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12 May, 2017
ANC hypocrisy too thick to swallow; Molefe “re-redeployment”
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 reckless and feeds into the perception that the government is lacklustre in dealing with corruption…”. What a loaded phrase and how ironic from whence it came given the South Africa post-cabinet reshuffle. The ruling party, in an official statement, said that it “… will seek an engagement with Comrade Lynne Browne, the Minister of Public Enterprises, under whose authority Eskom…”. Read between the lines that the Minister is no longer accountable to Cabinet and Parliament, but directly to the Comrades in Luthuli House. President Zuma’s foible of blurring the lines between State and Party is seemingly contagious. We also hope that it is not lost on South Africans that today the ruling party has big issues with Brian Molefe as Eskom CE, but it’s fine for him to represent it (and the people) as a Member of Parliament. Funny logic this, or is there something we are not being told? President Zuma’s midnight shuffle was the tip of the iceberg of ruling party infighting spilling over onto an unsuspecting populace. Corruption, and inefficiency has become the hallmarks of the Zuma administration. These are the facts; like it or not. Those voters who have not yet done so, it is time to open your eyes and see what is straight in front of you; Captain Zuma will doggedly salute the status quo and remain at the helm of the sinking ship of South Africa, whilst listening to the dying band as it is submersed with the rest of us. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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12 May, 2017
March to the Constitutional Court: #SecretBallot
JOINT STATEMENT BY POLITICAL PARTIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY March to the Constitutional Court: #SecretBallot (Issued on 12 May 2017 at the Parktonian Hotel in Braamfontein, Johannesburg) It is clear to all patriotic citizens that our country, South Africa, is experiencing the worst crisis of leadership since 1994. Our nation has reached a point where the conscience of every Member of Parliament (MP) matters in deciding whether a rogue President is removed from office or not. Next week Monday, the 15th of May 2017, the Constitutional Court will hear arguments by lawyers representing the United Democratic Movement and others arguing why a President who was elected by Parliament through a secret ballot must be removed by a secrete ballot. We the leaders of political parties (the African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Agang SA, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement), together with the Freedom Movement and SaveSA, are united behind the call for MPs to be allowed to decide, by secret ballot, whether President Jacob Zuma must vacate office or not. We believe that a secrete vote will provide the safest space for every individual MP to be guided by his or her free conscience, not by the dictates of political bosses who issue instructions to Parliament from party headquarters. When a country is burning, it is time for conscience to speak! The heavy-handed threat of punitive action by the governing party against its representatives in Parliament who may choose to uphold their oath of office is a grievous threat to our democracy. The Constitution is the only instrument our people can and must use to neutralise this threat. We believe that the matter that will be argued at the Constitutional Court next Monday goes to the heart of the Constitution. This is why we will together lead a march to demonstrate our resolve to defend our country. We call upon all citizens who share our call for President Zuma to be voted out of office to join our march. The details are as follows: Date: 15 March 2017 Time: 08h00 Meeting point: Marry Fitzgerald Square (Johannesburg) Marching to: Constitutional Court The Constitutional Court is the last line of defence for citizens when betrayed by those who wield political power. We believe that President Zuma’s continued stay in office poses a major threat to constitutionalism in South Africa. It threatens to weaken our economy, to impoverish millions of our people, and further to corrupt and ultimately collapse our state. This negative trend can and must be reversed! History will judge us harshly if we do not stand up to defend our country in its hour of need. South Africans must unite in the interest of their country. We call upon all citizens from all walks of life to join us in our historic march. I thank you! ……………………………… (Presented by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP, on behalf of the organisations listed above)
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26 Apr, 2017
Nuclear deals: Western Cape High Court judgement is an indictment of a Government involved in sneaky deals
Statement issued by UDM President Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the Western Cape High Court ruling in favour of the case brought against Government by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute. This ruling is a good lesson for Government to understand and accept that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable Constitutional dictates. Government must stop trying to sneak such deals without the knowledge of the people. The ruling is also in favour of the millions of citizens who would have had to service this long-term debt for a deal that could have bankrupted the national fiscus. South Africa’s economy has already been downgraded to junk status and therefore would not have been able to raise external funds without punishing the poorest of the poor. The UDM warns Government leaders to stop placing their personal interests and that of their party ahead of the people of South Africa. End
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10 Apr, 2017
#ZumaMustFall: The Opposition is united in Putting South Africa, and Its Citizens, First
Joint media statement As leaders, we shall never abandon our responsibility to put South Africa first. Accordingly, the leadership of the African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Agang SA, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement have agreed to give expression to this commitment. We want to make every effort to rescue South Africa from this one-man-made quagmire. President Jacob Zuma, with the blessing and help of his sycophants, is actively undermining the work of our Chapter Nine institutions. The Constitutional Court found that he acted illegally; failed to uphold; defend and respect the Constitution with his disregard of the Public Protector’s remedial action on the Nkandla corruption. He is in violation of the Constitution and his oath of office, which makes Mr Zuma ineligible to be President of the Republic. President Zuma’s midnight cabinet reshuffle started a domino effect, with the rand tanking, South Africa’s downgrading by two ratings agencies, as well as the downgrading of some banks and Eskom. “Junk status” makes South Africa an unsafe investment destination and international banks will think twice before lending money to us. Our credibility is shot and the knock-on effects in terms of the cost of living is going to hit our poor people the hardest. The influence of the Gupta family on our President, including several ministers, means President Zuma has been bought by the highest bidder and that South Africa is being run from Saxonwold. From Wednesday, 12 April 2017, onward, the aforementioned political parties shall embark on a programme of periodic mass action to ensure that South Africans, and their country, are protected from the brutal hand of Mr Jacob Zuma. We now announce – to all South Africans, Africa and the world – that we have declared 12 April a “National Day of Action”. We are happy to report that there already are many civil society organisations on board, like SaveSA, as well as South Africans (from all walks of life) who have indicated that they identify with this cause. They have expressed their willingness to do everything within their power to make the “National Day of Action” a success. As part of our programme, political parties across the Country will mobilise their members and structures to engage in activities geared towards forcing the ruling party to recall their deployee. Or, to exert enough pressure that President Zuma will do the honourable thing and resign. We will have, and plan to, engage civil society formations, as well as our colleagues in other political parties to mobilise support for the people’s “National Day of Action” at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. We plan to engage in various activities – such as the “National Day of Action – over the coming days, weeks and months to show common cause i.e. to rescue South Africa from a slippery-slope. We extend an invitation to all South African citizens, other political parties, labour organisations, traditional and religious institutions and any other interested parties to participate in all the other protest activities in the pipeline. We also, and very specifically, extend an invitation to the ruling party, that claims to be the leader of society, to occasionally act with the people, and for the people. If they fail (as is their standard operating procedure) to hear the loud cries of South Africans to remove their “junk status” President, the people must unite in dictating their own destiny and punish the African National Congress in the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. END
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07 Mar, 2017
Integrity in the Public Sphere – address by Mr B Holomisa, MP (UDM President)
• Dr Marianne Camerer, chair of this panel discussion • My co-panellist, Judge Albie Sachs • Colleagues and Emerging African Leaders 1. Learning integrity throughout my life I started my journey with integrity when I first learnt of trust, and accepting personal responsibility, as a herd-boy. Without these values, the cattle were not properly tended to and brought home safe in the evenings. In the early Seventies, I attended the Jongilizwe College for the Sons of Chiefs and Headmen. Here, teachers like Dumisa Ntsebeza (who in 1995 emerged as a Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)), taught us to be informed citizens. And, in the Mqanduli congregation of the late Anglican Reverend Bacon, I was taught duty and the social value of disciplined personal conduct. I was lucky to have had sound people in my life who taught me the value of integrity in personal life. The basics was therefore in place and applying these principles in my public life was a natural extension. I would be remis if I don’t give thanks for Madiba’s role in my life. He made such great sacrifices for his convictions. His endeavoured to live a life of integrity. I am not saying that he was infallible – he was but a man after all – but I learnt from his courage and perseverance. 2. Living integrity: the Transkei years My career in the military is a matter of public record. But please understand that it was the principles of integrity and having the courage of one’s convictions, that guided me in the decisions we took in 1987, which led to the Transkei being ran by Military Council. It was these values that steered us to unban 33 liberation organisations in the late Eighties and the release of all political prisoners. We did our best to “do the right thing”. But also, understand that those years were not easy and to stick to one’s proverbial guns meant that my life had been under threat many times. During these turbulent times, I remained conscious of the principles and standards of personal conduct instilled me by my childhood protagonists. 3. Political life in the New South Africa In 1994 I was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee and was the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism under Madiba’s leadership. But, after testifying at the TRC, I was expelled in September 1996. Once again, my principles landed me in hot water. I was in essence expelled after the ANC’s national disciplinary committee found me guilty of bringing the party into disrepute, because I had made reference to an historical event of corruption in the Transkei government era whilst I was justifying to the TRC why the families of deceased soldiers, who had been killed in a 1990 Pretoria-sponsored abortive coup, had to be compensated. In late 1996, I started on the road to the formation of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) when we consulted South Africans on the need for a new political party. Our National Consultative Forum met with Roelf Meyer’s New Movement Process, and the rest is history. Amongst the aims and objectives listed in the UDM Constitution is: “The Party shall fight corruption and restore the confidence of the people in all Government structures”. We have batted on this wicket since 1997 and, what it means is that, integrity in public life is at the core of our work. 4. South Africa today: the lack of integrity in government leaders The drafters of our country’s Constitution had the founding father of our democracy, Tata Mandela, firmly in their minds when they finalised their work. They made the reasonable assumption that all future presidents would always put South Africa first; respect the rule of law and uphold the Constitution. Thus, keeping the integrity of public office in good standing. Recent events (some-of-which were confirmed by the Constitutional Court regarding the need to preserve and protect the integrity of the public office and in particular by the Head of State) have proven the contrary. In the context of Chapter 5 of the Constitution, and other relevant legislation, there is a remarkable concentration of the President’s power of appointment – in particular that the President does so with his exclusive discretion. This observation is important. We know that both the Public Protector, and our courts, had to be invited to adjudicate in the rationality of several of the President’s appointments. Ministers have been found wanting when it comes to the keeping their offices in good esteem. The Minister of Social Development, who presides over a sensitive portfolio, does so without integrity. She is a self-confessed fraudster who misused flight tickets to a value more than R200 000. Maybe the system we use to appoint public office bearers, like ministers, needs review? Firstly, our electoral regime must give power to citizens to directly elect their head of state and public representatives. Secondly, we may need to introduce a system akin to other countries, where ministers are subjected to scrutiny by a multi-party forum before they are appointed. Generally, it seems as if the moral fibre of our society is in dire straits. The cancer of deceit and scandal has permeated to all sectors of society. In schools, we see male teachers harassing girls instead of imparting knowledge and teaching them responsibility. In religious communities, we see strange things where people are sprayed with Doom and fed snakes instead of being taught the values of trustworthiness, integrity and honesty. Politicians and public officials are misusing public money and they are awarded public money to defend their wrongs, even when the issues at hand are personal rather than departmental. 5. Accepting the role we play as leaders: living by example If you know something to be wrong and you accept personal responsibility for your conduct, what remains of your integrity if you go ahead and do that wrong thing? On the other hand, what remains when you know the right thing to do and you don’t do it? When confronted by such clear and gross wrongs as I was in Transkei and later in the ANC, I was incapable of acting contrary to my very deep convictions – and never will be. Of course you have to survive in life and especially in political life. You need to be flexible where flexibility is required, when it is possible. But the ultimate test for survival in human terms is whether you can live with your conscience. So far, I have managed to survive. I hope, when looking at my life as an example, you will feel inspired and have the courage to try to do what is good and what is right. I thank you Delivered at the Building Bridges Leading in Public Life – Emerging African Leaders Programme 2017 UCT Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice 5th – 17th March, Cape Milner Hotel Cape Town
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16 Feb, 2017
Competition Commission: Major banks must pay for any possible misdeeds
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 (including the settlements that the banks are open to, as well as the decision of the Competition Tribunal) the UDM proposes that National Treasury should ring-fence the proceeds of any confirmed crimes to intervene in the human settlements sector challenges. It is our view that the huge backlogs in building new houses, fixing the defects in the already-built structures, as well as the ultimate eradication of informal settlements, could receive a big push from the good work of the Commission. The UDM calls on government to move with speed in the transformation of the banking sector in favour of the people of South Africa, but in particular, the disadvantaged majority.
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23 Nov, 2016
President Zuma is considering a judicial inquiry into South African major banks in favour of the Gupta Family
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 or government and is unfortunate. However, five days later, on the 7 September, Minister Zwane said in this House “the inter-ministerial committee made five recommendations to cabinet. Four of the recommendations were approved … and one was referred to the president for further consideration as it was not within the purview of cabinet to take a decision on the matter”, now my question is, what is the status of this recommendation as it cannot be left hanging forever?” To my astonishment, the President replied that… “the recommendation in being considered”. This is answer by the President is disturbing because: Firstly, this consideration is confirmed on the eve of the arrival of the rating agencies on out doorstep and at a time when our economy is struggling to breathe. Secondly, this is a direct departure of not contradicting his statement of the 2 September. The President further said, that the “the unfortunate contents of the statement and the inconvenience and confusion caused by the issuing thereof, are deeply regretted”. Thirdly, and notwithstanding the serious allegations filed in court by the Minister of Finance, the President deems it necessary to continue considering a judicial inquiry. Amongst these, is an allegation that the Minister is doing favours for the Gupta family, and that his department has withheld information related to its approval of a transfer of R1.5 billion from a trust account held with Standard Bank to the Bank of Baroda in India. We would have thought that the President would be consistent with his 2 September statement to dismiss the recommendation and allow the private relationship that exists between banks and their clients. This is so because any bank customer, who has a complaint about his or her bank, may approach the Ombudsman for Banking Service (OBS). This action by the President makes him an ombudsman of the Gupta family.
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11 Nov, 2016
UDM on resignation of Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe
Statement by President Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement, noted the reported resignation of Mr. Brian Molefe, the Chief Executive Officer of Eskom. The damning revelations in the report of the Public Protector on the State of Capture and the subsequent remedial actions therein, are unbearable. Whilst, his office has informed the nation, that his resignation is not an admission of wrong doing; the UDM is of the firm view that Eskom in general and Mr. Molefe in particular featured extensively in the report of the State of Capture. We hope that many others, like him, who are implicated by the report will do the right thing, and go home. Mr. Zuma must lead by example in this regard, and resign. However, resignation should not exonerate anyone from accounting and taking full responsibility for their actions during their time in office. Whilst we welcome his departure, we strongly believe that his institutional knowledge and memory, will assist the judicial inquiry into the State of Capture. Accordingly, we hope that he will fully cooperate with the Independent Judicial Commission to be instituted by the President as determined by the Public Protector. End
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19 May, 2016
Bantu Holomisa’s remarks to the Cape Town Press Club: President Zuma
Greetings: Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen Thank you very much for sharing this platform with me today. The electioneering season has begun and all of us are on the streets, to once again connect with the electorate. Chairperson, the United Democratic Movement in its 5th National Congress held in December 2015, amongst others; declared corruption as a national threat to sustainable development of the country and its citizens as it directly affects good governance and economic growth negatively. You will also recall that since its inception, the UDM has always been batting on a wicket of anti-corruption and good governance. We remain committed to this both in words and actions. I mention these two points because, today our country finds it difficult to be described fully without mentioning the word corruption. Centrally to this is that the country is led by a party in implosion. Its internal implosion has left the country sneezing and the state institutions in a state of paralysis. Leadership of these institutions are a product of a disastrous cadre deployment policy and by design, they are inherently part of the fighting factions within the party. Naturally, they will abuse their positions within these state institutions to defeat the other factions. At the helm of all these shenanigans is a President who has become an untouchable, even those close to him are apparently unable to apply breaks on him. So the country is stuck with this monstrous individual who has no regard for the rule of law. Those who are still placing their future in the ruling party, they can only wait for their national conference at the end of 2017, hoping that some new medicine will come. However, this hope is very much un-realistic given the fact that, Mr Zuma and his marshals are the same medicine in differently shaped bottles. He has successfully mustered his plan to render every senior member of the ruling party in parliament dormant through patronage, and as a result, it is impossible to differentiate between his NEC and the cabinet. There is therefore no possibility for any of the senior members of the ruling party within their NEC to question him on his escapades. The ruling party’s internal fight has now taken a very dangerous shift from a political symposium of ideas to the terrain of the former military operatives of the ANC armed wing. Mr. Zuma is now pitting junior former MK members against their former senior colleagues in the MK. He has activated a battalion of the former junior MK operatives in defence of his Nkandla scandal and his family friends, the Guptas, whilst the former senior leaders of Operation Vula, like Pravin Gordhan, are on the opposite side of the battle field. To exacerbate the chaotic situation, there is another group that is characterised by former senior leaders of the party, who are yearning for the ANC to return back to its original values, unfortunately they are on the periphery of the formal structures of the party. They will simply be locked-out in the cold with absolutely no say or influence. This is well expressed in how the ANC marshals are behaving in parliament. These marshals are the voting cattle in the coming national conference of their party and will therefore dictate the direction of the party which will directly affect the future of the country. It is not absurd to think of a possibility, where some, within the ruling party, who still harbour the original values and principles of the party, would consider pursuing the same principles and agenda outside of the currently exploding party. Notwithstanding all these, the country still has to move forward. It is in this regard, that our conference made the commitment to continue fighting against corruption and mobilise society behind the banner of good governance. We are happy that many other opposition parties and society in general are resonating with this noble campaign. The positive side of this crisis, is that political parties and citizens are presented with an opportunity to think deeply about whether it is not time to take a different route in defending the gains of our freedom. The fourth local government elections are a fertile platform to discharge this responsibility. The parties must provide concrete alternative and the electorate must not shy away from denouncing the failures of the ruling party through a ballot paper. The electorate has more than enough to understand why they should liberate themselves from the ruling party. There is no minute passing without scandals of looting public purse by the ruling elite. Their immorality has now directed their hands to the pension funds of the government employees in the Public Investment Corporation. Once again, major beneficiaries have links with the president of the country, like the Sakh’umnotho transaction amounting to no less than R1.5bn. The funding of the independent newspapers in which the Guptas are in court fighting for their 20% stake is in the public domain for electorates to see. The alleged payment of the ANC birthday bash and staff salaries using pensions of government employees is a subject of investigation by the office of the Public Protector. The opposition parties have tried their bit in parliament, in courts including the Constitutional Court, however, the numerical arrogance of the ruling party, and the used of state security apparatus has been a new weapon to silence different views. In conclusion, while the ruling party is imploding and Mr. Zuma remaining intransigent, the country is in a state of anarchy, because it is not their priority but their bottom less pockets. I thank you.
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13 May, 2016
Speaker of the National Assembly condones abuse of public monies
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly The closing remarks by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Baleka Mbete during the debate on the Parliamentary budget are shocking and preposterous. Her condonation of the abuse of public money by the Parliamentary officials, who blew R1m on a holiday spree in London, led by the Secretary of Parliament, is a clear demonstration of arrogance and abuse of power. Ms. Mbete has absolved the Secretary and his officials of any wrong doing. Interestingly, ten minutes before the debate, the she delivered a letter to me, responding to a request I made, on the 14th of April 2016, for an investigation of a possible irregularities related to the so-called benchmarking trip. In her reply she says, “Regarding the request for Parliament to investigate possible irregularities, kindly note that the matter is receiving attention by the Executive Authority. A response will follow in due course”. Hardly, two hours later, the same Speaker says, nothing was wrong with the trip and everything was above board. Where did she get this information when the request for investigation is still being considered? The conduct of the Speaker is the same as that of her travelers in the ruling party, who are led by a President who has neglected his oath of office. It appears, with the permission of the Speaker, that public monies entrusted in Parliament are up for grabs by corrupt politicians and officials as long as they sing to the tune of the corrupt ruling party elite. The Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 10 of 2009 is very clear on General Financial Management Functions. It instructs the Secretary who is the Accounting Officer of Parliament to ensure that Parliament’s resources are used effectively, efficiently, economically and transparently. The Speaker, without any investigations, says all is above board. What a shame!. End
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11 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA regarding meeting with Presiding Officers
Dear Honourable Speaker NOTICE OF A MEETING WITH PRESIDING OFFICERS – 13 APRIL 2016. The above matter has reference. Your notice of a meeting between the Presiding Officers and Leaders of Political Parties in Parliament is confirmed. On the 18th of February 2016, I wrote to you requesting that your office direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings on what I referred to, as; “The threat presented by the Gupta family to the security of the country’s resources”. I have not received a response to this letter either than a request for a signed version, which was delivered to your office. On the 7th of April 2016, I wrote to you requesting for a disciplinary enquiry against President Zuma. Again I have not received a response to this letter either than an acknowledgement. Given the above, I confirm that I will attend the meeting with Presiding Officers, only on condition that your office replies to the contents of the two letters referred to above. Kind regards, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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07 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to Speaker of the NA regarding disciplinary inquiry: President Zuma
Dear Honourable Speaker REQUEST FOR A DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY AGAINST PRESIDENT ZUMA The above matter has reference. Following the scathing Constitutional Court judgment delivered on the 31st of March instant, and found amongst others: “Consistent with this constitutional injunction, an order will thus be made that the President’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Public Protector is inconsistent with his obligation to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic; to comply with the remedial action taken by the Public Protector; and the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness”. A barrage of vicious attacks was meted against the office of the Public Protector and the Public Protector, by amongst others, members of the National Assembly; to a point of accusing her of misleading the nation. This grave misconduct has adversely affected the operations, performance and effectiveness of the Public Protector. Notwithstanding the clarity given by the Constitutional Court, the President, in his public half-hearted apology, failed to express himself on this matter of national interest. In July, justice portfolio committee chairperson Dr. Mathole Motshekga told the Nkandla ad hoc committee: “We should not, and cannot, apologise when we say the report of the public protector is misleading and has misled the nation.” The National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, led by the chairperson, Dr. Mathole Motshekga and Ms Thandiswa Mahambehlala brutally attacked the person of the public protector. This may have led to the economic embargo against the office of the Public Protector. News 24 reported on the 3rd of April 2016; attribute the following to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete; “Now I don’t know who owes the public protector an apology about what because as far as Parliament is concerned, the situation has been explained,” she said. It is my considered view, that the National Assembly has a Constitutional obligation to hold the President accountable on this matter. He has the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness. Further, the Constitutional Court found, against the President: “Consistent with this constitutional injunction, an order will thus be made that the President’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Public Protector is inconsistent with his obligation to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic; to comply with the remedial action taken by the Public Protector; and the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness”. Schedule 2 of the Constitution under Oath or solemn affirmation of President and Acting President provides: “The President of Acting President, before the Chief Justice, or another judge designated by the Chief Justice, must swear/affirm as follows: In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President/Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, I, A, B., swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always – promote all that will advance the Republic, and oppose all that may harm it; protect and promote the rights of all South Africans; discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience; do justice to all; and devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all of its people”. The President has on numerous occasions, and with regard to the report of the Public Protector and the security upgrades at his private homestead; made statements in the National Assembly, which were not accurate and may be bordering on perjury. To date, the nation as has not seen, the size and colour of a piece of paper purporting to be a bond that the President told the National Assembly funded his private home. Access to this document was never granted to the Public Protector as reported. Above all, the President had the audacity to come to the National Assembly and made mockery on a matter affecting the whole nation. We can all remember him infamously saying “…Nkandla – Nkandla! Owu Thixo – wa-se – George – Goch!” Accordingly, it is my considered view that the National Assembly is enjoined to institute a disciplinary enquiry against the President, in order to ascertain the gravity and the seriousness of the conduct of the President, as determined by the highest court of the land. In this regard, I propose: That a disciplinary enquiry be instituted against the President to: 1.1. Investigate whether the President has not misled the National Assembly with regard to his pronouncement on the security upgrades in his private homestead as well as the report of the Public Protector; and 1.2. Investigate the gravity and seriousness of the conduct of the President as determined by Constitutional Court on the 31st of March 2016, and in line with section 89 (1) of the Constitution. That the composition of the disciplinary enquiry be made up of three retired judges given that the National Assembly is conflicted, and that its findings should only be subjected to a review by a court of law where necessary. That a Multi-Party Committee be established to conduct a review of the current legislation governing security upgrades for public representatives in order to avoid further occurrence. That the National Assembly, set up a process that will immediately address the economic embargo meted against the office of the Public Protector and ensure that it is sufficiently resourced to be able to discharge its Constitutional obligations independently, impartially, effective and with dignity. Finally, the National Assembly has no choice but to hold the President accountable. Failure to do so, will send an unfortunate message to many other entities, that since the President was never held accountable, no one will have consequences for misleading the National Assembly under oath. Kind regards Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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06 Apr, 2016
Our freedom and democracy on the verge of collapse: What is to be done?
Statement by Mr. BH Holomisa, UDM President Yesterday, the 5th of April 2016, the ANC members of the National Assembly have once again violated their oath of office and acted in contempt of the Constitutional Court. Led by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, John Jeffery, they argued that there was no order to impeach Mr. Zuma, knowing fully well that the court would not do that. Once again and in abuse of their majority, they have refused to hold the Executive to account, by so doing defying to execute their constitutional obligation. ANC members of the National Assembly must be reminded that South Africa is not a majoritarian democracy but a Constitutional Democracy. Whilst the national legislature was breaching its oath of office, Mr. Zuma tells South Africans that he has not violated his oath of office, yet the Constitutional Court found on paragraph 103 of the judgment: “Consistent with this constitutional injunction, and order will thus be made that the President’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Public Protector is inconsistent with his obligation to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic;…”. On Sunday the 3rd of April 2016, Ms. Baleka Mbete, purporting to be speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, said to the nation; “We never violated the Constitution, there is no such statement in the Constitutional Court Judgment”. Paragraph 104 of the judgment reads, “Similarly, the failure by the National Assembly to hold the President accountable by ensuring that he complies with the remedial action taken against him, is inconsistent with its obligation to scrutinize and oversee executive action and to maintain oversight of the exercise of the executive powers by the President”. One of the primary functions and constitutional obligations of the legislature is to hold the executive accountable on behalf of citizens. On Monday the 4th of April 2016, the ruling party announced that it has accepted the half-hearted apology by Mr. Zuma and instructed its members of the National Assembly, to defend a dubious character in our body polity. The ANC therefore has instructed its members of parliament to violate the constitution and disregard the court’s findings. It is an accomplice in this crime. All of this has confirms, that the ANC has indeed, and as Zuma once said, that the ANC comes first and the country last. It has opened a wide door for a massive looting of public resources, a rule by a mob, an undermining of the Constitution and the rule of law. Our country is surely gravitating towards a lawlessness society. This is a reality we cannot allow and must be stopped now. The time for South Africans to reclaim their freedom and defend democracy is now. In defense of our Constitutional Democracy, we need: A ground-swell of all citizens, from the religious, traditional, academic, labour, business, civic, non-governmental, issue based organisations and all organs of civil society. A National Movement of the people reclaiming their freedom and defending their Constitutional Democracy, must have a national coordinating structure, duplicated in provinces, districts, locals including in suburbs, townships, informal settlements and villages. At the center of this movement should be: The call for an immediate resignation of Mr. Zuma; Dissolution of Parliament; Establishment of an Interim Government; Creation of a fair and transparent party funding legislation; and A reform of the Electoral Act. The Electoral Act has to be reformed in order to: Allow for a balance between the constituency and proportional elected representation system; Allow citizens to directly elect the State President; Ensure that candidates for cabinet position are vetted before appointed; and Enable Parliament to appoint an independent Speaker who is not accountable to a political party. The role that the civil society can play in building and strengthening democracy is powerful because, it includes the entire range of organized groups and institution that are independent from the state, voluntary, and at least to some extent self-reliant. Civil society have demonstrated respect for the law, for the rights of citizens, and for the constitution. In this regard, and unlike during the apartheid years, the security forces should refuse to be used to suppress the voice of the people. When people engage in lawful actions, and whose intentions are to build and sustain democracy, they should not be suppressed. In this way I am of the opinion that the people of South Africa will be able to talk in one voice and in unison and take charge of their destiny. Let the people reclaim their freedom. End
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31 Mar, 2016
UDM reacts to Concourt ruling on Nkandla
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP The damning Constitutional Court judgment against President Zuma and the ANC dominated National Assembly are a vindication of a position that the United Democratic Movement (UDM) has always held: that the African National Congress (ANC) has given the country a dubious person in the name of a president. Today the Constitutional Court has confirmed that this man is a danger to the constitution and our constitutional democracy. In doing this he is supported by a large team of ANC marshals occupying seats in the National Assembly whilst directly taking instructions from Luthuli House as voting cattle. Mr. Zuma has broken his oath of office and the National Assembly has failed to discharge its constitutional responsibility and hold him to account. We repeat that: South Africans are not electing the President of the country but a political party. The ANC has given us this dubious character whose disregard of the rule of law has been confirmed by the highest court of the land. The ANC must therefore come to its proper senses and fire the embarrassing President. He has no capacity to protect the constitution, our economy and certainly cannot be trusted with the resources of the people. Throughout his term of office, he has brought the country into disrepute and collapsed its economy creating a hopeless society whilst his pockets and that of his family are filled with people’s monies. End
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17 Mar, 2016
UDM reacts on President Zuma’s answers to question on Gupta’s Role in the appointment of Ministers
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 in favour of these two families. It further suggests that he has, together with Guptas ganged against his own Deputy Minister. The President, even had the audacity to say he has nothing to do with the revelations made by his Deputy Minister. He says there is nothing to investigate in order to verify the authenticity or otherwise of the revelations, as suggested by UDM. This is absurd to say the least: here is a Deputy Minister saying he was offered a position in your cabinet by someone else either than the President as provided for in the Constitution and you say you have nothing to do with that… but he continue to quote the Constitution…! The country has no basis to have hope anymore. As his answer confirms that another hour, a day with him in office, the country is going down in a high speed and by the time he leaves office, this country will be shadow of itself. It is now firmly in the hands of the ANC, the party that gave the nation a President who in turn neglected both his party and the country and chose his family and Guptas. We can now put it back to the ANC to do something or allow the electorate to punish them severely. End
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17 Mar, 2016
UDM reacts on Gupta’s offering Deputy Minister Jonas a position of Finance Minister
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 captured the government of South Africa without the knowledge of President Zuma. In fact, they surely have his approval and probably a mandate too. It will be interesting to know, whether he himself was not frog marched to the union building; as well as whether many other ministers and senior government officials were not appointed by the Guptas since 2009. On Sunday, the 13th of March 2016, the President is on record, in an ANC Alliance Eastern Cape meeting, defending the Guptas saying they helped his son, who is their business partner, to get work experience and a job when he could not get one South Africa because he is a Zuma. This behaviour by the President makes it very impossible to believe anything but that the Gupta family are in total control of the South African government and some state institutions. We have been consistent in saying that President Zuma is no longer a liability to the ANC but is also a threat to the country and its wellbeing. We have also written to the Speaker of the National Assembly suggesting that the relationship between the family of the President and that of the Guptas, is threatening the security and the economy of the country. The confirmations by Deputy Minister vindicates us. We suggested to the Speaker, that the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence should investigate this relationship and its impact on the security and economy of the country. The African National Congress and South Africans must remember that the Gupta family never contested elections in South Africa and therefore were never voted and never took an oath of office, yet they exercise powers only reserved by the Constitution of the Republic to the person in the highest office of the country. There is a symbiotic relationship between the events that resulted to the country losing billions of rands in December 2015, which were characterized by the sacking of Minister Nene, appointment of Minister Van Royen and the now confirmed offer by Guptas, surely they have a mandate. We advise the ANC to do itself a favour and cleanse itself of this monumental embarrassment and probably regain some of the credibility they have lost since the coming of President Zuma into the public office. However, if they fail and continue to do what they have been doing since 2009, defending one scandal after another of a one man, then the electorate must heavily punish them on the ballot box. End
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18 Feb, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA re Gupta Family
• Mining Minister’s Gupta Trip • Name: Van Rooyen’s two Gupta ‘advisers’ who almost hijacked SA Treasury • Duarte denies abuse of office • Why the Gupta family’s alleged deal with Denel is dubious • Denel and Gupta venture ‘illegal’ • Gupta-Zuma Firm gets 10th of Richards Bay Coal Export Rights • Nuclear energy: Gupta’ power play (Shive Uranium) Dear Honourable Speaker THE THREAT PRESENTED BY THE GUPTA FAMILY TO THE SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY’S RESOURCES. The widely reported proximity between our head of state and the Gupta Family has reached unprecedented proportions and therefore demands an immediate intervention by an appropriate national legislative body. The reported transactions, some of which are attached, exposes that critical and strategic industries are targeted for influence and capture by this family and its associates, chiefly amongst others being the son of the President. Further disturbing reports are that, the cabinet seem to have been co-opted to an extent that they are obliged to be paraded during breakfast shows of SABC 2, organised by the New Age of the same family. These breakfast shows are directly funded by State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) yet our public broadcaster (SABC) gets zero and all the millions go to the Gupta family. The capture and control of the cabinet by this family has since gone beyond the breakfast shows, today the nation knows that, recently, the Minister of Mineral Resources accompanied this family to Switzerland to help snatch yet another coal mining deal. Already, some of the members of the cabinet are publicly undermined and embarrassed; as witnessed in the recent illegal joint venture with a State Owned Enterprise, Denel without the knowledge of the minister and compliance with the relevant regulatory framework, (PFMA) of our country. We are now told that the same family is snatching another coal exports rights through Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Once again, a direct family member of the President is part of this, we read. During the turmoil in our National Treasury caused by an abrupt and most devastating decision to unceremoniously remove a performing minister; the one-week minister came carrying as his hand bag, two so-called advisers, with highly questionable academic qualification, and not only allegedly linked to the same family, but one being a son in law of the Deputy Secretary General of the ruling party. These disturbing reports are a source of discomfort and threat to the already devastated economy of the country. They further undermine, the confidence of both local and outside investors. There is no reasonable and mindful business person who would be encouraged to invest his or her wealth in a country whose economy is run by a family. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement, request the Office of the Speaker to direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings based on amongst others, these serious reports and allegations which are already undermining our economy and the country’s security. Kindly find attached reference articles listed above. Kindly advise Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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29 Sep, 2015
March against corruption on 30 of September 2015
The march against corruption on the 30th of September 2015, is consistent with the UDM position well-articulated in our 2014 Manifesto. Indeed corruption undermines and destroys the liberties enshrined in the country’s constitution, for which many paid the supreme price. This country can never succeed in eradicating poverty, create employment and reduce inequality if corruption is allowed to be the order of the day. The gains of our freedom and rights of citizens are undermined. The recently reported corruption court case in the United States in which the ANC is alleged to have benefitted through its infamous Chancellor House, is but one in many. If the ANC is serious about clear and corrupt free governance, it must simply pay back the money it benefitted through corrupt activities. South Africans should not allow the ruling party’s extortions of money from companies doing business with its government. The VW scandal could negatively affect job creation in South Africa. In this regard, we shall be part of the masses of the people of this country who commit to fight against the looting from the poor by both those who control the public office and the private sector. As UDM, we have a clear record of fighting corruption and we shall not be stopped. I call on all members of UDM and citizens in general to join the march against corruption on the 30th of September 2015. End
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10 Sep, 2015
Ongoing scourge of corruption in SA
address Mr ML Filtane MP in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker and members Corruption, poverty eradication, job opportunity creation and closing the gap between the poor and the rich, are permanent enemies who cannot share the same bed. It undermines the people and it renders their freedom unstable and insecure, making it impossible to achievement the kind of society envisaged in the Constitution of the Republic. A quick account on the effects of corruption over the 20 last years of democracy can be summarised as follows: In 1994, the ruling party contested the elections under the slogan: “A better life for all”. This was not about a better life for some, who happened to be in government or well connected to politicians or to the ruling party or for those who use the system to line their pockets. It cannot be a better life for those as Brenda Fassie would say: “Kuyangokuthi ungubani, uphila nobani, udlisa kanjani, ungena kwindawo ezinjani.” It must be a better life to all, because that is what the struggle was all about. After all this is what many went to jail for, exile with some paying the supreme price, death, killed by apartheid agents or hanged. In 1999, we were told: “Together fighting for change”. It can only be presumed that this referred to the need to change the lives of the South Africans for better especially those of women, children, youth, rural and urban people across the length and breadth of the country. Whilst our education and health crumbles, corruption is on the rise. Whilst the fight for the so-called security upgrades in Nkandla is on the high, the rest of the rural communities will leave under the same and sometimes even worse conditions as they were before the dawn of democracy, yet corruption is on the rise. In 2004, the rallying cry was: “A peoples contract to create work and fight poverty”. The recent census report together with an announcement on made as back on 30 March 2011 by the former head of Asset Forfeiture Unit, Adv Willie Hofmeyr that about R30 billion per annum is lost to corruption on state tenders, speaks volumes. Interesting, today, the reports have not changed. We thought this was a people’s contract to fight poverty of the people who live in dire conditions, not through food parcels but through building economy that creates jobs especially for young people and women who are hardest hit by poverty and unemployment in the sea of corruption. In 2009, the sign post read: “Working together we can do more”. More what – Corruption, undermine the Rule of Law, the Constitution, dumping down of health, education and social security? Surely South Africans can’t be part of that togetherness. In 2014, the posts read: “Together we move South Africa Forward”. What is moving forward – is the looting of public resources by the ruling elite in a speedy faster than that of a Tsunami. Corruption has reach a point where the people of South Africa must now stand up and reclaim their freedom from the ruling elite. An element of a constituency based electoral system with Participatory Deliberate Model of Democracy, ensures direct accountability of public representatives to the people. It also creates a Democratic Citizenship. The time to reclaim our freedom is NOW. I thank you.
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06 Aug, 2015
UDM Parliamentary Caucus denounces the Ad-hoc Committee on Nkandla as flawed and against the law
Statement by UDM President Bantu Holomisa After deliberations this morning the Caucus resolved as follows regarding the Nkandla Ad Hoc committee: 1. The new Ad-hoc committee process has not changed the original position of the UDM that the President must not use the Executive and Parliament to undermine the report of the Public Protector, but should in line with legal prescripts; approach the appropriate court for a judicial review. 2. Irrespective of the findings and recommendations of the Ad-hoc committee given the fact that the ANC bulldozed parliament on this matter, the fact does not change that, this matter is not for parliament but between the President and the Public Protector. Anything to the contrary borders on the conflation of the doctrine of the separation of powers, between the legislature, the judiciary and the executive. UDM will always and in the interest of Constitutional Democracy, refuse to break this fundamental principle. 3. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the independence of Chapter 9 Institutions as they strengthen our democracy. To this end, we support the report of the Public Protector on Nkandla and firmly believe that, only the court of law can review its findings and remedial actions. 4. Consistent with the Executive Members Ethics Act and the Constitution of the Republic, it is the President who can make a legally valid decision not to comply with the remedial actions made by the Public Protector, only if such is based on rationality and cogent reasoning, as the Cape Town High Court determined. 5. This matter must not only be a private property of political parties as it affects all citizens. As a result, we call on all organs of civil society to join the campaign to save this country and its resources for the benefit of the poor. 6. We call on organs of civil society to approach the courts of law to challenge this abuse of power in Parliament by using the institution to protect the President. Thank you
