Media release by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP and UDM Deputy President On Labour Day, 1 May 2018, we all dwell on the plight of the working South African and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) unequivocally supports our workforce. South Africa’s painful history, with the exploitation of black South Africans, has left a scar on the psyche of our workforce and the poor. Today the formerly oppressed, comprising the biggest section of our workforce, as [...]
Speaking Notes for Mr B Holomisa, MP and UDM President at a Public Community Meeting on the Expropriation of Land without Compensation: a National Assembly Resolution • Chairperson • Traditional, religious and community leaders • Leaders of the UDM and our public representatives • Ladies and gentlemen 1. Welcome Thank you for accepting my invitation to this meeting. Today we will consider an issue of national importance i.e. the debate around the expropriation of [...]
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) makes an urgent call on government to refer the proposed changes to the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, as well as the introduction of the National Minimum Wages Bill, back to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). These proposed changes are tantamount to rolling back progress made thus far in terms of the rights of the working class. From the thunderous outcry [...]
NMF's 4th anniversary of the passing of Madiba (Houghton) • Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, • Mrs Graça Machel and Members of the Mandela Family, • Honoured Guests, • Ladies and Gentlemen. 1. Meeting Nelson Mandela When Madiba passed away, four years ago, a great sense of loss filled the Nation and a resounding note of sadness reverberated across the Globe. Today we remember his departure, reflect [...]
Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba’s maiden Medium-Term Budget Policy speech was unimpressive. In fact, it seemed a mere rehash of his predecessors’ old proposals. He was so non-committal, that there is very little hope that we will soon see agencies rate South Africa higher than ‘junk status’. The reaction of the Rand, to his speech, might be a sign of worse things to come. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes [...]
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR NQABAYOMZI KWANKWA – UDM DEPUTY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF WHIP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the good news of South Africa’s exit from the recession. The poorest of the poor need a better performing economy to take them out of poverty, unemployment and inequality. We hope, corruption which compounds these triple challenges, will also be defeated and buried with urgency, so that this improved economic performance benefits the people; not the [...]
Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa – UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disturbed by the reports of alleged political intolerance in Lesotho. In this regard, we call on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through its facilitator, the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene with speed, and ensure political stability. We must do everything possible, and within our powers, to avert political instability that may result to loss [...]
If it was not for the serious implications of the ruling party deployment agency; one might be tempted to laugh at the situation around the reinstatement of Mr Brian Molefe as the Eskom Chief Executive (CE). Exasperated opinions by, or on, Mr Molefe, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Browne, the ruling party and the Eskom Board falls from the sky like hail stones on a tin roof. According to the ruling party, Mr Molefe’s reinstatement “…is [...]
Dear Mr Nqakula REQUEST FOR URGENT MEETING: JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE The above matter refers. In my capacity as a member of the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, I request that you convene an urgent meeting of the Committee to consider the widely reported and circulated ‘Intelligence Report’ [the Report] that purportedly has been the central reason for the change of leadership in the National Treasury. In order for the Committee to be [...]
Honourable Speaker and Honourable members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) supports the 2017 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal and the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance. We appreciate that the Minister, as always, tried his best, notwithstanding the difficult circumstances occasioned by the bold call from the President for a budget that responds to the Radical Socio-Economic Transformation path as adopted by government. This was a very difficult expectation given the hard fact of [...]
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the findings of the Competition Commission regarding 17 major banks operating in South Africa accused of price fixing in international markets and manipulating the South African currency. The Competition Commission has been courageous in its fight against corruption, especially the private sector. Most of its findings have withstood scrutiny and we therefore believe that in this instance it has also done its work with precision. Once this is confirmed [...]
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is appalled to learn that President Zuma is considering establishing a judicial inquiry into the closure of the bank accounts of the Guptas’ Oakbay Investments. The President confirmed this after being asked the following straight-forward question during the oral question session in Parliament on 23 November 2016: “Mr. President, on the 2nd September 2016, you told the nation that the statement made by Minister Zwane was not representing presidency, cabinet [...]
The United Democratic Movement has noted that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has been issued with a formal summons to appear in court in relation to the South African Revenue Services “rogue unit”. While we believe that no-one is above the law, this matter must be handled with the utmost care so that it does not have an adverse effect on the South African economy. We already heard that the rand tanked with 2.93% within minutes [...]
Media Statement by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP This afternoon the President had an opportunity to take the country into his confidence and either confirm or deny the revelations made by the Deputy Minister of Finance, yesterday. Alas, he chose utter arrogance and maximum denialism in defense of his travelers, the Guptas family and his own. His attitude in dealing with this issues of national importance, confirms that once again, he has neglected the country [...]
Media statement by UDM President Bantu Holomisa MP United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the shocking confirmations made the Deputy Minister of Finance Mr. Mcebisi Jonas this afternoon. His bold decision demonstrate his commitment to his oath of office and confirms that at least within the ruling party there are some who puts South Africa and its citizens first. This behaviour by the Gupta family can only be best described as treason. Unfortunately, they have not [...]
Statement issued by UDM President – MP, Bantu Holomisa The furore on the Tax Laws Amendment Act and Tax Administration requires an action by all contributors. This is more urgent given that the Public Investment Corporation Fund is now targeted as the next stop for huge transactions to the ruling party and its big business friends. UDM calls for a National Pension Fund Forum which will amongst others, consider the following: • Monitoring of all [...]
