UIM President Neil de Beer passes away at 56
Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), passed away from cancer on Saturday at the age of 56.
De Beer, born in October 1968, was widely recognised and hailed as a “powerful voice for change” and an “irrepressible political commentator”.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed sadness at his passing, with Leader John Steenhuisen MP extending deepest condolences to the United Independent Movement and de Beer’s loved ones.
BizNews also shared its mourning for its “most irrepressible political commentator”.
De Beer had reportedly felt dreadfully ill and in excruciating pain towards the end, even continuing his work on the BizNews Sunday Show despite his declining health.
De Beer leaves behind a legacy marked by contributions across South Africa’s political and security landscapes.
Political leadership and activism
He served as the President and Leader of the United Independent Movement (UIM) since its registration as a political party on 2 August 2021. He founded the UIM in 2020 as a civil society movement to educate South Africans on their right to elect independent candidates.
De Beer was also involved in bringing about the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa. In August 2023, he signed a pre-election agreement as part of this Charter, committing to prioritise the needs of South Africans.
He was previously a member of the African National Congress (ANC) for 32 years, serving in various roles, including as a military commander and intelligence operative. He resigned in October 2020, citing disillusionment and stating the ANC was no longer recognisable.
Additionally, De Beer held the prestigious position of a former national security adviser to President Nelson Mandela. In 1988, he defected from the state security police to join the ANC’s armed wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), where he served as an intelligence operative.
De Beer co-hosted the popular Sunday Show with Chris Steyn on BizNews for almost two years. He was renowned for his willingness to “Speak Truth to Power” week after week, despite receiving threats to his life.
Known for his “uncompromising and often confrontational style”, he was a sharp critic of South African politics, ANC leadership, and issues such as corruption and unemployment, often targeting figures like Julius Malema, Fikile Mbalula, and Cyril Ramaphosa.
IOL