KUGOMPO CITY, Eastern Cape — The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has officially rolled out its UDM 2026 local government elections manifesto, with party leader Bantu Holomisa placing self-sustainable municipalities at the heart of their political strategy. Unveiled in KuGompo City, the newly released policy document outlines a robust framework aimed at boosting local economic growth, enhancing public healthcare, and fostering secure, crime-free neighborhoods.
A Twelve-Pillar Strategy for Basic Services
President Holomisa introduced the manifesto as a comprehensive twelve-pillar strategy, describing the policies as practical commitments designed to directly address the daily realities experienced by South Africans.
The first pillar focuses heavily on foundational service delivery, transparency, and accountability. Holomisa stressed that these goals would remain impossible unless party officials strictly adopt these values. Consequently, local party leaders have been tasked with ensuring the establishment of stable, ethical, and capable municipal administrations.
He emphasized that municipal success is entirely dependent on residents having reliable access to essential services. According to the party leader, no community can thrive without consistent water, sanitation, electricity, paved roads, refuse removal, and functioning public infrastructure.
The second pillar of the UDM 2026 local government elections manifesto targets clean governance and strict financial discipline. Holomisa warned that corruption, maladministration, and wasteful expenditure are actively stealing the financial resources that should be used to improve the living standards of the people.
Grassroots Voices Demand Economic Relief
During the launch event, UDM supporters took the stage to voice their urgent socio-economic frustrations, demanding that the party prioritize their economic freedom if they win the upcoming elections.
One supporter highlighted a severe lack of basic resources in their community, pointing to an absence of RDP housing, widespread unemployment affecting both the youth and adults, and a lack of food parcels. “We are struggling,” the supporter stated, urging the party leadership to directly cater to their basic needs. “We want the general to win so he can be able to do things for us.”
Another community member stressed the critical need for internal unity and organizational growth over personal ambition. They warned party members against creating internal chaos, urging them to focus on strengthening the movement rather than seeking personal political positions.
“What I expect from them is to make sure that they build the organization, at least for the coming elections we can manage to have more seats in the municipalities,” the supporter emphasized, criticizing those who only seek to upgrade themselves for new roles.
Inclusive Employment and Border Security
Addressing the needs of vulnerable demographics, a third supporter brought attention to the high unemployment rate among visually impaired individuals in the Eastern Cape. They called on the government to formally recognize blindness as a disability within the province and to create targeted job opportunities for the blind.
Beyond local governance, the UDM also used the manifesto launch to address pressing national security concerns. The party officially called for the strengthening of South Africa’s border management and the restoration of the Department of Home Affairs’ integrity, framing these measures as critical steps in the fight against undocumented immigrants.