Admin
05 Sep, 2017
UDM reacts on South Africa exiting recession with 2.5% of GDP Growth
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR NQABAYOMZI KWANKWA – UDM DEPUTY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF WHIP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the good news of South Africa’s exit from the recession. The poorest of the poor need a better performing economy to take them out of poverty, unemployment and inequality. We hope, corruption which compounds these triple challenges, will also be defeated and buried with urgency, so that this improved economic performance benefits the people; not the connected few. We are also taking note of the fact that while the agricultural production has grown, it has failed to create more job opportunities due to the methods of production used. In this regard, as we compete in the global market, the UDM believes that labour intensive methods, should be balanced with the demands of technological advancement, in order for SA to significantly reduce the current 27.7% unemployment rate. We call on government to do more to sustain this growth and grow the informal and small business sector, aggressively, without favour end corruption. End
Admin
04 Sep, 2017
UDM reaction on the alleged cracking down on political opponents in Lesotho
Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa – UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disturbed by the reports of alleged political intolerance in Lesotho. In this regard, we call on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through its facilitator, the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene with speed, and ensure political stability. We must do everything possible, and within our powers, to avert political instability that may result to loss of life and other socio-economic ills in Lesotho, in the continent and the world over. The fact that the leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), Mr Mothetjoa Metsing (as reported in the City Press – 3 September 2017), had to flee his country and take refuge in South Africa, fearing for his life, is a reason enough for a speedy intervention by the SADC. We note the reported commitment, announced by the Lesotho Public Service Minister, Mr Thesele Maseribane, through South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Friday, the 1st of September instant. Consistent with that commitment, and taking into account the recent incidents of death, including the death of Thelingoane Mota, the assault of police superintendent Lerato Motseki; the UDM strongly believes that the SADC and the Mr Ramaphosa must join these processes and ensure a safe and peaceful political environment in Lesotho. In the same vein, the UDM would not want the South African soil to be used as a springboard to attack a democratically elected government of Lesotho. Lesotho, need stability to grow its economy and contribute to the betterment of the lives of the people of that country, the Southern Region and the continent at large. End
Admin
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
Admin
08 Mar, 2017
Consideration of 2017 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal and Report of Standing Committee on Finance – address by Mr ML Filtane, MP
Honourable Speaker and Honourable members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) supports the 2017 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal and the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance. We appreciate that the Minister, as always, tried his best, notwithstanding the difficult circumstances occasioned by the bold call from the President for a budget that responds to the Radical Socio-Economic Transformation path as adopted by government. This was a very difficult expectation given the hard fact of a government which is wrestling with an unprecedented national debt challenge post the dawn of democracy. Consequently, and with respect to the land question, the budget failed to create hope for a speedy transfer of land to its rightful owners. This was further exacerbated after the ruling party subsequently objected to the possibility to expropriate land without compensation and or with compensation only to the improvements made in the land. There was no budget for extension of land expropriation beyond the Constitutional limit of 19 June 1913. Had we agreed to amend the Constitution, we would be talking a different story. Although the Minister had difficulty to manoeuvre for a radical budget, he has however confirmed that our monies as South Africans are in good hands. That is what all good citizens of this country at least want, in particular during such difficult time, when the economy is struggling to grow. People are jobless, poverty is on the rise and individual debts are the order of the day. This therefore brings an urgent challenge to the Minister, his colleagues in the Executive, the industry, civil society and citizens in general, to ensure that our economy grows and reduce the ratio between the revenue base and the debt. The austerity measures that were announced are welcome. However, government must implement these without compromising on the delivery of basic services to the poorest of the poor. Taking advantage of, amongst others, corporate income tax, government, working with industry should consider financial awareness campaigns at schools and communities in general. When society has an economy that is not growing, and citizens are heavily indebted, that then creates a deeper crisis and possible collapse of the entire economy and the nation. Lastly, the UDM still believe that it is possible to provide fee free higher education and training in particular for the poor, and that this has not been provided for. We, however, welcome the steps taken to improve the chances of our children achieving a degree without a crippling debt burden, post qualification. Thank you
Admin
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.
Admin
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
Admin
10 Dec, 1997
The challenges facing South Africa as we approach the New Millennium
Presented by Mr Bantu Holomisa, UDM Co-leader, at the South African Institute of Race Relations, Johannesburg In the letter of invitation which I received from the Institute of Race Relations, it is stated that the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is attracting much media attention. The UDM on the other hand feels that scant attention is paid to its activities by the media, so it is a matter of debate as to whether we enjoy any sufficient media coverage or not. However, what is important to us is the reasons of our existence or the process which led to the formation of the UDM. The process which led to the first 1994 April democratic elections in the history of South Africa was initiated to bring about freedom to the people of South Africa. Indeed the first democratic government was unveiled to assume its task of continuing with the democratisation process of state institutions, above all to bring about qualitative change and particularly improving the lives of the poor. The UDM is ready to measure to current and future challenges facing South Africa, as we approach the 21 Century. We embrace the challenge with passion and alacrity the practical demands of rebuilding our severely divided society with unprecedented vigour. We will set free the creative power inherent in our diversity, and will co-operate with all stake-holders to ensure a quality of life and freedom for every citizen, based on good governance and civil order, towards being a winning nation. The UDM presently is for obvious reasons not represented at parliament. This does not necessarily mean that our primarily aim is to contest the 1999 elections and be part and parcel of other political parties in parliament without any broader vision and sense of purpose. We clearly see ourselves playing an effective role outside and inside parliament if ever we gets sufficient seats in 1999 elections. The UDM programme of action is geared towards the achievement of just social outcome. In dealing with: unemployment; civil order; housing; education; economy; We are currently involved in the process of designing specific policy positions, what the UDM have contrary to what is said, is broader policy framework or principles. Can the current political parties stand to the current and future challenges? The parliamentary experience/or observations such as: the inability of minority parties to exert pressure and hold the executive to account; the majority party using its numeric strength to dismiss constructive views from other parties; the past activities of parties in parliament being used by the majority party to weaken its opposition during policy-making process with some of the issues with no direct connection on what is being deliberated upon; These are some of the factors, which had weakened the current political parties in terms of playing effective opposition role. It is against this background that the UDM has a role to play and to fill this gap and unite the country by consolidating and defending this hard won fledgling democracy as we move towards the 21 Century and positioning ourselves in dealing with the unforeseen challenges of the future and building together a just society for all. The role of civil society in addressing these challenges should not be undermined. The non-government sector in South Africa has played an important role in making sure that Apartheid as government policy fails. This sector has played an important role in capacitating our communities through various means, in the form of training, poverty reduction programmes, particularly in the rural areas, providing support for small and medium enterprises for the disadvantaged sector of our communities, adult basic education to combat illiteracy. The South African Institute of Race Relations with other similar minded NGOs has in the past and I believe still made education a priority by recognising its importance as a liberating tool. The fact that these institutions granted scholarships and bursaries to the needy bears testimony to this commitment of uplifting our communities. It clear that the government alone cannot transform our society without the active involvement of the Non-governmental Institutions. The fact that NGOs by their nature are suppose to be apolitical they are strategically placed to intervene on behalf of citizens, especially when the government is inclined to abuse its political power in pursuance of sectional/ or individual interests. The civil society can effectively play its role by supplementing oppositional parties in government. This can be achieved by being public watchdogs or whistle blowers, especially when acts of corruption are detected. However, we do acknowledge the limitations which the NGOs are faced with in carrying out their mandate, precisely that the funding environment had dried up. The future direction of South Africa is already mapped by the ANC through RDP initially which was later abandoned and replaced by GEAR as government normative policy document, it sets out in no uncertain terms as to what the ANC hopes to achieve in a given period from job creation to provision of infrastructure. Today teachers who are supposed to be building the nation are to be retrenched. So compare the objectives of GEAR with what is happening now. Is it more jobs or speedy retrenchments of the people whom should be benefiting from the new dispensation? Judge for yourselves… In conclusion I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Institute of Race Relations for inviting me and the audience. Bantu Holomisa UDM Co-leader
Admin
01 Dec, 1997
Jobs summit: acclaim for breakthrough
Statement by Bantu Holomisa and Roelf Meyer The UDM is extremely grateful for the agreement reached at Nedlac on the presidential jobs summit planned for the second quarter of 1998. We have taken note of the two phased approach towards the summit and the follow-up phase envisaged. Although proper planning is essential, it is a pity that this most desperate need of so many of our fellow South Africans took so long to receive the proper attention it deserves. It is, however, clear that sufficient new jobs are not going to be created by government and big business alone. The only way to achieve sustainable success in this area, the UDM believes, will be to start with relevant programmes at grass roots level, targeting individuals and households. We need to bring jobs to the townships. In the quest for urgent and creative solutions to this priority issue, the UDM will hold an economic workshop early in the new year. This workshop will involve experts in the respective fields of economic planning, labour and related issues. The UDM will therefore be in a position to creatively take part in the consultation and negotiation phase towards the proposed presidential summit. If the war against unemployment is not won, a sea of desperation and hopelessness will obliterate many of the good things that South Africa has achieved so far. Unemployment needs to be an urgent national priority.
