The United Democratic Movement has welcomed Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase as a new member and volunteer as the party moves to strengthen its structures ahead of the November local government elections.
UDM president and Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa announced Ndamase’s arrival on Tuesday, describing the political activist and strategic communications specialist as an addition who would bring experience in government, local government, rural development and communications.
The announcement comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 4 November 2026 municipal elections, with the UDM seeking to consolidate its support in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Mthatha, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and the broader OR Tambo region.
Ndamase’s political background includes youth activism in the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Eastern Cape and leadership in the Eastern Cape Youth Commission.
According to the UDM, his political and professional career has maintained a strong focus on rural development and the challenges faced by communities that are geographically and economically marginalised.
His experience also includes serving as a ministerial spokesperson at national and provincial level.
The party said Ndamase served in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, where he represented the department publicly on matters involving one of the government’s key service delivery portfolios.
He later worked in the City of Johannesburg mayoral communications environment under several executive mayors, giving him exposure to municipal governance and the challenges facing South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipality.
Outside government, Ndamase established a sports marketing company aimed at positioning South Africa as an international sports tourism destination.
Holomisa said this combination of political, government and private sector experience would strengthen the UDM as it prepares for the elections and looks beyond the ballot.
“The UDM and I warmly welcome Prince Ndamase’s decision to join the party,” Holomisa said.
“His experience and capabilities will strengthen our organisation as we prepare for the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026 and beyond.”
Holomisa said the party respected Ndamase’s political history and would not expect him to erase his previous affiliations.
“The UDM respects Prince Ndamase’s political history. We do not ask him to erase it. Experience acquired elsewhere does not disappear when political circumstances change,” he said.
“What matters now is what he brings to the future and how that experience can best serve the UDM and the people of South Africa.”
The party said Ndamase’s experience could be applied to its work on service delivery, rural development, municipal governance, strategic communication and efforts to rebuild public confidence in democratic institutions.
However, the UDM said its leadership would first conduct the necessary internal consultations before determining how his skills would be deployed within the organisation.
The move forms part of what the UDM describes as an effort to build a political organisation capable of governing rather than merely winning elections.
Holomisa said South Africa needed political parties able to assemble the expertise and institutional capacity required to deliver measurable improvements in people’s lives.
The UDM also announced plans for a major political gathering in Mthatha on 12 September, where the party intends to welcome new members and announce its mayoral candidate for the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
The event will take place at the Mthatha Great Hall and Botha Sigcau Precinct.
Among those expected to be welcomed into the party is Princess Ndileka Dlamini of the AbaThembu Royal House.
The princess is the daughter of the late King Sabata Dalindyebo and Queen Nomoscow, and sister of reigning King Zwelibanzi Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
According to the UDM, Princess Ndileka has experience in public affairs and leadership, including serving as a senator in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Her planned entry into the party gives the September gathering added political significance as the UDM seeks to expand its presence in the Eastern Cape ahead of the elections.
The party said the event would bring together experienced leaders, professionals, community activists, traditional leadership and residents who support its call for ethical and accountable governance.
The UDM said its renewed campaign in Mthatha and the broader OR Tambo region represented a return to its political roots.
“We are coming home to rebuild,” the party said.
