THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF THE UDM

Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
President
president@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 and currently serves as its President.

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 and is at present still serving in this capacity. Mr Kganyago also chairs the UDM Limpopo Executive Committee and was elected as the Party’s Deputy-President in 2006.

Mr Bongani Msomi, MPL
National Chairperson
nationaloffice@udm.org.za

Bongani Msomi was born in Durban and matriculated in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. He obtained a BA degree and a Senior Teacher’s Diploma from the University of Zululand. As a student he became involved in politics and was tasked to build and organise several progressive organisations.

At present, Mr Msomi serves as the United Democratic Movement’s Provincial Chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal and the Party’s National Chairperson. He is a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature and serves on the Standing Committee on Private Members’ Proposals, Petitions and Pensions.

Thanduxolo Sogoni was born in Umzimkhulu and matriculated at St John’s College in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. He obtained a BA degree from the University of South Africa, his Teacher’s Diploma from the University of Fort Hare, and his BEd at the University of Natal.

He is an accomplished sports administrator and was awarded the Transkei Schools Best Coach of the Year in 1979. He concluded his long career with the Department of Education as Director of Sport, Culture and Youth.

He served the UDM as Deputy-Chairperson for the Eastern Cape and currently serves as the Party’s National Deputy-Chairperson. He represented the UDM as a Member of the National Council of Provinces between 2000 and 2004. Mr Sogoni has since 2004 been a UDM Member of the Provincial Legislature of the Eastern Cape.

Humphrey Nobongoza was born in Tsomo and matriculated at the Cofimvaba High School in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape. He has earned a Diploma in Public Service Management from the Swedish Institute of Public Service Management and is currently studying towards a BA degree at the University of Walter Sisulu University. He has many years’ experience in public service and administration in various positions. Mr Nobongoza ended his long career in the public service as the Chief Director in the Office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape.

He had served the United Democratic Movement as a councillor in the Instika Yetho Municipality (Eastern Cape) and as the Party’s National Chairperson. In 2005 he was elected to the position of Secretary General of the UDM.

Luzuko Luwaca matriculated from the Ngangelizwe High School in Mthatha. He has completed courses in strategic planning and management, as well as research and planning with the Human Advancement Project. Mr Luwaca has completed training in media and office management with the Education Resource Independent Programme.

Mr Luwaca has participated in several youth development projects and served as the Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) Youth Vanguard between 1999 and 2003. He was elected as the UDM Deputy Secretary General in 2005.

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 and serves as the National Treasurer of the Party.

Lennox Gaehler was born in Mthatha and received his education at Excelsior High School in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. He has qualified himself with a Diploma in Building Industry and, over the past twenty years, has become a highly successful businessperson in the construction industry.

He has serves the United Democratic Movement as Chairperson of the Eastern Cape and is currently a Member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. He was elected to the position of National Fundraiser at the UDM National Congress in 2005.

Thab’sile Msiza was born in the Wallmanstal District (Pretoria) and matriculated at Adams Mission High School in Amanzimtoti. She obtained a BA degree from the University of South Africa and a Senior Education Certificate from Vista University. Since 1973, Mrs Msiza served as an educator at five schools and concluded her career as educator as the principal of the Zenzeleni Primary School.

She has served the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in various capacities and in 2006 she was elected as the UDM’s National Organiser.

Bongani Mthembu was born in Idutywa in the Eastern Cape and matriculated at the Isiweni Senior Secondary School at Ncamkwe. He has obtained a diploma in marketing and management and was employed in several business organisations.

In the past, Mr Mthembu has served as the United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard Chairperson in Gauteng, as well as the Provincial Organiser and Secretary of the Party in Gauteng. He was elected as the Party’s National Deputy-Organiser in 2005.

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 currently serves as the National Deputy-Organiser of the Party.