Bantu Holomisa facts for kids
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 |
Bantubonke Harrington Holomisa (born 25 July 1955) is a well-known South African politician. He is currently a Member of Parliament (MP) and the president of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) political party. He also serves as the Deputy Minister of Defence.
Holomisa was born in Mqanduli, a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He joined the Transkei Defence Force in 1976. By 1985, he had become a brigadier, which is a high rank in the military.
In December 1987, Holomisa became the head of government of Transkei. Transkei was a self-governing territory in South Africa at the time. He held this position until 1994, when Transkei became part of the "new" democratic South Africa. After this, Holomisa joined the African National Congress (ANC).
National Politics
In 1994, 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. This was a big role in the new government led by Nelson Mandela.
Leaving the ANC
Holomisa spoke to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This commission looked into past wrongs during the time of apartheid. Holomisa suggested that Stella Sigcau, a former prime minister of Transkei, should be investigated. He claimed she was involved in accepting money from a hotel and casino owner named Sol Kerzner.
The ANC, however, said Holomisa was causing problems for the party. Holomisa then also claimed that the ANC had received money from Kerzner. Because of these disagreements, the ANC removed Holomisa from the party on 30 September 1996.
Starting the UDM
After leaving the ANC, Holomisa helped start a new political party called the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in 1997. He co-founded it 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 spoken out against former President Jacob Zuma. They supported votes to remove him from office several times, including on 8 August 2017.
Personal Life
Bantu Holomisa is a big fan of South African football. He supports the famous football club Kaizer Chiefs. He even shared his love for the team in an interview in 2015.
See also
In Spanish: Bantu Holomisa para niños
