UDM clarifies engagement with Azania Movement and notes Ms Mcinga’s decision
Statement by Bulelani Bobotyane, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement
The United Democratic Movement notes recent media reports concerning Ms Nolubabalo Mcinga and her decision not to take up active political responsibilities in the Party at this stage. For context, the UDM confirms that it met with representatives of the Azania Movement in May 2026 at the UDM National Office in Pretoria, following an approach by the Azania Movement regarding its members joining the UDM and using the UDM as their political vehicle. The meeting was attended by representatives of both the UDM and the Azania Movement, including Ms Mcinga in her capacity as President of the Azania Movement.
At that meeting, it was made clear that any persons from the Azania Movement who wished to be part of the UDM would have to take up UDM membership and be subject to the UDM Constitution, structures and processes. A further meeting was envisaged, but the next step rested with the Azania Movement. Nothing materialised from that process.
The UDM also places on record that its engagement was with the Azania Movement as a civic formation. It was not an engagement with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), any former EFF structure, or any other political party with which Ms Mcinga may previously have been associated. Her previous political affiliations did not form part of the UDM’s consideration and were never the subject of any arrangement. The only matter before the UDM was the proposal submitted by the Azania Movement and whether any collaboration, integration or alignment with UDM structures could be considered in terms of the UDM Constitution and approved Party processes.
During that engagement, the Azania Movement presented a proposal for cooperation with the UDM in areas such as civic education, community engagement, public participation, poverty eradication, youth empowerment and community mobilisation. The Azania Movement also proposed a possible coordination framework in which its structures and programmes could align with UDM outreach mechanisms.
The UDM considered the approach in good faith. However, the Party also made it clear that any such process would have to comply with the UDM Constitution, its internal structures and its established organisational and electoral processes.
The UDM’s own assessment of the engagement recorded that the Azania Movement had not provided a clear or verified number of members it intended to bring into any arrangement, despite a formal request from the then Office of the Acting Secretary-General. The Party also noted that no detailed framework, budget or implementation plan had been submitted to support any request for resources or operational support.
The UDM further confirms that no individual, grouping or external structure has been granted automatic leadership status, candidate placement, organisational recognition or access to Party resources outside the approved processes of the UDM.
All persons who join the UDM do so as members subject to the UDM Constitution, its structures, its code of conduct and its candidate-selection procedures. Any member who wishes to serve as a public representative must go through the ordinary democratic and organisational processes of the Party.
The UDM notes Ms Mcinga’s reported decision not to assume active political responsibilities at this stage, as well as her reported statement that she remains a member of the Party. The Party will verify the relevant membership records and, subject to that verification, respects her stated decision. The UDM also notes her support for former Azania Movement members who have joined the Party and her positive remarks about the UDM in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Buffalo City Metro.
The UDM welcomes all South Africans who genuinely wish to contribute to ethical, accountable and community-centred politics. At the same time, the Party will continue to protect its structures, its credibility and its election processes from any arrangement that bypasses the UDM Constitution or creates preferential treatment for any individual or group.
The UDM’s focus remains on strengthening its structures after our recent 6th National Congress, preparing for the 2026 Local Government Elections, and offering communities a consistent, present and accountable alternative.
