Meet Bantu Holomisa, Wife, Political Career, Education, And Appointments

Bantu Holomisa is a well-known South African politician, former military leader and the long-serving president of the United Democratic Movement (UDM). He currently serves as a Member of Parliament and, since July 2024, as Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans in the Government of National Unity.

Bantubonke Harrington Holomisa was born on 25 July 1955 in Mqanduli, in the former Transkei (now part of the Eastern Cape). He is the son of Chief Bazindlovu Holomisa, who served in the Transkei Legislative Assembly.  

He attended Upper Ngqungqu Primary School in Mqanduli and later Jongilizwe College in Tsolo, a school for the sons of chiefs and headmen, where he matriculated in 1975. The college also provided training in leadership, public administration and related subjects.

Holomisa joined the Transkei Defence Force in 1976 and was commissioned as an officer in 1978. He was one of the first Black officers to complete a senior staff and management course at the South African Army College in Pretoria.  

By 1987 he had risen to Commander of the Transkei Defence Force. In October 1987 he forced the resignation of Prime Minister George Matanzima, and in December of the same year he ousted Stella Sigcau in a bloodless takeover. He then became Chairman of the Transkei Military Council and head of government, a position he held until the reintegration of Transkei into South Africa in 1994.  

During his time in power he unbanned more than 30 organisations that had previously been prohibited and maintained working relations with liberation movements. He also took part in the CODESA negotiations that prepared the way for the 1994 democratic elections.

After 1994 Holomisa joined the African National Congress and was elected to its National Executive Committee with a high number of votes. He served as Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism in Nelson Mandela’s Government of National Unity.  

In 1996 he was expelled from the ANC after testifying before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission about certain activities in the Transkei and refusing to withdraw his statements. In 1997 he co-founded the United Democratic Movement with Roelf Meyer. He has remained UDM president ever since and has been a Member of Parliament for the party for many years.  

In the 2024 elections he was again elected to Parliament and was appointed Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.

Holomisa is married to Thunyelwa Holomisa. The couple have two adult children. One of their sons is named Mandla Holomisa. He generally keeps his family life private.

Bantu Holomisa remains one of the more independent and outspoken figures in South African politics, known for his military background, long leadership of the UDM, and consistent presence in national debates.

https://udm.org.za/bantu-holomisa-resume  

https://sahistory.org.za/people/bantu-holomisa  

https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/defence-and-military-veterans-1-deputy-ministry/bantubonke-bantu  

https://www.pa.org.za/person/bantubonke-harrington-holomisa/