™ƒ• ‘‹ƒ–‡† „› ͻͲ ’‡” …‡– ‘ˆ „”ƒ…Š‡•

MBABANE – PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya says he has been nominated by over 90 per cent of the party’s branches to continue leading it.

The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) president said this in an interview with this publication, ahead of the party’s 10th Congress, set to commence today in South Africa.

This year’s PUDEMO congress is themed ‘Consolidate, defend and advance the decade of liberation towards a people’s victory’.

The congress was supposed to be held last year but was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. PUDEMO Secretary General (SG) Wandile Dludlu has assured the members that this year’s congress would continue.

Makhanya, who is currently the party president, will be contesting to retain his position, while PUDEMO’s founding member Mandla Hlatshwayo is also running for the same position.

Makhanya has been holding the president position since 2018.

He said he had humbly accepted the request and availed himself for the responsibility.

Upcoming

“It is now up to the delegates at the upcoming congress to decide,” said Makhanya.

He said serving as a leader (irrespective of the position) in PUDEMO was a great privilege and responsibility. He said for him, it had always been a labour of love.

“I literally grew up in this movement and had the rare privilege of knowing all its leaders.

So, I am not one that could be easily intimidated by throwing credentials,” he said.

Makhanya said he was definitely ready to continue the path that they took as a generation; that of ‘ensuring emaSwati attained their liberation in their lifetime’.

He said this was a generational mission they would never betray.

When asked if his lack of visibility on the ground would not affect the progress of his organisation, Makhanya said he may not be as visible on the ground, as he would like to be, but would continue to ensure that activities and programmes continued on the ground.

“I don’t think that our people are interested in seeing faces of leaders; they are concerned about feeling their impact. That is what gives our people assurances and comfort,” he said.