Admin
09 Jan, 2018
State Capture Inquiry should look into R350m Hlano deal to ascertain ANC & Zonkizizwe involvement
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo Private Bag X1 Constitution Hill Braamfontein 2017 Dear Sir STATE CAPTURE INQUIRY: INVESTIGATION NEEDED INTO AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS AND ZONKIZIZWE INVESTMENTS’ INVOLVEMENT IN GAUTENG ROU HOUSING LOAN PORTFOLIO DEAL BETWEEN HLANO FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS To provide context, we refer you to a 2016 agreement between Hlano Financial Services, Nimble Collection Services and the Department of Human Settlements regarding the resolution of Hlano Financial Services’ ROU housing loan portfolio – see attached. We in particular refer you to a November 2015 collection mandate between Hlano Financial Services, and Nimble Collection Services and NMI Housing Solutions in respect of the Gauteng ROU housing loan portfolio. We point you to a “bulk settlement” of R350 million, specified on page 6 of the document, which government was requested to consider and approve as the aggregate outstanding balance of R443 million in respect of 5,159 properties located in the Gauteng region over which Hlano held mortgage bonds. On a Zonkizizwe invoice, dated 16 August 2018, (attached) African National Congress (ANC) Treasurer General Paul Mashatile, was invoiced for “consultancy services” rendered in terms of “collection of Hlano Financial Services; Gauteng Housing Loan Portfolio at 3% of R350,000,000.00”. It is clear that something untoward is going on here. The origins of Zonkizizwe Investments are common knowledge and like with former ANC Treasurer General Dr Zweli Mkhize’s involvement in the Afric Oil/Public Investment Corporation loan mess, it seems as if the incumbent ANC Treasurer General is also involved in odd transactions involving the ANC, Zonkizizwe Investments and government. I further draw your attention to a letter dated 22 March 2017, regarding a further 2016/2017 budget adjustment request, from the national department of human settlements to its Gauteng counterpart which lists an approved amount of R200 million for “Hlano Financial Services”. What is the connection between this R200 million-item to the aforementioned R350 million? What was the money used for and, if it relates to the same deal, where did the balance of R150 million go? Perhaps Zonkizizwe’s management and Mr Mashatile should be made to explain if they had any involvement in this? Given the above information, it is clear that there might be some elements of state capture in this deal and the United Democratic Movement humbly requests that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture also investigates this matter. Lastly Sir, even if claims were to be made that any or all pertinent documents were lost in last year’s fatal fire that destroyed Gauteng Health, Human Settlements and Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs’ office building, it would be easy enough to have a look at the bank statements to see how much money were paid into whose bank accounts. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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30 Dec, 2018
UDM’s New Year’s message
In 2018 South Africa saw the pressure exerted by opposition parties, over the past three years, culminating in the resignation of a self-serving and negligent president. Our unwavering insistence led to commissions of inquiry being instituted to start rooting out the cancer of institutional corruption in government. Notwithstanding the ruling party’s leadership moving in the right direction, there is an unwillingness to have the perpetrators of corruption arrested. Its so-called self-correcting nature has proven to be a castle in the air. This coming year is therefore an opportunity for voters to consider whether they want to put their trust in a party that places unbridled looting of resources before the people of South Africa. We wish all who live in this country a blessed New Year. Let’s declare 2019 a year of action to fix the problems that embarrassed South Africa and its people in recent years. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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28 Dec, 2018
Clifton Beach incident
The City of Cape Town (CoCT) needs to account for what happened in Clifton beach on Sunday, 23 December 2018, when a paramilitary private security company, Professional Protective Alternatives (PPA) acted unlawfully by asking holiday makers to leave the beach after eight in the evening. Whatever their reasoning, short of an emergency situation, this was a clear contravention of the National Enviromental Management: Integrated Costal Management (ICM) Act 36 of 2014. From media reports and contradicting statements of the CoCT and PPA it is obvious that the company was acting on tacit agreement with the city’s security arrangements. The CoCT is denying this yet we’ve not seen it institute criminal charges against the company. The Camps Bay Ratepayer Association who’ve been alleged to be the ones paying PPA have also distanced themselves from its actions. It stands to reason that the CoCT would have then laid criminal charges against PPA if they were not in cahoots with them. If the company acted with any form of arrangement with the CoCT, then the city must explain under which laws the arrangement was made. We urge the relevant national departments and parliament to prioritise the process of bringing the CoCT to book should it emerge that they acted illegally. We also ask that they be put under scrutiny and sharp review in terms of the municipal by-laws, in particular the CoCT to make sure they’re in line with our constitutional imperatives. Such actions of blocking people’s access to public spaces were always going to produce a vehement outcry from our people in whom the experiences of apartheid are still raw as an open wound. We commend our people, those in Cape Town in particular, for being vigilant in guarding their human rights. Such actions of pure classism and racial profiling by private and public security personnel around the Atlantic Seaboard are common, but should never be tolerated by poor people in particular. Cape Town is notorious for racial incidences during holidays, something that should bring shame to most of us who love this city. On the other hand, we’re glad when the whole world is exposed to extant racism that still abounds within this city. CoCT is probably the worst South African city that still operates with apartheid geography, economic access, mores and sociabilities. Black people, in particular from other cities, towns and provinces, feel as though they’ve travelled on a time scale machine into the eighties when they visit Cape Town. Each year we get promises from authorities to clamp down on the scourge racism. Yet it has become so endemic that it is the very city administrators that are now bringing segregation by the back door. The UDM is a party of all South Africans and with them we stand in the fight against racism and corruption. We urge people of Cape Town in particular to be vigilant about who they vote into power. There are many political parties that are wolves in sheep clothings out there; who’re closet racists that want to bring us back to the dark times of apartheid by the back door.
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12 Dec, 2018
Motion and amended motion on expropriation of land without compensation
The original motion: Draft resolution (Mr JS Malema): That the House — notes that South Africa has a unique history of brutal dispossession of land from black people by the settler colonial white minority; further notes that land dispossession left an indelible mark on the social, political and economic landscape of the country, and has helped design a society based on exploitation of black people and sustenance of white domination; acknowledges that the African majority was only confined to 13% of the land in South Africa while whites owned 87% at the end of the apartheid regime in 1994; further acknowledges that the current land reform programme has been fraught with difficulties since its inception in 1994, and that the pace of land reform has been slow with only 8% of the land transferred back to black people since 1994, and that the recent land audit claims that black people own less than 2% of rural land, and less than 7% of urban land; recognises that at the centre of the present crisis regarding the resolution of the land question is section 25 of the Constitution, the “property clause”, which protects private property rights, and requires of the State to pay compensation when expropriating land in the public interest and for a public purpose further recognises that this property clause makes it practically impossible for those dispossessed of their land to get justice for injustices perpetrated against them; acknowledges that in his State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa made a commitment that government will embark on a radical land reform programme that entails expropriation of land without compensation; further acknowledges that any amendment to the Constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation must go through a parliamentary process as parliament is the only institution that can amend the constitution. establishes an ad hoc committee, in terms of Rule 253 (l)(a), the committee to: – Review and amend section 25 of the Constitution to make it possible for the state to expropriate land in the public interest without compensation; – Conduct public hearings to get the views of ordinary South Africans, policy makers, civil society organisations and academics, about the necessity of, and mechanisms for expropriating land without compensation; – Propose the necessary constitutional amendments with regards to the kind of future land tenure regime needed, and to the necessity of the State being a custodian of all South African land, – consist of 11 members, as follows: ANC 6, DA 2, EFF 1, and other parties 2; – exercise those powers in Rule 167 that may assist it in carrying out its task; and – Report back to the National Assembly by no later than 11 May 2018. The amendment moved by ANC and agreed to by the EFF: Amendments to be moved by the ANC to the motion by Mr J S Malema 1. That paragraph 6 of the motion be amended as follows: “Recognises that the current policy instruments, including the willing buyer willing seller policy, and other provisions of section 25 of the Constitution may be hindering effective land reform.” 2. Delete paragraph 7 of the motion as printed on the Order Paper. 3. Substitute paragraph 8 of the motion with the following: “notes that in his State of the Nation Address , President Cyril Ramaphosa, in recognizing the original sin of land dispossession, made a commitment that Government would continue the land reform programme that entails expropriation of land without compensation, making use of all mechanisms at the disposal of the State, implemented in a manner that increases agricultural production, improves food security and ensures that the land is returned to those from whom it was taken under colonialism and apartheid and undertake a process of consultation to determine the modalities of the governing party resolution.” 4. Amend paragraph 10 as follows: “with the concurrence of the NCOP instructs the Constitutional Review Committee to a. review section 25 of the Constitution and other clauses where necessary b. after the word “amendments” to insert “where applicable” and delete all the words after “needed”. c. delete sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) d. amend the date for reporting to the Assembly to “30 August 2018″.”
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05 Dec, 2018
UDEMWO welcomes appointment of new NDPP boss
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the appointment of Advocate Shamila Batohi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). We strongly believe that her appointment is based on merit, as well as her hard work and dedication she has shown in the justice field. Her track record speaks for itself. The NDPP desperately needed a person of such calibre to head the unit and we hope that Advocate Batohi will do well in the duty conferred to her. We are very pleased that, for a change, a woman has been appointed into a high position. This position comes with great responsibility and needs a disciplined person at the helm. We hope that she will perform her duties to the best of her abilities. Her acceptance speech restored our hope. Women have lost faith in the justice system, because when it comes to women and children abuse and other crimes against women, it favours the perpetrator and not the victim. We hope that Advocate Batohi’s appointment will restore our faith that women and children’s rights will no longer be trampled on. We wish Advocate Batohi all the best once she has taken over the NDPP reins in February. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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05 Dec, 2018
Sexual abuse of children living with disability
As the world this week marked the international day for persons living with disabilities, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is extremely worried about the continued abuse of children living with disabilities in special schools across the country. The recent revelations, of sexual abuse of children living with disabilities, made by SABC 1 current affairs programme, Cutting Edge, send chills down the spine. The programme showed that child abuse should in fact be a matter of national concern; in particular where it concerns children living with disabilities. It is sickening that those in positions of trust are the main culprits in sexually abusing these most vulnerable children. Teachers are the very people who are supposed to protect them. Teachers who rape and abuse children living with disabilities are no longer educators, but are monsters who prey on innocent lives. It is clear that the system is failing our children and we cannot fold arms whilst they are suffering. What are the concerned government departments doing about this egregious abuse of children’s rights? One solution to this disturbing problem is that special schools should be regularly inspected to ensure that our children are safe, healthy and flourishing. We regrettably live in a society where persons living with disabilities are treated as if they are something less than human and the stigma attached to persons living with disabilities crushes their lives. Efforts to educate the nation about people living with disabilities should be intensified. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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04 Dec, 2018
GEPF’s R7,4 billion write-offs are shocking
The United Democratic Movement noted with disbelief, the Government Employees Pension Fund’s (GEPF) write-offs amounting to R7,4 billion for the 2017/2018 financial year. These write-offs are of direct consequence of some of the Public Investment Corporation’s (PIC) most controversial deals such as investments in Steinhoff/Lancaster 101, as well as with companies controlled by Iqbal Surve. All of which happened under the management of former PIC boss, Dr Dan Matjila. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Why were these PIC investments given the green light? Why was the GEPF board allowed to make these write-offs? Why was there a delay in appointing the PIC commission of inquiry? Has anything been swept under the carpet? Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni and his deputy, Mondli Gungubele has much to explain. The Mpati Commission of Inquiry must get to the bottom of this mess; sooner rather than later. It should, in particular, look at these transactions that led to the write-offs. The PIC board and Dan Matjila should not get away with this immoral and egregious abuse of people’s retirement money. Merely resigning from a position cannot be the end of the road, if corruption is proved, the guilty must go to jail. The state pensioners, whose moneys are invested at the PIC, have a right to be very worried about how the GEPF and PIC boards are handling their funds, because the powers that be has cast them to the wolves. In the meantime, the disciplinary action taken against any PIC staff members should be immediately suspended pending the outcome of the work to be done by the Mpati Commission. For further comment: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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03 Dec, 2018
Mendi Msimang: Rest in peace our struggle hero
A tribute by Mr Bantu Holomisa The nation is mourning the painful death of yet another son of the soil, uTata Mendi Msimang. He was cut from the same cloth as the founding president of our democracy, Tata Madiba and of the same generation of people like the great Tata Walter Sisulu. Ntate Msimang distinguished himself in the fight for a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and a prosperous South Africa. He remained true to that vision up until his death. He represented our country par excellence when he served as an envoy in London between 1995 and 1998. In his honour, we must work harder to improve the lives of the people of South Africa. We must ensure that the land is returned to the people and used to ensure inclusive economic growth and development. We must make schools work and become safer places to teach and learn. We must eradicate informal settlements and improve on the quality of basic health services. We must deepen the battle against the abuse of women and children, and we must ensure that all citizens enjoy their freedoms as equals. Only once we have achieved this, can we seek to adequately honour his memory and legacy. As the United Democratic Movement, we say: Ulale kakuhle Tata. I will personally miss you and pass our condolences to the entire Msimang family. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay respect to the African National Congress as his lifelong political home. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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30 Nov, 2018
Aids Day 2018: a message to South Africans
As South Africa and the world mark another Aids Day tomorrow, it is comforting to know that many lives have been saved through access to antiretroviral treatment. It is however heart-wrenching that the number of people infected has escalated from 4,25 million in 2002 to 7,52 million in 2018. In as much as we have seen the decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2007 and 2018 of more than 160 000, the number of infected individuals is extremely worrisome. It is clear that there is still a long way to go to eradicate HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the country, especially in rural and afar villages, many still have difficulties in accessing ARVs and it is incumbent on government to ease access to lifesaving drugs. Government must intensify its awareness campaigns as vulnerable South Africans, especially poor women and children, still bear the brunt of this scourge. We each have a responsibility to let our actions count. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore continues its call, to young and old, to protect themselves and those they love. Know your and your partner’s HIV status, be faithful, condomise and take your medication as required. It is each and everyone’s dream to see South Africa and the world beating this pandemic and the UDM encourages all South Africans to care about this serious issue and to change their behaviour. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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28 Nov, 2018
Holomisa at the 5th RENAPRI stakeholder conference: speaking notes on Unlocking the economic potential of land through good governance
Speaking Notes by Mr BH Holomisa, (MP) and UDM President 5th RENAPRI STAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE: Unlocking the economic potential of land through good governance 28 – 29 November 2018, Zanzibar, Tanzania • Chairperson • Fellow panellists • Ladies and gentlemen 1. Land itself at the crux of the matter: the South African example As many of you will be aware, we in South Africa are in the middle of a heated national debate on land and the expropriation thereof without compensation. This debate is of course rooted in South Africa’s deeply divisive past; the reverberations of which we still feel today. Twenty-four years into our democracy and the emotions still run high on both sides i.e. those who held the land under colonial rule and the apartheid regime versus those who were deprived of their land sometimes using violence and/or abusing the law. I specifically launch from this point in my argument, precisely because having the conversation around the concepts of “land governance”, “economic transformation” and “agricultural transformation” is moot if one does not address property ownership and land tenure. Because those in South Africa who are debating the issue of land are pulling in opposite directions, it is clear that the matter of land ownership in my country will not be sorted out that easily. My political party, the United Democratic Movement, is of the view that the only way to find a meeting of the minds regarding land issues in South Africa, is for all stakeholders to gather under one roof and to have a constructive debate in order to find long lasting, sustainable solutions that will benefit all. In the end failure to resolve land issues increasingly becomes a barrier to achieving other development objectives, to fight poverty and inequality, and to promote sustainable inclusive growth. It is however true that the discourse on land in its manifestations is not merely about land as a physical item, but it is also about the reconstruction of society, inclusive economic growth and development, social development and power relations. 2. Land tenure and infrastructure development Land tenure and deeds of ownership is a key to giving people access to finance. This means that people are directly empowered to enter the formal finance and banking sector and obtain credit with their property serving as collateral. It is however vital to recognise that gaining access to land for collateral must first be preceded by infrastructure development or upgrading, since the lack or disrepair of infrastructure (especially in rural areas) negatively affects the value of the land. 3. Land tenure and rights under customary law and practice One example we will undoubtedly share, in terms of land tenure on the continent, is that much land is held under customary law and practice where land allocation and use are managed by customary traditions. Much of the agricultural activity in those areas is around subsistence farming, rather than having commercially viable enterprises that have higher productive profit-making farming, which will in turn create jobs and promote economic transformation in rural communities. Therefore, one of the primary concerns of any government should be rural revitalisation. For any individual emerging farmer, or a group of farmers, access to infrastructure and agricultural tools is vital. The creation of the necessary infrastructure will also generate jobs in rural communities and encourage the growth of more employment-creating agricultural-related enterprises. It is easy to see how these kinds of activities will incentivise rural communities to consider commercial farming over subsistence farming. 4. Land tenure; emerging versus commercial farmers In South Africa the disparity between emerging farmers and commercial farmers makes for a situation where the emerging farmer simply cannot compete with large scale farmers. The big farming concerns have easy access to financial resources and the tools of their trade. This will never change if the land tenure question is not addressed comprehensively. 5. Land tenure; the rights of women In particular, customary law and practices severely limit women’s rights to land and property. It has been argued that the agricultural sector in rural communities is underperforming in part because women, who are often a crucial resource in agriculture and the rural economy, face constraints that reduce their productivity. One of those constraints is land which means they tend to have less access to credit and insurance. However, many studies indicate that women would be able to achieve the same yields as men if they had equal access to land, production resources and services. In terms of government’s role in the matter, improving transformation, removing infrastructure constraints, and encouraging rural women’s participation in farmers’ organisations and cooperatives can help. 6. Tenure and government’s role • The sale of suitable state land to encourage local ownership for emerging and small commercial farmers to create jobs will enhance rural revitalisation. • A government must also make use of the opportunity where farmers are willing to sell their land to facilitate access for emerging farmers. • There is also an onus on government to acquire, or assist communities to acquire, land for development and agricultural enterprise. • Government must assist those accessing agricultural land in communal areas to make better productive use of their land. • Any government must have a comprehensive database for land use, planning and the efficient and sustainable use of agricultural resources throughout a country. The intention is to ensure that agricultural and other developments are sustainable and environmentally responsible, as well as ensuring that viable farmer settlement occurs. • Government must also ensure closer cooperation between its various departments involved in agricultural business. 7. Anticipating how the land issue will play out over the next 5 to 10 years I think that it will take longer than the next 5 to 10 years to make any long-term progress in settling the land issue in Sub-Saharan Africa. The wounds of the past are still fresh in many minds and to untangle the web that was spun during colonialism will take time. That said, I don’t think that it’s insurmountable, if enough pressure is brought to bear by communities, agriculturalists, non-profits, governments and conferences of this nature, changes will happen. Thank you
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26 Nov, 2018
Why is Services SETA strike not resolved?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on higher education minister Naledi Pandor and Cosatu to step up to the plate in resolving the Nehawu strike that is dragging on at the Services SETA. As we know there are several reasons for the strike action, including alleged corruption, maladministration and mismanagement by the board. Minister Pandor must take everyone into confidence and explain why there has been no action on her part to resolve this crisis. Or is this lack of action merely because she’s protecting friends and ministers’ wives who sit on the SETAs’ boards. This is an embarrassment and it is the learners who are suffering. Issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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22 Nov, 2018
President Ramaphosa’s “cabinet changes” is a damp squib
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard is of the view that President Ramaphosa’s new dawn is a copy and paste of the old order and thus have abandoned the youth of South Africa with his so-called cabinet change. He has showed the country a lack of conviction by retaining figures such as Nomvula Mokonyane who has shown her incapability as communications minister with the disastrous handling of the public broadcaster. Mokonyane’s shift to environmental affairs, after failing in her previous department, was a move without consideration on the part of the president. We, as the youth of South Africa, should not be surprised if we run out of oxygen under her bungling leadership. Former president Jacob Zuma once said that the ANC is more important than the country and we fear that President Ramaphosa is doing the same. We call on the president to imbibe decisive leadership and lead with the interest of the country first and not that of his party. We as the UDM Youth Vanguard still call on the president to fire minister Bathabile Dlamini from cabinet unless there is some or other cause to keep her in office. The UDM Youth Vanguard does however welcome the merging of the department of communications and postal services under Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. We have seen her in action in her previous portfolio working very hard in bringing ICT to the youth. We wish her all the best and we hope that she will bring stability and offer leadership in this newly merged department with the understanding that it is a very challenging time as the SOEs in this department are faced with many challenges. This move by the president shows that the young people of South Africa cannot trust that the ANC will take us seriously come 2019 and we therefore encourage them to find an alternative and vote for the UDM. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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21 Nov, 2018
UDM on NMU student involved in fatal stabbing
We are shocked at reports of the arrest of a 23-year-old Nelson Mandela University student, Athenkosi Zenani, who allegedly stabbed a man to death in self-defence after two Tanzanian men tried to apparently rob him and his friends. We have noted that he has since been released on bail. We too frequently see our justice system fail and leave those who are the victims of crime to their own devises. It is unfortunate that we live in a society where citizens in a desperate situation defend their lives to the point where they are vulnerable to prosecution. We do not necessarily condone the action of this young man or encourage vigilantism but, if it is true that the aim of the men that accosted them was to murder the student and his friends, it harks back to the “Lion Mama” case. Once the police have established the facts and there is enough evidence that the student might have had no other choice but to act as he did, we hope that the National Prosecuting Authority will do the right thing and drop the charges against him. The United Democratic Movement encourages the police to swiftly get to the bottom of this case so that justice can take its course.
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20 Nov, 2018
UDM Youth Vanguard welcomes change in public service regulations
Our unemployed and despondent young people have become a mere statistic to measure joblessness in South Africa. They have given up and are lining the streets of our communities with their qualifications meaning nothing, because they have no experience. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard therefore welcomes public service and administration minister Ayanda Dlodlo’s decision to change regulations to allow for the recruitment, at all entry-level posts in the public service, without prior experience. This important policy decision gives hope to millions of young people who have qualifications but find themselves jobless due to lack of experience. Although amending the regulations is a step in the right direction, having only changed entry level requirements for the public service is not adequate to absorb young unemployed South Africans into the job market. We call on government to place emphasis on innovation, creation and entrepreneurship as our economy needs young people who will create jobs. We, however, strongly feel that it is important that the government develops plans to ensure that this policy is implemented in a manner that does not compromise the quality of the public service and ensures its professionalisation. It should also not lead to the appointment of governing party loyalists to bring state departments under its control. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
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13 Nov, 2018
UDMYV welcomes Malusi Gigaba’s resignation
Malusi Gigaba’s terms in office has been fraught with scandals, misconduct and abuse of powers. His list of dubious deeds ranging from granting citizenship to the Guptas, the Firebird aviation debacle, sexual videos and lying under oath is spine chilling. His resignation is long overdue. That said, merely falling on one’s sword is not good enough. We hope that this is not just a stunt to run away and avoid accountability. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard wants ex minister Gigaba to be held accountable for all his wrong doing and the law should now follow its course. We are tired of executives ducking and diving as a tactic to dodge the law. Every punishable crime committed should be effected to set an example for others who are tempted to do the same. No one is above the law. The UDM Youth Vanguard calls on President Ramaphosa to appoint in this position an ethical person of integrity who has the best interest of the people of South Africa at heart. Wishing Malusi Gigaba well in his future endeavours would be hypocritical as we, the youth of South Africa, still expect him to account. At this point in time we hope to see him cooperate with any investigative institution and/or commission. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
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13 Nov, 2018
Increase in municipal managers’ salaries immoral
It is upsetting that, during a time where the country is battling a high unemployment rate and other negative economic factors, municipal managers and those directly reporting to them will receive pay hikes. The United Democratic Movement condemns this immoral decision in the strongest possible terms. This is a total insult to all South Africans who continue to feel the pinch. We do not see the need for this increment whilst there are other key areas on which money should be spent. Seen in this light, this move by Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize makes absolutely no sense. The ruling party prioritises their stomachs over our people and they need to realise that it takes them for granted while using their votes as a golden ticket to line their pockets. Elections are just a few months off and it is time for voters to make right the choices and show them their due. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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06 Nov, 2018
8 years is not enough for Uitenhage rapist dad
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased to see that it is true that “ityala aliboli”. The sentencing of the retired Salvation Army captain, Lionel Potgieter, who raped his daughter since an early age is a typical example. In as much as he finally got what he deserved, eight years is not enough. Chantel was viciously abused and tortured for six years during her formative years. Nothing can ever bring back Chantelle’s youth. She never had a life of being a child, because someone she looked up to and who was supposed to protect her, abused her instead. It is heart-breaking that, most of the time, the law favours the perpetrators over the victims. UDEMWO calls for harsher punitive measures to be meted out to those who abuse women and children. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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30 Oct, 2018
Increased fatalities on SA roads not acceptable
The high number of fatalities on our roads over the past few weeks is disturbing. What is of greater concern is that these accidents happened during Transport Month, which amongst others, was looking at curbing road fatalities. Year on year far too many travellers do not reach their destinations and as people gear up for the festive season we hope that this year’s statistics will show a decline in accidents and fatalities. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on all road users to take greater care and responsibility whilst using our highways and byways. Also, it is high time that taxi drivers take responsibility for the lives they carry. Drunk driving and jaywalking must stop. All vehicles must be roadworthy especially those that carry passengers; not only are passengers at risk but also those who are driving around one. The UDM calls on traffic departments to be more visible as we get closer to the period where road usage peaks. All stakeholders, drivers included, must do more to ensure that this year we reach a zero-rate for road accidents. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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25 Oct, 2018
UDM KwaZulu-Natal calls for Endumeni municipal manager to resign or to be suspended with immediate effect
UDM KwaZulu-Natal calls for Endumeni municipal manager to resign or to be suspended with immediate effect After our media statement of 23 October 2018 regarding deeply concerning issues in the Endumeni Municipality in the uMzinyathi District, the United Democratic Movement in KwaZulu Natal were given explosive documents that should make the Endumeni municipal manager’s life very uncomfortable. The documents contain damning proof of the municipal manager ‘s gross negligence and/or corruption by improperly and irregularly signing a contract worth R 969 000, which he has since tried to nullify by withdrawing an appointment letter. Such action has been challenged in court by the concerned service provider and is due to be heard on 6 December 2018 in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. 1. The appointment letter was signed by the municipal manager on 8 June 2018. 2. The contract which states that 50% of the contractual value (R484 500) is payable within thirty days of signing the contract, was signed by the municipal manager on 26 June 2018. 3. On 30 August 2018, the municipal manager wrote to the service provider to withdraw the letter of appointment, citing among other reasons that “Your document was incomplete as you had not filed MBD 1 nor MBD 3.1 which are compulsory to Special Conditions of Bid, point no. 10”. 4. On 15 October 2018 the concerned service provider filed a court application to enforce the contract. The sequence of events clearly proves either gross negligence and/or corruption on the part of the municipal manager. It is very disturbing that the Inkatha Freedom Party-led coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is keeping mum on this and by implication intend to cause further financial losses at the expense of the Endumeni residents. The UDM KZN, urges both the DA and the EFF particularly, to put Endumeni residents first by personally pushing for the removal of the municipal manager and holding him accountable for the already lost municipal funds. Issued by Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary UDM in KwaZulu-Natal
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25 Oct, 2018
Request for investigation in navy contracts
Honourable Ms Nosiviwe N Mapisa-Nqakula Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Room 1418, Floor 14 120 Plein Street CAPE TOWN 8000 Dear Honourable Mapisa-Nqakula REQUEST FOR AN URGENT INVESTIGATION: APPOINTMENT OF PRIVATE CONTRACT FOR THE RENDERING OF A MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF OPERATIONAL MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY WESTERN CAPE REGION FOR A THREE YEARS PERIOD The above has reference. The awarding of the bid for the maintenance and repair of operational mechanical equipment for the SA navy in the Western Cape region, to RA Govender CC, appears to be irregular and corrupt. This claim is based on the documents in my possession which I am sharing with you. Amongst the disturbing revelations, are the following: • The compliance history report from the Central Supplier Database for government (CSD), shows that RA Govender CC was Non-Tax Compliant at the time of awarding the bid. • RA Govender CC has claimed to have the necessary and requisite capacity to deliver on the terms of the reference, yet has subcontracted his service resulting to the cost of the contract ballooning to more than R52 million. • The sub-contractors are not registered with Workmen’s compensation, non-BBBEE compliant and were not vetted for operating in a National Key Point. Furthermore I drawn your attention to the following files, that were fiddled with in order to fraudulently influence the bidding, and in particular, the pricing process. • SPSC Bid 012 / 2015 • SPSC Bid 050 / 2015 • SPSC Bid 1051 / 2015 • SPSC Bid 1652 / 2015 On 16 November 2016, REAR ADMIRAL (JG) Mkhonto, a Director of Fleet Logistics, did not support the recommendation to award the bid to RA Govender CC. A signed document by someone going by the name of “Lamola” suggest that Mkhonto had directed this person to act on behalf of his support. Therefore this is contradictory to the one singed by Mkhonto and dated 16 November 2016. Accordingly, I request that your department appoint credible and independent bodies to conduct a detailed investigation of these allegations. I will be pleased to be advised on the steps taken by your office. Sincerely yours, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
25 Oct, 2018
UDEMWO welcomes the decision of zero-rated sanitary pads
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the announcement by the Finance Minister Tito Mboweni for sanitary pads to be zero-rated. This step in the right direction is long overdue however; to say it will only kick off next year is too far. It should be with immediate effect. The struggle of young girls being unable to access pads has been an on-going tussle for a very long time. If the government is able to provide condoms for free for all men while women are paying for the pads, the decision is the least the government can do. We are calling upon government to expedite the rolling out of pads. Many girls are still forced to skip school due to the lack of this primary need. We are however glad that there is someone who sees a need of the very poor in a government which otherwise seems to care only for itself. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
