Admin
23 Oct, 2018
UDM KwaZulu-Natal on deeply concerning issues in the uMzinyathi District
UDM KwaZulu-Natal on deeply concerning issues in the uMzinyathi District 1. Endumeni Municipality The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), has noted the worrisome news that was published by the Independent Newspaper’s Daily News on 16 October 2018 re: “Forensic report uncovers rampant corruption at Endumeni Municipality”. After this, it was reported on 22 October 2018 by the Northern Natal Courier that the Endumeni mayor had resigned, with a further report on Tuesday 23 October 2018 by the same newspaper that the “Hawks swoop[ed] on Endumeni Municipality”. We applaud the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube and the Hawks for their swift action. However, the MEC is cautioned to always be impartial and to, accordingly investigate all issues reported to her. The UDM KZN encourages both the DA and the EFF to put the Endumeni community first as the new mayor is bound to be elected. The MEC’s stated fraud, corruption and maladministration as well as the irregular, unauthorised and fruitless expenditure in Endumeni happened under their watch as they had a hand in the election of both the mayor and the speaker of this council. These two parties must clearly display their stance on thievery, corruption and maladministration by abstaining when the new mayor is elected. 2. Msinga municipality – Pomeroy Pomeroy is the only proclaimed town under the Msinga local municipality, but it remains the least developed town. The UDM-KZN encourages all three levels of government to be sensitive in terms of the development of Pomeroy to unlock its potential as the economic hub of this municipality. The required infrastructure are things like water, sewerage systems and electricity lines suitable for a town. In that process, many jobs will be created, and it will contribute positively in reducing the 98% unemployment level in the area. The municipality is encouraged to locate some of its offices/departments in Pomeroy, such as a library, traffic and licencing departments, as well as a town-planning department. Provincial government should build schools, colleges and establish social development offices in town and national government is encouraged to open a home affairs office. Upon these levels of government spearheading such moves, the rest will follow. Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary
Admin
22 Oct, 2018
Government must find permanent solutions to shack fires
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disturbed by the horrific Khayelitsha fires that claimed a life and left hundreds of people without a place of safety. We are in particular worried about matric pupils busy preparing for final exams. There can never be anything more stressful than the situation they find themselves in while they still need to study. The UDM calls on all stakeholders to pay attention and to support the affected communities. Minister of human settlement, Zoliswa Kota-Fredericks, must intervene. Shacks are the main challenge that leads to these fires and government must step up to the plate when it comes to housing. The fact that taps are not available and/or are far from communities is another problem when fires strike as there is no hope to douse fires and to prevent them from spreading. Most people who are affected by such fires, also fall victim to floods because informal settlements are built below the flood line. Our people do not have proper infrastructure while millions of rands that are meant for service delivery, continue to disappear and no one is held accountable. How many lives must be lost before something is done to prevent accidents like these? Week after week service delivery protests rock communities and nothing is done. Now that voting time is around, places that are affected by such disasters will not be far for government officials to visit. The reality is that officials do not care about people they only want their votes. Government is the reason for unrest in the country and people are tired of unfulfilled promises. Government must come up with permanent solution to stop these shack fires that continue to steal lives of the innocent and destroy communities. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
19 Oct, 2018
Speech by Mr BH Holomisa, MP and UDM President on the current political landscape, PIC corruption and post-2019 coalitions as a guest of the Current Media Forum
• Members of the Current Media Forum • Our host, Mr Peter Ford • Ladies and gentlemen 1. Thanks Before we go into the nitty gritty of our conversation, I want to thank the Current Media Forum and Peter Ford for inviting me to have this chat. 2. Introduction We certainly live in interesting times, even though much of the news we consume these days is nauseating. Waves of news about corruption and wrongdoing, both in the private and public sectors, break over our heads. However, if one takes a step backward for a moment, I think it is a good thing from the perspective that lancing a boil is better than letting it grow and fester until it explodes. Also, we must acknowledge the active role that the media, civil society and opposition parties play in exposing corruption. This is a sign that our constitutional democracy is functioning well, which is another bit of good news. 3. The waves of corruption: the PIC example At the risk of sounding like a pessimist, I want to paint a gloomy picture of the allegations of corruption at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Not only have the media done its work here, but the United Democratic Movement (UDM) played a role in exposing some of the alleged corruption. From our view point, the situation at the PIC makes the dishonesty and exploitation with Guptagate look like, if I can coin my own term, “Mickey Mouse Corruption”. Not only because billions of rands are involved, but also in terms of the wide web of “connected” people and entities implicated. At face value the “connected people” received preferential treatment in accessing vast amounts of money at the PIC. The practice of “facilitation fees” also seems to be one of the big bleeders. One of the others, for example, is the madness of investing in a dilapidated Mozambican oil refinery plant that is not operational, years after a massive cash injection from the PIC. Just as with the corrupt mess at the VBS Mutual Bank, there are hundreds of thousands of ordinary South Africans being ripped off and their financial futures are compromised. 3.1. Mpati Commission of Inquiry The UDM has welcomed the appointment of Justice Lex Mpati as the head of the commission of inquiry into the allegations of corruption at the PIC. We are of the view that the commission’s terms of reference are wide enough to give Justice Mpati and his two colleagues a lot to chew on. We do however hope that this commission is different to those we have had in the past where they take longer than expected to conclude their business. The deadline President Ramaphosa has given them must be stuck to; come hell or highwater. 4. State of politics in South Africa The good old days of the “new” South Africa has rapidly faded away during the past few years. At least the light at the end of a very long tunnel started showing with the election of President Ramaphosa, a leader who appears to be palatable to most South Africans. Although we have seen some of the positive actions from his office we must be realistic. Two decades of damage done by his ruling party, cannot be reversed in a few months, no matter who is at the helm. Also, given the infighting in the ruling party and that it will possibly not win an outright majority in 2019, there is absolutely no guarantee that Mr Ramaphosa, or any of the key cabinet ministers, will return to office. In fact, we might even have a mixed cabinet, should a coalition government be formed. Time will tell what President Ramaphosa’s legacy will be, but we can safely say that, at the heart of it all, there has been a leadership crisis. We do not have sound leadership in government to articulate the interests of South Africans as a Nation. Officially, we have thirteen political players in the field, based on the dictates of the electorate in 2014. We however have what one might call “majoritarianism” – that a Society is made to believe that there are only three players in the field. I am yet to read a newspaper covering the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality that refers to it as a “UDM-led municipality”. I even forget that Ekurhuleni has a coalition government, because it is always referred to as an African National Congress (ANC) municipality. All the other metros where the Democratic Alliance (DA) governs, through coalition, are referred to as “DA municipalities”. Frankly put they don’t even attempt to say “DA-led municipalities”. In our view, quality has been replaced by numeric definition. In essence, we wish that media would spend more appreciation to other parties in the effort to promote a multi-party democracy. It is notable, that at face value, the only parties which seem to be stable or more free of scandals are the so-called small parties. Looking deeper into the public discourse, these so-called large/big parties are consumed by internal and external conflicts. 5. Possible coalitions come 2019 Like all other “interesting times” there are so many variables which makes it rather difficult to read the political landscape of South Africa to make any predictions. However, there seems to be emerging consensus that there will be no outright winner of the 2019 national and provincial elections. This must not be read as a negative but rather as a positive outcome of a flourishing democracy. This outcome would promote checks and balances that are needed in South Africa, given the current corruption that we are experiencing due to the current one party dominance in both national, provincial and local governments spheres. Of course, the phenomenon of coalition governments in South Africa is not new. The first democratic government post-1994 was indeed an example of coalition government i.e. the Government of National Unity (GNU). The difference between the GNU and all coalitions thereafter is that it had been regulated, whilst all others had no regulatory mechanism and were therefore managed “loosely”. Therefore, using the GNU example, future coalition governments must be regulated along the lines of the 1993 Constitution. Given the experience gained, as well as learning from other countries where coalition governments flourish, we can agree on a practical, and regulated system of governance. The UDM will not tolerate any coalitions that will allow it to be bullied or swallowed up by larger parties, who think they have the outright governing rights. A party who attempts to bully and swallow, the parties they are in coalition with, clearly shows their unwillingness to respect basic principles of democracy. 6. Closure As people interested in the future of South Africa, the matters that I have mentioned, amongst many others, occupy our minds. We try to predict what the political dispensation will be post-2019 and onwards and, as I have said, the factors that impact on our future change daily and we must realise that this is an open game. We will all anxiously watch the scoreboard to see what happens in the next six or seven months.
Admin
18 Oct, 2018
Omotoso trial: Dauberman’s questioning is immoral and unethical
Since the start of the Tim Omotoso trial, the past few days have been nothing but the most unbearable time for women in South Africa. It is so overwhelming to witness the young and brave rape survivor, Cheryl Zondi being grilled in the manner that the defence Advocate Peter Daubermann did. In our view, his morals and ethics are questionable. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) views Daubermann as heartless and would do anything to promote the rape and abuse towards women. He seemingly has no conscience whatsoever. In as much as we respect the justice system, we believe that he crossed the line in so many ways with the questions he continued to ask Zondi. The victims have borne so much already; to be questioned as if they enjoyed what happened to them is not acceptable. Daubermann cannot be allowed to make fun of such an unfortunate situation. We commend Cheryl for her bravery and if we keep quiet about the manner in which she was treated in court we will be failing, not only her, but all the affected victims. UDEMWO rallies behind the Commission for Gender Equality’s decision to approach the judiciary and the General Council of the Bar regarding the unfair treatment of rape victims in court. This matter could have been handled better. UDEMWO strongly believes that many women will rather not report cases of abuse due to the treatment victims get in court. We continue to commend the bravery shown by all the witnesses in this case. We still maintain and believe that this case is strong enough for those involved to face the wrath of justice. We call upon the men in collar to show support to the victims in this case. The time has come that the wolves in sheep’s clothing be exposed. We have been calling upon our government to thoroughly screen these so-called men of God. This issue must be taken seriously. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
17 Oct, 2018
UDM welcomes announcement of PIC commission of inquiry
The United Democratic Movement welcomes the president’s announcement of the appointment of Justice Lex Mpati as the head of the commission of inquiry into the allegations of corruption at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). The inquiry should clean-up the mess at the PIC and get to the bottom of the rot we have seen exposed in the media for quite some time. The pension funds of past and present government employees should be protected from the ruthless sharks that are eating away at their financial futures. We reiterate our call that PIC chief executive officer, Dr Dan Matjila, who played a pivotal role in, for example the Mozambican oil deal, the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, the Ayo Technologies and Sagarmatha Technologies mess, should be suspended with immediate effect, which is in line with international norms and standards. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
15 Oct, 2018
Good luck class of 2018!
As you stand at the precipice of exams, the United Democratic Movement wishes all the matriculants, who will start writing exams today, the best of luck. It must be a motivation to you that you have persevered with your schooling to have reached this goal. We understand that the pressure is on, and that all eyes are on you, but that should motivate you to study even harder for each of the tests you will be writing. You must always keep in mind that you have a bright future ahead of you, not only for yourself but also for the country. You may be a matric student now but your decisions after getting your certificate will determine your future. So, make those good ones! We wish you all the best. May you stay focussed and not allow negative peer pressure to take its toll on you. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
12 Oct, 2018
Condolences on the passing of Pik Botha
The first time the late Pik Botha and I spoke over the phone was with the removal of George Matanzima and Stella Sigcau from power. I explained that on both occasions there was just cause, because of the corruption they were involved in. He again contacted us when he and FW de Klerk had concerns that the Transkei military government was taking unilateral decisions when we decided to work with the liberation movements. I knew Pik Botha as a bold negotiator and an intelligent opponent. He was one of the few National Party leaders who stood up and said that the system of Apartheid will not work. Even during PW Botha’s time, when saying such a thing would have been regarded as treason of the white nationalist cause. We offer our condolences to his family, friends and his organisation. Released by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
10 Oct, 2018
VBS: ‘The Great Bank Heist’ – it’s time for action not words
President Ramaphosa must immediately appoint a task team to make sure that the people who were fingered by advocate Terry Motau in his report are held responsible for their misdeeds. Each and every person must be brought under the search light, especially those in the employ of the Public Investment Corporation. The PIC seems to be sinking deeper and deeper in the quagmire of corruption. The United Democratic Movement wants to see these people charged and the Asset Forfeiture Unit must not dilly dally and get to work. Advocate Motau’s report will remain a piece of paper until the President takes direct and urgent action. The paper trail of the millions of rands that were given to certain individuals must be followed with a view to recoup the money. Each account much be investigated, and this includes money that was allegedly spent on an “ANC gala dinner event”. The chickens are coming to roost on the Comrades in Corruption! For further comment: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
08 Oct, 2018
Condolences: passing of Eastern Cape Education MEC
The United Democratic Movement is saddened by the loss of Education MEC, Mandla Makupula. This is not only a loss for his family or the Eastern Cape, but to the nation. We wish to send a message of condolence to the family, friends and to the African National Congress, as well as the education fraternity at large. His departure leaves a scar especially during a time that the province still faces a whole lot of challenges in education development. May his family find strength and solace in this sad time. Our prayers are with them. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
05 Oct, 2018
PIC looting scandal
The deeper we dig, the greater the corruption exposed. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has been saying all along that there is something seriously wrong at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and that it is endangering the pensions of government employees. Our sources indicate as much, and the scratch-work done by the media; in particular the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, reads like a corruption horror story. As the drama unfolds, a pattern emerges where some of the family members some Deputy Ministers of Finance, de facto chairs the PIC board, have had their fingers in the PIC cookie jar. It would therefore make sense to think that Minister Nene has been covering for PIC CEO Dan Matjila, the board and himself. Only yesterday did he confirm that he had tea and coffee, almost six times, with the Gupta family. This proximity of Minister Nene and his son to the Guptas is no different from the connection of former president Jacob Zuma and ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule. Even the Gwede Mantashe toilet scandal in Amathole comes to mind. There is a clear conflict of interest here and, under normal circumstances Minister Nene would be handing over his resignation this morning. Nene and Matjila should be removed from their positions and the current board be dissolved, to make way for an interim board until this matter has been investigated. Very early on, the UDM approached President Ramaphosa regarding various dodgy PIC deals and he promised to act. Yet, the Ramaphosa has been stalling in appointing the PIC commission of inquiry and publishing its terms of reference. He made this announcement and the months’ delays are casting aspersions on his integrity. There is enough prima facie evidence that should convince the president to get the PIC inquiry up and running with immediate effect with the participation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Financial Intelligence Services, as well as Interpol. Also, each of the past PIC Chairmen of the Board should be investigated. For further comment: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
04 Oct, 2018
Xolobeni: Minister Mantashe’s arrogance
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is dismayed at the decision of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe to give an Australian company the go-ahead to mine at the Xolobeni village in the Eastern Cape. This, even after an outcry from the community. Millions of rands will be shipped out of the country by the foreign company leaving our people poor and without something tangible for themselves. It is heart-breaking that the very leaders, whom the ordinary people have voted into office, leave them in the lurch once they ascend to power. They are taking advantage of the innocent and have forgotten about the needs of the people and all the promises they made to them. For Mantashe to boldly say that his department together with the Australian company Transworld Energy and Mineral Resources will not wait for the court’s decision on the matter shows extreme arrogance. The UDM views this as nothing other than exploitation by self-serving individuals who continue to milk the innocent. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
03 Oct, 2018
Government still fails on SASSA system
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is stunned that many social grant beneficiaries still have difficulties in accessing their grants on time due to a number of cash points that have been closed since the Post Office took over from Cash Paymaster Services. This is totally unacceptable. UDEMWO has asked before whether the South African Social Service (Sassa) has the capability and capacity to deliver on its promise of smooth running and uninterrupted system. Beneficiaries, especially those in rural areas, continue to find it difficult to reach far pay points since the usual ones have been closed. The ATM system is not user-friendly or safe for the elderly. There must be another safer way that will work. What is happening at Sassa paints a clear picture of the incompetence of all those involved in the continuing debacle. Innocent people are suffering because the ruling party continues to elect selfish and self-serving individuals to positions of power. We call upon Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu to do the right thing and come forth and explain to the nation of her lasting plans to make sure that the problems that are clouding Sassa are solved. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
02 Oct, 2018
Nelson Mandela Bay: Trollip is the orchestrator of his own demise
Demist mogafe <It looks as if the Democratic Alliance federal chairman Cllr Athol Trollip, of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, seems to be suffering from selective amnesia. He proves himself to be nothing more than a prevaricator and a practiced liar. It is about time that someone confronts Trollip for spreading falsehoods and misrepresenting facts. Having listened to the radio on what Trollip said in his address to the Cape Town Press Club, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes to remind him of an internal audit report which details how he and former city manager, Johann Mettler, were up to no good. See the attached scathing internal report. We also want to remind Trollip of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) final report that he and his leader, Mmusi Maimane, carried about in their briefcases, saying that there was prima facie evidence that our Mongameli Bobani was corrupt. The council, the public and the media has been calling for him to make the report public. It is thanks to the Herald, which had access to the report, that we know that there was no finding that fingered Bobani. This report surely cost the municipality millions of rands. As we ponder this expense, one wonders how he will ever explain it. Trollip now sits with egg on his face having, what seems to be, a DA commissioned report. Trollip is yet to table at council, the “evidence” allegedly contained in the PwC report. That day will seemingly see the pigs fly. Trollip must man up and come clean, so that voters can know the real him. Trollip also chose to refer to the “dirty money” that the UDM allegedly used to fight a by-election in 2015. He sounds like a broken record. When he made the allegations, many months ago, I responded and said that it was hogwash. I challenged him to investigate the matter and table the findings at council. On the 15th of April, Trollip repeated these allegations in an article with Rapport’s Hanlie Retief, we responded by (yet again) saying get your facts straight and table the findings at council. In Retief’s article, Trollip is quoted saying that “julle” took money from the ANC, and that Bobani knew it; I knew it; and that’s why I had a blind spot where Bobani was concerned. Sorry, but that is a blatant lie and tells you who Trollip really is. I also told him that I don’t entertain high-level gossip. It has been ten months, or so, during which an investigation could have been done to either prove or disprove his allegations. Trollip dismally failed in this task. Trollip is said to have mentioned that if you give someone enough rope, they will hang themselves. We agree Cllr Trollip, that is exactly what you have done to yourself. It is for that reason that you don’t know, from what you have said and when you said it, whether you are going backwards of forwards. Trollip is suffering from a bout of sour grapes and he does not accept that he’s no longer an executive mayor. Issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
29 Sep, 2018
To give PIC CEO Dan Matjila a golden handshake is preposterous
We are all aware that there will be a commission of inquiry which shall investigate the mess at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Despite the announcement, we have for several months waited with bated breath to hear who will serve on the commission and what the terms of reference will be. We, in today’s Mail and Guardian, read that PIC chief executive officer Dr Daniel Matjila has approached the President with a view to exit through the back door with a golden handshake. This is preposterous and is tantamount to the police giving the get-away car’s key to a bank robber. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) rejects this notion outright. Matjila should be suspended immediately and be made to explain himself to a commission of inquiry. Most importantly, he, and the current board, should face the music and pay the price should they be guilty of wrong-doing. There seems to be scurrying about in the corridors of power to say a quick farewell to Matjila before he spills the beans. It’s not only several prominent families and powerful individuals who might have their hands caught in the cookie jar, but possibly a few political parties. We have certainly heard Zonkizizwe Investments being mentioned, which we all know is an ANC enterprise. Bizarrely, we have even heard how Matjila’s alleged girlfriend benefited from PIC cash. It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when you chew on the fact that Finance Minister Nene, who once served as PIC board chairperson, now must drive the process of putting a commission together. This might shed some light on why it’s taking so long to get the commission off the ground. I will be interviewed today by Advocate Budlender SC and his team of forensic auditors to give guidance on how the UDM would see this matter pan out. The commission should establish which methods and schemes were used to syphon money from the PIC and make recommendations on how to prevent this kind of crime in future. This is exactly why Matjila should not be allowed the easy way out; he certainly has much explaining to do.
Admin
27 Sep, 2018
UDEMWO: 6-year-old raped in a Dros Restaurant
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and outraged by the recent rape of a 6-year-old girl at a Dros restaurant. This is sickening and too much to swallow. The thought that the culprit went as far as committing his evil act in a public space, where it is thought to be safe, makes us even angrier. This wicked man did not even care that there were loved ones around. This is a clear indication that he does not even care and has no conscience. UDEMWO will be part of picketers outside the court, calling for no bail. Our society does not have a space for such inhumane individuals who do not respect women and children. UDEMWO also calls on parents not to lose sight of their little ones, we are living in an evil society. What we have unfortunately witnessed in the past is that our justice system favours alleged perpetrators. We hope that our justice system will do what is right and lock him up for the rest of his life. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
26 Sep, 2018
Public Protector to investigate allegations of corruption by Min Zweli Mkhize re PIC deals
The United Democratic Movement earlier this year wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa wherein we revealed possible corruption that involved the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Zonkizizwe Investments (which we understand to be solely owned by the ANC), some ANC heavy weights and Afric Oil. The alleged broker between the PIC and e.g. VBS Mutual Bank and the various municipalities was Minister Zweli Mkhize. We have been reliably informed that the Public Protector will be investigating the allegations with the affected individuals being subpoenaed to appear before the Public Protector on the 4th of October 2018. All those involved in syphoning money from the PIC are to explain themselves and their conduct; this includes the people who brokered any suspicious deals with the PIC. We call on the Public Protector to leave no stone unturned in teasing out who was involved and to what extent the allegations are true. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
21 Sep, 2018
UDM KwaZulu-Natal’s comments on the Premier’s tabling of the Moerane Commission’s report
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the Premier’s tabling of the Moerane Commission’s report in the legislature, as well as his comments thereon. The UDM is however concerned that the Premier made no mention of, nor did he emphasise one of the Commission’s terms of reference, which was to; “Ensure the successful investigation and prosecution of perpetrators”. Given that we have not seen the report, we wonder if this is an innocent omission on the part of the Premier or is there just no recommendation whatsoever by the Commission? If that is the case, the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal is of the view that the Commission did a shoddy job. People lost their lives and there must be consequences. Issued by: Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary UDM in KwaZulu-Natal
Admin
18 Sep, 2018
UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Executive Committee appointed
United Democratic Movement (UDM) representatives from all seven regions in KwaZulu-Natal met on Saturday, 15 September 2018 to, amongst others, discuss the future of the UDM in the province and to appoint an Interim Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) that will drive the party’s programmes leading up to the 2019 National and Provincial. The below persons shall take the lead until a provincial congress can be held after which officially elected provincial office bearers can take over the reins. Position Name Region Chairperson Sipho Mbatha eThekwini Deputy Chairperson Sboniso Mabika uMkhanyakude Secretary Boysey Gumede Umzinyathi Deputy Secretary Zukiswa Thanjkwayo Amajuba Treasurer Philani Dlamini uMgungundlovu Organiser Temba Mbatha Ilembe Financial Planner and Fundraiser Nkosi Dlamini uMgungundlovu Five Additional Members Dumisani Nkosi uThukela Dih Msomi eThekwini Kholiswa Madubela uMkhanyakude Mhlengi Mbatha Umzinyathi Thobile Zulu iLembe As we get closer to the 2019 elections, we wish our colleagues well with their future work in building the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
16 Sep, 2018
Harassment of PIC whistle blowers
In reference to an article published on Fin24 (https://www.fin24.com/Economy/pic-moves-to-discipline-another-executive-20180914?isapp=true) the United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns what can only be called permitted harassment of whistle blowers at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). One is suspicious at government i.e. Minister Nene and President Ramaphosa’s handling of the matter of instituting the commission of inquiry into the PIC. To make matters worse the terms of reference has not yet been published, nor have the commissioners been appointed. Something is very wrong here; it does seem as if government is pulling all the stops to delay the process. Only they will know the reason. The UDM has persisted in calling for Dr Dan Matjila, PIC’s chief executive officer, to be suspended because of the possible influence he might bear at the PIC until the commission kicks off its work. The UDM calls on government to institute a total moratorium on disciplinary processes at the PIC until the commission’s work is done and its findings are made public. Government is playing a game that could have dire consequences for the Government Employees Pension Fund. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
14 Sep, 2018
Nelson Mandela Bay: DA’s Trollip allegedly interfered with an internal audit to protect Mettler and Olver. UDM hands over a dossier with information to Auditor General
Dear Mr Makwetu Alleged corruption to the tune of R21.8 million irregular and wasteful expenditure involving Mohlaleng Media and a seeming cover-up in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro 1. The above matter has reference and has been widely reported on in the media. 2. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes to make you aware of claims of serious corruption in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMB Metro) and the seeming cover-up by the NMB Metro’s former executive mayor Mr Athol Trollip of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and city manager Mr Johann Mettler. 3. It pertains to the alleged corruption involving a company called Mohlaleng Media, to the tune of R21,8 million which was of course at the ratepayers’ expense. 4. To provide background, I refer you to an article posted on Independent Online (IOL) dated 7 September 2016 (https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/eastern-cape/trollip-to-freeze-contract-with-joburg-media-company-2065623) wherein it is reported that Mr Trollip stated his intention to have the contract (see item 6.1.2) with Mohlaleng Media frozen. He was quoted saying: “This administration will not tolerate irregular, wasteful or unnecessary expenditure, in any form, and any contract that is alleged to have facilitated any expenditure of this nature will be fully investigated and scrutinised”. I also refer you to an article in Herald Live dated 24 May 2018 (https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/politics/2018-05-24-just-in–bobani-launches-scathing-attack-against-city-boss/) wherein it was reported that Mr Trollip ‘…said the Mohlaleng matter has been handed over to the investigation authorities.” 5. The UDM has in its possession a whistle-blower’s dossier that details the period during which the alleged corrupt activities took place, together with the attending evidence. According to the information contained in the dossier, Mr Johann Mettler played a pivotal role in the suspected corruption which was allegedly covered-up by Mr Trollip. 6. The dossier speaks in detail, and gives timelines, of an internal forensic audit that started in September 2016, which unveiled allegations, amongst others, that: 6.1. Pre-2016 Municipal Elections: 6.1.1. Services rendered by some printing companies, during the previous term of council, included party political work (see right). During the internal forensic audit, Mr Mettler was confronted with the details of the irregular print jobs, but he failed to act thus neglecting to perform his fiduciary duties. 6.1.2. Mr Mettler signed an “addendum” to a non-existing contract with a company called Mohlaleng Media. This was deemed to be irregular and again Mr Mettler failed to perform his fiduciary duties. 6.1.3. Dr Crispian Olver the author of the book “How to Steal a City: The Battle for Nelson Mandela Bay” wanted to conduct a pre-election survey that would cost the ratepayers R11 million. Mr Mettler was aware of this, but did not disclose it to the internal audit, which was deemed an impairment of the internal investigation. Note: According to the dossier, Dr Olver had instigated the initial appointment of Mr Mettler as city manager. 6.1.4. Dr Olver was also responsible for the appointment of a legal firm, because of a mutual association during their “activism days” which flouted SCM practices with only limited involvement of the legal services directorate. Mr Mettler was/is still to account for such an irregular appointment. 6.1.5. Two “political appointments” were made in former mayor Danny Jordaan’s office, the cost of which would be carried by the aforementioned Mohlaleng Media, thus the rate payer. The dossier states that this was done by Dr Olver and Mr Mettler, knowing full well that these were “political appointments”. 6.2. Post-2016 Municipal Elections: 6.2.1. Mr Trollip and Mr Mettler had interfered with and used various delaying tactics to derail the internal forensic investigation into what the dossier asserts are unlawful contracts with Mohlaleng Media. According to the whistle-blower, the internal forensic unit asked Mr Mettler a number of pointed questions in their investigation of the Mohlaleng deal. He however, knowing full well that he was a subject of the investigation, wrote a missive to the forensic unit instructing it to cease its investigation. 6.2.2. Several of the senior internal auditors and other staff members have been suspended and/fired for what appears to be spurious, but politically convenient, reasons. It is in fact alleged that these staff members were gotten rid of, precisely because of their knowledge of the corruption. 6.2.3. When the time came to appoint a new city manager, Mr Trollip had been aware of Mr Mettler’s alleged role in the suspected corruption involving Mohlaleng Media; yet he did not disclose this information at council. Mr Trollip persisted in protecting Mr Mettler and continued to champion his appointed as city manager, thus sweeping this material information under the carpet. If there is merit in any of the allegations, it seems as if there is a major cover-up by the former Trollip administration. 7. Once the coalition government took over after the 2016 municipal elections, the UDM hoped that any and all corruption would be exposed and rooted out. Little did we know that our and the voters’ faith in the election promises made by the DA and Mr Trollip was misplaced. As the record will attest, the UDM and our Cllr Bobani did our level best, over the years and in particular since the 2016 elections, to expose corruption in the NMB Metro but we were blocked and vilified at every turn. 8. Notwithstanding Mr Trollip’s stated intentions i.e. freezing the Mohlaleng Media’s [non-existing] contract and his comment that the matter was handed over to the “investigation authorities we still wonder who these mysterious “investigation authorities” are/were. 8.1. We however heard that, Mr Trollip handed over the investigation, not to the municipality’s internal watchdog, but to an outside outfit of his own choosing, which will naturally cost the municipality a lot of money. Mr Trollip has failed to take the council, and indeed the citizens of the NMB Metro, into confidence to report on any progress made in the investigation. In fact, his comments in the media regarding the aforementioned investigation are extremely vague and without substance. 9. We herewith hand over this dossier, which tells a tale of a web of lies and suggest that your office establish the veracity of the whistle-blower’s claims, so that we can get to the bottom of this nest of alleged corruption and to act in the interest of the NMB Metro’s people. 10. Sir, it is our considered view that it would be vital to compare: • the report of the firm that Mr Trollip appointed to investigate the matter; • that of the NMB Metro’s internal audit team and • any investigation you would undertake to test the veracity of the whistle-blower’s claims and to establish whether the proverbial books have been cooked. The claim that Mr Trollip and Mr Mettler covered up the corruption should specifically be tested. 11. Finally, irrespective of whom would be found guilty or innocent, the UDM asks that the abovementioned claims to be thoroughly investigated. We believe that the innocent should be exonerated and that the guilty should, without fear nor favour, be made to answer for their misdeeds and that the necessary actions are taken against them. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement CC: Mr Fikile Xasa, Eastern Cape MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Cllr Mongameli Bobani, Executive Mayor of the NMB Metropolitan Municipal Council, Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, Speaker of the NMB Metropolitan Municipal Council.
Admin
11 Sep, 2018
UDEMWO: The SA police is not serious about stopping the kidnapping and murder of women and children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is concerned that the South African Police Services do not appear to take kidnapping reports seriously. One only has to open a newspaper to read about the kidnapping and murder of women and children. Our communities are plagued by this scourge and those that are tasked to ensure our safety and security are failing dismally. Not long ago, live footage showed how 21 year-old student Charmaine Erick was almost kidnapped just in front of her house in Rembrandt Park, Johannesburg. We are grateful that she managed to escape, but how many children must fall victim before safety and security authorities realise that the country is in crisis? How long must we wait before this issue is addressed? It is getting clearer that issues relating to women and children are not taken seriously. What is even more disappointing is that Minister of Women Bathabile Dlamini is nowhere to be seen. It is disappointing and distressing that the ruling government continues to elect self-centred and inept individuals to high positions. UDEMWO together with many people throughout the country are panicked and we call upon Minister of Police Bheki Cele to, together with all stakeholders, act swiftly to stop this nightmare.
