{
  "id": 12158925,
  "title": "PODCAST: ‘We need leadership that works with the people’: Yongama Zigebe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/podcast-we-need-leadership-that-works-with-the-people-yongama-zigebe",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T13:02:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/podcast-we-need-leadership-that-works-with-the-people-yongama-zigebe/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Yongama Zigebe, the newly elected National Chairperson of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), highlighted his priorities for the party in a recent podcast episode. The UDM recently concluded its sixth national elective conference in East London, following several years of delays due to elections, the Covid-19 pandemic, and financial issues. Zigebe emphasized the need for elected structures to ensure the party remains constitutionally compliant. He praised the party's consistency in maintaining its core values since its formation in 1997, including its focus on corruption, governance, and ethical leadership. Zigebe stressed the importance of staying connected with members and communities, particularly young people. As a Johannesburg councillor, he discussed the city's ongoing service delivery problems, including water, roads, electricity, waste collection, and ageing infrastructure. He called for more community involvement in finding local solutions and greater accessibility for people with disabilities. Zigebe highlighted the lack of ramps, buildings, housing, and communication services that accommodate various disabilities, as well as the absence of sign language interpretation at the City of Johannesburg. He advocated for departments to collaborate when planning housing and public infrastructure, ensuring that all residents' needs are considered. Unemployment among young people was a significant concern for Zigebe, who believed it could lead to social unrest. He called for more opportunities for young people and individuals with disabilities. He also discussed voter and governance education within communities and schools, emphasizing the need for residents to understand how councils operate and how they can demand accountability. Zigebe concluded by stating the UDM's message to voters, which revolves around three words: consistent, present, and accountable. He urged political representatives to remain accessible to the communities they serve and called for greater transparency around municipal decisions and budgets.",
  "summary": "Yongama Zigebe outlines his priorities as UDM chairperson, focusing on governance, ethical leadership, and community connections.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}