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22 Jul, 2020
A farewell to Andrew Mlangeni
I first met struggle stalwart, Andrew Mlangeni in 1989, when we welcomed him and his colleagues, in Mthatha (then Umtata), after their recent release from jail. Thereafter we saw each other at other functions and meetings at Shell House. But one meeting I will never forget occurred in 1990, in Enkululekweni in Umtata, when Ahmed Kathrada, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Wilton Mkwayi, Elias Motsoaledi, John ‘Joe’ Nkadimeng, Walter Sisulu and OR Tambo met with Generals Matanzima, Mgwebi and I to discuss the so-called black-on-black violence. We were extremely impressed with their thinking and their line of questioning. One thing we agreed upon was that the plan was clear that De Klerk’s government wanted to discredit these leaders who did not have the tools necessary to defend themselves. The Andrew Mlangeni I knew was very humble and it always made an impression on me that he decided to stay in his original home in Soweto. When we played golf together with him and he beat us, I always jokingly asked him why he played so well as there was no golf course on Robben Island for him to have practiced and that this must be investigated. I last saw uTata uMlangeni earlier this month to present him with a gift for his birthday and wish him well, little did I know it would be the last time we would see each other. To his family, and particular his son Sello, his friends, and the African National Congress, our deepest condolences. He will live on in our memories. May his soul rest in peace. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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14 Nov, 2019
Condolences with passing of Xhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu
We have learnt with shock of the untimely passing of the AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu. His death is a terrible loss for the Xhosa Nation and South Africa. King Zwelonke was an outspoken and independent individual who did not shy away from expressing his opinions – especially when things were not right in our country. On behalf of the United Democratic Movement and myself, I express our condolences with his family and the Xhosa people. May his soul rest in peace. Statement by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
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25 Mar, 2019
Condolences with the passing away of Princess Buthelezi
The United Democratic Movement passes its condolences to Prince Buthelezi, and his family, on the passing of his wife. It certainly is a day where we are sorrowful for a person taken from our midst. We are grateful for her contribution to the struggle and remaining the anchor of her family while Prince Buthelezi was part of the process to overthrow the apartheid regime. May her soul rest in peace. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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28 Mar, 2017
UDM mourns the loss of Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada
The United Democratic Movement is saddened to hear that Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada has passed away after his brief illness. Another giant has left this earth. I first met Kathy in 1989, in Mthatha, just after his and his comrades’ release from Robben Island. I was impressed with his quiet fortitude and dignity. He was part of a crop of leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) that we will forever idealise because of their style of leadership and the sacrifices they made in their efforts to free the oppressed masses of South Africa. Most notable was the respectful and considered manner in which he always spoke with his comrades. In his latter years, he was quite vocal about his disappointment with the current direction of the ANC and he leaves us at a time where his moral guidance is desperately needed. We mourn his loss with the people of South Africa, and express our heartfelt condolences to his life partner, family and friends, as well as his colleagues. Rest in Peace Kathy.
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13 Jul, 2016
UDEMWO condemns reckless drivers on the roads
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) would like to convey a message of condolences to the families and friends of the Eastern Cape nurses who were killed on their way to the graduation ceremony in Alice while others were seriously injured. This is such a sad time for the health fraternity, not only in the Eastern Cape but to all health workers and South Africans. The whole country is in mourning during this unbearable time. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who are still in hospital. As UDEMWO, we are concerned by the fatalities that continue claiming the innocent lives on R63. We are calling upon drivers to be more cautious and refrain from the reckless driving on the roads. The Department of Transport, Road Traffic Management Corporation and law enforcement officials must investigate the root cause of these fatalities and come up with ways to curb them. We cannot continue losing lives every time because of silly behaviour of the drivers. One life lost is too many. Statement issued by Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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20 May, 2015
Condolence Motion: Ms Ruth Mompati, former MP – addresss by Ms CN Majeke, MP
Honourable Speaker and Members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) extends its heartfelt condolence to the family, the ANC and friends of the late member of the National Assembly Ms Ruth Mompati. A heroin with a good sense of humour and respect of mankind, a towering icon who was exemplary to our nation has fallen. Mme Mompati was blessed with resilience beyond measure. She was obedient to her calling and dared even her oppressors to embrace love. Her majestic ways were indicative of more than a just mere person – she was indeed an extraordinary human being. Her model is one for the ages and we thank her sacrifice. We are blessed for having a rare opportunity of sharing her in our life time. She was a good servant of the people, a great leader and a mother par excellence. When we pause and literally turn back into our past history at this momentous juncture of South Africa history, one is just amazed how MAMA has waved a humanness magic till the last day. Now that she is perusing an afterlife I believe all of us here, owe ourselves a fraction of wisdom to live and lead our lives like the life of selflessness and dedication to goodness of human spirit, Mme Mompati has dedicated her whole life to. We must dedicate the remainder of our lives to learn and live by principles MAMA dedicated her whole life and persona to, even if it could be a fraction of it. Indeed, we are much poorer without MAMA Mompati, she was a moral campus, our star of hope, humility and compassion and a greatest giant of them all. Mama epitomised humility in her actions, togetherness in her ways and joy in her nature. She has touched and influenced lives of many to be selfless, to be humble, to appreciate all we have and to be dignified when faced with tough decisions. We are eternally indebted to her for her monumental contribution to the freedom and democracy we now enjoy. She has now gone to join other stalwarts, ours is to hold tight to the teachings and memories of her selfless concern for the welfare of others. We cherish her hard work and leadership. Robala ka kgotso Mme Mompati, ore lwetse wa fenya – we are what we are today because of the contributions you have made to bring freedom to our lives and our children. May your soul rest in eternal peace. To her family, the African National Congress and its Alliance and friends, we hope, with time, you shall be able to close the chapter and allow her to rest in peace as the heavens have already integrated her as part of the family. Thank you End
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07 Jun, 2014
Condolences with the passing away of Mama Epainette Mbeki
We today say a sad farewell to a daughter of the Transkei; Mama Epainette Mbeki. She was unyielding in her support of her husband, Govan Mbeki, during the struggle years. After Oom Gov was sentenced to life imprisonment, she had to make yet another enormous sacrifice when her children were forced into exile. To say that Mama Epainette was a strong woman is an understatement; she was a rock upon which the apartheid regime broke itself. How happy she must have been to again see her family after those troubled years and to see her surviving children rise to such great heights. She had a role to play and she did it with unflinching determination. She was a proud but humble soul and her words about her sons spoke volumes: “They are grown men. They are very busy and I am also busy. But they always call every now and then when they want advice from their mother.” For my part, I will always remember when she came for a visit at my office when I was the head of Transkei. She would walk straight to the guards at my door and ask them whether “that boy”, referring to me, was inside. The guards let her through without blinking. After taking a few minutes to talk about the purpose of her visit, we would launch into an in-depth conversation about politics. At private functions at home, after everyone had left, I would invariably find myself engaged with Mama on the topic of politics. This habit of hers continued even after 1994. During the time when Thabo was President she would not shy away from directly asking me what we were doing to improve the quality of life of our people. To the Mbeki Family, God sent you and South Africa, an angel. After having led a meaningful life, she has now gone back to our Father. It brings a smile to our faces to know that she will be reunited with her beloved husband for all eternity. Our condolences with her loss. May her soul rest in peace.
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18 Oct, 2013
Condolences to the Sigcau Family and the Pondo Nation with the passing of King Thandizulu Sigcau
Letter of condolences to the Sigcau Family and the Pondo Nation with the passing of King Thandizulu Sigcau from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (27 March 2013) It is with sadness that we have learnt of the passing of His Majesty, King Thandizulu Sigcau. But given his struggle with his health in the past few years, he will at least now be free of pain and discomfort. I had the privilege of working with His Majesty during our time in the former Transkei. Then, and after that period, King Sigcau was a keen campaigner for the development of his people and his kingdom. He worked hard to protect the dignity of traditional leadership in the Eastern Cape and the heritage of the AmaMpondo. We know that his passing came at a time where the AmaMpondo is grappling with difficult issues and he will be missed in finding solutions that the benefit the entire Pondo Nation. To his wife, children and grandchild, we think of you in this time of sorrow and will keep you in our hearts and minds. Bon voyage Faku. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement (UDM)
