The United Africans Transformation (UAT) is a minor political party in South Africa.[1] It was founded in November 2022 by a group of individuals who broke away from the African National Congress (ANC).[2] The UATP is centered around Africanism, pan-Africanism, and socialism.[1][2] On 30 June 2024 president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the UAT joined the government of national unity (GNU), having signed the GNU statement of intent.[3][4] On 12 July 2024 the UAT withdrew from the GNU after it did not receive any positions in the Cabinet.[5]
United Africans Transformation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President | Wonder Mahlatsi |
| Founded | November 2022 |
| Split from | ANC |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Left-wing |
| National affiliation | Progressive Caucus |
| National Assembly seats | 1 / 400 |
| Provincial Legislatures | 1 / 487 |
| Website | |
| www | |
History
editFormation
editThe party was founded by Wonder Mahlatsi, a former African National Congress (ANC) member and businessman. The party was launched in November 2022, in Johannesburg, Gauteng province.[6][7] The UATP has been criticized for its lack of clear policies and its perceived opportunism in breaking away from the ANC. Some have also questioned the leadership style and the party's lack of transparency in its finances and decision-making processes.[1][2]
Participation in Government of National Unity
editIn June 2024, president Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the UAT had joined the Government of National Unity (GNU),[3] which was formed in the wake of the ANC losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years.[8] The GNU aimed to include various political parties to ensure stable government where no party had an absolute majority.[9]
In July 2024, Mahlatsi remarked, "it took us by surprise to hear the President of the Republic announcing that the UAT is part of GNU," implying that formalities for it joining the GNU had not been concluded by the time the president announced that it had joined.[10]
In the same statement, Mahlatsi announced the UAT's withdrawal from the GNU due to allegations of exclusion from critical decision-making processes and bad faith negotiations, after it did not get any ministerial posts or chairperson positions in parliamentary committee portfolios. He expressed disappointment with the ANC, emphasizing the need for fair and inclusive coalition governance.[10]
Current structure and composition
editThe UATP has a central committee led by Mahlatsi as the president, with a secretary-general and other office bearers. The party has a small presence in a few provinces, with most of its support coming from the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The UATP has not articulated a clear foreign policy but has expressed support for African unity and solidarity with other African nations.[1] The UATP's ideology is centered around Africanism, pan-Africanism, and socialism. Its policies focus on economic empowerment, land reform, and social justice.[11][12][13]
Election results
editThe UATP has contested local government elections in 2019 and national elections in 2024. In the 2024 General Election, the party won 1 seat in the National Assembly and 1 seat in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature.[1][2]
National Assembly elections
edit| Election | Party leader | Total votes | Share of vote | Seats | +/– | Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Wonder Mahlatsi | 35,679 | 0.22%[a] | 1 / 400
|
New | Opposition |
- ^ From 2024, seats in the National Assembly are determined by a combination of the national ballot, and the nine regional ballots. Only the national ballot figures are shown here.
National Council of Provinces
edit| Election | Total # of seats won |
+/– | Government |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Provincial elections
edit| Election[14] | Eastern Cape | Free State | Gauteng | Kwazulu-Natal | Limpopo | Mpumalanga | North-West | Northern Cape | Western Cape | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | Seats | % | Seats | % | Seats | % | Seats | % | Seats | % | Seats | % | Seats | % | Seats | % | Seats | |
| 2024 | 0.17 | 0/30 | 0.23 | 1/80 | 0.82 | 1/64 | 0.48 | 0/51 | 0.54 | 0/38 | ||||||||
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "'We are the new political home for all South Africans' – fledgling political party UAT says service delivery is its apex priority". 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d Dube, Aaron. "This party wants to unite Africans". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ a b "Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the appointment of members of the national executive". 30 June 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ "President Ramaphosa Announces South African New Government: GNU, A Historic Unity of 11 Parties!". YouTube. 30 June 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Ludidi, Velani. "United Africans Transformation withdraws from GNU after not getting positions". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ^ "Election manifesto resonates with our needs, aspirations: Supporters - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader". 2024-05-19. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ leratoserero (2024-02-22). "UAT promises service delivery". Sedibeng Ster. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ "All about Friday's deadline for South Africa to form a coalition and elect a president". Africanews. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ "South African parties form unity government as presidential deadline looms". Africanews. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b "UAT withdraws from GNU after not getting positions". Daily Maverick. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ "UAT promises land expropriation without compensation - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader". 2024-05-12. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo. "Tau roars with new political party". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/stares-as-faithful-members-of-the-united-africans-transformation-picket-outside-palm-ridge-court-7b67f766-1975-4923-889d-9493aa907e4f
- ^ "NPE Results Dashboard 2024". results.elections.org.za. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
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