{
  "id": 4797129,
  "title": "Royal recruits give UDM major boost in Eastern Cape",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/royal-recruits-give-udm-major-boost-in-eastern-cape",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T05:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/royal-recruits-give-udm-major-boost-in-eastern-cape/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has bolstered its ranks with influential recruits from the Amampondo and AbaThembu royal houses, a move hailed by the party's president, Bantu Holomisa, as a \"homecoming.\" Holomisa emphasized that the UDM is returning to its roots with renewed vigor, fresh leadership, and a clear purpose, stating, \"We are coming home to rebuild.\" The first high-profile recruit was Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase of the Amampondo royal house in Nyandeni, who pledged to actively campaign for the party in the Eastern Cape. Princess Ndileka Dalindyebo Dlamini, daughter of the late King Sabata Dalindyebo and sister to the current Thembu monarch, Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, is set to be officially welcomed into the UDM in Mthatha on September 12th, along with several other new members. These royal endorsements bolster the UDM's efforts in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Mthatha and KuGompo (formerly East London), where Holomisa's deputy, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, has been appointed as the party's mayoral candidate. Both Holomisa and Kwankwa are from the province, and the UDM has identified this region as a key growth area amid the weakening support base of the ANC. Holomisa welcomed Ndamase, describing him as a \"regional big fish\" with extensive experience in political activism, government, and rural development. Ndamase previously served in the ANC Youth League, chaired the Eastern Cape Youth Commission, and worked as a spokesperson for the ANC at national and provincial levels. Holomisa praised Ndamase's background in political activism, government, and rural development, highlighting his valuable contributions to the UDM. Additionally, Holomisa commended Princess Dlamini's leadership credentials, noting her service as a senator in Eswatini and her decision to join the UDM as a reflection of growing confidence in the party's commitment to ethical leadership and accountable governance. Dlamini will be officially welcomed into the UDM at a gathering in Mthatha on September 12th, where the party will also announce her as their mayoral candidate for the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality.",
  "summary": "UDM secured high-profile recruits from Amampondo and AbaThembu royal houses as Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase volunteered.",
  "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."
}