Mukoni T Ratshitanga
Golden Miles Bhudu, the outspoken president of the South African Prisoners’ Organisation for Human Rights (Sapohr) and a former member of the African National Congress, has crossed the political floor to join Bantu Holomisa’s United Democratic Movement.
Bhudu joined the ANC in 1991, but has not renewed his membership since, although he claims he has remained a sympathiser. He joined the UDM in March.
He says he crossed over to the UDM after it became apparent that the ANC no longer had a need for Sapohr.
Central to Bhudu’s concerns is that the Department of Correctional Services still does not recognise Sapohr.
He claimed this week that President Nelson Mandela’s office took a decision long ago to silence Sapohr.
“When I walk in the corridors of power, I’m told by the very powerful political activists of yesteryear that a political decision has been taken in the highest office in this country, that this organisation must be silenced.”
ANC representative Ronny Mamoepa was unimpressed this week by Bhudu’s remarks, saying: “We do not have that time to waste by silencing any organisation.” He added that Bhudu has the right to join any political party of his choice.
Bhudu’s sympathies for Holomisa first came to light in September 1996 when he severely chastised former Gauteng premier, Tokyo Sexwale, a day after Sexwale’s now famous public showdown with Holomisa.
The UDM leader was then battling to keep his position as deputy minister of environmental affairs after he was expelled from the ANC.
Bhudu wrote in a press statement: “Sapohr has taken note of the attack on Holomisa by Sexwale, a true and shameless opportunist.”
Bhudu is at pains to reconcile Sapohr’s stern opposition to the reinstatement of the death penalty and the UDM’s insistence on a referendum on the issue. He said this week he opposes both the death penalty and the referendum.