BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE- Former Eswatini senator Princess Ndileka Dalindyebo Dlamini is among high-profile members of South Africa’s royal houses recruited by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) as the party seeks to strengthen its position in the Eastern Cape.
Dlamini, a member of the AbaThembu royal house, is expected to be formally welcomed into the UDM at a gathering in Mthatha on September 12, alongside other new members.
The development was reported by The Citizen, which said the UDM had secured recruits from the Amampondo and AbaThembu royal houses. UDM president Bantu Holomisa described the recruitment drive as a “homecoming” for the party.
Dlamini is the daughter of the late AbaThembu King Sabata Dalindyebo and sister of the current Thembu monarch, King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
Her connection to Eswatini stems from her previous service in the Kingdom’s Senate. A 2009 report by international press freedom organisation IFEX identified her as Senator Ndileka Dlamini and reported on a confrontation between her and then Senate President Gelane Zwane.
South African reports have also previously described Dlamini-Dalindyebo as being married to a Liswati, providing a further personal connection between the AbaThembu royal family and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Her former position as an Eswatini senator has now been highlighted by Holomisa as part of her leadership credentials as she moves into South African party politics.
“Her decision to join the UDM reflects growing confidence in the UDM and its commitment to ethical leadership and accountable governance,” Holomisa said, according to The Citizen.
Dlamini’s recruitment comes alongside that of Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase of the Amampondo royal house at Nyandeni, who has joined the UDM and volunteered to campaign for the party in the Eastern Cape.
The UDM believes the involvement of the royal figures could strengthen its campaign, particularly in Mthatha and KuGompo, formerly East London.
Holomisa described Ndamase as a “regional big fish”, pointing to his background in political activism, government, rural development and communications. Ndamase previously served in the ANC Youth League, chaired the Eastern Cape Youth Commission and held government communication positions.
The UDM has identified the Eastern Cape as a key growth area as it prepares for the 2026 local government elections and seeks to take advantage of what it regards as weakening support for the ANC in parts of the province.
Holomisa said the party was “returning to its roots with renewed energy, new leadership and a clear mission”.
Dlamini is expected to be officially welcomed at the September 12 UDM gathering in Mthatha, where the party is also expected to announce its mayoral candidate for the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
Her involvement gives the UDM’s Eastern Cape campaign an Eswatini link through her previous parliamentary service in the Kingdom and her reported marriage to a Swazi, while she remains a member of the AbaThembu royal house.
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(Courtesy Pic)
