LEHURUTSHE, NORTH WEST — The United Christian Democratic Party (UCDP) manifesto launch in the North West has officially signaled a renewed political push in the province, with UCDP President Modiri Desmond Sehume outlining a comprehensive action plan to revitalize local municipalities and historical economic structures.
The event, held in a village just outside Rustenburg, marks a significant moment in the region’s election buildup. The UCDP, a political party with a long history in the North West dating back to the 1970s and the Bophuthatswana era, is currently undergoing a strategic rebranding effort to reconnect with its historical roots while addressing modern community challenges.
The manifesto launch in Lehurutshe is part of a broader wave of political activity in the province. Concurrently, the newly formed Seriti le Kaelo Party (SLK), led by a former NC member, held its own manifesto launch in Rustenburg, highlighting the competitive political landscape of the upcoming elections in the region.
Modiri Desmond Sehume, President of the UCDP and former chairperson of ActionSA, was the central figure at the Lehurutshe event. Notably, Sehume is the son of the founder of the United Christian Democratic Party. The gathering began with a prayer service, followed by a traditional welcoming and robing ceremony, symbolizing the party’s commitment to unity and honoring its foundational legacy.
Speaking at the event, Sehume emphasized that the newly unveiled manifesto is built on concrete commitments rather than mere political promises. He outlined a clear, actionable plan detailing exactly what the party intends to prioritize when governing local municipalities.
A major focal point of the UCDP’s manifesto is the revitalization of historical structures in the North West that have been left dilapidated over the years. Sehume highlighted several key areas for economic and social revitalization:
- Economic Activation: The party intends to reactivate Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in the North West to stimulate local economic activities and skills development.
- Healthcare and Education: Addressing critical national shortages, the UCDP has committed to reopening closed nursing colleges to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals, as well as reopening teacher colleges to address educator shortages.
- Artisan Training: The party proposes the restoration of manpower centers. These centers will focus on training artisans, such as plumbers, to support both small, local black-owned enterprises and larger commercial businesses that require specialized technical skills.
Through this manifesto, the UCDP aims to leverage its deep historical legacy in the North West to deliver tangible service delivery, skills development, and economic revitalization to the province’s residents.
