UDM to launch manifesto in Gauteng ahead of 2024 elections

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has announced it is preparing for a comeback, saying the public is yearning for political parties that can bring solutions ahead of the 2024 general and provincial elections.

The party, which was one of the breakaways from the African National Congress (ANC) during the early years of democracy, will be launching its election manifesto at Midrand’s Gallagher Conference Centre in Gauteng on Saturday, 5 March. 

The UDM was established in September 1997 by former ANC NEC member and Transkei homeland leader General Bantu Holomisa and former National Party leader Roelf Meyer. 

The party has been in the opposition benches for almost 27 years now. 

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UDM optimistic about party’s growth prospects

With the upcoming elections, Holomisa said they were optimistic about the party’s growth prospects.

“The climate is conducive for us to grow the party given the frustrations, which are in the open from the public point of view.

“There are acres and acres of space because the public is yearning for political parties that can bring solutions to the problems of the country,” he said. 

The SABC reported that the party has, however, been on a decline. 

Party to ensure representation in all provinces. 

“We couldn’t organise on the ground, and that created a situation where quite a number of our structures lapsed. 

“We had to use the provision of some of the constitution to try to ensure that we extend the lifespan of some of the branches.

“That means that in some of the provinces where the UDM did not have great representation, suffered a great deal, and we are now in the process of trying to ensure that we are represented in all provinces,” he said. 

Holomisa called on the public to give the party serious consideration among the parties ready to work with the ANC to move South Africa forward.

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