Bantu Holomisa facts for kids
Bantubonke Harrington Holomisa, born on 25 July 1955, is a well-known South African politician. He is currently a member of parliament and leads the United Democratic Movement (UDM). He also serves as the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. Holomisa was born in Mqanduli, a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Quick facts for kids
Bantu Holomisa
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Holomisa delivering a speech in Khutsong, Gauteng in 2019
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| Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans | |
| Assumed office 30 June 2024 Serving with Richard Mkhungo
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| President | Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Minister | Angie Motshekga |
| Preceded by | Thabang Makwetla |
| President of the United Democratic Movement | |
| Assumed office 27 September 1997 |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa | |
| In office 1994–1996 |
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| President | Nelson Mandela |
| Minister | Dawie de Villiers |
| Member of the National Assembly of South Africa | |
| Assumed office since 1994 |
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| 4th Head of Government of Transkei Chairman of the Military Council and of the Council of Ministers |
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| In office 30 December 1987 – 26 April 1994 |
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| President | Tutor Ndamase |
| Preceded by | Stella Sigcau (as prime minister) |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Bantubonke Harrington Holomisa
25 July 1955 Mqanduli, South Africa |
| Political party | United Democratic Movement (1997–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
African National Congress (1994–1996) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Republic of Transkei |
| Branch/service | Transkei Defence Force |
| Years of service | 1976–1994 |
| Rank | Major General Brigadier (1985) |
| Unit | 141 Battalion |
| Commands | South African Defence Force |
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Bantu Holomisa joined the Transkei Defence Force in 1976. He quickly rose through the ranks. By 1985, he had become a brigadier.
Leading Transkei
In October 1987, Holomisa played a key role in the change of leadership in Transkei. He then took over as the head of government for Transkei in December 1987. This change was peaceful. He led Transkei until 1994. At that time, Transkei became part of the "new" South Africa. Holomisa then joined the African National Congress (ANC).
National Politics
In 1994, Bantu Holomisa was chosen to be part of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress. He also became the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism for South Africa.
Leaving the ANC
Holomisa spoke to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He suggested that a former minister, Stella Sigcau, should be looked into for possible wrongdoing. Holomisa said that Sigcau had accepted money when she was a minister in the Transkei government.
The ANC, however, felt that Holomisa was causing problems for the party. Holomisa then said that the ANC had also received money from the same person. Because of these disagreements, the ANC decided to remove Holomisa from the party on 30 September 1996.
Starting the UDM
After leaving the ANC, Holomisa helped start a new political party. This party was called the United Democratic Movement (UDM). He co-founded it in 1997 with John Taylor and Roelf Meyer. In 1999, he was elected to parliament as a member of the UDM.
Holomisa and the UDM have often supported calls for changes in leadership. For example, they supported a motion to remove President Jacob Zuma several times, including on 8 August 2017.
Personal Life
Bantu Holomisa is a big fan of South African football. He supports the football club Kaizer Chiefs. He shared his love for the team in an interview in 2015.
See also
In Spanish: Bantu Holomisa para niños
