The matter between the United Christian Democratic party and the former leader of the party is water below the bridge. All that remains is for the party to up its gear in preparing for stability and preparing for the 2014 General Elections.

There are some elements who, out of curiosity and blind loyalty, took it upon themselves to support Lucas Mangope with hopes that he would win the case and then they would slither into positions without due democratic processes. They had even gone against the grain of democracy by unilaterally declaring and calling him, “Leader for Life”, something unthinkable and unpardonable in a democracy, let alone a party that call itself democratic. In a democracy elections have to be held regularly.

With the party and the new leadership having been vindicated by the court that, effectively Mangope’s purported leadership of the UCDP ended in 2000 when he, contrary to the constitution of the party did not stand for election.

Some among the members of the party sympathised with him when his arbitrary and undemocratic ways of doing things were challenged. There are those whom he had unilaterally assigned to occupy seats in the legislature and parliament without following the due process of removing those who were elected to those legislatures.

It is up to Mangope to challenge the court in the best possible and legal way, while it is also in the interests of the other people who had gone on a wild cat strike against the party and the democratically elected leadership to find their way back to the party after their three year self imposed exile or stay away.

In keeping with the constitution of the party, membership is renewed annually. Anyone who has been away from the party for a period longer than a year may not and should not imagine themselves as members without consulting with their branches, regions and the province.

In the three years under the new leadership the party has seen unprecedented growth beyond the North West province. The party has also been revitalised to operate like the united democratic institution it is supposed to be.

We are cognisant of the fact that political parties are voluntary organisations, we are ready to talk to anyone who shows interest to join us as has been the case taking into account the growth registered up to so far. The party is home for all South Africans and we are proud that thus far, unlike three years ago, the party has members of all hues.

The UCDP is currently busy with the audit of its membership. Those in doubt about their status should get in touch with their branches, regions or even head office to ascertain the extent to which they are in good and regular standing.

It is unfortunate that some, among those who hoped to ascend to the leadership of the party illegitimately, are at pains to mislead people by saying the UCDP has ceased to be. They will be in a shock of their lives as the party is stronger than ever and is in a mean mood for the forthcoming elections.

We make a call to all interested in unity and democracy, where there are no clandestine meetings to resolve and address issues of the party, to get in touch with their branch or regional leaders to catch the fast moving UCDP train while it is stationery waiting for passengers to board otherwise they may miss it.

Sent by: Sipho Mfundisi

President: UCDP