Vision
We are 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.
Mission
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. We will set free the creative power inherent in our diversity and will co-operate with all stake-holders to ensure a quality life and individual freedom for every citizen, based on good governance and civil order, towards being a Winning Nation.
Recent Posts
R36 billion needed for prisons? UDM calls for a long-term, balanced approach to serve all South Africans
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted with concern the proposal to that R36 billion is needed to build new prisons to address [...]
Tragic road collisions and festive Season road safety
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply saddened by the tragic road collisions that occurred this past weekend. On Sunday morning, ten individuals [...]
UDM condemns non-payment of municipal rates by Buffalo City mayor and her office manager
Statement by Anele Skoti, United Democratic Movement Councillor and Whip in Buffalo City Metropolitan Council The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in Buffalo City notes with deep concern the revelations regarding the non-payment of municipal rates [...]
16 Days of Activism – Speech by the Chairperson of the Committee for Gender, Youth, and People with Disabilities
Speech by the Chairperson of the Section 79 Committee for Gender, Youth, and People with Disabilities, City of Johannesburg, UDM Councillor Yongama Zigebe Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, and members of the community. It [...]
UDM calls for urgent action to address dire conditions in Zamani Transit Camp
Statement by Vuyani Mngonyama, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Secretary of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply disturbed by the inhumane living conditions being endured by families in the Zamani Transit Camp in [...]
UDM Councillor Yongama Zigebe elected as Chairperson of Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities Committee in the City of Johannesburg
Statement by Andile Jabavu, Gauteng Provincial Secretary of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is proud to announce the election of Councillor Yongama Zigebe as the Chairperson of the Gender, Youth and [...]
Unfair municipal fees hurting the elderly and the unemployed in Nelson Mandela Bay
Statement by Bulelani Bobotyane, Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape strongly condemns the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for imposing an over-priced fee of [...]
UDM deeply concerned about lack of water in Johannesburg communities
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply troubled by the ongoing water crisis affecting the residents of Coronationville, Claremont and [...]
UDM welcomes Pretoria High Court decision on illegal miners
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) fully supports the Pretoria High Court’s decision to dismiss the application brought by the Society for the Protection [...]
Randburg Municipal Clinic in dire straights
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply concerned by the dire state of the Randburg Municipal Clinic, as highlighted in [...]
UDM welcomes the appointment of UDM President Bantu Holomisa to the NCACC
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the recent appointment of our leader and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Bantu Holomisa, MP, [...]
The UDM joined the 35th annual Joburg Pride to celebrate inclusivity, equality, and freedom
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement This past weekend the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Councillor in the City of Johannesburg, Mr Yongama Zigebe, proudly led a [...]
A 100 Days in office – a report by Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa
100 Days in Office: narrative report by Deputy Minister Maj. Gen. (Ret.) BH Holomisa, MP FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE: a diary from July – October 2024 Auditor – General Report: Presentation to The [...]
Government of National Unity international relations and South Africa’s independence from undue international influence irrespective from whence it comes
Mr Ronald Lamola, MP Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Private Bag X152 Pretoria 0001 Dear Minister Lamola Government of National Unity international relations and South Africa’s independence from undue international influence irrespective from whence [...]
Bullying in our schools must stop
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply alarmed by the recent surge in bullying cases in South African schools. This issue was [...]
Extortion crisis in South Africa
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned about the recent wave of extortion crimes, which is primarily ravaging the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, [...]
Prevalence of murders committed for insurance fraud
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted that murders are committed for illegal benefits from insurance fraud. Recently, a police sergeant was [...]
Addressing the challenges of the spaza shop sector
Opinion by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is firmly of the opinion that spaza shops play an integral role in South Africa’s economy, especially in [...]
Justice system once again fails South Africans as convicted murderer on parole reoffends
Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation has repeatedly expressed concern that South Africa's justice system, particularly the parole system, is deeply flawed. The fact that [...]
Urgent need to address unsafe food sales to South African communities
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the City of Johannesburg is alarmed by the increasing reports of unsafe food [...]
Condolences on the passing of Pastor Ray McCauley
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the City of Johannesburg joins the nation in mourning the passing of Pastor Ray [...]
Condemnation of Qumbu mass shooting: immediate SAPS action required
Statement by Bulelani Bobotyane, Provincial Secretary of the United Democratic Movement in the Eastern Cape The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape is shocked by the brutal mass shooting in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, [...]
Gun crime in South Africa: addressing the tragedy in Lusikisiki and the broader crisis
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement Gun crime in South Africa has reached levels reminiscent of the turbulent 1990s. These excessive acts of criminality continue to deeply impact [...]
UDM celebrates 27 years of existence
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament On 27 September 1997, a significant moment in South Africa’s political history unfolded with the formation of the United Democratic Movement (UDM). This merger [...]
Emfuleni Local Municipality: a situation that has gone from bad to worse and now its citizens may have to pay the price as service delivery is likely to be affected
Mr Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa, MP Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Private Bag X802 Pretoria 0001 Dear Minister Hlabisa Emfuleni Local Municipality: a situation that has gone from bad to worse and now its [...]
Opinion: Joburg: Eskom’s electricity tariff hikes are crushing the poor amid unreliable power supply
Opinion Article by Yongama Zigebe, UDM Councillor in the City of Johannesburg South Africa’s ongoing electricity crisis, characterised by skyrocketing Eskom tariffs and unsustainable power supply, has pushed the nation’s most vulnerable into a deeper [...]
Teachers’ sexual abuse of learners remains a problem in our schools
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement In October 2023, the Department of Basic Education announced that it had dismissed 36 teachers for offences including rape, sexual abuse, and impregnating [...]
Speaking notes for Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa at the SAAPAM 23rd Annual Conference: Government of Unity: Pros and Cons
Speaking notes for Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, MP and President of the United Democratic Movement at the SAAPAM 23rd Annual Conference on “Post-apartheid" South Africa at 30: making sense of the past, understanding the present [...]
Heritage Day 2024: we must continue the work of the heroines of yesteryear
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes all South Africans a wonderful Heritage Day 2024 as the nation celebrates the lives of our heroes [...]
Appointment of UDM Acting Secretary General: Ms Zandile Phiri
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has appointed Ms Zandile Phiri, its Deputy Secretary General, as the Acting Secretary General. The position of Secretary [...]
Opinion: Precarious state of health care in South Africa is worrying
Opinion by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply concerned about the precarious state of healthcare in South Africa. Recent reports have highlighted dysfunction [...]
Looming 46% electricity price hike is bad for consumers; a public-private partnership is the answer to Eskom’s woes
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has taken note of reports indicating that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved Eskom's [...]
Debate By Cllr Yongama Zigebe on the Partnership Between the City of Johannesburg Human Settlements Department and Urban Development Property Company (Pty) Limited for the Development of Central Park for Social and Integrated Housing Development
Debate By Cllr Yongama Zigebe on the Partnership Between the City of Johannesburg Human Settlements Department and Urban Development Property Company (Pty) Limited for the Development of Central Park for Social and Integrated Housing [...]
UDM Expresses Grave Concern Over Hijacking of Government Buildings and the Continued Displacement of Fire Survivors
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply concerned about the ongoing hijacking of government-owned buildings, which has left vulnerable families—already [...]
Debate by Cllr Yongama Zigebe on the Alexandra Land Agreement 2016
Debate by Cllr Yongama Zigebe on the Alexandra Land Agreement 2016, at the 25th Ordinary Council Meeting of the City of Johannesburg Municipality, at Constance Bapela Council Chamber, Braamfontein on behalf of the UDM [...]
Condolence Speech at the Memorial Service of Councillor Moshe Mphahlele
Speech by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement Madam Speaker, Cllr N Mthembu Executive Mayor, His Worship Dada Morero Chief Whip of Council, Hon Zungu The Mphahlele [...]
UDM welcomes arrest of Johannesburg cable thieves
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the recent arrests of third-party security guards and City Power contractors in connection with [...]
UDM cautiously welcomes President Ramaphosa’s signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) acknowledges the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The UDM supports [...]
Condolences with the passing away of Pravin Gordhan
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement On behalf of the United Democratic Movement and its President, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Bantu Holomisa, MP, we extend our [...]
Mayor Morero’s recruitment of foreign nationals into JMPD is way off the mark
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM), as a member of the Government of Local Unity (GLU), unequivocally distances itself from the [...]
United Democratic Movement Welcomes Premier Lesufi’s State of the Province Address
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has carefully evaluated the Premier’s State of the Province Address delivered yesterday, which outlined [...]
Moshe Mphahlele’s death harks of a tragic past
Media Statement Article by Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women's Organisation (UDEMWO) strongly condemns the shooting and killing of Johannesburg councillor Moshe Mphahlele. In today's society, we cannot tolerate trigger-happy [...]
UDM Congratulates the Revelation Spiritual Home on their New Year Crossover Night Celebration and Annual Pilgrimage
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Revelation Spiritual Home for their successful New Year Crossover [...]
Load Reduction in Johannesburg – A Critical Economic and Social Issue
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement The residents of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality are facing severe challenges due to the recent implementation of electricity [...]
Condemning gender-based violence as young South African women
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement As we approach Women’s Month, it is imperative that as young women of South Africa, we condemn gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) [...]
Nelson Mandela Day 2024: Dare we be hopeful for the future of South Africa under a GNU?
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 [...]
Speech In The National Assembly On Budget Vote 19: Social Development
Speech in the National Assembly on Budget Vote 19: Social Development by Ms Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDM Chief Whip in the National Assembly Check against delivery Honourable Speaker, This Department seems to design [...]
Continued fight against pit latrines in schools: recent budget votes welcomed
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Secretary General and Nguvu Change Leader, Cllr Yongama Zigebe, commends the recent budget vote for the Department of Basic [...]
Speech in the National Assembly on Budget Vote 23 & 26: Defence and Military Veterans
Speech in the National Assembly on Budget Vote 23 & 26: Defence and Military Veterans by Ms Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDM Chief Whip in the National Assembly Check against delivery Honourable Speaker, The [...]
Speech in the National Assembly by Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP during the Budget vote 23 and 26 Defence and Military Veterans
Speech in the National Assembly by Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP during the Budget vote 23 and 26 Defence and Military Veterans Check against delivery • Honourable Speaker • [...]
UDM condolences with scholar transport accident in Carletonville
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement It is with profound sadness that the United Democratic Movement (UDM) extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by the [...]
Speech in the National Assembly on Budget Vote 20: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Speech in the National Assembly on Budget Vote 20: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities by Ms Thandi Nontenja, MP and Chief Whip in the National Assembly Check against delivery Honourable Speaker, The United [...]
UDM’s SG Yongama Zigebe is sworn in as Jo’burg City Councillor
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement Today at twelve noon, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Secretary General, Mr Yongama Zigebe, was sworn in as a PR councillor in the [...]
UDM welcomes announcement of new cabinet and congratulates President Holomisa on appointment as Deputy Minister of Defence
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the announcement of the new cabinet by President Cyril Ramaphosa. We place our hopes in this Government [...]
National Dialogue should be all inclusive
Statement by Bantu Holomisa, President of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted that the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, along with eight other entities, are hosting a press conference today, 27 June, [...]
Confirmation of kidnapping and rescue of UDM Deputy President
Statement by Bantu Holomisa, President of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to confirm that its Deputy President, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP, was kidnapped today on his way to Cape Town [...]
An Open Letter to the 7th Parliament and Administration: A Call to eradication of Pit Latrines in our Rural Schools
c/o Mr Xolile George Secretary to Parliament Parliament of the Republic of South Africa PO Box 15 Cape Town 8000 An Open Letter to the 7th Parliament and Administration: A Call to eradication of [...]
UDEMWO on Family Day 2024; the South African family nucleus is under threat
Media Statement Article by Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General As we reflect on International Day of Families, on 15 May 2024, the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) remains concerned about this nucleus unit [...]
ICASA’s ability to handle the issues of network quality monitoring, traffic and tariff tracking and mobile device standards compliance, as well as failed completion of Bid ICASA 27-2022
Mr Mondli Gungubele Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Private Bag X921 Cape Town 8000 and Mr Enoch Godongwana Minister of Finance PO Box 29 Cape Town 8000 and Ms Tshiamo Maluleka-Disemelo Chief Executive Officer [...]
Government is not doing right by SA postal workers as retrenchments appear inevitable
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Chief Whip The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted, with concern, the potential retrenchment of nearly 5,000 Post Office employees. This follows a ruling by the Commission [...]
Condolences from the UDM on the Passing of Renowned Broadcaster KCi Mthobeli August
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, UDM Secretary General It is with great and deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the United Democratic Movement (UDM) extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of KCi Mthobeli August, [...]
Damning report on judicial corruption in South Africa purportedly drafted by resigned Director-General for State Security
Mr Jerome Joseph Maake, MP Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence Parliament of the Republic of South Africa PO Box 15 Cape Town 0008 Dear Mr Maake Damning report on judicial corruption in South Africa purportedly [...]
SA Reserve Bank should be mandated to do more
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to keep interest rates unchanged. We however believe that the SARB should be mandated to do more to act in the [...]
The ANC has no regard of our Constitution, office of the Chief Justice, and our citizens
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is calling all courageous South Africans who care about the future generations of this country to present the African National Congress (ANC) with the full picture in the upcoming [...]
Open letter: My fellow South Africans, our beloved nation is at a CROSSROADS
Note to editors: Herewith the soundbite by UDM SG, Yongama Zigebe, who issued the open letter My fellow South Africans, I write to you with a sense of urgency and optimism for a better future. [...]