The highly contested United Democratic Movement (UDM) national congress ended last night with party president Bantu Holomisa expected to be re-elected to his position.
At the time of writing yesterday, official results had not yet been announced. However, Holomisa was secure in his position, according to sources inside the conference hall at the University of the Free State.
A relatively unknown Eastern Cape-based UDM member Ngebulana Nhlangabezi threw his hat in the ring in a challenge to Holomisa.
A former member of the Economic Freedom Fighters central command team (national leaders) Litchfield Tshabalala contested the position of deputy president.
The same position was contested by charismatic popular UDM MP Nqabayomzi Nkwankwa.
At the time of writing yesterday sources told the Dispatch Tshabalala seemed to have an edge over Nkwankwa.
Nkwankwa the former UDM deputy-secretary general, was serving under Bongani Msomi, the party’s general secretary.
For the secretariat position the battle was between Msomi and Eastern Cape’s Monde Archibald Ralo.
Delivering the main speech to the party’s 5th national congress, Holomisa told the more than 1600 delegates that they should give themselves a big round of applause for remaining dedicated and steadfast in the project of building a strong UDM that is a “political home for all, against overwhelming odds”.
“We have also lost many comrades since the 2010 Congress. Included in this list, is our late deputy president, Professor Ntopile Kganyago, among others,” Holomisa said.
He also criticised the ANC-led government for blaming “apartheid legacy” for its failures.
“When did apartheid become a valid excuse for the failures of the current government? Surely we do not need to accept mediocrity, incompetence and corruption, simply because it is inflicted by a democratic government instead of a repressive regime.
“We should have a government that reaches for the ideals embodied in the Constitution. Instead, we find ourselves having to cope with the ANC’s misrule, which undermines the dream of building a better life for all,” he said.
During the three-day elective congress, the party also launched its local government election manifesto.
Holomisa also touched on the much talked about axing of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene.
“We can no longer trust the ruling party with the running of our economy. For proof, one needs to look no further than President Zuma’s reckless and irresponsible decision to remove Minister Nene and the impact that decision has had on our economy.”
He used the platform to propose that there should be an economic indaba to develop a blueprint for the country’s economy.
“This indaba must be similar in scale and scope to the Codesa negotiations, which resolved the basic political direction of our country.
“Like Codesa, it must include all the stakeholders in society, so that we can loosen the stranglehold of the ruling elite and their dubious consultants,” Holomisa added.
UDM has faith in leader
At the time of writing yesterday, official results had not yet been announced. However, Holomisa was secure in his position, according to sources inside the conference hall at the University of the Free State.
A relatively unknown Eastern Cape-based UDM member Ngebulana Nhlangabezi threw his hat in the ring in a challenge to Holomisa.
A former member of the Economic Freedom Fighters central command team (national leaders) Litchfield Tshabalala contested the position of deputy president.
The same position was contested by charismatic popular UDM MP Nqabayomzi Nkwankwa.
At the time of writing yesterday sources told the Dispatch Tshabalala seemed to have an edge over Nkwankwa.
Nkwankwa the former UDM deputy-secretary general, was serving under Bongani Msomi, the party’s general secretary.
For the secretariat position the battle was between Msomi and Eastern Cape’s Monde Archibald Ralo.
Delivering the main speech to the party’s 5th national congress, Holomisa told the more than 1600 delegates that they should give themselves a big round of applause for remaining dedicated and steadfast in the project of building a strong UDM that is a “political home for all, against overwhelming odds”.
“We have also lost many comrades since the 2010 Congress. Included in this list, is our late deputy president, Professor Ntopile Kganyago, among others,” Holomisa said.
He also criticised the ANC-led government for blaming “apartheid legacy” for its failures.
“When did apartheid become a valid excuse for the failures of the current government? Surely we do not need to accept mediocrity, incompetence and corruption, simply because it is inflicted by a democratic government instead of a repressive regime.
“We should have a government that reaches for the ideals embodied in the Constitution. Instead, we find ourselves having to cope with the ANC’s misrule, which undermines the dream of building a better life for all,” he said.
During the three-day elective congress, the party also launched its local government election manifesto.
Holomisa also touched on the much talked about axing of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene.
“We can no longer trust the ruling party with the running of our economy. For proof, one needs to look no further than President Zuma’s reckless and irresponsible decision to remove Minister Nene and the impact that decision has had on our economy.”
He used the platform to propose that there should be an economic indaba to develop a blueprint for the country’s economy.
“This indaba must be similar in scale and scope to the Codesa negotiations, which resolved the basic political direction of our country.
“Like Codesa, it must include all the stakeholders in society, so that we can loosen the stranglehold of the ruling elite and their dubious consultants,” Holomisa added.
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