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02 Oct, 2018
Nelson Mandela Bay: Trollip is the orchestrator of his own demise
Demist mogafe <It looks as if the Democratic Alliance federal chairman Cllr Athol Trollip, of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, seems to be suffering from selective amnesia. He proves himself to be nothing more than a prevaricator and a practiced liar. It is about time that someone confronts Trollip for spreading falsehoods and misrepresenting facts. Having listened to the radio on what Trollip said in his address to the Cape Town Press Club, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes to remind him of an internal audit report which details how he and former city manager, Johann Mettler, were up to no good. See the attached scathing internal report. We also want to remind Trollip of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) final report that he and his leader, Mmusi Maimane, carried about in their briefcases, saying that there was prima facie evidence that our Mongameli Bobani was corrupt. The council, the public and the media has been calling for him to make the report public. It is thanks to the Herald, which had access to the report, that we know that there was no finding that fingered Bobani. This report surely cost the municipality millions of rands. As we ponder this expense, one wonders how he will ever explain it. Trollip now sits with egg on his face having, what seems to be, a DA commissioned report. Trollip is yet to table at council, the “evidence” allegedly contained in the PwC report. That day will seemingly see the pigs fly. Trollip must man up and come clean, so that voters can know the real him. Trollip also chose to refer to the “dirty money” that the UDM allegedly used to fight a by-election in 2015. He sounds like a broken record. When he made the allegations, many months ago, I responded and said that it was hogwash. I challenged him to investigate the matter and table the findings at council. On the 15th of April, Trollip repeated these allegations in an article with Rapport’s Hanlie Retief, we responded by (yet again) saying get your facts straight and table the findings at council. In Retief’s article, Trollip is quoted saying that “julle” took money from the ANC, and that Bobani knew it; I knew it; and that’s why I had a blind spot where Bobani was concerned. Sorry, but that is a blatant lie and tells you who Trollip really is. I also told him that I don’t entertain high-level gossip. It has been ten months, or so, during which an investigation could have been done to either prove or disprove his allegations. Trollip dismally failed in this task. Trollip is said to have mentioned that if you give someone enough rope, they will hang themselves. We agree Cllr Trollip, that is exactly what you have done to yourself. It is for that reason that you don’t know, from what you have said and when you said it, whether you are going backwards of forwards. Trollip is suffering from a bout of sour grapes and he does not accept that he’s no longer an executive mayor. Issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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28 Sep, 2018
Bathabile Dlamini should be shown the door
We have noted that the Constitutional Court has handed down judgement in the former Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini case. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) has been vindicated. Our longstanding view has been that the minister must face the music and that she should personally be held liable for creating this mess. We therefore welcome the decision that she should pay 20% of the Black Sash and Freedom Under Law’s legal costs. The South African Social Security Agency disaster has caused much damage to, and distress for, the recipients of government grants. As a matter of fact, it would be difficult to calculate the cost of the damage she’s done to the most vulnerable members of our society. It is her incompetence and self-centred attitude that has led her to this point. She will only leave a legacy of self-importance and ineptitude in her former department, which she will only carry over to her current portfolio. Dlamini is arrogant and has no respect for her work nor for the law; as she has demonstrated when she lied with a straight face under oath. The UDEMWO calls upon the National Prosecuting Authority to forge ahead and charge her for perjury. The ruling party is to be blamed for this mess as it continues to put corrupt and selfish individuals in positions of power. President Ramaphosa must show Dlamini the door; and he should do this immediately. This country cannot afford this kind of incompetence and negligence from any minister in any portfolio; Dlamini should go! Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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29 Sep, 2018
To give PIC CEO Dan Matjila a golden handshake is preposterous
We are all aware that there will be a commission of inquiry which shall investigate the mess at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Despite the announcement, we have for several months waited with bated breath to hear who will serve on the commission and what the terms of reference will be. We, in today’s Mail and Guardian, read that PIC chief executive officer Dr Daniel Matjila has approached the President with a view to exit through the back door with a golden handshake. This is preposterous and is tantamount to the police giving the get-away car’s key to a bank robber. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) rejects this notion outright. Matjila should be suspended immediately and be made to explain himself to a commission of inquiry. Most importantly, he, and the current board, should face the music and pay the price should they be guilty of wrong-doing. There seems to be scurrying about in the corridors of power to say a quick farewell to Matjila before he spills the beans. It’s not only several prominent families and powerful individuals who might have their hands caught in the cookie jar, but possibly a few political parties. We have certainly heard Zonkizizwe Investments being mentioned, which we all know is an ANC enterprise. Bizarrely, we have even heard how Matjila’s alleged girlfriend benefited from PIC cash. It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when you chew on the fact that Finance Minister Nene, who once served as PIC board chairperson, now must drive the process of putting a commission together. This might shed some light on why it’s taking so long to get the commission off the ground. I will be interviewed today by Advocate Budlender SC and his team of forensic auditors to give guidance on how the UDM would see this matter pan out. The commission should establish which methods and schemes were used to syphon money from the PIC and make recommendations on how to prevent this kind of crime in future. This is exactly why Matjila should not be allowed the easy way out; he certainly has much explaining to do.
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26 Sep, 2018
Public Protector to investigate allegations of corruption by Min Zweli Mkhize re PIC deals
The United Democratic Movement earlier this year wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa wherein we revealed possible corruption that involved the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Zonkizizwe Investments (which we understand to be solely owned by the ANC), some ANC heavy weights and Afric Oil. The alleged broker between the PIC and e.g. VBS Mutual Bank and the various municipalities was Minister Zweli Mkhize. We have been reliably informed that the Public Protector will be investigating the allegations with the affected individuals being subpoenaed to appear before the Public Protector on the 4th of October 2018. All those involved in syphoning money from the PIC are to explain themselves and their conduct; this includes the people who brokered any suspicious deals with the PIC. We call on the Public Protector to leave no stone unturned in teasing out who was involved and to what extent the allegations are true. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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21 Sep, 2018
UDM KwaZulu-Natal’s comments on the Premier’s tabling of the Moerane Commission’s report
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the Premier’s tabling of the Moerane Commission’s report in the legislature, as well as his comments thereon. The UDM is however concerned that the Premier made no mention of, nor did he emphasise one of the Commission’s terms of reference, which was to; “Ensure the successful investigation and prosecution of perpetrators”. Given that we have not seen the report, we wonder if this is an innocent omission on the part of the Premier or is there just no recommendation whatsoever by the Commission? If that is the case, the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal is of the view that the Commission did a shoddy job. People lost their lives and there must be consequences. Issued by: Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary UDM in KwaZulu-Natal
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18 Sep, 2018
UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Executive Committee appointed
United Democratic Movement (UDM) representatives from all seven regions in KwaZulu-Natal met on Saturday, 15 September 2018 to, amongst others, discuss the future of the UDM in the province and to appoint an Interim Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) that will drive the party’s programmes leading up to the 2019 National and Provincial. The below persons shall take the lead until a provincial congress can be held after which officially elected provincial office bearers can take over the reins. Position Name Region Chairperson Sipho Mbatha eThekwini Deputy Chairperson Sboniso Mabika uMkhanyakude Secretary Boysey Gumede Umzinyathi Deputy Secretary Zukiswa Thanjkwayo Amajuba Treasurer Philani Dlamini uMgungundlovu Organiser Temba Mbatha Ilembe Financial Planner and Fundraiser Nkosi Dlamini uMgungundlovu Five Additional Members Dumisani Nkosi uThukela Dih Msomi eThekwini Kholiswa Madubela uMkhanyakude Mhlengi Mbatha Umzinyathi Thobile Zulu iLembe As we get closer to the 2019 elections, we wish our colleagues well with their future work in building the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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07 Sep, 2018
It is disturbing to learn that government buildings in the City of Johannesburg are not safe
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is appalled and disturbed by the news that a number of government buildings in the City of Johannesburg in particular are not safe. This is witnessed by the fire that has destroyed one of these buildings two days ago which is also houses The Bank of Lisbon in the CBD. What was also shocking is to hear the Premier of Gauteng admitting that his government is aware of this problem that has led to death of the three fire fighters who were fighting the blazes that erupted. The UDM is sending its deep felt condolences to the families and colleagues of these Fire Fighters who lost their lives in their call of duty. The lives that were lost could have been prevented if the provincial government did listen to the public servants and unions who have raised their concerns about the lack of safety in these buildings. As we speak, buildings in the same situation are still being occupied by state departments and it is still business as usual. The UDM has been calling the government for some time to pay attention hazardous and abandon buildings in the city to either repair or destroy them as they exacerbate other problems like crime and harbour illegal immigrants. Our calls as always fell on deaf ears. The UDM is, therefore, calling for thorough investigation to the cause of the fire. Those who will be found to have neglected their duty in ensuring that these buildings are in condition and safe, must be brought to book.
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31 Aug, 2018
Sars decision to pay Symington’s legal costs must be reversed and investigated
Dear Minister Nene and Judge Nugent MR VLOK SYMINGTON: SARS DECISION TO PAY SYMINGTON’S LEGAL COSTS MUST BE REVERSED AND INVESTIGATED I refer to a City Press article that reported on Sunday, 26 August 2018, (see https://city-press.news24.com/News/sars-settlement-with-symington-questioned-20180825) that the SA Revenue Service (Sars) has, in a “confidential settlement”, undertaken to abandon “its right to the costs awarded in its favour” by Judge Hans Fabricius, following Vlok Symington’s unsuccessful bid last September to block disciplinary charges against him.” According to City Press, “records showed that Symington was expected to pay Sars at least R300 000 for its legal bills. In terms of the settlement agreement, Sars would pay both its lawyers and those of Symington. At least R750 000 was tabled as half of Symington’s costs for the two-part case, meaning the entire transaction could cost the taxpayer in excess of R1 million if Sars’ costs were factored in”. Sir, we are also concerned that, according to City Press, acting commissioner Mark Kingon is on record saying that he enjoyed a friendship with Vlok Symington. There is clearly something wrong here, as it seems that Kingon is prepared to waste taxpayers’ money to advantage or save his friend. In our view, Mr Kingon, and employee relations executive Luther Lebelo who was part of this decision, have neglected their duties. The United Democratic Movement calls upon you to declare the decision null and void and that Mr Kingon and Mr Lebelo are to be made to explain what happened here; or that the matter be included in the current investigation of the commission of inquiry into the country’s tax management. Kindly advise Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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30 Aug, 2018
UDM calls for calm during SRC elections
United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls for calm during this time of student representative council elections at many of our institutions of higher learning. What the country witnessed at the Soshanguve Campus of the Tshwane University of Technology is not acceptable. We are disturbed by the allegations that police are accused of killing a student during protests. We believe that the life that was lost during the clash amongst students could have been avoided. We ask that the commission of inquiry that is investigating this killing can be finalised as soon as possible. Whoever is responsible must be brought to book. It is critical that justice is served. UDM also wish students and universities the best of luck as elections continue; we hope they are quiet and peaceful. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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17 Aug, 2018
PIC commission to start it’s work in “due course”
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted that President Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of a commission of inquiry to probe the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and the dark cloud of corruption allegations hanging over the institution. It is however frustrating that the names of the chair of the commission and the supporting team, as well as the detailed terms of reference will be announced “in due course”. What does National Treasury mean with “in due course”? They have been saying this for the last three weeks or so; it would appear that this could be months from now, which is enough time for the guilty to send the proof of the misdeeds to the shredder; if it has not happened already. The UDM outright rejects the idea that the PIC board – which includes CEO Dr Dan Matjila who is also under the cloud of suspicion – should be given the task of appointing the forensic company. The board appointing the audit firm is tantamount to a thief appointing his own judge and jury. National Treasury or the commission itself should appoint such a forensic company. To make matters worse, the board has neglected its fiduciary duty by outsourcing the decision to suspend the CEO to the forensic auditors. The UDM reiterates our call that Dr Matjila must be immediately suspended until the commission concludes its work.
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04 Jun, 2018
Allegations of misconduct against the Nelson Mandela Bay city manager Mr Johann Mettler
OPEN LETTER TO NMBM SPEAKER LAWACK The Speaker of Council NMBM Attention: Councillor Lawack RE – ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT AGAINST THE CITY MANAGER: MR JOHANN METTLER This correspondence serves to inform you that the UDM has brought some serious allegations of misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Johann Mettler to the attention of the Executive Mayor, Councillor Trollip on 22 May 2018. A copy of such a letter was copied to you as a Speaker of council. The UDM’s intention was for such allegations against the current City Manager to be tabled and considered by a municipal council as provided for in regulation 5 (1) of the Disciplinary Regulation for Senior Managers, 2010 promulgated in terms of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000. The Executive Mayor is, in terms of regulation 5 (2) of the above-mentioned disciplinary procedure, legally obliged to table these serious allegations of misconduct against the City Manager in council within seven (7) days of receipt thereof. The Executive Mayor has unfortunately not yet directly responded to my correspondence as to the way forward on these serious allegations against the City Manager other than conceding in the Herald dated 25 May 2018 to the fact that an act of misconduct has indeed been committed by the City Manager. I am therefore addressing this correspondence directly to you based on the provisions of both the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010 and the Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings, 2014. The above two (2) pieces of municipal regulations are extremely significant as they constitute a cornerstone for dealing with all forms of misconduct committed by municipal senior managers. Relevant sections of these regulations are outlined here below. Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010 Regulation 5 (1) clearly stipulates that any allegation of misconduct against a senior manager must be brought to the attention of a municipal council. Regulation 5 (2) stipulates that any allegation referred to in sub-regulation (1) must be tabled by the mayor or municipal manager, as the case may be, before municipal council not later than seven (7) days after receipt thereof, failing which the mayor may request the speaker to convene a special council meeting within seven days to consider the said report. Municipal Regulations on financial misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings, 2014 Regulation 3 (1) states that any person must report an allegation of financial misconduct against the Accounting Officer; a senior manager or chief financial officer of the municipality to the municipal council, the Provincial Treasury and the National Treasury. Regulation 3 (2) states that the mayor, the accounting officer or chairperson of the board of directors, as the case may be, must table an allegation referred to in sub-regulation (1) before the municipal council or board of directors in the case of a municipal entities, not later than seven (7) days after receipt thereof or at the next sitting of the council or the board of directors. Regulation 10 (2) states that if there is a likelihood of further financial loss for a municipality or municipal entity as a result of a financial offence, the accounting officer, council, board of directors must report the matter without delay to the South African Police Services and not wait the completion of any investigation referred to in regulation 5 and 6 related to the financial offence. The above regulations are in line with section 173 (1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 which clearly stipulates that the Accounting Officer of a municipality is guilty of an offence if that Accounting Officer fails to take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure. In view of the above, the UDM unequivocally re-iterates its demand of tabling and considerations by council of all the following allegations of serious misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Mettler: a) Unlawful extension of scope of work of Mohlaleng Media b) Irregular appointment of the former Acting Executive Director: Corporate Services through her company – Logodisa c) irregular termination of employment contracts of senior managers d) Irregular appointment of Senior Managers (section 56 managers) e) Misappropriation of municipal funds for the implementation of M-SCOA f) Irregular appointment of Sebata Municipal Solutions g) Irregular appointment and improper conduct of Gray Moodliar Attorneys h) Political Interference in municipal administration particularly on forensic investigations and human resources management matters (h) Irregular purchasing of Murray and Roberts building by a municipality (i) Misappropriation of funds on N.U 29 Housing demolition Project (j) Irregular commissioning of Wi-Fi Project through High Mast Light All the above allegations of serious misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Mettler have been elaborated upon in my letter dated 22 May 2018 addressed to the Executive Mayor and copied to you Your attention is specifically drawn to the fact that the Executive Mayor has already conceded in public that the act of irregular conduct by both the City Manager and Ms Zitumane has been committed. It is with this in mind that the UDM directs this correspondence to you as the Speaker of council so as to ensure that a report containing all the allegations of serious misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Mettler are tabled in council for its consideration as provided for in both the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010 and the Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings, 2014. I also wish to remind you that the continuation of the alleged irregular expenditure as highlighted above in respect of all the allegations against the City Manager is costing this municipality ernomous amounts of money and the sooner these allegations are tabled in council, the better. I must not hesitate to mention that this is a legal requirement which must be adhered to by everyone and not an individual opinion seeking exercise. Your response is awaited in this regard Yours Sincerely Councillor M. Bobani Copy: Head of Special Investigation Unit: Adv L. Mothibi MEC: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs : MEC Xhasa Auditor-General of South Africa: Mr Makwethu Director-General: National Treasury – Mr Dondo NMBM Executive Mayor: Councillor Athol Trollip EFF: Councillor Vena AIC: Councillor Buyeye COPE: Councillor Sijadu ANC: Councillor Suka PA: Councillor Daniels United Front: Councillor Mtsila ACDP: Councillor Grootboom SAMWU: Mr Nodongwe
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03 Jun, 2018
UDM National Election Workshop
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), held its National Election Workshop from the 1st to the 2nd of June, at Burgers Park Hotel, in Pretoria. The UDM can now confirm, with confidence, that it is all systems go. 2018. The workshop was attended by the national leadership, the representatives from provinces and regions, the youth, women and young professionals associate structures. President Holomisa said the gathering’s main purpose was to establish a UDM Road Map towards 2019 national and provincial elections, and to retune its Manifesto to effectively address the national current challenges. He said the current state of national affairs require a new thinking. He made it clear that the old thinking of Liberation Movement no longer serves the needs of the majority of South Africans and lamented the loss of vision within the ruling party, which has been captured by the corrupt, and co-opted by the elites. The current change of leadership in the ruling party does not bring anything new, Holomisa said; instead it is a step backward towards the neoliberal narrative that brought us corruption in a large scale. In Orwellian language, it is just a change of characters who stands on the first trough feeding line. The Secretary General of the UDM, Mr Bongani Msomi, presented the state of the party report. He talked with r egards to laws and regulations of IEC, making it clear how the UDM features in the current political landscape. The UDM believes the country is in urgent need of a comprehensive and integrated infrastructure plan, both for social and economic development. The party emphasis is on the maintenance, improvement and sustainability of the existing, whilst new and modern infrastructure is developed. The well-known independent political analyst, Dr Somadoda Fikeni gave a robust and critical evaluation of the balance of political forces in the country. With regard to elections, we took bold resolutions, amongst others, are the following: Reconnect with our communities through a campaign called Community Service – Putting People First. [We are clear that there are still serious service delivery gaps that need to be take up with the government of the say on behalf of the people in particular the vulnerable groups.] Internally, we plan to be ready with the list processes before the end of the current year. All our election machinery shall be in full swing by the end of August. Polish our manifesto and policies on the socio-economic challenges facing our people: rural and the urban infrastructure, implementation weaknesses, job creation, crime, education, health, good governance and anti-corruption.The UDM has been successful in championing current Popular Policy Positions in the country. Amongst those is: The need for a dialogue on Land. A National Convention on economic policy development and redistribution that must benefit the majority of our people. The National Assembly resolution of the 27 February 2018, which is also consistent with the UDM call for explicit constitutional clarity on expropriation without compensation, thus we supported it. The recently adopted Party Funding Bill is one of the campaigns the UDM has been championing since 2003. The party sharpened and consolidated its position on the Land Issue and its prepared contribution in the current national debate on Land Expropriation without Compensation. The workshop is of the view that: Land must be expropriated without compensation, for the common cause, where necessary. The constitution as it stands, must be tested to the maximum to create progressive precedence. The state capacity to deliver on this constitutional mandate has to be enhanced for efficiency and speedy effectiveness. There is an urgent need to attend to the urban / city land hunger for human settlement and entrepreneurship. Rural development must be reprioritised. Land Tax Gender Parity The UDM notes the politically related violence and which finds its expression within the governing party. We call on all political parties, to ensure that their internal party squabbles do not become a threat to free and fair elections in 2019. We also call on IEC to ensure that all its systems are in place on time to enable citizens. Lastly, the UDM welcomes the good work being done by our members in various provinces. We are excited about the growth of the party, especially in provinces like KZN.
Admin
24 May, 2018
UDM’s Thandi Nontenja on Mtubatuba by-elections: voter registration ahead of by-elections is a recipe for disaster as the results proved
Mr Sy Mamabolo Chief Electoral Officer Independent Electoral Commission Private Bag X112 Centurion, 0046 Dear Mr Mamabolo MTUBATUBA BY-ELECTIONS: VOTER REGISTRATION AHEAD OF BY-ELECTIONS IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER AS THE RESULTS PROVED The United Democratic Movement (UDM) hopes that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is happy and it appreciates the current state of affairs in the Mtubatuba Municipality following our continuous warnings against the registration of voters when there are by-elections. We warned that such registration might 1) have a negative impact, that 2) the results might not be accurate and that 3) there might be loopholes for the manipulation of the voters’ roll. The UDM has, for time immemorial, warned at the National Party Liaison Committee meetings that this practice must be stopped. Unfortunately, the IEC is hellbent in continuing on doing this. What happened in Mkhanyakude District during the by-elections in Ward 4 in the Mtubatuba Municipality, where it was found that some voters who are not residents in that particular ward – and were residents of adjacent wards – who voted. This could have been prevented if the IEC had listened to the UDM’s counsel. The UDM hopes that the IEC will now take our position on this matter seriously. The IEC is expected to be responsive and listen to the voice of political parties as they are important role players in the electoral process. The results in the by-elections of Ward 4 have been compromised and it cannot be credible. Yours in nation building Mrs Thandi Nontenja UDM Representative on the National Party Liaison Committee thandi@udm.org.za
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13 May, 2018
North West under administration, but the provincial system itself is flawed
Media release by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President Some might consider President Cyril Ramaphosa’s taking control of North West a good move and believe that it will sort out the administrative and management quagmire it finds itself in. Whilst we appreciate the sentiment that prompted this move, it remains to be seen if it will eradicate institutionalised corruption in the North West. The unabated looting of state resources in this province have brought it to its knees, but one wonders whether, when national government steps in, this will not be a case of the wolf looking after the sheep. To sum up the situation, our people take to the streets daily, protesting the lack of service delivery, whether it be in the townships, rural areas or in the cities. We can no longer afford to fold our arms whilst South Africa is quite literally burning. Clearly the president has in fact used this constitutional provision in an attempt to sort out political problems within his party and it has nothing to do with a rescue mission. Given the exploitation of state funds, in all nine provinces, it makes sense to put the whole caboodle under administration. However, part of the problem is that the system in itself is flawed and have created nothing more but glorified homelands where racism and the fires of ethnicity are fanned. Do we really need these glorified homelands? We should rather strengthen the local sphere of government and let national government supervise. This piecemeal intervention by the president is simply not good enough to save South Africa from the slippery slope we find ourselves on due to the years’ long maladministration of the ruling party.
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30 Apr, 2018
Workers Day 2018
Media release by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP and UDM Deputy President On Labour Day, 1 May 2018, we all dwell on the plight of the working South African and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) unequivocally supports our workforce. South Africa’s painful history, with the exploitation of black South Africans, has left a scar on the psyche of our workforce and the poor. Today the formerly oppressed, comprising the biggest section of our workforce, as well as the poor, find themselves doing menial and/or physical labour for a slave wage. Only the lucky few has joined the middle class and the comrades in corruption have left their brothers and sisters to rot in the clutches of poverty which they are unlikely to escape under a ANC-led government. The UDM takes a dim view of big corporates’ annual threat of job-shedding, because they claim they cannot afford a too-high wage bill at the time of annual increases. Pay your directors less money and reduce the gap between the haves and the have-nots! Be what Judge Mervyn King calls conscious companies and look at the big picture before you ruthlessly cut jobs. The UDM reiterates the urgent call it made last week, for government to refer the proposed changes to our labour legislation back to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). We believe that the proposed changes will roll back progress made thus far. We also reiterate the call that Nedlac must have a wider range of representation and should not exclusively comprise of big business, the big unions and big trade federations. As we mark this day with those who have jobs, we also have in mind the millions of South Africans (including those with tertiary qualifications) who do not have work. We must not only concern ourselves with the rights of workers, but also with the right of all our people to work, have dignity and prosperity, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the economy. In fact, every day should be Labour Day, where we work towards a working and winning nation. Issued by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Deputy-President and Chief Whip in the National Assembly
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26 Apr, 2018
Freedom Day 2018
Statement by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General Truth be told, we started well in 1994. South Africa built a democratic dispensation based on the noble ideals of protecting human rights and promoting freedom. The struggle movements and leaders can take a bow for breaking down minority rule. But, it is hard to celebrate political freedom, when the majority of our people remains locked out of economic freedom. We of course, at that time, placed political freedom at the pinnacle of our agenda. However, as we ticked the boxes on our constitutionally prescribed checklist, the nation must realise that many of those boxes remains unticked. Because, after 24 years, the nation under ANC-rule has spun its wheels in the mud of corruption, maladministration and lately the rule of a delinquent president. This malodour unfortunately still clings to the status quo. Although we do not want to judge too early, the signals we have seen thus far from the Union Buildings does not auger well for South Africa; with the new president’s appointment of several fishy ministers. Political deals were struck behind closed doors that were in the interest of the ruling party and have not put the people first. So, what has really changed? Not much; the Comrades in Corruption are still at the helm. The very same leaders who presided over South Africa’s slide down the slippery slope of corruption and job shedding had protected their former president at all cost, have decided to “re-deploy” this questionable individual to campaign for the ruling party in the forthcoming elections. The fact is, the ruling party can no longer be trusted, and the public cannot afford to be fooled by the so-called new dawn. This is a leopard that cannot (and will not) change its spots. Come 2019, South Africans must see through the thin veil draped over the ruling party and punish them at the ballot box for their misdeeds. When we celebrate Freedom Day in the future, it will hopefully be a proud moment where all South Africans are starting to enjoy dignity, prosperity and economic freedom, which will truly transform South Africa into a winning nation. Contact: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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24 Apr, 2018
Changes to labour legislations must go back to #Nedlac for broader consultation
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) makes an urgent call on government to refer the proposed changes to the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, as well as the introduction of the National Minimum Wages Bill, back to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). These proposed changes are tantamount to rolling back progress made thus far in terms of the rights of the working class. From the thunderous outcry of various key role players, that the consultation process around these laws was flawed, it is clear the government did not do its due diligence. The voices of several unions and union federations were simply not heard. Government leaders like President Ramaphosa, Deputy President DD Mabuza and Minister Gwede Mantashe, whom all have their political careers – and the powers they wield – thanks to their union roots, must surely understand that ignoring key role-players, or putting some before others, is a recipe for disaster. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and big business cannot be the only influencers at Nedlac. The other union federations such as South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) must be given an opportunity to present their views, vent their frustrations and form part of the collective decision. Their participation cannot be denied just because they do not meet a convenient threshold to exclude certain bodies. In addition, a great portion of our national economy and future prosperity rests in small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Therefore, organisations like the Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) must also be represented at Nedlac. The UDM believes that no law must be foisted on an unsuspecting public, especially when it runs the risk of contradicting the constitution and infringes on people’s rights as enshrined in our ultimate law.
Admin
22 Apr, 2018
Mother Earth Day 2018: SA’s water woes must come to an end
Media release by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President As we approach Mother Earth Day, on the 22nd of April, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) deems it necessary that we, as South Africans, must acknowledge and understand the interdependence that exists among humans, animals, plants and the planet we inhabit. Especially the role that water plays in that interdependence. South Africa’s years’ worth of drought, brought home the reality the we indeed live in a water scarce country. Water restrictions almost crushed some of our big cities – with those who live in informal settlements being hard-hit. The impact on our agrarian activities and industries as well as the ripple effect of job shedding as the drought continues, is devastating. The fact that our economy will take years to recover from the impacts of drought, not to mention other factors, is quite worrying. This brings into question one of the issues the UDM believes has not been properly addressed i.e. planned sustainable development. The local, provincial and the national governments must all shoulder the blame for the mess in Cape Town and elsewhere in the country. The backlogs still remain too large and the current infrastructure development is not keeping pace with rapid urbanisation, water storage and dam capacity. The UDM is of the view that all three ties of government should be working harder and together on managing arguably the scarcest resource in this beautiful country of ours: water. Some of the salient points in the UDM’s policies around water are that: • National and local governments, in particular, should work in concert. • That sustainable household water supply must become a reality for every South African family, even though this is a local competency, government at higher levels must budget more efficiently. • That national government must set standards for the treatment of water for human use and enforce these stringently. • The development of irrigation schemes has been neglected. • The catchment area research and large-scale infrastructure development in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape must be commenced with as a matter of urgency. Currently vast quantities of water flow through the rivers of these regions, without being properly applied for agricultural or human needs. In the end environmental management and practice should contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in South Africa, leading to a better quality of life for all. The utilisation of resources should happen in a balanced manner to promote this continued growth. The involvement of all role players in the making and implementations of all environmental legislation and regulations should be at the top of government’s agendas
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19 Apr, 2018
#LandQuestion Indaba on 25/4 in Mthatha. Searching for solutions. Invitation to attend a Mthatha public meeting on: NA resolution on the EWC explained, and UDM position
The national leadership of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) noted the National Assembly’s resolution, taken on the 27th of February 2018, on the well-documented motion regarding the expropriation of land without compensation (EWC). This decision will affect communal, urban, government and privately-owned land and the UDM cordially invites all interested parties to attend an important public meeting to obtain more information on topic: Where? Mthatha City Hall. When? Wednesday, 25 April. Time? 10am. The UDM leadership has, as such, mandated me to reach out to all sectors of society, including but not limited to traditional and religious leaders, as well as communities to explain the: 1. meaning and implications of the resolution; 2. processes which parliament will follow in consulting with all stakeholders; and 3. mechanism to be used in making submissions to the parliamentary constitutional review committee. For your information, the UDM is on record saying that the issue of EWC must be addressed in terms of the following matters: • Who exactly (individuals, companies and/or government) will be affected and how? • How does food security and economic stability impact implementation – does it, for instance, prevent expropriation in specific circumstances, and what would those be? • How will government handle rapid urbanisation and an ever-increasing need to make land available in cities and the denuding in rural committees and those local economies? • How will traditional leaders, and rural communities be affected; • How will entities such as the Ingonyama Trust, among others, be impacted? • What will be the effect on the land tenure system? • What would the position be on the sale of [urban] land to foreigners? • How will the issuing of title deeds be sped up so that entrepreneurs may use this as collateral to secure capital for start-ups? Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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13 Apr, 2018
The hype around uMama Winnie reveals hypocrisy of some leaders of the Mass Democratic Movement
As we say our last bon voyage to Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, we must also appreciate her enormous sacrifice, whilst her own party had been reluctant to rescue her from a situation where she desperately needed help. When we talk about uMama Winnie we must have some understanding that she paid a steep personal price for believing in her convictions and walking the talk – whether you agree with what she had done, or not. She had landed in a scalding cauldron of hate in the late 1980s, when the four youths had been kidnapped from her home in Soweto and the battered body of Stompie Sepei had been found thereafter. Justice Michael S. Stegmann, who found her guilty of kidnapping and being an accessory to the assaults, ruled that uMama should spend six years in jail. She had appealed this sentence, and subsequently it had been reduced to a R15,000 fine and a suspended sentence. I remember, like it was yesterday, that I received a call from Chief Mditshwa (the then Transkei Consular General iin Johannesburg) who had been at court that day supporting uMama. He had frantically said that there had been a crisis, and that he had no idea where the money for the fine could be sourced from as the family could not afford that kind of money. I then called to the then Bank of Transkei and asked late Mr Merence Mbana to prepare for a transfer from my personal account and to pay the entire sum of money straight into the court’s bank account. Naturally, as limited as technology had been at the time, we had to fax the proof of payment. There had been many within the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) who chose to distance themselves from her and her hopeless situation. It was convenient to ignore her in her time of need. The reason for this short history lesson is that people might not know what the implications would have been if she could not pay the R15,000 fine. She would not have been able to play the critical role she had in the transition of an apartheid South Africa, to the new South Africa. Judging by the revelations of the operators of the StratCom, I am convinced that I had made the right decision to bail her out. Of course, we are happy that she is getting the twenty-one-gun salute, but the hypocrisy of the MDM leadership leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. Many of our liberation heroes spent their most productive years in jail and had been forced to use every trick in the book to continue with the struggle whilst behind bars. We are thankful for those stalwarts’ personal sacrifices in the name of a marginalised and downtrodden people. Ulale kakuhle Mama. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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08 Apr, 2018
Athol Trollip is telling lies; here are the hard facts
Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) Athol Trollip, is holding rallies galore and tweets with the abandon of a small-town Donald Trump that he is the best man for the job. But the facts, evidence and his track-record, clearly show that Trollip is not worthy of trust. The evidence shows that he lives in an alternate universe as he continues to deceive the council for his self-serving political agenda. Trollip lied to council about his coalition deputy, the United Democratic Movement’s Mongameli Bobani. Trollip misrepresented a secreted draft PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, warned against by its authors for not complying with generally accepted auditing standards, and adjusted for surmised references to criminality to justify Bobani’s removal. Even Trollip’s new, and latest BFF, the Patriotic Alliance’s Marlon Daniels, admitted that he had been fooled by Trollip’s lies about Bobani. Only when confronted by evidence, and after being caught out, did Trollip try to justify his malicious misrepresentation. What did Trollip do yet again; he simply lied. These are the facts: The Weekend Post, on Saturday (see http://www.heraldlive.co.za/politics/2018/04/07/leaked-report-haunts-trollip/), reported that Trollip appointed PwC to investigate two separate matters: 1) The appointment of, and payments to, litter pickers, and also 2) the contract with Milongani Eco-Consulting. The reports have, however, yet to be tabled in council! Yet (reports the Weekend Post) the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane has the reports in his possession. The UDM still finds it rather astonishing that PwC’s “draft report”, dated 21 August 2017, somehow landed in the briefcase of a leader of a political party. Why? The DA has, to date not explained this anomalous occurrence, where a council document is given to a national party leader (for that matter, whether it be the DA or not). The UDM only received a copy, of the so-called draft report, later in August when we demanded it from the DA… and guess what; the draft is silent on Bobani! In a motion to the council – which is expected to be debated next month – the African National Congress (ANC) also takes issue with the fact that Maimane is in possession of the two confidential council reports. City manager Johann Mettler responded to questions, from the ANC’s Rory Riordan, that the reports were not formally released to Maimane and that he had not given any authorisation for them to be released. This is laughable; who then gave the report to Maimane? In reaction, Trollip spoke only to the draft report and tried to wangle himself out of his self-made sinkhole of lies with the following lame story: “When I received the draft report compiled by PwC from the city manager, I sent them to my party leadership in order that they could get an insight into my concerns and that they should allow access to the respective co-governance leaders for the same reason.” “It was sent to their party leadership… I certainly did not leak the report to Mr Maimane or the leaders of our coalition partners. “I report to my party leadership and in a coalition to the coalition partners. When I raised concerns about the issues under councillor Bobani’s stewardship, it was Bantu Holomisa who requested the evidence/ report. When given to him, he said Mr Maimane and I kept it in our briefcases.” So, I ask again, as I 00have many times; as did the media; as did NMBMM councillors: Where is your proof that Bobani has done anything wrong? If the DA is all about good governance and accountability, there surely should be no reason to keep the reports under lock and key. Something is definitely rotten in the state of Denmark! It is a fact that Trollip, refused all suggestion of reconciliation for the benefit of service delivery. The champion of baasskap defied and undermined the coalition leaders. He very publicly insulted me for simply asking proof of the wild accusations against Bobani and then him and his leader disparaged the UDM and me personally. In a show of his true colours, he has crowned his neglect of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, by leaving for the DA congress without council appointing a caretaker mayor in his absence (whilst he is away on party?political business). Trollip clearly justifies his mendacity, now and in the past, by simply restating the facts as and when it is necessary to create a new reality to hide the knavery, just as he did when he lied to the Weekend Post. It baffles the mind that he gets away with this deceit. Does the entire DA (its leaders and members) condone this kind of behaviour, thus deceiving the South Africans who voted for their party? It is clear that some media houses, especially Media24, has no shame in showing support of the DA. Does the media not have a responsibility to impartially and correctly inform news consumers? A few days ago, the former Die Burger editor and now political commentator Henry Jeffreys, said that Trollip had struggled to establish an effective and efficient relationship with his deputy, and alienated the Economic Freedom Fighters with his outspoken criticism. Jeffreys went as far as saying that Trollip cannot remain mayor and that the DA must make another plan to manage the NMBMM coalition. This from a former editor of a Media24 newspaper who is a DA supporter! All councillors, from all political parties, are encouraged to vote with their conscience on the motion of no confidence against Trollip at the council. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
