Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement

Nelson Mandela International Day, 18 July 2024, is a global observance dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African statesman and champion of human rights. This day inspires people worldwide to become agents of change and take on the challenge of making the world a better place. It emphasises promoting democratic values, conflict resolution, racial harmony, and socio-economic upliftment.

In addition, tomorrow is the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) for the Seventh Administration. What makes this a special occasion, unlike OPAs of the past, is that President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation as the President of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

That Nelson Mandela Day and the OPA 2024 occur on the same day in the thirtieth celebration of our democracy is symbolic of the democratic values and freedom our Constitution espouses and that which this country should strive to manifest. While we have achieved the political emancipation of our people, they remain shackled by the bonds of poverty, joblessness, and crime.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) made the decision to take part in the GNU because of the hope it places in collective problem-solving. The electorate’s opinion was made clear in these past elections, and it is our job as public representatives to listen – the time for one-party dominance is over.

The UDM also looks forward, in time, to giving expression to our 2024 election manifesto and listening to the ideas and arguments of our colleagues in the GNU. Whatever the outcome of these interactions, the main mission for the UDM is putting the people of South Africa first and addressing the economic and security needs of our people as priorities.

We are hopeful about President Ramaphosa’s address tomorrow, which should outline the next steps for South Africa’s immediate future, and we sincerely hope that it will not be business as usual.

The reality is that South Africa is six years away from the National Development Plan’s thirty-year Vision 2030, aimed at ending poverty, inequality, and addressing historical imbalances. We hope that President Ramaphosa will outline an acceleration programme to achieve these goals by 2030, starting with economic stimulation and prioritising the country’s safety and security. This is crucial not only for the well-being of our people but also because safe environments are essential for attracting and retaining investors.

The UDM wishes all South Africans a prosperous International Nelson Mandela Day and expresses our cautiously optimistic hopes for the future of this country under the Seventh Administration. Time will tell.