Admin
13 Feb, 2026
SONA2026: vision has been declared. Delivery will decide
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament The 2026 State of the Nation Address was characteristically vision driven, aspirational and wide ranging. President Cyril Ramaphosa once again laid out an ambitious reform agenda across the economy, crime prevention, local government, infrastructure, agriculture, public service reform and social protection. The difficulty, however, has never been the quality of the vision. The difficulty has consistently been implementation. South Africa has heard many turning point speeches over the past decade. Each one has identified the correct problems. Each one has proposed the appropriate frameworks. Yet departments have repeatedly failed in execution, coordination and accountability. That is the central concern the United Democratic Movement (UDM) raises in response to this address. On the economy, President Ramaphosa points to improved macroeconomic indicators, investment commitments and infrastructure allocations. These are welcome developments. However, macro stability does not automatically translate into employment at scale. The UDM will be watching closely whether infrastructure projects move beyond announcement phases and whether small and medium enterprises actually experience reduced red tape and improved access to markets and finance. The same applies to energy reform and logistics recovery. Structural reform is necessary, but tariff stability, grid expansion and port efficiency must now be visible in declining costs and increased competitiveness. South Africans cannot live on reform processes. They must feel outcomes. The President’s firm stance against organised crime is appropriate. Organised syndicates, illicit trade, illegal mining and gang violence are undermining the state and terrorising communities. The deployment of the South African National Defence Force to support the police is a serious step and reflects the gravity of the situation. However, such deployments must be carefully managed and time bound. UDM President General Bantu Holomisa, MP has however cautioned that when the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is deployed internally, public cooperation is essential. Communities must cooperate fully and ensure that firearms are not drawn against soldiers. Escalation will only result in tragedy. At the same time, deployment must not become a substitute for fixing weaknesses within South African Police Services (SAPS) and the criminal justice system. Long term safety depends on professional policing, intelligence coordination and successful prosecutions. On the water crisis and local government reform, the President Ramaphosa has correctly identified systemic failure, poor planning and patronage as root causes. The establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee and the threat of personal liability for municipal managers signal seriousness. But here too, the UDM’s concern is implementation. We have seen interventions before. The question is whether dysfunctional municipalities will actually be stabilised, whether revenue will be ring fenced for infrastructure maintenance and whether political interference in appointments will truly end. The response to foot and mouth disease and the commitment to vaccinate the national herd is necessary. Yet this outbreak again highlights a pattern of reactive governance rather than anticipatory planning. Biosecurity must become a permanent strategic priority, not an emergency response after damage has been done. Smaller and communal farmers must not be left exposed while policy is refined. On youth employment and skills reform, the structural overhaul of the training system is overdue. However, public employment programmes must evolve into real economic pathways. Too many young people cycle through short term opportunities without progression into permanent work. The continuation and redesign of the Social Relief of Distress grant is understandable in the current economic climate. But redesign must be credible, administratively stable and clearly linked to economic participation. Dependency without opportunity cannot be the long-term model. President Ramaphosa speaks of professionalising the public service and insulating appointments from political interference. The UDM strongly supports this. Yet the country will judge reform by whether unqualified individuals are removed from critical posts and whether disciplinary processes are finalised swiftly. Announcing professionalisation is not the same as enforcing it. In many respects, the 2026 State of the Nation Address identifies the right priorities. The risk lies in whether line departments possess the capacity, discipline and coordination to deliver at the speed required. Vision without execution deepens public frustration. The UDM therefore approaches this address with cautious scrutiny. We will support reforms that strengthen the state, protect communities and grow the economy. But we will equally insist on measurable timelines, transparent reporting and consequence management where departments fail. In many respects, the 2026 State of the Nation Address identifies the correct priorities. The risk lies in whether line departments possess the capacity, discipline and coordination to deliver at the speed required. Vision without execution deepens public frustration. The UDM therefore approaches this address with cautious scrutiny. We will support reforms that strengthen the state, protect communities and grow the economy. But we will equally insist on measurable timelines, transparent reporting and consequence management where departments fail. The true test of this vision will begin in the upcoming Budget Votes and departmental budget speeches. It is there that priorities must be matched with credible allocations, implementation frameworks and performance targets. It is there that we will see whether this is a speech of intention or a programme of action. South Africans are not asking for inspiration alone. They are asking for implementation. 2026 must not become another year of plans layered upon plans. It must become the year where delivery finally catches up with vision.
Admin
23 Oct, 2025
Gambling away the future: UDM demands action on online betting and NSFAS misuse
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement South Africa is witnessing a moral and social emergency. Gambling has become a trillion-rand industry feeding on the hopes of the poor, the unemployed and the young. According to the National Gambling Board, more than R1.5 trillion was wagered in the 2024/25 financial year, a staggering 45 percent increase from the previous year. What was once a leisure pastime has now become a mechanism of mass economic extraction that drains households, deepens poverty, and destroys families. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is alarmed by the evidence that gambling is no longer limited to casinos or horse racing. The proliferation of online betting platforms, aggressive advertising, and the use of celebrities and social media influencers have normalised gambling across society. For millions of South Africans, it has become an illusion of escape in a reality of joblessness, debt, and despair. Clinical experts warn that gambling addiction is rising sharply, driven by smartphone access and constant exposure to digital marketing. As people chase losses, they borrow, steal, or beg to sustain the habit. These are the symptoms of a society where the line between hope and exploitation has been erased. The UDM is particularly disturbed by reports that students are gambling with their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances. Young South Africans entrusted with public funds meant for food, accommodation and study materials are using these allowances to bet online. This is not a story about moral weakness. It is a story about desperation, systemic neglect, and an absence of accountability from institutions that should protect them. Universities and NSFAS cannot continue to look away while students are being consumed by the very system meant to lift them out of poverty. Government’s failure to regulate online gambling, curb advertising excesses, and enforce existing laws has turned this crisis into a national tragedy. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the National Gambling Board, and the National Gambling Policy Council must act immediately to: 1. Regulate online gambling platforms and close legal loopholes exploited by unlicensed operators. 2. Restrict advertising and influencer marketing, especially content that glamorises gambling or targets youth. 3. Introduce responsible gambling education at tertiary institutions and within communities. 4. Ensure that NSFAS and universities implement monitoring systems to prevent misuse of allowances and support students who fall into addiction. 5. Strengthen and better resource the national gambling helpline and expand access to counselling and rehabilitation services, ensuring that support reaches schools, universities, and communities most affected by addiction.. The UDM calls for the issue of gambling and its devastating social and economic consequences to be formally placed on the agenda of the National Dialogue. This matter cannot remain at the periphery while it destroys lives and undermines social stability. The National Dialogue must confront how gambling, poverty, and inequality intersect, and develop coordinated solutions that protect vulnerable citizens, especially young people and low-income families. South Africa cannot claim to build a just and equal society while it profits from the despair of its own people. The UDM calls for urgent government action, stronger laws, and accountability from every institution that has allowed this exploitation to flourish.
Admin
09 Oct, 2025
Dlamini 2.0: How Social Development is sliding back into scandal
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply concerned by the avalanche of revelations exposing the collapse of governance, accountability, and ethics within the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Recent reports from the Auditor-General and Parliament confirm what the UDM has warned for years: that a department meant to be the moral anchor of our democracy has regressed into a web of mismanagement, patronage, and disregard for the poor. Allegations surrounding Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s conduct have plunged the portfolio into scandal. The appointment of a 22-year-old Chief of Staff, the reported romantic relationship with a special adviser, and the extravagant R3 million trip to New York, all paint a disturbing picture of arrogance and impunity. The dual role of Minister Tolashe as both ANC Women’s League President and head of a department responsible for welfare programmes has raised questions about partisan influence over state resources. This is not the first time that the Department of Social Development (DSD) has been brought into disrepute under the leadership of an ANC Women’s League President. South Africans will remember former Minister Bathabile Dlamini, who left behind a trail of corruption, negligence, and constitutional violations. She presided over the 2017 social grants crisis that nearly collapsed SASSA, was found guilty of perjury by the courts, and had earlier been convicted for her role in the Travelgate scandal. The parallels are disturbing. What the country is witnessing today under Minister Tolashe is Dlamini 2.0, another example of a department seemingly captured by political insiders, mired in scandal, and indifferent to the suffering of the poor. The latest report from the Auditor-General confirms that the DSD has regressed in performance and financial management. Persistent irregular expenditure, vacant posts, and weak internal controls continue to undermine delivery. At the same time, SASSA, once a cornerstone of social protection, has become synonymous with chaos. Payment failures, technical breakdowns, and corruption have repeatedly left millions of pensioners, people with disabilities, and child grant recipients destitute. The crisis at Postbank and its dependency on the collapsing South African Post Office (SAPO) illustrate the state’s failure to separate financial operations from logistical ruin. Postbank, which is still in transition to becoming a stand-alone state bank, relies heavily on SAPO’s broken infrastructure. This entanglement has crippled SASSA’s payment system and created an endless cycle of system failures, contract extensions, and beneficiary suffering. The UDM calls for: 1. An independent forensic investigation into all contracts, expenditures, and appointments linked to SASSA and Postbank, including the R3 million New York trip. The Portfolio Committee on Social Development, working with the Auditor-General and the Public Service Commission, must lead this process. 2. The urgent separation of Postbank from the failing Post Office. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies must pull up its socks and fast track the implementation of the Postbank Amendment Act to make Postbank a fully independent, modern, and secure state bank. The Department must also accelerate SAPO’s reform through modernisation, digital transformation, and diversification of postal services. South Africans cannot continue to suffer because the state insists on patching up two failing institutions instead of reforming them. 3. A full audit of the social grant payment system to guarantee reliability, transparency, and protection from political interference. 4. Stronger parliamentary oversight to ensure that social protection serves the poor and not political insiders. Behind every scandal is a pensioner who sleeps hungry, a child whose grant is delayed, and a family whose only income disappears in bureaucratic confusion. The DSD has lost its moral compass. It is unacceptable that those who rely most on the state should pay the highest price for government incompetence. As a committed partner in the Government of National Unity, the UDM will not remain silent while the poor are betrayed by those entrusted to serve them. The GNU was established to restore credibility, rebuild ethical governance, and deliver on the promise of a capable state. It cannot succeed if some of its members treat public office as a personal fiefdom. The President must ensure that accountability is not applied selectively and that all departments, including Social Development, reflect the values and discipline that the GNU was created to uphold. Social development should be the conscience of the state, not a playground for self-enrichment. The UDM urges the Government of National Unity to act decisively to clean this department, restore integrity, and protect the dignity of our people. The welfare of South Africans cannot continue to depend on a ministry drowning in scandal and a payment system built on failure.
Admin
25 Apr, 2025
UDM KwaZulu-Natal raises concern over delayed payments to struggling NPOs
Statement by Remington Mazibuko, Provincial Chairperson of the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal expresses its deep concern and disappointment over the ongoing delays in payments to non-profit organisations (NPOs) by the provincial Department of Social Development. These delays are not just administrative issues; they are putting the lives of vulnerable people at serious risk. The department recently informed NPOs about monthly empty promise that the first payments for the 2025 financial year are likely to be made at the end of April, even though organisations have been without funding since February. This delay has left many charities and welfare organisations without the funds they need to pay staff, buy food and provide essential services to children, elderly and those in need. People are suffering, children are going to bed hungry, old-age homes cannot afford items such as medicine or adult diapers. Organisations offering mental health support and care for the vulnerable are facing closure. Staff have gone unpaid; some have taken out loans just to survive and many NPOs are now being forced to cut salaries or even consider retrenchments. The UDM notes that it is not the first time these delays have happened. Since the department introduced the new tranche system in 2023, NPOs have repeatedly experienced late payments. This latest delay allegedly caused by challenges with the Basic Accounting System (BAS) and changes from National Treasury, is yet another example of poor planning and a lack of urgency from government. Many organisations have apparently tried to get answers last month but were only officially informed of the delay through a circular sent out last week. The UDM KwaZulu-Natal therefore condemns the lack of proper communication from the Social Development. We cannot expect organisations to serve communities while the provincial government delays their funding without any accountability. These are the same NPOs that the government relies on to deliver critical social services. The UDM calls on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and National Treasury to resolve these payment issues immediately. We further call for a full review of the tranche payment system and for urgent interventions to prevent these delays from happening again. This is a crisis, real lives are being affected. Government must act with the seriousness this situation deserves.
Admin
17 Apr, 2025
US pastor saved by SAPS; now save our children
Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) notes the successful rescue of the American pastor who was kidnapped in Gqeberha. We commend the swift and coordinated response by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) multidisciplinary units, which led to the neutralisation of the suspects and the safe recovery of the victim. This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when our law enforcement agencies act decisively and collaboratively. Too often, kidnappings in South Africa are driven by ransom demands a terrifying reality for victims and their families. The pastor’s case, although foreign in nationality, highlights a problem that affects our own people daily. We must now turn the same urgency and coordination toward the heartbreaking epidemic of missing South Africans, particularly children. According to recent reports, over 600 children have been reported missing in 2024 alone, with dozens still unaccounted for. Among these tragic cases is that of Joshlin Smith, whose disappearance from Saldanha Bay shocked the nation and remains unresolved. The lack of closure in such cases is devastating to families and communities alike. We urge SAPS to apply the same multidisciplinary expertise and urgency shown in the Gqeberha rescue to the ongoing crisis of missing persons across South Africa. Every missing child, woman, or man deserves the same energy, resources, and attention. It is time that we stop treating these disappearances as isolated incidents and recognise them as a national emergency that demands immediate and consistent action. The UDEMWO stands in solidarity with the families of the missing. We will continue to push for accountability, effective investigations, and real outcomes. We call on government to prioritise the safety of our people; all of them. We furthermore urge the families and caregivers of missing children to report such incidents to the SAPS immediately; do not delay, even by a few hours. The 24-hour waiting period is a myth. Time is of the essence when a child goes missing, and swift reporting significantly increases the chances of a safe recovery.
Admin
18 Jul, 2020
What would Madiba do? #StopTheDegeneration
There are remarkable lessons to be learnt from the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the man who managed to unite South Africans from all walks of life after having wasted away in prison for 27 years. His amazing lack of bitterness, cynicism and hostility at this personal injustice astounds to this day. We must understand that, by the time he walked this earth as a free man, the socio-economic conditions for the majority of South Africans were in dire straits and there was, and unfortunately still is after 26 years, a need to address the backlogs and imbalances of the past. We must also remind ourselves that, militarily speaking, there was no winner of a war between black and white. Our leaders soberly decided to negotiate a bloodless transition into a free South Africa and our journey to promote the quality of life for all South Africans had only then started. The Constitution, which Madiba played an integral role in crafting, does not mince words in terms of government’s obligation to ensure that all South African’s rights are protected and honoured. But, the results, so far, are embarrassing and the governing party has failed at designing implementable and sustainable policies that address these inherited socio-economic imbalances, or the set of challenges we have faced these recent years. Instead its policies and management style are laced with corruption, tribalism, nepotism and racism. It also has become a handy, knee-jerk excuse to blame apartheid for the governing party’s every failure. How could apartheid have caused their corruption and scandals, such as the Arms Deal, Sarafina 2, Transnet, Prasa, VBS, relationships with the Gupta family, the Eastern Cape “ambulance scooters” and the millions of Rands syphoned through municipalities, like with the recent OR Tambo water and sanitation projects? Apartheid, really? What the governing party does not seem to realise is that South Africa is in serious trouble with its lack of programmes to integrate South Africans and to address the existing socio-economic imbalances. A classic example of this is our government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, where South Africa has been caught off guard in terms of our infrastructure capacity and human resources. We have lost the plot and I cannot help to think: What would Madiba do? The spirit of reconciliation is a lesson he taught by example. How to listen to each other; to acknowledge the dignity and views of the person on the other side of an argument. Madiba also taught us to find common cause despite our differences, but we seem to have forgotten this lesson. Madiba would have been disappointed at what we have allowed ourselves to become. He would probably have told us on his Twitter account, that, #ColouredLivesMatter, #IndianLivesMatter, #WhiteLivesMatter, #BlackLivesMatter and ultimately, that #AllLivesMatter and that #AllSouthAfricansMatter. We have a lot of work to do to get back on track and achieve social-cohesion as South Africans. So, how would Madiba have counselled us? He would surely have pleaded with us to show respect to our fellow South African, no matter our colour, tribe, race, sexual persuasion, religious belief, physical inability, age and gender. We must constantly remind ourselves to stay the course and do what is right. We have many common causes, which, at the very least, is that we are all patriotic and love South Africa. Let us harness our rich diversity to address the challenges of our economy, education, health, and safety and security, etc. Let us honour what Madiba and his peers (who were black, white, coloured and Indian) fought for and transform South Africa into a united and winning nation. Let us, every year, as a birthday gift for Nelson Mandela, engage each other with an #AllSouthAfricansMatter attitude, especially when we disagree. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
13 Aug, 2019
Eastern Cape Legislature: Mr Mncedisi Filtane, MPL’s contribution Vote: Social Development
Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker Honourable Premier and members of the executive Honourable Members of the Legislature Officials present here Distinguished Guests And visitors at the gallery be greeted in Jesus name The increase of the total budget for 2019/20 financial year is appreciated and will make a difference especially in Social Welfare Services, as most of our people, including youth, survive on this grant. Madam Speaker and Honourable Members, the issue of the serious shortage of social workers whilst there is high rate of unemployed social work graduates is becoming a crisis. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) request the department to prioritize the filling of the vacant post for social workers. How can there be a shortage of social workers and at the same time there is high rate of unemployed social work graduates, this government is really sick, wayenyanisile omnye utata xa wayesithi ugovernment wase Eastern Cape use ICU. Madam Speaker the UDM is concerned about the issue of OSD that the department did not budget for the OSD payments amounting to R51, 3 million hence the MEC committed to compensate all the qualifying OSD officials in this financial year yet there is no budget for that, with what? How will that be done? If there is no budget allocated for that, and you will find out that it takes a decade to pay those affected, this demoralising the morale of the workers. The UDM demands the department to come up with the solutions and speed-up payment of OSD qualifying officials. And in future there must be a budget allocation for such. Madam Speaker the UDM applauds the initiative by the department to strengthen the way it assesses the performance of NGOs and NPOs delivery services to the department, but we are worried about the limited budget for these organisations; how will the department expect these to perform and deliver without a budget. And these organisations suffered a lot with late payments or no payment at all. The Department was faced with number of challenges that led to 727 employees being displaced. How does this happen? Is it because of the nepotism? How can you expect one to perform his/her duties without the right qualifications? This promotes poor service delivery.
Admin
21 May, 2019
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
On this day, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we are reminded of how we should respect one another’s constitutional rights and, specifically, each South African’s right to cultural expression. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that cultural diversity drives change, not only with respect to economic growth, but it also assists our society to achieve sustainable development, which in turn reduces poverty. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for stability, development and social cohesion in our country. On this score, South Africa still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, there is a palpable feeling of unease amongst our people, which is born out by the results in our just passed election. From the UDM’s perspective, we cannot afford to lose more time in forming a cohesive society and to unleash the creative power inherent in our diversity to transform South Africa into a winning nation for all who live in it. It is not only incumbent on government to promote social cohesion, but it is each of our responsibility to learn about each other’s cultures and live-out our constitutional rights, responsibilities and ideals. The UDM therefore calls on all South Africans to reach out to one another and respect each other’s beliefs and traditions, so that we may be a unified nation. Issued by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa UDM Deputy President
Admin
01 Mar, 2019
UDEMWO abhors the murder of rural women accused of witchcraft
We find it extremely difficult to digest the fact that three women, who hail from the Alfred Nzo district municipality in the Eastern Cape were, late last year, burnt to death because they had allegedly been witchcraft practitioners. This can only be described as the worst aberration of what might be called “mob justice”. It was recently reported that elderly women in the Eastern Cape are physically abused, raped and killed, because they practised witchcraft. They feel that they are in fact persecuted, in this manner, for the mere fact that they have grown old and wrinkled. This kind of inhumanity is spine-chilling; who would have thought that this world would change to a horrific and evil place where women are killed in such a brutal way based on groundless accusations and false pretences. There cannot be any justification for harming any person because of unfounded allegations that they practice so-called witchcraft or not. In the eyes of the law, murder is murder and the perpetrators of these depraved crimes should be caught, prosecuted and jailed. The United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) understands that these women have asked government for protection and to be moved away from their communities for safety reason. This would mean that they will in essence be banished and torn away from their loved ones. UDEMWO does not agree that, to isolate these women based on spurious allegations, is a viable long-term solution. Our constitution protects our rights to have inherent dignity and the right to have our dignity respected and protected. UDEMWO therefore condemns this violence and brutality in no uncertain terms, but even more so when it happens to our elders. We are so frustrated and aggravated that the women in this country are faced with different forms of abuse left right and centre, yet women’s minister Bathabile Dlamini is nowhere to be found. She should be the champion of women in all of our struggles. Lastly, UDEMWO believes that government must play a greater role in demystifying traditional practices within the confines of the law. It should step up its efforts to educate citizens on the role that such practitioners play in our society and broaden its information campaign to change people’s perception so that they can honour the fact that their fellow citizens and they have equal rights. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
05 Dec, 2018
Sexual abuse of children living with disability
As the world this week marked the international day for persons living with disabilities, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is extremely worried about the continued abuse of children living with disabilities in special schools across the country. The recent revelations, of sexual abuse of children living with disabilities, made by SABC 1 current affairs programme, Cutting Edge, send chills down the spine. The programme showed that child abuse should in fact be a matter of national concern; in particular where it concerns children living with disabilities. It is sickening that those in positions of trust are the main culprits in sexually abusing these most vulnerable children. Teachers are the very people who are supposed to protect them. Teachers who rape and abuse children living with disabilities are no longer educators, but are monsters who prey on innocent lives. It is clear that the system is failing our children and we cannot fold arms whilst they are suffering. What are the concerned government departments doing about this egregious abuse of children’s rights? One solution to this disturbing problem is that special schools should be regularly inspected to ensure that our children are safe, healthy and flourishing. We regrettably live in a society where persons living with disabilities are treated as if they are something less than human and the stigma attached to persons living with disabilities crushes their lives. Efforts to educate the nation about people living with disabilities should be intensified. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
03 Oct, 2018
Government still fails on SASSA system
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is stunned that many social grant beneficiaries still have difficulties in accessing their grants on time due to a number of cash points that have been closed since the Post Office took over from Cash Paymaster Services. This is totally unacceptable. UDEMWO has asked before whether the South African Social Service (Sassa) has the capability and capacity to deliver on its promise of smooth running and uninterrupted system. Beneficiaries, especially those in rural areas, continue to find it difficult to reach far pay points since the usual ones have been closed. The ATM system is not user-friendly or safe for the elderly. There must be another safer way that will work. What is happening at Sassa paints a clear picture of the incompetence of all those involved in the continuing debacle. Innocent people are suffering because the ruling party continues to elect selfish and self-serving individuals to positions of power. We call upon Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu to do the right thing and come forth and explain to the nation of her lasting plans to make sure that the problems that are clouding Sassa are solved. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
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
Admin
06 Jul, 2018
SASSA beneficiaries are again the victim of inept management
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) debacle that continues to disadvantage beneficiaries, especially elderly pensioners. The so-called glitch in the social grant service is simply not a good enough reason, if there are any, to blame for the continued inept management of the system. Since the past weekend, pensioners all over were left in the dark after not being able to access their monies. Many braved the cold, standing in queues, in the hope that this issue will be resolved. It is even worse when one considers that there was no communication with beneficiaries informing them of the problem. UDEMWO condemns the way SASSA’s management goes about their work. This mess clearly shows they are incompetent. We are of the view that there was internal sabotage from those who were reluctant to hand over to the post office. Any normal department would know that one cannot just go live without testing a new system and then expect miracles. They should have run a parallel demo before complete switch over. This mess must be sorted as a matter of urgency as the beneficiaries are suffering. We call on the Department of Social Development to pull up its socks. Swift interventions must be in place to ensure that, in the following months, everything runs smoothly. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO secretary General
Admin
09 May, 2018
2018 Budget Vote 17: Social Development – Address by Ms CN Majeke, MP in the National Assembly
Subject for Discussion: Budget Vote 17: Social Development Honourable Speaker and members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) supports the report. However, the UDM feels that there are major obstacles in the way that the department must overcome, namely within social work graduates and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Chairperson, drugs and alcohol abuse is one of the struggles that the country is facing. Parallel to this struggle is that thousands of social work graduates are trained at huge cost to state and are languishing at home and on the street corners of our villages and townships without work. In 2018, it is projected that the number of unemployed social workers will jump to 8 600 from 3 800. This increase is from the 4 840 social work students with government bursaries mainly from this very department. The UDM agrees with the chairperson of the portfolio committee that discontinuing the funding is not the solution and will create further crisis. South Africa has not enough social workers to drive the departmental community development agenda towards a caring and inclusive society as envisaged in the National Development Plan (NDP). We therefore propose that: • The department engages with other departments like correctional service to assess the need for this skill and channel the unemployed graduates accordingly. • Train the unemployed graduates in community development and ensure that the department drives this important programme with the requisite capacity. • Extend the community development programme to non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisation so that the proper utilisation of social workers is spread and that our communities are assisted to development consistent with the 2030 vision. The UDM is also angered by fact that SASSA officials deliberately misled beneficiaries and forced them to migrate from a cash payment system to an online system which create many complications for beneficiaries who are not familiar with online cash systems. Furthermore, the lack of understanding by some beneficiaries of online systems, leave them oblivious to unlawful deductions and corruption as seen in the past. SASSA must address the problems caused by those officials have deliberately misled the beneficiaries and must take the appropriate actions: 1. They must receive a suspension without pay for a period of no less than three months. 2. They must commit to do community service in that time to give back to a community they deliberately misled. 3. SASSA must make every effort to communicate the situation to those who are affected and revert the migration for those who wish to make use of the cash payment points. The UDM also recommends that government quickly creates a reliable, safe and fast system to pay out SASSA beneficiaries. Long queues and offline systems slow productivity of the country and need to be mended with the utmost urgency. The Chief Executive Officer of SASSA must fill the vacancies. The high vacancy rate places stress on the current employees and need to pick up the additional responsibilities and furthermore the vacancy rate will definitely hamper the performance of the office. Thank you
Admin
20 Oct, 2017
Danny Jordaan: rape accused
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) notes with shock, the rape allegations levelled against Mr Danny Jordaan. Since Ms Jennifer Ferguson’s allegations have become public, the South African Football Association (SAFA) boss has not uttered a word… to us it seems that, if there is smoke, there is fire? For someone in Jordaan’s position to even have a whiff of women abuse associated with him, is an indication of the male dominated thinking in South Africa. His name now joins an ever-lengthening list of powerful men accused of women abuse such as: President Jacob Zuma; former Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana; Sipho ‘Brickz’ Ndlovu (who has been found guilty); Molemo ‘Jub Jub’ Maarohanye and DJ Khombela “DJ Khomza” Nthleko. It shows that we live in a country subjugated by hypocritical misogynists, who continue taking advantage of women. All the aforementioned men, are role models to boys and other men, who emulate their every move. If these men in positions of public trust and power, display bad behaviour, boys will think that cruelty towards women is acceptable and normal. UDEMWO calls on SAFA to act; the Association cannot let this one pass, unless they support such seemingly dubious characters? We commend Jennifer Ferguson for her boldness in standing up and exposing the treatment she alleges to have endured at the hands of Mr Jordaan. It is clear that there is much happening in the halls of power that the Nation is unaware of. To all women (those who have suffered abuse and those who have not) continue being the Imbokodos that you are! Let us expose these jackals for what they are.
Admin
17 Oct, 2017
UDEMWO pleased by Brickz verdict
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the fifteen-year jail sentence given to Sipho Ndlovu, popularly known as Brickz in the music entertainment business. This outcome gives hope that no rapist, not even a male celebrity, is above law. It is also good that the justice system made an example of him; for he had been a role model for young male fans, who might have thought it “cool” to emulate his behaviour. Raping a woman or a girl-child is not acceptable by any standard. It is a vicious, immoral crime. UDEMWO again calls for greater punitive measures against those men and boys who victimise women and children. Although fifteen years may seem like a long time, punishing Sipho Ndlovu can however never undo what he did to his teenage niece, but at least society has said: “No, we will not tolerate this behaviour and have been punished for breaking the law”. Nothing can ever take away the pain she felt and continues to feel; even after the ordeal. We commend her for staying strong and speaking out; especially since her rapist had been a family member. We urge women and girl-children to come forward and report abuse. We hope that the justice system will continue to deal with such lawbreakers effectively and never-ever be lenient. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
16 Oct, 2017
Nationwide school violence crisis needs swift intervention
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is concerned by the continued crime and violence that are prevalent in many schools throughout the country. There seems to be an increase of criminal activities in our schools that puts our pupils’ safety and lives at risk. This is a threat to education and jeopardises our children’s basic rights as entrenched in the Constitution. Not a day passes without reports of shootouts, stabbings and even rapes in full view of pupils; under the noses of teachers and principals. Firearms brought to school and shootouts on school premises have become somewhat of a norm. In most cases children are the victims. These kinds of crimes are happening in the Western Cape, Gauteng and in KwaZulu-Natal – to name a few. UDEMWO also notes with sadness reports of parents that assault teachers at some schools, especially in Gauteng. We condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms. What kind of society is this? Clearly there is something very wrong with our schooling system, where learners are not safe to learn and teachers are not safe to teach. Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga’s silence is deafening. She is only a minister by title. So much has happened under her leadership. We however note the interventions made by the Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi but it is not enough. This situation is unacceptable, and all stakeholders involved cannot allow this crisis in our schools to continue. It is time to for them have an urgent meeting and find permanent solutions to these problems which affect our children’s and our country’s futures. Statement issued by Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General.
Admin
17 Mar, 2017
SASSA Constitutional Court judgement is an indictment of the Zuma Administration
Statement by Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes the Constitutional Court’s instruction that the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) are under obligation to continue to pay social grants on 1 April until another entity is able to do so. The ANC government has more-or-less blackmailed the Constitutional Court, for if it should have happened that social grants were not paid on time, Government could conveniently shift the blame for the non-payment to the Constitutional Court. It is however worrying that our Country is effectively being run via the court room, because the Zuma Administration time and again fails to perform its duties. It is clear that President Zuma, and his cohorts, are holding onto their positions of power for one reason only: to further loot the Country’s resources at the expense of the taxpayer. Forget, for a moment, all the other examples of this phenomenon and be conscious of the fact that the Sassa/CPS-debacle is especially reprehensible, because it happened at the expense of the most vulnerable in our society. If not for the Constitutional Court’s intervention, where would we be? This situation is an embarrassment for South Africa and the Zuma Administration (and Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini in particular in this instance) has again brought the country into disrepute. Their behaviour shows a lack of respect for the court. There is no accountability and worse, no consequences for those in power when they so spectacularly fail. The message to those who voted for the African National Congress (ANC) is clear. President Zuma, his Executive and the ANC have no respect for South Africans – nor do they have sympathy or show remorse. The ANC has clearly lost the plot and this arrogance can only be addressed in one way, cast your vote elsewhere. You have the capacity to punish the ANC for these misdeeds; come 2019 make proper use of your cross.
Admin
16 Mar, 2017
Deductions from SASSA monies – Follow-up question to the President by Bantu Holomisa
Question: 4 from Ms. L. L. van der Merwe (IFP) to the President Original Question: What steps does he intend to take against the Minister of Social Development who has allegedly led her department into a national grant pay-out crisis which puts the lives of the most vulnerable citizens at risk and allegedly shown a complete disregard for the rule of law and the Constitutional Court ruling of 2014 which declared the CPS/NET1 contract invalid and what lessons has the Government learnt from the looming grant crisis? 1. Mr. President, a word of gratitude must go to our civil society organisations, such as Black Sash and Freedom Under Law, for their resilience in advocating for the poor in the social grant crisis, which includes: • the alleged irregular use of personal details captured in a database in CPS’s possession, • the unauthorised selling of airtime to unsuspecting beneficiaries, • as well as other illegal deductions, which reportedly amount to no less than a whopping R500 million a month. Would it not be prudent for your government to approach the courts to issue an order that will empower government and enable beneficiaries to recoup the monies that were illegally taken through the illegal CPS/NET1 contract?
Admin
14 Mar, 2017
SA Social Agency’s grant payment crisis and the steps taken to deal with the matter
Honourable Speaker, and Honourable Members South Africans and, in particular, the poorest of the poor (whose livelihood by right) depend on social grants, must now place their hopes on the Constitutional Court to defend their rights and restore their dignity. The Constitutional Court must force our embarrassed government to pay the beneficiaries and to do so on time. Under normal circumstances, this matter should have been occasioned by an investigation of a judicial commission of inquiry. However, knowing who has to effect such an inquiry, we may as well forget about it. Hence, all hope is pinned on the Constitutional Court. The United Democratic Movement hopes that the Constitutional Court will issue a judgement that will restore the rule of law instead of a rule by law, wherein the powers of the accounting officers will be respected and the political interference by the executive authorities will become a thing of the past. The unscrupulous manipulation by politicians and the reported interference by the advisors of the President and the Minister of Social Development, undermining the role of appointed officials, is a clear demonstration of an irreparably corrupt government. The political directives that are interfering with the procurement processes are in fact corrupt transactions. It is the same Minister who, when her colleagues drove cars to a funeral of a late senior commander of uMkhonto we Sizwe in Willowvale, flew in a helicopter accompanied by the beneficiaries of the Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) contract. “Who hired this helicopter?” I asked myself, as I was present at the funeral and saw at the spectacular landing. We want answers. I thank you
Admin
07 Mar, 2017
Payment of social grants to beneficiaries – statement by Mr Mncedisi Filtane, MP – UDM National Deputy Chairperson
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes President Jacob Zuma’s commitment in regards to the payment of social grants on the 1st of April 2017. However, South Africans must not be blinded. This is a self-created crisis by the most uncaring and reckless administration we have had since the dawn of democracy. After the appearance by the Minister of Social Development in front of the Scopa Parliamentary Committee on Tuesday the 7th of March 2017, UDM has more reason to be worried. She has deliberately failed to inspire confidence that government is indeed ready to pay grants. The fact that the negotiations with CPS are not concluded speaks volumes. We would indeed encourage a joint demonstration of commitment to the resolution of this crisis. It cannot be that government Ministers are unable to sing from the same hymn book on this matter. The Department’s and the Minister of Social Development’s actions are a deliberate disregard of the law and the highest court of the land. It has become fashionable for government leaders to ignore court orders. Surely, if the President is serious, action must be taken against her and anyone else on the wrong side of the law. Instead of working for the welfare of our vulnerable citizens, the Minister has spent her time focussing on internal party squabbles. It is exactly what we mean when we say that, under President Zuma’s leadership, the African National Congress has placed the people of South Africa last on their agenda. What preoccupies them instead, is their bottomless pockets, their friends and their organisation. Also, it is not surprising that National Treasury refused to support the department and minister in their latest actions, as this may be an illegal procurement of services as was found by the Constitutional Court three years ago. The fact that President Zuma’s minsters are not working together, to find a proper and legally correct solution to the problem, is a display of arrogance and a sign of a government without regard for the most vulnerable members of our society. We are still waiting for full disclosure and account from the Minister on the fact that over the years, CPS has developed a range of services for cellular airtime called (Umoya Manje), Insurance (Smartlife) and loans (Moneyline). Payment for these services are deducted before the grant is made. This has been one of the big daylight robbery acts of the most vulnerable citizens. We want to know whether this so-called new contract with CPS still carries these services and we want to know why if so. Abantu abahluphekileyo mabaganikwa iinkonzo abangakhange bazifune kananjalo bengazazi. Loomcimbi ka CPS uyewasetyenziswa ngenkohlakalo enjongiswe kubantu abadala nabahluphekileyo.
