United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa welcomed three defecting councillors into his camp at a ceremony held at Tsakane on the East Rand on Sunday.
Two of the defectors were from the African National Congress and one from the Democratic Alliance. The UDM identified them as Ekurhuleni ward councillor SV Sibiya and proportional representation councillor Kenny Madalani. The DA Vaal councillor was identified as a Mr Potsane, who until Sunday was also the chairman of the DA in that region.
In his welcoming speech, Holomisa said the UDM accepted the Constitutional Court ruling that floor-crossing is acceptable at local government level.
”We are a player on the political field and the rules have changed, we have to adapt with the times. It remains my conviction that the floor-crossing legislation is an opportunistic and expedient act by the ANC, to assist them in swallowing the NNP (New National Party) and grabbing more power,” he told the party faithful.
”Theirs is not a concern for democracy, or political realignment. Theirs is only a naked grab for control of the cities and provinces that they do not yet control. Why else would they seek to take through law, what they cannot democratically compete for at the ballot box?”
Holomisa considered the defection to his party of the two ANC councillors to be particularly noteworthy. ”Today, with these councillors joining our ranks, the UDM is signalling to the ANC that you can change the rules if you like, but the people of South Africa will continue to seek an alternative to your power hunger, your mismanagement, your corruption, and your uncaring attitude towards the rights and needs of ordinary South Africans. More and more people are discovering that alternative in the UDM,” he said.
”The number of UDM councillors nationwide will increase following this floor-crossing. Tomorrow I will be holding a press conference to welcome another four councillors into the UDM fold.” – Sapa