Cape Town — The United Democratic Movement (UDM) President, Bantu Holomisa, has welcomed experienced businessman, Mthunzi Mdwaba, to the party following his exit from the African National Congress (ANC).
In a statement, the party announced that Mdwaba is among several other prominent names to join the party as they get ready to tackle the upcoming national and provincial elections.
“Professor Mthunzi Perry-Mason Mdwaba is an accomplished businessman, organised business activist, academic and thought [sic] leader who is committed to issues of social justice at global level who firmly believes that the international Labour Organisation (ILO), and multilateralism in general, have a profound role to play,” Holomisa said.
The UDM looks forward to his contribution on the economy given background on labour, job creation and business.
The United Democratic Movement is happy to announce that Prof Mthunzi Mdwaba, Maj Gen Mlindeni Sibango, and Ms Pat Ndleleni have joined our ranks, ready to tackle the forthcoming National and Provincial Elections and the road beyond. pic.twitter.com/E2Kqz1fZa9
— UDM (@UDmRevolution) February 19, 2024
Mdwaba swapped the African National Congress (ANC) for the UDM, with Holomisa saying the party must be doing something right to attract such high-profile political names. Mdwaba joins the party ahead of its political manifesto launch, set to take place on 2 March at the Gallagher Conference Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, SABC News reported.
“South Africans are in desperate need of good leaders who will put the interests of ordinary people first,” he added.
Mdwaba is no stranger to the headlines and was found guilty by the High Court of Johannesburg for making false and defamatory comments about Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana over allegations that he was part of a R500 million bribery scheme. Mdwaba faces a similar suit from Minister of Labour Thulas Nxesi, as well as ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, EWN reported.
Holomisa dismissed the claims and said people are entitled to have their own comments and opinions.
“Mdwaba is not in court, he has not been arrested, he has not been accused of anything, so I cannot be involved in high-level gossip. We want the other side of him. There is this gossip side – we don’t have any idea of how one can handle that. He has not killed anybody; he has not stolen any government money.” he said.
Let’s all go change things and build a country we are all proud of dear South Africans!! Ke Nako!!💪🏽🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/kqyGKCHGy5
— Prof Mthunzi Mdwaba (@Tzoro1) February 19, 2024
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Picture: X/@BantuHolomisa
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
