By Celani Sikhakhane
General Bantubonke Holomisa is on a mission to resurrect the United Democratic Movement in KwaZulu-Natal after it suffered a natural death due to the floor crossing act.
The UDM had been part of strong opposition parties in the politics of KZN but it was completely wiped out of the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg.
Holomisa told Scrolla.Africa that their aim is to be back as a voice of reason in KZN politics and have members in the legislature again as they used to do.
At the UDM’s national general council on Saturday they resolved to strengthen their presence in KZN as they embark on a serious journey to revive the party in many corners of the province.
“The floor crossing affected the UDM very badly. Many of our members crossed the floor with our seats to the ANC. You know the ANC doesn’t play when it comes to approaching people,” he said.
“I was also approached by Nelson Mandela but I refused to leave the UDM and join the ANC. Therefore, some of our members fell for that and left us. That is why we ended up without any member at the KZN Legislature.”
Floor crossing was used to allow politicians to join other parties from their organisations without losing their positions as MECs, ministers, MPs and members of legislatures.
The Act was banned in 2006 after opposition parties, including the UDM and IFP, suffered huge losses.
The UDMc has resolved that young people should be at the forefront of its campaign in KZN to revive the party.
Holomisa will spend more time in KZM with his leadership such as national chair Bongani Msomi, national organiser Nyaniso Mfihlo and secretary general Yongama Zigebe.
Holomisa revealed that the murder of his foot soldier in KZN, Sifiso Nkabinde, was a huge loss for the party.
Nkabinde was described by his political enemies as a Richmond warlord who was very famous in the 1990s and had many fights with ANC leaders such as Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Holomisa said his party will also focus more on rural areas such as Nongoma and Mtubatuba.
He said eThekwini has got a huge slice of cake that they will never shy away from.
He also joked about his retirement and said he won’t retire while the likes of Dr Nkosazane Dlamini Zuma, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Dr Naledi Pandor are still in politics.
“Those ones are older than me. So why would you want me to retire while my elders are still leading in government and politics,” he said.
Holomisa used to claim that he wouldn’t retire until IFP retired president emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi goes on retirement.
Pictured above: UDM leaders have declared their comeback in KZN
Image source: Supplied
