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15 Jul, 2017
SACP really going it alone or stage-managed strategy of the alliance?
The United Democratic Movement has noted that the South African Communist Party (SACP) will be contesting the 2019 National and Provincial Elections alone. In order for the SACP to prove that they are serious about this plan, all the party’s Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and Legislatures, as well as Councillors, should immediately resign to prevent access to Government monies and resources to bolster their campaigns. It would not be far-fetched to say this this whole exercise is a stage-managed ruse to draw attention away from the lame African National Congress (ANC) leadership whose credibility is shot. The SACP is therefore stepping into the limelight to take the moral high ground, for now, and once the results are announced in 2019, the SACP and the ANC enter into a coalition government? The proof will therefore be in the pudding and only time will tell whether the SACP is serious about really separating itself from the ruling alliance. Statement by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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13 Jul, 2017
Opposition parties met in Pretoria to discuss pressing issues
The following parties; ACDP, APC, COPE, DA, EFF, IFP and the UDM met today to discuss a number of burning political issues. 1. Secret Ballot or not? The 22 June Constitutional Court judgment We welcome the Constitutional Court judgement on the Speaker’s discretion to decide whether a vote on a no-confidence motion in the President of the Republic should be secret or not. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, has given the Speaker of the National Assembly wise advice in the Court’s judgement: “South Africa is a constitutional democracy – a government of the people, by the people and for the people through the instrumentality of the Constitution. It is a system of governance that “we the people” consciously and purposefully opted for to create a truly free, just and united nation. Central to this vision is the improvement of the quality of life of all citizens and the optimisation of the potential of each through good governance.” About the power of those in public office the Constitutional Court said: “They are therefore not to be used for the advancement of personal or sectarian interests. Amandla awethu, mannda ndiashu, maatla ke a rona or matimba ya hina (power belongs to us) and mayibuye iAfrika (restore Africa and its wealth) are much more than mere excitement-generating slogans.” Some political parties in Parliament have already begun to make their submissions to the Speaker to further motivate for a secret ballot. However, we reinforce the ruling that it is within her discretion to make a determination. We hope that for once, she will be impartial and take a decision for the benefit of South Africa. We note her instructions to the ANC MPs to vote in favour of their President; the Speaker is patently biased and therefore compromised. She cannot preside over the debate. To add to this, Ms Mbete will act as President in the event of the success of the no-confidence-vote which makes her even more conflicted. 2. Activities on the day of the Motion of No-Confidence Regarding activities scheduled for the 8th of August, the date on which the vote on the no-confidence motion will take place in the National Assembly, we call all South Africans to converge in Cape Town and march to Parliament in support of a better South Africa without a incompetent President at the helm. Those who are not able to make it to Cape Town must engage in activities in their villages, townships and towns. We call on the entire civil society sector, religious institutions, traditional leaders, unions, and everybody, to stand up to a scandalous President. 3. Speaker’s worrying comments on the judiciary We are concerned about Ms Baleka Mbete’s accusations that certain judges are biased against her party. This undermines her duty to act as a liaison between Parliament as an institution and the other arms of State. This means that she still fails to separate her role as the head of the National Assembly and that of the African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson. 4. Attack on the media We, in the strongest terms, condemn the Black First Land First-led onslaught on journalists. We reaffirm our commitment to a free and independent media whose right, to keep the nation informed, is guaranteed by the Constitution. We denounce this emerging foreign culture of intolerance we witness these days. 5. The Judicial Commission of Inquiry on State Capture We call on President Zuma to demonstrate, for once, that he is true to his words; telling the National Assembly that he is about to announce a Commission Inquiry on State Capture. He should with immediate effect withdraw his court challenge on the Public Protector’s State Capture Report and announce the Commission as per the remedial actions of the Public Protector. 6. The racially divisive Bell Pottinger’s agenda We reject the so-called apology by a racist prone Bell Pottinger. The ANC and its Gupta sponsors must explain why they allowed such rampant racism to divide the Nation, using resources which should have been dedicated to bettering the lives of all South Africans. The ANC and its government must come clean and explain how they ended up in the pockets of this racist company. 7. Public Protector We condemn the conduct of the Public Protector in terms of the remedial actions affecting the Reserve Bank. Her flip-flops on the matter does not paint a picture of an incontrovertible Public Protector. We call on Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane to unequivocally apologise to the Nation and that she immediately stops turning this office into a political side show that serves the interests of a destructive faction within the ruling party. We also call on the National Assembly Justice Portfolio Committee to summon Advocate Mkhwebane to account for her actions, in this regard. 8. The work of the Independent Electoral Commission With a view to improve the freeness and fairness of the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, opposition party leaders wish to soon meet with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to again discuss our perennial concerns; what their interventions are on that score; and also brief us on their state of readiness for 2019. 9. Party funding Public funding of political parties is a critical tool to foster a healthy multi-party democracy. We are however worried about the intentions of the ruling party; in particular after their losing some metropolitan municipalities in 2016 and with them facing a strong possibility of losing the majority in 2019 National and Provincial Elections. Our position is that we must ensure equitable allocation of resources to all political parties in terms of the current legislation. We must first establish a common interpretation and application of the existing legislation and once that is done, we can think about further funding, if necessary. 10. Security of leaders of political parties The issue of the privacy and safety of political leaders has recently come to the fore. Over the past few months many reports have surfaced of an alleged rogue intelligence unit spying on leaders. Most recently, the emails and documents obtained through the #GuptaLeaksshowed how the family spied on prominent South Africans. We have resolved to ask the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to request a briefing from the State security apparatus on the media reports; especially in cases where some leaders have apparently been targeted for assassination. Thank you By Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP On behalf of Opposition Parties represented in the National Assembly. Burgers Park Hotel, Pretoria on 13 July 2017
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12 Jul, 2017
Letter by UDM President Bantu Holomisa to Parliament Speaker Honourable Baleka Mbete
Honourable Ms Baleka Mbete, MP Speaker of the National Assembly PO Box 15 Cape Town 8000 Per email: speaker@parliament.gov.za Dear Madam Speaker YOUR REQUEST FOR INPUT FROM POLITICAL PARTIES ON A SECRET BALLOT ON THE MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA This matter has reference. 1. The context of the Constitutional Court judgement In giving the Constitutional Court’s unanimous judgement, on 22 June 2017, on the matter of the Speaker’s discretion to decide whether a vote on a motion of no-confidence (MONC) in the President of the Republic should be secret or not, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng stated the following: “South Africa is a constitutional democracy – a government of the people, by the people and for the people through the instrumentality of the Constitution. It is a system of governance that “we the people” consciously and purposefully opted for to create a truly free, just and united nation. Central to this vision is the improvement of the quality of life of all citizens and the optimisation of the potential of each through good governance.” About the power of those in public office the Constitutional Court said: “They are therefore not to be used for the advancement of personal or sectarian interests. Amandla awethu, mannda ndiashu, maatla ke a rona or matimba ya hina (power belongs to us) and mayibuye iAfrika (restore Africa and its wealth) are much more than mere excitement-generating slogans.” The context provided by these pronouncements is critical when considering whether the ballot on the MONC in the National Assembly (NA) should be secret or not. It means that any decision, which the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the NA makes, should be weighed in terms of the primary directive of improving the lives of all South Africans to the exclusion of “the advancement of personal or sectarian interests”. 2. Protection of MPs and their freedom fulfil their obligation to South Africans The question is therefore whether the NA MPs enjoy the protection and freedom to fulfil their Constitutional obligation to make decisions in the best interest of our people. In our submissions to the Constitutional Court, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) raised the issue of widespread intimidation of members of the African National Congress (ANC) in order to quell dissent within the party. There is a copious number of examples, as reported by the independent media, which detail the threats made on the person and employment of ANC MPs in the NA. These threats started right after President Zuma reshuffled his cabinet, and continue to this day. One cannot make the mistake of thinking these are idle threats. The Minister of Police announced, on the 29th of May 2017, that there had been thirty-three officially recorded politically motivated murders in the KwaZulu-Natal alone. We have not seen this level of political intolerance since the mid-nineties. As if this is not enough, during the ANC’s recent Policy Conference the very same Minister (who is also a member of the ruling party National Executive Committee (NEC)) described those NA MPs who may vote with the Constitution and the people of South Africa, as “suicide bombers”. A very violent analogy, to describe a potentially violent situation. The whole fracas around ANC MP Dr Makhosi Khoza’s point of view on the secret ballot is another case in point. Just today it was reported that her daughter received death threats from the same people intimidating her. Not only is she under threat, but her family too! On the 7th of July, the Chief Whip of the majority party in the NA threatened members of his party with disciplinary action if they dare to not toe the party line. If this is the level to which people will stoop, how can MPs vote without fear of what the Constitutional Court called “illegitimate hardships”. 3. “Proper and rational basis” for the Speakers decision on a secret ballot The UDM again refers you to the Constitutional Court’s judgement that states that: “There must always be a proper and rational basis for whatever choice the Speaker makes in the exercise of the constitutional power to determine the voting procedure. Due regard must always be had to real possibilities of corruption as well as the prevailing circumstances and whether they allow Members to exercise their vote in a manner that does not expose them to illegitimate hardships.” You have been given the responsibility, as the impartial Speaker of the House, to consider the quite unabashed intimidation already suffered by ANC MPs, as well as the threat of future adverse repercussions should the vote be open. These are not matters to be toyed with and we beseech you to apply your mind, being fully aware of 1) the entire ruling of the Constitutional Court and 2) what might happen to these public representatives if the ballot is not secret. 4. The UDM wants a secret ballot In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the arguments we placed before the Constitutional Court and stress the UDM’s point of view that NA MPs must be protected so that they may vote according to their conscience and therefore in the favour of our people. Yours sincerely Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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03 Jul, 2017
No real justice for victims: Punishment for sexual offenders is simply not to tough enough
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) reiterates its call for harsher punishment of those found guilty of abusing and murdering women and children. There also has to be stricter bail conditions, before such criminals are set loose on society. In these regards, the justice system has been failing women and children for years and years. It is said far too often, that criminals have more rights in South Africa, than the victims of crime do. In the case of gender-based violence and sexual offenses, the damage victims suffer is permanent and the offenders more or less walk away scot-free, or are not punished hard enough. There is a perception that the reoffending rate of rapists and murderers is high and one wonders if the reform and rehabilitation these offenders undergo in prison is really effective in preventing future crimes. The recent incident where scantily dressed women all but stripped for the inmates of the Johannesburg B prison is utterly shocking. Many of these men are said to be guilty of violent crime and are murderers and rapists. Our correctional services are definitely not correcting anything in this fashion. In addition, the efficacy of the National Register of Sex Offenders is questionable. Having limited public access to the register is not good enough. Although some would argue that citizens might become vigilantes and persecute sexual offenders if the register was freely available, there must be a balance between their right to privacy and citizens’ rights to be safe; we need to know whether we live amongst murderers and rapists. End
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27 Jun, 2017
Having a royal time in South African prisons
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The Department of Correctional Service does not cease to amaze. In February this year, the Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane splurged more than R60 000 of taxpayers’ money treating prisoners at Leeuwkop (Midrand) to a KFC meal. A week ago, Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa caused an uproar when she presented 30 laptops to inmates of the Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria (with 70 more laptops to be handed over to incarcerated criminals in future). What does tourism have to do with corrections? Besides, why give laptops and not stationary, locked-down computers in a laboratory setting? One wonders what the insurance payment for these laptops are, or does the Minister consider it a write-off? The worst of these examples of a dysfunction correctional system, is the publicly available photos of what can only be described as a salacious strip show, that inmates at the Johannesburg’s Medium B prison had the pleasure to participate in – and that in the name of Youth Day! This is wrong on so many levels, one does not know where to start. We hope that the Department of Corrections’ investigation gets to the bottom of this inappropriate event and that the organisers (especially if prison officials were involved) suffer some punitive consequences. The UDM believes that imprisonment is not supposed to be a joy-ride. Yes, inmates should be given an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves, but such incongruent Government interventions do not make any sense. Instead of imprisonment being a crime deterrent, potential offenders will see these as perks of imprisonment; not only do you get a roof over your head and three meals a day, but you can eat take-aways, keep your Facebook profile updated and watch scantily clad women dance. This clearly shows that the ANC-led government, with its departments, continue to dismally fail citizens. End
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23 Jun, 2017
AG’s findings on local government audit remains cause for concern
Regarding the Auditor-general’s latest report on the local government audit, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes that there were only marginal improvements in local government audit results. We are however concerned that 14 municipalities lost their clean audit status, while only 9 cleaned up their acts. It simply means that good governance at local level, and effective municipal management, is moving in the wrong direction. It is heartening that the Auditor-general’s office, as a Chapter 9 institution, seems to be doing its job without fear or favour and does not shy away from fulfilling its Constitutional mandate. Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The UDM is on record regarding Government’s over-reliance on consultants and it is discouraging to hear that consultancy fees for financial reporting services increased to R838 million. The greatest worrying factors are that: 1) Municipalities spend more than they have, their current liabilities exceed current assets at year-end, debtors are not paying or delay payment, as well as late payment of creditors. 2) There has been no improvement on the perennial concerns of the Auditor-general about contracts awarded to employees, councillors, their families and other state officials. 3) Even though fruitless and wasteful expenditure is down 21%, irregular expenditure has increased by just over 50%, which the Auditor-general said was “the highest since we started tracking the values”. Given the yearly damning observations, the UDM doubts if councils and municipal administrations take the Auditor-general seriously. The Auditor-general is simply ignored and the powers-that-be go about their merry ways without caring about the implications of their looting of State coffers and failing management. There are no repercussions for failing municipal administrations, and the UDM believes it might be necessary to have an Auditor-general with teeth. The UDM also notes an interesting trend regarding fruitless, wasteful and irregular expenditure by the Government; in particular at local sphere. This trend is mostly expressed during a year of general elections (national, provincial and local) as well as in a year of the conferences of the African National Congress (ANC) and its Alliance Partners. This trend is manifested in this year’s report, with the year preceding being Municipal Elections. We will not be surprised to notice a spike in expenses when, this time next year, another report is issued after the conferences of the ANC and its Alliance partners. The UDM will consider investigating this trend to establish whether public monies are not being used to fund internal political party programmes. If this is the case, it will be proof of yet another thievery. It is easy to look at the figures presented by the Auditor-general as list of amounts, but one must never forget that there are billions of Rands involved each year, which should be spent on bettering the lives of South Africans and not lining the pockets of the few.
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22 Jun, 2017
Serious concern over provision of health services, especially in KwaZulu-Natal
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is saddened by the dire situation of the shortage of healthcare practitioners especially the medical practitioners and material resources at public or state hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. We have heard too many stories of specialists, general practitioners and nurses who leave public service in search of greener pastures in the private sector and outside the country. What is more disturbing is the failure of the Department of Health to absorb doctors after completing their internship/community service in the state health facilities. We have doctors who are sitting at home because the government led by the ANC continues to fail in performing. This government seemed to be failing to understand that doctors provide essential service. To make matters worse, the Department of Health prefers to waste taxpayers’ money by paying agencies or labour brokers which hire temporary nurses. Government is also hiring on ad-hoc basis oncologists and radiotherapists from the service providers. The nation is sick and tired of the excuses made by the Department of Health for its poor performance whilst patients are dying. It is also disturbing that the KZN Health MEC Dr Sbongiseni Dlomo has credentials for the liberation struggle but he seemed to be failing to service his people and the nation. One would expect a better performance from him. He must resign and accept that he has failed. Patients deserve better.
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22 Jun, 2017
Victory for SA! Constitutional Court ruling on secret ballot
Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa – UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has been vindicated with the Constitutional Court’s ruling that the Speaker of the National Assembly could facilitate a secret ballot in a no-confidence motion in President Zuma. We thank our legal team, as well as political parties and civil society organisations who supported us all the way. The risk of Members of Parliament (MPs) being victimised if they don’t vote according the Party-line is very real. In fact, the President has unequivocally stated that ruling party MPs who vote for his removal will do so at their own peril. The Constitutional Court has today recognised the seriousness of this threat and have made it possible for MPs to vote according to their conscience. The ball is now in the Speaker’s court and Ms Baleka Mbete is obliged to uphold her oath of office and prove that she’s not a ruling party toady. We therefore call on the Speaker, irrespective of her political affiliation, to do the right thing and grant a secret ballot for a vote of no-confidence in President Zuma. The proof is however in the pudding and the mettle of MPs will be tested in a vote of no-confidence. The UDM hopes that those ruling party MPs, who recognise that their party and president have lost the plot, will help us to take the first step to free the Country from “state capture”. End
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20 Jun, 2017
Precautionary measures for initiation must be made a priority
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General It is that time of the year where thousands of boys from many communities across South Africa will be taking the life changing journey to the mountains to become men. This time-honoured rite of passage to manhood should be respected by all stakeholders and it cannot be at the expense of young lives. At this very important time for initiation practising communities, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on the traditional surgeons and nurses to take every precaution to ensure that no lives are lost this season. One life lost is too many. The Circumcision Act must be enforced and in this regard, we have noted that the police arrested several alleged bogus circumcision practitioners in the Eastern Cape at the weekend. The UDM also calls on parents and community leaders to not allow their under age boys to undergo this rigorous process if they are not yet ready. Parents must also make it a point that they satisfy themselves with the credentials of the circumcision practitioners. The traditional leaders must also make sure that initiation schools are registered in their areas. End
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15 Jun, 2017
UDM will spend Youth Day with fire ravaged communities #KnysnaFires
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) commiserates with the Garden Route communities who have lost so much in the fires that ravaged their lives. In particular, we express our condolences to the families and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives. We commend the work of our firefighters and other rescue services professionals who had to operate in the most unthinkable circumstances. Those who volunteered their time and resources to assist in the evacuation of people and animals are our heroes. The Nation’s response to this disaster, as well as to the storm wrecked communities, shows that we are a compassionate people, willing to sacrifice and help each other in time of desperate need. As we pick up the pieces, the UDM is pleased to join hands with the hundreds of thousands of South Africans in lending a helping hand. UDM Deputy-President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP will spend Youth Day (on Friday, 16 June 2017) with the affected communities to assist with their basic and immediate needs. Press Release by UDM Deputy-President, Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP
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09 Jun, 2017
UDM calls for plan and timelines of the revitalisation and revamping of inner city of Tshwane
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General UDM calls for plan and timelines of the revitalisation and revamping of inner city of Tshwane The United Democratic Movement (UDM) appreciates the commitment made by the City of Tshwane to revitalise and revamp the inner city. We hope that the renovation of old buildings in the central business district is part of this and will be a priority. This will help to bring down the high rate of crime that is currently taking place in these buildings and in the streets. Most of the streets with these buildings are difficult to walk pass by because muggers commit crimes and hibernate into them. It becomes very difficult for security agencies to apprehend them. These buildings are a hazard and they make innocent people more vulnerable. Some of these buildings are also used as brothels and drug dens. They also harbour illegal immigrants. With these renovations we hope to see a huge difference. People will be able to walk free along the streets in the CBD. However, as the UDM, we want to see the plan and timelines of the revitalisation and revamping of the inner city. The society is sick and tired of unfulfilled promises made by authorities. The landlords of these buildings must also play a vital role in their renovations and they must begin to take responsibility of what is happening in them. End
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25 May, 2017
UDM welcomes investigation into billions of rand lost due to negligent health care workers, statement by Bongani Msomi
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is shocked by the exorbitant amount of tax payers’ money that is lost because of the Department of Health’s negligence. Spending R43 billion on lawsuits is ridiculous and it is even more concerning that nothing much is being done to put a stop to the wastage. We cannot be losing money, and especially not such a large amount, due to the carelessness of medical practitioners and health workers. Reports in the public domain allege that some universities, such as University of KwaZulu-Natal, sell medical qualifications to dropouts and/or undeserving graduates. This alleged practice could be exacerbating the problem and can be avoided if proper vetting is done. If bogus doctors are identified, the Department must “blacklist” them so that they are not employed anywhere in the public service. Patients who use our public health care facilities deserve better.
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23 May, 2017
UDM condemns taxi violence in KZN
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is saddened by the on-going taxi wars that continue to take innocent lives in KwaZulu Natal. The wars have been going on for some time and nothing effective has been done to stop them. Innocent people are being killed. Taxi operators, taxi associations and security agencies must find ways to resolve these problems of routes. The situation is not acceptable. The recent shootouts at Nongoma and Mbumbulu claimed lives of four passengers plus two drivers respectively. UDM calls upon the Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula and the MEC for Safety and Security in KZN, Mxolisi Kaunda to do all in their power to stop this carnage. The MEC must also come clean and take the nation in his confidence about what he together with his department have done to address the backlog issuing route permits. Enough is enough. End
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16 May, 2017
Avoidable WSU violence takes a life
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the strongest terms condemns the destructive behaviour of some Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students. The reported fight between WSU medical students and the fatal stabbing of a final year medical student, Lwando Mantshontsho, is shocking and seems quite senseless; it is difficult to grasp what has happened. Parents send their children to university in the hope that they will live and learn in a safe environment, yet they are exposed to danger from fellow students. This is not acceptable. Judging our students by this behaviour, forces us to doubt the quality of the future leaders of this country. WSU students have long complained about lack of security on campus and not much has been done. How many more students and/or staff must be injured and lives lost before action is taken. We call upon all the stakeholders involved to take rapid action. University management must prioritise campus safety so that staff and students can work in an environment conducive to learning. The UDM hopes harsh sentences will be meted out against those found guilty and that it will be a lesson to other criminals in the making. Justice must take its course as our society does not deserve such people. Our condolences to the family and friends of young Lwando. We also wish speedy recovery to those in hospital Issued by: UDM Secretary General Mr Bongani Msomi
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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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08 May, 2017
Vuwani no-show: A sign of disrepect
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General – Bongani Msomi It is with sadness that we witness the belittling behaviour of President Jacob Zuma towards the people of this country. His no-show at Vuwani, at the weekend, displays the clear arrogance of his government and his party. There have been widespread service delivery protests but nothing changes. Citizens need to realise that the ruling party does not consider them and that it is time to make different choices. President Zuma and his allies should be made to feel the anger of the citizens; the only ways to do this is for South Africans take back their power and punish the ruling party in 2019. President Zuma must stop taking people for a ride and they must stop allowing this to happen.
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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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26 Apr, 2017
ANC must stop looting state resources
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi Eastern Cape is one of the worst struggling provinces with severe challenges such as poor infrastructure. It is with great sadness that we observe those who are in power abusing resources meant for uplifting the poor. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is however happy to note that action has been taken against those who allegedly stole from the state purse. The recent court appearance of the former Amathole district municipality mayor Nomasikizi Konza, as well as Buffalo City Metro mayor Zukiswa Ncitha with their co-accused, bodes well. It gives us hope as a country that the Hawks have finally woken up to smell the coffee and are doing their job. We hope to see a maximum punishment being meted out to all found guilty. The leadership of the ruling party seems to be in denial while the state is being looted. It is high time that they own up to the widespread corruption within the ranks of their political deployees and officials.
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21 Apr, 2017
UDM condemns police killings
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi The United Democratic Movement (UDM) sends condolences to the family and friends of the brutally killed police officers while on duty. As UDM, we note with shock and concern the increasing numbers of officials killed throughout the country. The recent killings bring much alarm and it warrants that something should be done urgently. We cannot carry on as if nothing happened. The attack on police is an attack to the citizens. UDM calls on community members to help in the protection of the police. They must be allowed to do their job without fear. When a police officer dies, not only the family is affected but the whole community and nation at large. The police must be trained in such a manner that will allow them to defend themselves when they are attacked. We wish to extend a speedy recovery to the police officer who was wounded during shootout in Soweto. We hope he gets well soon. We call on the security agencies to work tirelessly to arrest the culprits. We hope they will get arrested and brought to book. End
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19 Apr, 2017
Political intolerance : Councillors involved in Johannesburg violence
STATEMENT ISSUED BY UDM JOHANNESBURG COUNCILLOR, MS THANDI NONTENJA The political scene in the Greater Johannesburg City Council leaves much to be desired. The fact that an Integrated Development Plan summit in Midrand was violently disrupted and resulted in the injury of several persons is deplorable. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) takes a dim view of this kind of political intolerance which harks back to a violent past and we condemn it in no uncertain terms. It is reported the African National Congress (ANC) councillors instigated the situation and one cannot help but think that the ANC is hell-bent on destabilising the Johannesburg coalition government. The ANC must take responsibility for their actions and explain to the voters in Johannesburg why they don’t want to accept the outcomes of the 2016 Municipal Elections. They lost the battle and their actions reeks of sour grapes. These actions are disadvantaging the community who have now deprived of the opportunity to submit their wish lists. We hope that the injured persons soon recover and that the police take the guilty persons and/or parties to task. End
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13 Apr, 2017
UDM’s well wishes for Easter Holiday
Statement by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General As we approach the holiday season, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on drivers to be more vigilant and ensure that travellers reach their destination safe. We must curb the incidents of road rage; drivers and passengers must not be impatient. Pedestrians also must abide by the law and rather use bridges to cross highways. They must also not jay-walk while intoxicated. Let there be no injuries and fatalities as we usually witnessed, we can achieve this by making sure that drivers obey the rules of the road and rest if tired. The UDM also calls for visibility of law enforcement officials – it is their job to keep roads and people safe. Owners must ensure that their vehicles are road worthy. Please accept our well-wishes for those who observe Easter and those who are due for a period of respite, should come back rested. End
