By Becker Semela
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has marked its 28th anniversary with a message of reflection, service and a renewed call for accountability in South Africa’s political landscape.
Speaking truth to power
In a statement to NewsSA, UDM Deputy President and Leader in parliament, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, used the opportunity to remind South Africans about the party’s founding principles and its role as a voice for integrity and clean governance.
“As the UDM marks another year in its journey, we pause to reflect, not with pride alone but with renewed purpose. From its birth in 1997, the movement has never sought glory. It has always sought impact, to stand between power and the people, to guard against complacency and to speak truth to authority,” Kwankwa said.
Record of advocacy and accountability
Kwankwa highlighted the UDM’s track record of defending ordinary South Africans, especially against the burden of load shedding, where the courts ruled in favour of the party’s challenge. The judgment compelled the government to shield essential services such as hospitals, schools and police stations from blackouts.
He added that the UDM had played a key role in abolishing the controversial floor-crossing legislation, while also exposing corruption within institutions like the Public Investment Corporation, NSFAS and even Cabinet itself.
“We have protected democracy and transparency through our fight for fair party funding, electoral reform and clean governance. This work has shaped laws and strengthened institutions. We have stood with the vulnerable and voiceless, whether by rallying behind rural sub-headmen, advocating for SATBVC pensioners or demanding the eradication of pit latrines in our schools,” Kwankwa said
Electoral growth
Reflecting on the 2024 national elections, he said the UDM demonstrated measurable growth and renewed public trust. The party expanded its representation in Parliament to four MPs and won three seats in the Eastern Cape Legislature.
“These gains are a clear sign that our message of integrity, service and accountability resonates with the people of South Africa,” he said.
Role in the Government of National Unity
Since joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2024, the UDM has taken on what Kwankwa described as a “special responsibility.”
“Not merely to govern but to scrutinise, to hold every decision, every policy and every expenditure to the light. That has always been our defining role: not power for its own sake but oversight in the public interest,” he explained.
Within this framework, UDM President and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa, has also been praised for exposing systemic challenges such as budget distortions and capacity gaps in the department. His leadership, Kwankwa said, has compelled deeper accountability in areas where many had ceased to ask hard questions.
Preparing for 2026 Local Government Elections
Looking ahead to the Local Government Elections for 2026, Kwankwa said the UDM is building on its track record of principled leadership by strengthening structures on the ground, growing its membership base, and empowering young leaders through the UDM Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) and United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO).
“Our focus is on issues that matter most to the people, including reliable access to water, proper housing, safe schools, dignified healthcare and responsive municipalities. These priorities will shape our manifesto and guide our contribution to local government renewal,” Kwankwa said.
Recommitment to the people
Kwankwa said the UDM’s anniversary was not just a celebration but also a recommitment to ordinary South Africans still suffering under poor service delivery.
“We recommit ourselves to the children still forced to learn in unsafe schools, to the pensioners whose years of service were forgotten and to communities left without reliable access to water, dignified housing, proper sanitation, or dependable electricity.
We recommit to continue exposing corruption, resisting abuse, demanding consequences and never allowing power to rest while service delivery continues to fail our people. We stand with the vulnerable and voiceless, confronting gender-based violence, rural neglect and the scourge of maladministration that robs our nation of dignity,” Kwankwa explained.
A steadfast purpose
Kwankwa concluded his statement with a firm message that the UDM’s mission remains unchanged, even after nearly three decades in South African politics.
“Happy Birthday, UDM, 28 years later, our purpose is unchanged. We guard, we challenge and we serve. The road ahead is long, but our resolve remains rock steady,” concluded Kwankwa. – @NewsSA_Online
Dr Becker Semela
2017/2018 SA Best Man in the Media
072 3700 771
becker.semela@gmail.com
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