The United Democratic Movement, led by Bantu Holomisa, launched its 2021 Local Government Elections Manifesto at the Ngangelizwe Rotary Stadium in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, 02 October 2021.
Delivered by Holomisa, the party’s manifesto contained nine central pledges to its electorate, including building local economies, delivering basic services and rooting out corruption.
In the 2016 Local Government Elections, the party scored only 0.56% of all votes, gaining 59 council seats across the country.
The UDM’s 2021 Manifesto Priorities:
Development of local economies and job creation
The party pledged to “rehabilitate” industries that have been shut down in small towns and inculcate a culture of agricultural activities in rural areas to mitigate the effects of food insecurity by providing the necessary equipment, such as fertiliser and seed.
Ethical governance and accountability
The UDM pledged that municipalities will build inhouse capacity within municipalities, thus in-sourcing as many services as possible to eradicate prevalent tender corruption and to stop the overreliance on exorbitantly expensive consultants.
Health services and hygiene
The UDM said it would canvass for clinics to stay open longer and where there are no nearby state hospitals, and where feasible, that clinics should operate a 24-hour day.
Essential services, rates and billing
The party said its councils will make it a point that all people have access to clean, drinkable running water; will promote reliable access to power by allowing independent electricity providers to supply services to municipalities; and promote fair valuation of properties.
Access to proper housing
The party said it would improve the standard of living of informal settlers by providing essential services with its eye firmly on finding long-term housing solutions.
Maintenance of infrastructure and expansion
The party said it will repair, build, and maintain infrastructure, such as government-owned buildings and other immovable and movable properties.
Safety and security
The UDM pledged to “agitate” for local safety and security agencies to be properly capacitated and be brought closer to the people.
Living in a clean South Africa
The UDM committed to providing recycle centres for informal recyclable material collectors to assist in their activities and to prevent unregulated, pop-up recycle sites.
Community involvement in local government
The party said it would “abolish the ward-committee system” and promote traditional leaders as stakeholders in community development.
VIDEO: SABC News Politics Editor Mzwandile Mbeje in conversation with UDM leader Bantu Holomisa
Read the full UDM 2021 Local Government Elections Manifesto:
-Compiled by Amil Umraw, SABC Specialist Researcher
-Source – UDM Manifesto
