UDM targets return to municipal leadership
The United Democratic Movement is seeking to regain control of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, placing service delivery and the risks of prolonged one-party rule at the centre of its campaign in Mthatha and surrounding areas.
UDM president Bantu Holomisa said the party wanted to lead a coalition government in the municipality, which is based in Mthatha. The party previously governed the council briefly after winning control in 2000, but was removed within a year when some of its councillors defected to the African National Congress. The ANC has controlled the council since then.
The renewed bid comes amid complaints from residents about the condition of the town and the deterioration of municipal services. Those concerns include potholes and ageing or damaged infrastructure under successive ANC administrations. The UDM appears to be attempting to turn that dissatisfaction into electoral support, although the ANC continues to enjoy strong backing in the region.
Holomisa warns against unchecked power
During a campaign visit to Ward 22, which includes Mqanduli, Holomisa argued that political competition was necessary to keep public representatives answerable to communities. Mqanduli is his birthplace and ancestral village. He grew up there, attended primary school and lived with his uncle while working as a shepherd and serving as a Catholic altar boy.
“One-party dominance creates fertile ground for arrogance, corruption and the abuse of public resources,” Holomisa said.
His remarks amounted to a criticism of the ANC’s long tenure in the Eastern Cape and its control of the local council. Holomisa implied that uninterrupted dominance had made the governing party arrogant. The UDM’s argument is that no party should become sufficiently powerful to govern without listening to residents.
A coalition would change the council’s politics
The proposed coalition model would require parties in the municipality to work together rather than allowing one organisation to govern alone. Holomisa called on political parties to respect one another and allow the democratic process to proceed peacefully. The statement sets out a political approach based on cooperation, while also challenging the ANC’s established position in the council.
- Municipality: King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, which includes Mthatha.
- UDM objective: To regain control and lead a coalition administration.
- Campaign focus: Service delivery, infrastructure and opposition to one-party dominance.
| Period | Political development |
|---|---|
| 2000 | The UDM briefly took control of the municipality after the local election. |
| Within a year | UDM councillors defected to the ANC and the party lost control. |
| Since then | The ANC has remained in charge of the council. |
For residents dealing with potholes and failing infrastructure, the significance of the campaign will be measured against practical improvements rather than political promises alone. The UDM’s message connects the condition of local services to the structure of political power, while its history in the council provides voters with a record against which to assess the party’s claims.
The contest also highlights the importance of accountability in municipal government. A coalition could broaden representation if parties are able to work together, but it would depend on the parties respecting the democratic process and maintaining a common programme. For now, the UDM is presenting itself as an alternative to the ANC’s established control and is asking Mthatha-area voters to support a change in the municipality’s political direction.
