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A powerful voice has been silenced in death; a voice of what the Democratic Alliance (DA) says was a relentless energy. Neil de Beer (56) lost his battle against cancer on 30 August 2025, to which the DA has since extended its condolences to his loved ones.
The Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) Mr John Steenhuisen says South Africa has lost a powerful voice in Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM). Steenhuisen says with his uncompromising and often confrontational style, he upset many, but he also spoke for many.
“His convictions and fearless personality made him a force to be reckoned with and a valuable partner to the Multi-Party Charter. For his role in bringing the Charter about, the DA will remember him fondly.
Our condolences and prayers go out to his loved ones. In life, he was a man of restless energy. May he now find eternal rest,” said the DA Leader.
De Beer, who was the former security adviser of the first black president of a democratic South Africa, Nelson Mandela; in his later years, left the African National Congress (ANC) in 2020 believing that the liberation party has lost its cause then. He moved on to form the United Independent Movement registered as a political party and later in 2024 joined the Multi-Party Charter ahead of the provincial and national general elections of 2024. He became its president of UIM until his death.
