The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has appointed its deputy secretary general Zandile Phiri, as its acting secretary general.
This comes after the party deployed its secretary general, Yongama Zigebe, to the City of Johannesburg as a councillor.
UDM’s Deputy President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa said the SG’s position was a full-time post, which required a full-time person in office to run day-to-day operations.
“The position of secretary general in the UDM is a full-time, office-based role. This decision comes after the redeployment of Mr Yongama Zigebe, the former secretary general, who has now taken up the role of a councillor in the City of Johannesburg.
“The move followed the appointment of Ms Thandi Nontenja as a Member of Parliament after the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. Ms Phiri’s appointment ensures the smooth operation of the UDM’s leadership structure as Mr Zigebe and Ms Nontenja assume their new responsibilities,” Nkwankwa said.
He said the UDM was confident that Phiri was a capable and dedicated young woman.
On Tuesday, Zigebe said his deployment to the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality was necessitated by him vacating the office, as the role of Secretary General was a full-time commitment, one that required undivided attention and dedication.
“In my absence, the Deputy Secretary-General Ms Zandile Phiri will assume the responsibilities of the office, and I have full confidence in her ability to lead with integrity and strength.
“It has been an immense honour to serve as Secretary General since I took office on the 6th of June 2023. During my tenure, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues who share a passion for this great movement — a movement I hold dear, having grown up within its ranks.
“It was an opportunity not only to work for the organisation I love but also to contribute meaningfully to its progress during one of the most pivotal times in its history,” he added.
He said that under his stewardship, the UDM achieved remarkable strides in both national and provincial elections.
“These achievements are a reflection of the collective commitment to our principles of justice, equality, and accountability. I am deeply proud of the milestones reached, and I firmly believe that these successes are just the beginning of a brighter future for our party and our country.
“As I move into my new role as a PR Councillor in the City of Johannesburg, I remain committed to the UDM’s vision and mission. I take with me the invaluable lessons learned during my time as Secretary-General and will continue to advocate for the core values that have defined the UDM: integrity, dignity, and prosperity for all South Africans.
“To my successor Ms Zandile Phiri, the Acting Secretary General, I extend my full support. I have every confidence in her leadership, her unwavering dedication to the party, and her ability to steer the UDM toward even greater success.”
Zigebe added that the organisation’s journey was far from over, and that he was proud to remain a part of that journey — both in his new capacity and as a lifelong member of this movement.
The Star