom must mean something tangible. It must mean jobs for the unemployed. Safety in our communities. Functioning schools and clinics. Roads, water, and infrastructure in every village. Respect for traditional leadership and local governance. Opportunities for young people to build and not to beg. We cannot speak about freedom while our people are still trapped in poverty. We cannot celebrate freedom while our youth are trapped in unemployment. We cannot honour freedom while corruption continues to steal from the future. That is why we say the time for playing is over. The time for rebuilding has begun. To the people of Qonce, to the people of the Eastern Cape, this province has given so much to the struggle for freedom. It has produced leaders. It has produced thinkers. It has produced resilience. Now it must also produce renewal. And that renewal starts with you. It starts with the choices you make. It starts with the leadership you support. It starts with your willingness to stand up and say we deserve better. As the UDM, we are not here to make empty promises. We are here to build a new culture of governance. A culture rooted in discipline, integrity, accountability, and service to the people. That is the freedom we must now fight for. Not freedom from oppression, but freedom from dysfunction. Not freedom from laws, but freedom from corruption and inequality. Let this Freedom Day mark a turning point. Let it be remembered not just as a celebration of what was achieved, but as a commitment to what must still be done. To our new members, welcome to the struggle of rebuilding South Africa. Welcome to the responsibility of protecting our freedom. Welcome to the United Democratic Movement. Together, let us ensure that future generations will not say we played with freedom, but that we honoured it, protected it, and used it to build a better South Africa for all. I thank you.
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16 Mar, 2026
Check against delivery Remarks by the President of the United Democratic Movement and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bantu Holomisa at the Courtesy Meeting with USA Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. L Brent Bozell III Your Excellency, On behalf of the United Democratic Movement, allow me to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation for the invitation to this engagement. We have also taken note of the consultations you have been undertaking with a range of stakeholders across South Africa, including political parties and civil society. These engagements are important in developing a deeper understanding of the lay of the land in our country, and we commend you for taking the time to listen and engage broadly. You arrive in South Africa at a time when relations between our two countries are experiencing a measure of strain. Yet it is precisely during such moments that dialogue becomes even more important. South Africans were taken aback by accusations of genocide and uncompensated land grabs, all purportedly carried out by our government, which spread widely within the international community. As you embark on this programme of engaging with South Africans, you have the advantage of directly verifying the authenticity of these allegations. In that regard, we wish to acknowledge and thank the South African delegation that continues to engage constructively with the United States on key matters of mutual interest, particularly the discussions around the African Growth and Opportunity Act. These engagements, led by our Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Honourable Parks Tau, are vital for maintaining strong economic cooperation between our nations. The United Democratic Movement encourages such bilateral discussions and constructive dialogue. The relationship between the United States and South Africa has historically been a strong one, grounded in shared values and mutual respect. Indeed, the United States played an important role in the global effort to bring an end to apartheid. Through sanctions and engagement in international forums, including the United Nations, the international community, with the United States as a key actor, stood alongside the people of South Africa in the struggle for freedom. In 1994, South Africa emerged from a painful history marked by racism and division. Yet, through the leadership of figures such as President Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, and through negotiations with the then National Party government, our country chose a peaceful resolution to conflict. That decision spared our nation and many others the tragedy of further bloodshed. On a personal note, I had the opportunity to witness the role played by lawmakers in the United States during the late 1980’s. In 1988, I visited the Transkei Government offices on Eye Street, where arrangements were made for engagements with American lawmakers and institutions. I had the privilege of addressing several institutions and meeting with senators and members of Congress. These engagements helped to build bridges of understanding at a critical time in our history. Later, in 1992, I accompanied President Mandela when we addressed the United Nations Security Council on the need to send violence monitors to South Africa, and again in 1993 when discussions were underway regarding the lifting of sanctions against South Africa. Following these developments, the United States quickly became one of South Africa’s major trading partners, opening many opportunities for cooperation, particularly in areas such as education, environmental management, and technology. It is therefore our sincere wish that these relations continue to be strengthened. Where there may be challenges or misunderstandings between our countries, we believe they should be addressed frankly and without delay. One possible way to strengthen relations could be to revive or reimagine structured bilateral mechanisms of a scale and depth in a similar scale to the Al-Gore–Mbeki Binational Commission. I had the privilege of participating in that process, and it proved highly effective in addressing outstanding issues between our countries. Through its various subcommittees, matters could be thoroughly examined and resolved, while both Presidents and their respective cabinets remained fully informed of progress. Turning briefly to international developments, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East remains a matter of deep concern. The UDM does not see a sustainable solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine other than through dialogue and negotiations around the table. In this regard, we believe that countries such as South Africa and the United States can play an important role in encouraging peaceful engagement between the leadership of Israel, Palestine, and the broader Middle East. The UDM believes that the way people from conflict-affected nations live together in South Africa and the United States offers a compelling lesson for the world: despite coming from countries at war, roughly 4% of South Africa’s population are migrants from dozens of regions, who coexist peacefully, trade, and engage in shared economic activity. This daily interaction in markets, businesses, and communities demonstrates that with dignity, dialogue, and opportunity, peaceful coexistence is achievable, providing a practical example that could guide international efforts to broker peace and foster dialogue between parties in conflict. South Africa’s own experience demonstrates that people with deep historical divisions can find ways to coexist peacefully and work together as economic partners. This is a model that can offer hope to many parts of the world. President Mandela once initiated efforts to bring Jewish and Palestinian leaders together for dialogue, and although those efforts were not sustained, the principle behind them remains valuable. Any agreements that emerge from sincere dialogue can serve as examples for the broader international community. The continuation of the conflict in the Middle East has far-reaching consequences beyond the region itself. Its economic and humanitarian impacts are being felt globally, particularly by developing economies such as ours. The reality is that many of our citizens are still striving to achieve full economic empowerment. For this reason, we believe there are also opportunities for deeper cooperation between the United States and South Africa in supporting inclusive economic growth. We would encourage further partnerships between American and South African businesses as we collectively pursue the vision articulated by President Mandela, a world that is more equal, more just, and more free. All parties engaged in the current conflict must commit decisively to a ceasefire and pursue a durable, negotiated solution that safeguards civilian lives, restores peace, and lays the foundation for lasting stability and reconciliation. Ambassador, we thank you once again for this engagement and look forward to a constructive and fruitful discussion. I thank you.
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12 Mar, 2026
12 March 2026 Ms Thokozile Didiza, MP Speaker of the National Assembly Parliament of the Republic of South Africa PO Box 15 Cape Town 8000 Dear Speaker Request for Parliament to accord appropriate recognition due to the late Mr Mosiuoa Lekota 1. I write to you on behalf of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) regarding the passing of the late Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, a veteran of the liberation struggle and a public servant whose contribution to South Africa’s democratic Parliament is beyond dispute. 2. Mr Lekota served this country with distinction across several decades of public life. Of particular relevance to the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa (Parliament), he served as the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) following the establishment of that institution under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. In that capacity he presided over the second house of Parliament during the formative years of our democratic order and played a meaningful role in shaping the institutional culture and procedures of the NCOP. 3. His broader record of service also includes his tenure as Premier of the Free State and later as Minister of Defence. Across these roles Mr Lekota remained a prominent figure in South African public life and a participant in the difficult work of building democratic institutions in the post-apartheid era. 4. As you are aware, I raised the question of appropriate recognition by Parliament for the late Mr Lekota through the proper parliamentary forums. Unfortunately, the proposal that Parliament formally recognise his contribution was not supported. 5. This outcome is difficult to reconcile with the precedent recently established when Parliament accorded significant institutional recognition to the late Dr Frene Ginwala, former Speaker of the National Assembly. Dr Ginwala was rightly honoured for the historic role she played as the presiding officer of the first democratically elected National Assembly during the formative years of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. 6. In this regard, Mr Lekota’s position in the institutional history of Parliament is directly comparable. As the inaugural Chairperson of the NCOP, he presided over the second house of Parliament during the same foundational period of the first democratic administration. In institutional terms, the role he performed for the NCOP is equivalent to the role performed by Dr Ginwala in the National Assembly. It would therefore be difficult to justify why Parliament would recognise the contribution of one foundational presiding officer while declining to recognise the other. 7. It would therefore be difficult to justify why a leader of Mr Lekota’s stature would not receive comparable institutional recognition. Any perception that recognition is withheld because he later occupied the opposition benches would be deeply unfortunate and would risk creating the impression that Parliament honours former leaders selectively. 8. Parliament is an institution that must stand above party political divisions when recognising those who have contributed to the democratic project. Mr Lekota’s record of service to South Africa, and to Parliament itself, warrants acknowledgement in keeping with the precedent that has already been established. 9. With the funeral of Mr Lekota scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, 14 March 2026 and I respectfully urge your office to reconsider this matter as a matter of urgency so that Parliament may act in a manner that reflects both institutional consistency and respect for the democratic legacy of the late Mr Lekota. Yours sincerely Mr NLS Kwankwa, MP Deputy President of the United Democratic Movement Party Leader in Parliament
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10 Mar, 2026
Statement by Bulelani Bobotyane, Provincial Secretary of the UDM in the Eastern Cape The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape has taken note of media reports indicating that the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Princess Faku, is allegedly the subject of a matter currently under consideration by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) relating to allegations of misrepresentation and the potential misuse of municipal resources for electoral purposes. The UDM in the Eastern Cape believes that the integrity of South Africa’s democratic and electoral systems must remain beyond reproach. Allegations suggesting the possible use of public resources, municipal programmes, or state platforms to advance partisan political interests are matters that require careful and transparent scrutiny. At the same time, the UDM in the Eastern Cape wishes to emphasise that South Africa’s constitutional framework is founded on the principle that every person is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. It is therefore important that the IEC be allowed to conduct its processes independently, fairly, and without interference so that the facts of the matter may be properly established and the public properly informed. This process must also serve as an opportunity to address persistent concerns about governance and the use of public resources within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and, where wrongdoing is found, to ensure that accountability is finally enforced. Public institutions and municipal resources exist to serve communities impartially and in accordance with the law. Any situation that creates the perception that public resources may be used for electoral advantage risks undermining public confidence in governance and in the fairness of democratic competition. These allegations also reinforce longstanding concerns about governance and the use of public resources within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, concerns that communities and opposition parties have raised repeatedly over time. In such circumstances it is particularly important that public representatives demonstrate the highest standards of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. The UDM in the Eastern Cape will continue to monitor this matter closely and supports all lawful and appropriate oversight processes to ensure that accountability is upheld and that the integrity of South Africa’s electoral framework is protected. The people of Buffalo City deserve governance that is transparent, responsible, and firmly grounded in the rule of law.
