Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
President
bholomisa@udm.org.za

Harrington Bantubonke Holomisa was born the son of Tembu Chief Bazindlovu Holomisa on 25 July 1955 in the Mqanduli district of Transkei. After attending the Upper Ngqungqu Primary School in Mqanduli, he proceeded to the Jongilizwe College for the Sons of Chiefs and Headmen in Tsolo, Transkei, where he matriculated in 1975. Apart from the usual matriculation subjects, he obtained an additional Diploma in Leadership, with the subjects of current events, conduct of public affairs, public administration, English, African law (then called Bantu law, using the university-prescribed textbook by Seymore on the subject), typing and office routine.

He has served as the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism of South Africa in the Government of National Unity (elected in 1994). Major General (Retired) Bantu Holomisa co-founded the United Democratic Movement in 1997 with Mr Roelf Meyer. Mr Holomisa’s candidature for Party President was unopposed at the UDM 2010 National Congress and he continues to serve as its President. To learn more about Bantu Holomisa, please click here.

Ntopile Kganyago was born in Moletji (Limpopo) and matriculated at the Emmerentia Geldenhuys School in Warmbaths (now Bela Bela). He obtained his BA degree at the University of South Africa and an MA degree from the University of the North. He earned another masters degree at the University of Delaware, USA. He has had a long career as educator; as school inspector and as Head of Psychological Service at the Department of Education.

He served the UDM as a councillor in Polokwane for four years. He became a Member of the Provincial Legislature of Limpopo, until he became a Member of Parliament in 2004. He was then appointed as Deputy Minister of Public Works. Mr Kganyago was re-elected to Parliament in 2009. He also chairs the UDM Limpopo Executive Committee and was elected as the Party’s Deputy-President in 2005. Mr Kganyago will again serve the Party as Mr Holomisa’s deputy until 2015 when the next National Congress will take place.

Mr Zolisa Lavisa
National Chairperson
nationaloffice@udm.org.za

Mr Bongani Msomi
Secretary General
sg@udm.org.za (office)
msomi@udm.org.za (personal)

Bongani Johnson Msomi was born in Durban and matriculated at Swelihle High School in Umlazi, KwaZulu Natal. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, Senior Teacher’s Diploma and Bachelor of Education (B-ED) from the University of Zululand. He also holds a Project Management Diploma from Damelin. As a student he became involved in politics and was tasked to build and organise several progressive organisations.

Mr Msomi is a co-founder member of the UDM and has served as the leader of the Province in KwaZulu Natal for many years. In 2004 he became a member of the KwaZulu Natal Legislature (MPL) until 2009, during this period served in many portfolio committees as well as being chairperson of the Sports and Recreation portfolio committee. In 2005 he was elected as the Party’s National Chairperson and he is currently serving as the Secretary General after his election to this position at the Party’s National Congress in December 2010.

Thandi Nontenja grew up in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape and matriculated at the Colana High School in Mount Frere. Cllr Nontenja has several diplomas in bookkeeping, accounting and business management, as well as political leadership. She ended her career in the business sector when she was elected as a city councillor for the United Democratic Movement of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Council in 2006. Cllr Nontenja has been very active in women’s organisations and is a member of People Opposing Women Abuse.

She is at present the Provincial Secretary of the UDM in Gauteng.Ms Nontenja’s candidature for Party Treasurer was unopposed at the UDM 2010 National Congress and she continues to serve as its National Treasurer..

Edward Avhasei Ramundingane hails from Vhufuli in Limpopo.  He is steeped in politics and started as a young activist in the mid-seventies. Edward attended Hammanskraal Theological School and attained his Diploma in Theology from the Iyani Bible School in 1981. He is a skilled radio presenter and has preached the Gospel for many years in this medium. Mr Ramundingane has branched out into tourism and is currently the Managing Director of Four Corner Tours. He is also very active in his community working as an HIV/Aids counsellor and served as a municipal councillor of the United Democratic Movement in the Thulamela Municipality.

Mr Ramdunigane was elected as the Party's National Oganiser at the UDM National Congress in December 2010.

Simon Saule matriculated at the Palmerton Senior Secondary School in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape. Mr Saule served in the Transkei Defence Force from 1989 to 1999 and currently works as a shop steward and assistant supervisor for Mbombela Civil Joint.

Mr Saule has served the United Democratic Movement in many structures and was tasked, by the Party's 4th National Congress in 2010, to serve as the National Deputy-Organiser of the Party for another term.