Admin
10 Sep, 2020
Mathole High School bullying incident
The shocking video clip that has been circulating on social media, of a female learner degradingly, physically abusing another, who tried to shield herself from the beating, has left us repulsed. This incident, taking place between two Mathole High School learners, is yet another harrowing demonstration, this year alone, of the undesirable culture of bullying in our schools and in our broader society. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) commends the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department’s suspension of two Mathole High School learners in relation to the incident, although we would like to understand why the second learner was suspended. We are also happy to hear that the victim, in particular, will receive counselling, that she has been advised of her rights and that she will be assisted in opening a case with the police. Bullying is an increasingly prevalent problem in schools and the degree of violence is arguably escalating. Not only does bullying directly affect academic performance, but it also has long-term damaging effects on a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Consequently, bullying extends far beyond the academic scope as learners can also develop anger issues and are far too often driven to suicide. It is for this reason that we call on the Department of Basic Education to take a long-term view in addressing all types of bullying in schools. An inclusive solution should include the implementation of a standardised anti-bullying policy for all schools and increased awareness campaigns, to teach learners, teachers and school governing bodies about bullying and its serious consequences. The UDM Youth Vanguard denounces physical, emotional, verbal, cyber, sexual and prejudicial bullying and we stand with those who say that this undesirable culture has no place in our institutions of learning. Schools, universities, colleges and other places of learning should not be palaces of terror, but temples of learning where our youth are safe to fulfil one mission and that is to learn. Moreover, we urge every young South African to speak up against bullying and to never be part of the problem, but to be part of the solution. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDM Youth Vanguard
Admin
01 Sep, 2020
Open Letter by UDEMWO to Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mrs Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
Mrs Maite Nkoana-Mashabane Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Private Bag X931 Pretoria 0001 Dear Minister Nkoana-Mashabane ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS: YOU ARE LEAVING THE WOMEN OF THIS COUNTRY WITH THE IMPRESSION THAT YOU SIMPLY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEM The time for annual talk shops, when it is Women’s Month in August, and in December, for Sixteen Days of Activism, is over. The same applies to the drawing of rosy pictures by the provincial representatives as was seen at the recent Women’s Parliament held on 28 August 2020. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) has heard enough lip-service as women’s lives are ruined and lost, daily, and you appear to be nothing more than a minister that is there for window dressing. We want action and we want to see you taking that action. Gender-based violence (GBV) is real and claiming far too many women and children’s lives and we are left with the impression that you are not taking this matter very seriously. UDEMWO was totally flabbergasted at the fact that you chose to join this year’s Women’s Parliament virtually. What has happened to the Batho Pele principle that says: “Citizens should be treated with courtesy and consideration.” Seemingly, Minister, you have forgotten about this principle. This event happens only once a year and you could have taken the time from your “busy schedule” to show respect due to the women of South Africa and in particular to the victims of GBV. We understand that Covid-19 has meant that we must navigate uncharted waters, but travelling is possible now and your presence in the house would have made a difference. Worse still, you left the virtual platform just after your presentation, leaving many women hanging with several unanswered questions. This brings a new level to disrespect and is a total disregard of the Batho Pele principles. If President Cyril Ramaphosa attends Parliament for a mere question and answer session in person, as he recently did, what excuse could you have for not attending Women’s Parliament? Your department’s, and therefore your, mission is: “To provide strategic leadership, coordination and oversight to government departments and the country in mainstreaming empowerment programmes on women, youth and persons with disabilities”. Yet this seems to be a few words strung together with no personal or professional meaning to you. What are you in reality doing to fight the scourge of GBV; i.e. not riding on the coattails of the President and the Minister of Police? Simply delivering a Women’s Month speech, issuing a press release here and there, and attending press briefings cannot be the scope, and entire product, of your work. Minister, seemingly you do not have a solution for GBV, besides the so-called Thuthuzela Care Centres, which we do not even see in our communities, that only try to assist after the crime of rape has been committed. UDEMWO calls you to establish a mass programme that focusses on self-defence for women, so that they can fight for themselves when they are pushed into a tight corner by the opposite gender. Women die with protection orders in their hands and such a self defence programme could help to flatten the GBV curve. We are tired of being victims, it is time for us to be able to defend ourselves. The need of South African women is great, and the time for action is now, please help! Yours sincerely Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
09 Aug, 2020
Women’s Day Celebrations vs GBV
Once again, yesterday the nation saluted our foremothers of 1956, those courageous women who took the initiative and challenged the apartheid regime. We owe the freedom we claim to have today to those heroines. What is missing today is that calibre of women, who held the knife on the sharp side. The year 2020 sadly marks a gloomy picture in this history as we contend with the daily escalation of Gender Based Violence in our country. Gender Based Violence and femicide have taken root and threaten the very fabric of our diverse communities. Reports in media state that with the Covid19 pandemic, the numbers in GBV have increased drastically worse. The question is; why are our male counterparts taking out their frustrations on women? Did the women bring Covid19 in this country? Every parliamentary term, the ruling party appoints a Minister for women however the ministry of women seems to be voiceless. We don’t hear their inputs or condemnation of these heinous incidents. The ruling party prides itself on having a 50-50 representation of women in all their structures, including the Cabinet. Do these women have a voice or input on the formulation of policies and laws that govern this country and women in particular? It would seem the 50-50 represents 50% of spectators or rubber stampers. The missing voice of faith-based institutions is a matter of concern especially when one considers the role of the churches during the liberation struggle. Are the faith-based condoning what is happening at the moment? South Africa used to have formations like PWMSA and SAWID which were representative of various stakeholders. What happened to those formations? What is their role in the new dispensation? GBV is rampant in South Africa; raping and killing young and old on a daily basis. A day before this year’s Women’s Day, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a daughter, a mentor, was buried in Sterkspruit after being brutally killed for being accused with witchcraft. This is not an isolated incident. As a nation we have to commit to justice and gender transformation in all sectors of our society; we need to review our laws which seem to favour the perpetrators at the expense of the victims. South Africa needs to create an enabling environment for meaningful existence and equal opportunities for women. A gender equal society is possible. We must draw strength from the spirit of the generation that marched to Pretoria. UDEMWO calls on all women in South Africa to walk in the footsteps of those women, in fighting the scourge of GBV. We must always remember that those women came from all walks of life; there were no political, religious, race divisions. I would like to quote from Tata Mandela where he said “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.”
Admin
24 Jul, 2020
UDEMWO welcomes the President’s intervention on schools
After numerous calls and press statements from various organisations, including the United Democratic Movement (UDEMWO), as well as frustrations from parents, sundry teachers’ unions and those who care for the younger generation and the nation at large, the President of South Africa finally took the brave and courageous decision to close schools for some time. UDEMWO welcomes President Ramaphosa’s intervention to close schools for four weeks, Looking from a climatological view, as the country, we will be seeing the back-side of the winter season so the young pupils being Grade R will go back to classroom when it is a little warmer. The Department of Basic Education should use this time to clean up schools, procure the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and monitor the infections, death and recoveries, no blanket opening of schools, our children are not weapons to fight coronavirus, they must be protected at all cost. UDEMWO also accepts the extension of the current academic year into 2021, should the community transmission of Covid-19 continue to increase, the nation must be prepared to sacrifice this school year. Our schools, students and teachers need all the support and compassion during this time. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
06 Jul, 2020
UDM calls for referendum on the death penalty
Considering the calls from various sectors of our society for the death penalty to be reintroduced, especially in terms of gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, as well as child abuse and murder, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) reiterates its longstanding call that the government must allow for the voice of the people to be heard; it is time to have a referendum on the death penalty. The existing punishments for the guilty, are not a deterrent. Protection orders have become mere pieces of paper and ink and the perpetrators do not take them seriously, and the police fail to enforce them. The UDM calls upon the government of the day to take GBV seriously and to stop paying lip service as it makes no difference to the lives of those who live with daily abuse. Governmental leaders cannot take decisions alone behind closed doors, excluding the people who face these disastrous situations in our society. Let the people speak. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
15 Jun, 2020
Gender-based violence: back in spotlight
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is enraged that gender-based violence (GBV) is on the rise during the Covid-19 lockdown. GBV has never dissipated; we live amongst abusers, rapists, and murderers in our communities. Simply put, being a woman in South Africa is dangerous. If a GBV crime is not featured in the media, it does not get the attention it deserves. We realise that there are many dynamics that play into the combating of GBV, but the South African Police Service is not doing its part. Seeing the Minister of Police inspecting “spaza shops” at the weekend, is extremely disturbing. It’s not his job! He should leave shop inspections to qualified environmental practitioners and address the life-threatening problems women are facing. UDEMWO is also disappointed that government is so silent about the R1,1 billion that was allocated to fight GBV in September 2019. Has the money done any good to fight GBV or are the comrades in corruption at it again? How long will hashtags trend in social media… with more GBV victims’ names added every single day: Naledi Phangindawo, Tshegofatso Pule, Simbongile Mnangcotywa and Sinah Molefe to name but a recent few. Enough is enough! Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
09 Jun, 2020
Schools are going to be major coronavirus transmission centres
Schools opened yesterday and the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is outraged at government’s willingness to risk the lives of school pupils and teachers. It was quickly reported that Gauteng alone had 38 schools with coronavirus infections and the Western Cape had 55; which is the epicentre of this deadly enemy at the moment. Three weeks ago, UDEMWO warned the Department of Education not to open schools until it is safe. We have pleaded with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga to act as a parent, yet she chose not to. UDEMWO is aware of a learner at Woodhill College (Pretoria) who tested positive for Covid-19, thus endangering all the came into contact with that learner. We are also in possession of a letter from West Bank High School (East London), where a learner whose parent tested positive and the school was forced to send back home all grade 7 learners until further notice. UDEMWO calls on the Department of Basic Education and the National Coronavirus Command Council to urgently review this decision, even if it means that the current academic year must be revised. South Africa cannot afford this kind of negligence, young lives are at stake and not all immune systems can fight this disease; think of pupils in rural areas where there is no clean water and poor toilet facilities. If schooling continues, the worst is yet to come where coronavirus infections are concerned. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
22 May, 2020
Covid-19 and government: a worst nightmare for women and children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is deeply perturbed by how life is turning out for many South Africans, especially women, as we daily hear of large numbers of retrenchments, due to the Covid-19 lockdown. This is hitting very hard in the cases of sole family-breadwinners. It was recently reported that there is a spike in child abandonment, which is attributed to the desperate choices of parents who are in the throes of financial hardship as the country experiences unimpeded job losses. According to Premier David Makhura, Gauteng, on its own, may lose about two million jobs, which means that child abandonment will likely increase. As much as it is good that abused women and children can contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre for assistance, children could be far more vulnerable as they have less resources, emotionally and physically, to make that life-saving call. UDEMWO is also worried that the government departments, which are supposed to look after South Africa’s most vulnerable, are failing them dismally. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the worst of them all, with shoddy service and poor communication around processes and forms. In addition, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu seems to not have her facts straight as she recently appealed for the distribution of food-parcels to not be politicised, yet this is exactly what the ruling party is being accused of lately, with evidence of this floating all over social media. There is something very wrong with this entire picture, as government seems to not realise how its inefficient systems are negatively affecting the poorest of the poor, who are fighting for their very existence. Government is not providing effective leadership and services where this is concerned. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
20 May, 2020
UDEMWO rejects reopening of schools
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) rejects the reopening of schools, on 1 June 2020 for Grade 7 and 12 learners, as announced yesterday by Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga and so approved by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC). The fact that the Minister herself had said that she cannot assure parents that there is no danger of infection, is proof that her department does not have a proper plan in place. We are concerned about the safety of both teachers and learners, especially in disadvantaged schools across South Africa. This move is a gamble with our children’s lives. The Minister also confirmed that a number of schools were either burnt or vandalised over the past two months, which makes the situation even worse. The UDEMWO calls on the Department of Basic Education and the NCCC to review this decision as the confirmed cases of Covid-19 are rapidly increasing on a daily basis. We realise the importance of education, but we cannot put the lives of future South African leaders in danger by taking them back to classrooms at this point in time. We have seen what happened in France where, within a week of reopening schools, they have reported 70 new Coronavirus cases. In South Africa, private schools could fairly safely reopen simply because they have fewer learners per class, but what about our overcrowded public schools where social distancing is not possible. Minister Motshekga must act like a parent in this matter. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
06 Mar, 2020
UDEMWO welcomes the forensic report of Enoch Mpianzi
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the forensic report of Enoch Mpianzi. The Gauteng MEC of Education Mr Phanyaza Lesufi has done a sterling job to make sure those that are implicated are brought to book timeously including the Headmaster of Parktown Boys. Though this will not bring closure to the Mpianzi family, but it is a warning to many more schools that Nyathi lodge is not a befitting camping site as Enoch is the fifth pupil to die there while taking part in a water activity. This institution should be closed as it has become a death-trap for our children. The Parktown Boys High School Governing Body’s silence is too loud, it raises so much concern, not only to the parents of children at the school but to South Africa as a whole. The UDEMWO would like to thank the South African Human Rights Commission for stepping in on this pernicious case and assisting the Mpianzi’s family when they had no one else to turn to. We hope this type of negligence will not happen to any of our schools, this should be a lesson learnt to everyone in the Education fraternity. Educators should treat leaners as their own children. Once again, To the Mpianzi’s Family. May you be comforted. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
26 Feb, 2020
Beastly behaviour at higher learning institutions
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is extremely shocked at the beastly behaviour of students at the University of Fort Hare. Hardly a month has passed since Yonela Boli was allegedly slain by his girlfriend at this very same institution, and it has come to UDEMWO’s attention that Olwethu Tshefu was the key witness to the murder of Yonela Boli. He was also allegedly killed, over the weekend, by his girlfriend. What is surprising is that, according to reports (Daily Dispatch), these two victims were friends. In a country that is fighting gender-based violence, one might believe that the tables have been turned; it is now females against males. What has our nation become? It is clear that our society is sick. We have been made to understand that, in most cases, these young students are killing each other over petty things under the influence of alcohol. So much has happened since the beginning of this year, so many lives have been lost, yet one life lost, is one too many. Parents send their children to universities to be educated and not to be killed. There is very little done by university managements and the Department of Higher Education to curb the scourge. South African citizens have had enough of talk shows and lip service by President Cyril Ramaphosa. It is clear that the President and his government have no solution to this predicament, hence UDEMWO calls for an imbizo of all stakeholders to find a solution. We cannot have this untenable situation to continue at our institutions of higher learning. UDEMWO would like to express its heartfelt condolences to the family of Olwethu Tshefu, May their precious son’s soul rest in eternal peace. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
27 Jan, 2020
Enough is Enough: Laticia Jansen
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation is totally flabbergasted with the ongoing behaviour of violence within schoolers in South Africa. Every day, every week, we wake up to devastating news of yet another learner that has lost a life. This has become a norm in our society, with so many questions left unanswered. Sending your children to school to get education nowadays simply means you are sending them straight to death, isn’t “Education the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world?” Clearly it is not, if death of our children is the price. The UDEMWO calls on the School-governing bodies and serve its purpose thoroughly, what we are witnessing at the moment as South Africans is pure disaster, the SGBs are failing dismally. Our children spend most of the day at school, The Educators should take full responsibility of what happens to them, In Leticia’s case the school transport driver that left her behind is as guilty murderers. He must be apprehended as soon as possible. The UDEMWO calls on all school to have control measures when it comes to picking up scholars, and if the scholar isn’t boarded on the transport, the teachers and the parents should be made aware. The government should take these cases serious as this is getting out of hand by day. To the Jansen family; We send our heartfelt condolences. May your precious princess rest in eternal peace. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary
Admin
24 Jan, 2020
Signing of indemnity in schools must be reviewed: Enoch Mpianzi’s incident
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation is as shocked as President Cyril Ramaphosa would be, at the total negligence at Parktown Boys High, where a young boy named Enoch Mpianzi lost his life during their trip at Ngathi River and Bush lodge. We ask ourselves a question, why there was no roll call before the children stepped into the bus and at the site before resuming activities. This type of negligence leaves much to be desires and it is totally unacceptable. The UDEMWO calls all stakeholders to take their task serious, for example; the teachers should take full responsibility for the children. This brings us to the question of indemnity! Why parents must sign indemnity when children embark on school outings? What is the role of the teachers during school outings? By signing the indemnity, parents are signing death warranties for their children as the teachers shack their responsibility and leave the children to their own peril. UDEMWO calls for the signing of indemnity in schools to be reviewed as this puts the lives of the children at risk with no one taking responsibility. Children are entrusted to the teachers and teachers should be held accountable. The UDEMWO calls on all involved to be held accountable and legal actions to be taken to serve as an example to all others in the profession. We are saddened by this incident, we send our warmest and deepest condolences to the Mpianzi’s family. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDMWO Secretary General
Admin
23 Jan, 2020
Justice for Sibongile Nkhwashu
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disgusted by the acts of South African men who have no respect for women’s lives. In the previous year, we have seen women die at the hands of men. It is 22 days into the new year, and we wake up to shocking and devastating news of yet another young woman who has been brutally murdered by her boyfriend. The question lingers “What has happened to the moral compass of the South African male?’. These thugs do not deserve to be called men, because real men do not abuse nor do they take life. Intern Dr Sibongile Nkhwashu’s life was cut short by an animal who goes around calling himself a man, a life that was supposed to be absorbed into the health sector to increase the numbers of much-needed doctors in this country, has been taken away from us because of the degenerate moral compass of her boyfriend. Where should women live and in order to lead safer lives in our society? Femicide robs society of a brighter future; this is totally unacceptable UDEMWO calls for harsh punishment and no bail for the alleged perpetrator and all perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV), we further call on all sectors of society to weigh-in on GBV in order to have a collective and a united voice against it. This is not only a government issue, however a societal issue that needs all our efforts to defeat it. We need safer communities with zero tolerance for crime, members of community working with the police, civil society, religious/faith groups and all stakeholders to curb this scourge. Government should expand and accelerate these interventions and reinforce its work on the 365 days of activism and not just sixteen days. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
09 Dec, 2019
From humble beginnings to queen of the universe
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard joins millions of South Africans and Billions of people around the globe in celebrating yet another victory for our country. Our Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi has won Miss Universe 2019 pageant held in Atlanta USA. After wowing to the judges and fans throughout the competition Zozibini managed to swoop the title, taking over from Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Zozibini is the third South African to win the Miss Universe crown. The first was Margaret Gardiner in 1978, followed by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017. She is also the first Miss Universe to wear the brand-new “Power of Unity” crown which is said to be worth R73 million. Zozibini Tunzi is from a small town Tsolo in the rural of Eastern Cape, inspired young kids that their skin and hair is indeed beauty, she further emphasized that the most important thing is to take girls, train and give them space in leadership in order to cement their place in society. This was shown in her courageous work prior her going to Miss Universe, having resumed her fight against gender-based violence a scourge that has and continuously causes pain to the soul of South Africa, as women and children daily are attacked, gruesomely murdered, and abused in any way that perpetrators deem. She raised the flag not just to South Africans to say enough is enough but to the world stage to join in the fight, declaring Gender-based violence as a global disaster in human existence. The crowning of Zozibini Tunzi as Miss Universe may have not come at a better time when the country is on its annual 16 Days of activism. Tunzi asked Men of South Africa to write letters of love that were imbedded in her National dress to show the world that South African Man can love and perpetrators have no place in our society. We are indeed a winning nation capable in all aspects therefore let us join hands with our Zozi in the fight against GBVs as she returns home to cement her work in society We congratulate Zozibini Tunzi our Miss South Africa/Miss Universe and wish her nothing but the best in her tenure on both responsibilities. We shall support her till the end. Halala Mamtolo, Ah Mchenge!! -end- Issued by: Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Gauteng Secretary
Admin
04 Dec, 2019
Gender-based violence: enough is enough!
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation is disheartened about how these brutal killings are becoming a norm in our communities. Another young life lost, another bright future deprived. We cannot afford to have yet another hashtag with no action taken by the Police and other relevant departments including the Presidency. It is sad that women cannot live freely within our communities throughout South Africa, every day we read/hear of women being killed because men see women as sex objects. This behaviour is utterly disgusting. The UDEMWO calls on President Ramaphosa to take its call seriously by calling referendum on death penalty. Clearly the life sentences that being handed by the Courts, are not deterrent to these heinous crimes. Gomolemo Legae killed on the 1st of December, 2019 was just a young, innocent girl, a bright future awaited her, and right now she is no more. Kgaugelo Tshawe was also brutally killed few days just before the so-called 16 days of activism. Being a woman at this point in time in South Africa, you are just waiting to be a next victim. Why can’t we have 365 days of activism against women and children? What will it take for Government to act? How many more women must die before the government can act? Enough is Enough! The UDEMWO has written an open letter to President Ramaphosa on the 09-September-2019. We were hoping Mr President would speedily act on this, as women are under attack, the time for speeches and dialogues around this issue is over. We would like to see a government that implements change and not just talk about it. -end- Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
18 Sep, 2019
Violence against women and children, and crime in South Africa
Honourable Speaker, Mr President and Deputy President, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Honourable Members. 1. Introduction The United Democratic Movement (UDM) commends the fact that Parliament is debating solutions to gender-based violence, child abuse, rampant crime in general, as well as lawlessness. We are here today in response to the brave women of this country who said: “No more!”. This House and the Executive must prioritize finding solutions, even if it means that we must reconsider budget allocations as the President has already indicated. 2. Safety and security: a constitutional mandate Everyone living in this country must, at all times, be protected and should feel safe in their homes and on our streets. For the Executive to act decisively and to make manifest the constitutional mandate of safety and security for the people, it might mean that our civil liberties could be affected. 3. Proposed SADC accord One other matter which I would like to raise is that of striking an accord between SADC countries to address security and home affairs issues. Cross-border crime, moving stolen vehicles and livestock, as well as the burning of trade-goods, should be a thing of the past. Our economies must be protected, for if one country is unstable, all are affected. 4. Xenophobia Regarding the recent xenophobic attacks, we condemn it in the strongest terms. I however wish to mention that South Africa is the only country that does not have refugee camps, with non-South Africans being integrated into our society since 1994. We indeed have people from the rest of the continent, Europe, America and the Far East who live peacefully, and prosper in South Africa. 5. Closing Mr President, if one looks at the vast amounts of money that is syphoned away through corruption, our obsolete military equipment, poor training and equipping of our security services and the criminal justice system, it is clear that we still have much work to do. I thank you.
Admin
10 Sep, 2019
Open Letter to President Ramaphosa: gender-based violence
Dear Mr President Recently, the country has been ravaged by news of gender based violence, women being abducted, raped and murdered. This is an everyday life for women in this country hence now we have the #AmInext movement, because honestly we are constantly stressing about who is going to be a victim of these atrocities ravaging our communities. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation call on you Mr President, to speedily act on this, as women are under attack, the time for speeches and dialogues around these issues is over. We would like to see a government that implements change and not just talk about it. One of the things we would like to see is co-operation between the Departments or Ministries that fall under the cluster of peace and security. There seems to be no synergy and this is a contributing factor to the rise in violence in this country. If the SAPS manage to arrest the criminal; Justice will release him either on bail or on lack of evidence; if Justice sentence the criminal, Correctional Services will release him on parole. The UDEMWO call upon the government either amend the laws of this country as the law is currently favouring the criminals at the expense of the victims, or bring back the death penalty. Had it not been for Luyanda Botha, the late Uyinene Mrhwetyana’s murderer being released on parole from his previous convictions, the young girl would be still alive, pursuing her dreams. The question still remains, how did Luyanda end up working for a state owned enterprise with criminal records? Mr President, The Government continues to fail us! The Department of Women’s voice is not being heard, Minister Maite-Nkoana Mashabane is not vocal and not seen taking part in bringing about solution in the threatening situation, which is claiming lives of women especially in the past week. UDEMWO believes that when one tramples the other person’s rights, he must forfeit his rights. Enough with the lip service, Action must be taken NOW! Issued by Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary
Admin
03 Sep, 2019
Violence against women: Punishment of women abusers is a laughing stock
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organization is disheartened by violence against women and children that is currently taking place throughout South Africa, Uyinene Mrwetyana a young girl who had a bright future was deprived an opportunity to achieve her goals and dreams, she didn’t just die, she was brutally murdered. Jeighandre Jegels a boxing champion from the Eastern Cape was also killed by her Police Officer boyfriend. A body of a young lady who was raped and murdered was discovered yesterday in a school premises at Kwa Mashu, north of Durban The UDEMWO calls on the African National Congress government to stop gambling with young women’s lives, just two years ago, we lost Karabo Mokoena and nothing was done, the government had to wait for next victims to act as if they care. In the case of Mrwetyana, it is alleged that the perpetrator has a criminal record, which takes us back to the call made by UDEMWO that government departments should work in a synergy. Early paroles dished out to criminals perpetuate criminal acts against women and children. On a daily basis women and children go missing, simply because they are not protected by the government. They are soft targets for the perpetrators. The state security agencies are to blame, they do not seem to have a plan to fight and curb the scourge. As much as some of these crime offenders face jail time, it seems this type of sentence do not act as a deterrent factor. The UDEMWO believe it is high time that a referendum is conducted to determine whether a death penalty should be brought back or our courts continue to meter out these sentences that are not effective. Women and children deserve better and the government must make it a point that they are protected twenty four hours a day where they are, in their homes or streets. The UDEMWO is calling upon the government and relevant departments to effectively prioritise the safety of women and children. The government MUST STOP this habit of quickly sending condolences to the families of the victims but must act fast and swiftly in apprehending and putting perpetrators behind bars. Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary
Admin
16 Aug, 2019
Eastern Cape Legislature: Mr Mncedisi Filtane, MPL’s contribution to the debate on violence against women and femicide
Eastern Cape Legislature: Mr Mncedisi Filtane, MPL’s contribution to the debate on violence against women and femicide on 16 August 2019 A very emotional issue indeed. The United Democratic Movement supports the support given by this House to fighting violence against women. Accordingly, we propose that the Zizipho Apleni be invited to come and address this house. We shall have made a powerful statement to our women that we are wholly against their abuse women by men. Not all men ill-treat woman, but men need to get together and maybe form a men’s parliament where they can freely deliberate on issues of this nature and others. The idea is to adopt a holistic approach to all issues. I had the opportunity to see and experience first-hand, the power and brilliance of women in my very first five years of work. My attitude about the digits and intelligence of women has never changed. Women should be encouraged to just walk away from a relationship if it goes to sour. The justice system alone won’t help as it is just too soft. Rather a social change is needed.
Admin
08 Aug, 2019
Women’s Day: 25 years on and women are still under attack
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation would like to wish every woman out there, a good Woman’s Day. We are the mothers and daughters; we are well-able and there is absolutely nothing a woman cannot do. However, how do we celebrate Women’s Month if there is, in fact, nothing to celebrate? Twenty-five years down the line and women in this country still live with a target on their backs; as somehow lesser human beings, only there to be beaten, raped and killed. The ruling party, which should be leading the women’s cause, has done nothing much to change women’s lives when it comes to addressing the scourge of abuse. Paying lip-service is simply not enough and having a useless ministry of women is a waste of time. For instance, in our rural villages, women accused of witchcraft are made to face mobs of killers and our government sits with its arms folded. Where are government’s far-reaching programmes needed to stem the tide of women abuse? Women are the thread that hold our societies together and the ruling party government does not seem to care about their wellbeing, their livelihood or their safety. This is unacceptable and we cannot tolerate this any longer.
