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23 Nov, 2015
UDEMWO calls for swift action by MEC Qedani Mahlangu
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the news of a possible risk of babies going blind due to power outage at one of the biggest hospitals in Africa, Chris Hani Baragwanath. It is with great sadness that such an unfortunate event is not taken serious by the health authorities instead the Department of Health in Gauteng is busy playing hide and seek while the health of those innocent babies is at risk of being permanently blind. The power outage could have been avoided. Government has the money for all the lavish lifestyle for the leaders but the important and basic things as health are being taken for granted. Millions of rands are wasted in building and upgrading Nkandla, funding private jet for president while the masses are suffering. UDEMWO is calling upon Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu to a make swift intervention on this problem and other challenges that Gauteng hospitals are faced with. This unfortunate incident adds up to all the misery in health facilities in that province. It has been forever since the Department Of Health was confronted with issues of health such as community members sleeping on the floors at health facilities while others lost lives. What is even sad to this is the fact that the Department of Health in Gauteng is denying the problem to ever exist in that hospital. As UDEMWO, we say more could be done to curb this problem and other problems that hospitals are facing. An immediate action must be made by Health authorities to save these innocent babies. End
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28 Oct, 2015
ANCWL march insult to women
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja :UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are overwhelmed at the stunt by the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) to take into the streets in defence of President Jacob Zuma. Their march shows clearly that Women’s League does not care about societal matters but their main objective is covering each other’s backs rather than the masses. This is an insult to women of this country that the ANCWL decides to stand by Zuma the very same thing they did when he was facing rape case and other cases. The current ANCWL President Bathabile Dlamini was at the forefront during that case against another woman. To us as UDEMWO, it appears clearly that their interest lies only in self-serving. The nation is currently faced with burning issues and we have never heard from the Women’s League and now they have courage to march protecting one man. The country would be a better place if they would use the same energy and heroism in matters that will benefit us all, specifically women. Instead of addressing the symptoms of Zuma’s blunders the ANCWL should find the root causes of him being ridiculed. They must look around to see which other Presidents were ever ridiculed more than him. The answer lies within the ANC. ANCWL must also remember that the President they are defending was elected by people and he must account to the citizens. End
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19 Oct, 2015
UDEMWO condemns Kensington attack
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) condemns the ruthless and inhumane incident that took place over the weekend where a young woman was gang raped by 12 men in front of their partners while the other woman managed to escape. Their partners were then tied up and drowned in a dam in Kensington, Johannesburg. This is such a disgusting and dreadful attack that cannot be overlooked. The law enforcement officials must hunt those involved and bring them to book for the terrible attack they have committed. At times like this, we find ourselves calling for the return of death sentence towards the criminals because of such incidents. It is such a horrific society we live in. Humans have turned into monsters towards their very own. UDEMWO would also like to convey a message of condolence to the deceased families and wishes a speedy recovery to the affected women. The quietness of the Women’s Ministry is deafening.
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07 Oct, 2015
Harsh measures against “baby dumpers”
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General In the wake of new born babies being abandoned and deserted throughout the country, the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is calling for harsh actions against those responsible for these inhumane acts. The abandonment of babies has become a norm and it is not acceptable at all. This is a problem that has gotten out hand. A lot must be done by government with society to deal with this problem. Campaigns must be in place in educating young women and make sure that this does not continue as it does now. A number of new born babies were reported to be found abandoned in different places in the country this week even though women have options of taking their babies into places of safety. This shows clearly that there is a serious problem with our society. It is high time that we as communities stop looking the other side while the moral fibre of our societies is being dehumanized. Communities need to speak out on such incidents happening in their neighbourhoods. It is high time we go back to the spirit of Ubuntu. There is absolutely no justification into why someone would dump or kill a child in this day of access to clinics and other non-governmental institutions that offer help. UDEMWO calls for punitive measures to those who abandon or kill babies. They have a right to life too. End
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12 Aug, 2015
National Women’s Day
ADDRESS BY Ms CN Majeke MP in the National Assembly SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – Women United in moving South Africa forward Honourable Speaker and Members Despite progress reported in the Report on the Status of Women in South Africa; most rural women and girls are still facing more obstacles in gaining access to public service, social protection, decent employment opportunities, and markets and other institutions. The voice of rural women must be recognised in policy making in order to end discriminatory practices and ensure their access to land and other productive resources. When women are empowered and can claim their rights, they gain access to land, leadership opportunities, opportunities and choices, economies grow, food security is enhanced and prospects are improved for current and future generations. Rural women are key agents for achieving the transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development. But limited access to credit, health care and education are amongst the many challenges they face, which are further aggravated by global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering rural women is key not only to the well-being of individuals, families and rural communities, but also to the overall economic productivity. Until women are seen as equal human beings, the eradication of gender based violence and empowerment of rural women and girls will not be successful. The huge sums of monies used every year during the National Women’s Month should also help to introduce preventative measures which will help to prevent women from being victims of human trafficking, patriarchal system, social and economic ills. In the words of the then Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance”. Indeed pathways out of poverty for rural women should include measures designed in such a way as to reflect the complexity of gendered rural livelihoods. Policies intended to address rural poverty should not be treated in isolation hence it is important to implement education, land and credit measures, as well as active labour market policies and social protection in an integrated manner, understanding their interdependencies and fostering synergies. Thank you
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12 Aug, 2015
UDEMWO calls for the protection of rape victims
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are saddened to witness growing numbers of abuse towards women while we are still celebrating the women’s month in South Africa. The rape of the 23 year old woman in Nkanini – Khayelitsha while her boyfriend was shot and killed trying to protect her is really inhumane that is why we are calling upon the South African Police Service officials to make swift actions in arresting those involved in this ruthless incident. Once the culprit is arrested, the Department of Justice must make sure that the culprit does not get to see the sun again and must rot in jail without bail mean while the Correctional Service must make sure that culprits are not being considered for parole. Once you violate one’s right you must forfeit yours. We are also calling upon the Social Development MEC in Western Cape, Albert Fritz to make sure that the victim gets all the support and protection she needs as she is at high risk because she knows her attacker. What is sadder is the fact that those involved in the crime are from our very communities. We also urge members of community to hold hands in protection of women and children. We cannot afford to see women and children being victims of crime and as UDEMWO, we feel that government has not done much in making sure that women and children’s rights are protected and that is why as UDEMWO, we demand that government come up with a clear strategy in curbing violence against women and children. There are so many campaigns in relations to this by non-governmental Organisations and other interest groups however, the role of government is the missing link in this dire situation. End
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16 Jul, 2015
UDEMWO is devastated by the recent horrific attack against a 14 year old girl in Grabouw
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) we are devastated by the recent attack on the 14 year old girl in Grabouw, Western Cape. We would like to convey our message of support and wish her a speedy recovery from this horrific attack. This young girl has shown bravery after her brutal attack and was able to name the culprit. This incident is taking us back and reminding us of what happened to Anene Boysen who was also brave enough to name her attackers and the justice system failed her and many women of this country by letting one of the attackers walk free because of lack of evidence. We hope this time the hand of justice will do the right thing and be for the victim other than the perpetrator. Such individuals who abuse women and children in any how do not deserve to be part of our communities and that is why we want him to rot in jail for the horrendous act he has committed. We hope that the sentencing will be a lesson to other perpetrators out there. The abuse of women and children is growing everyday in this country and we cannot fold arms and watch, something needs to be done to curb this problem in this country. As UDEMWO, we are calling upon the Department of Social Development to make sure that women and children are protected. End
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12 Jun, 2015
UDEMWO is pleased by the court’s decision to deny bail against Christopher Panayiotou
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased with the way National Prosecuting Authority has so far handled the Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused case of murdering the innocent Jayde Panayiotou. Panayiotou and the men accused of killing this young woman do not deserve to be back in our communities as they pose a danger not only to the community but to those close to them. They have displayed clearly that they are not human beings with their behaviour. NPA denying bail for these cruel culprits brings hope to women and children in this country. It also sends a strong message to criminals as we are not safe in our own communities because of such inhumane individuals who abuse and murder us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. As much as we appreciate this denial of bail against the men but we would like to see the hand of justice being served. As UDEMWO, we would like to see synergy amongst the government departments i.e. South African Police Service, Department of Justice and Correctional Service as these departments play an vital role and they should complement one another in making sure that the rights of women and children are protected. UDEMWO is once again calling upon the Department of Correctional Service to review the parole system as we feel that it is not applied appropriately. It favours the culprits more the victims of crime. Remember, when you violate someone’s rights you should forfeit yours. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
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05 Jun, 2015
Member’s Statement on the critical challenges confronting young women address by Ms CN Majeke, MP in the National Assembly
Honourable Speaker and members As we begin the 39 Anniversary of the Youth month, it is important that we focus on the critical challenges confronting young women. Many young women remain targets for gender based violence. The recent UN, 2010 report, on violence against women in Africa indicates that the scourge of violence against women in Africa is still largely rampant, but hidden beneath cultural practices and beliefs. Amongst other reasons accountable for this situation are recorded as: • The predominance of the system of patriarchy across the continent and our country is not immune; • Violence against women is accepted as a cultural norm in many of our communities and is often condoned by the communities; • The stigma attached to female victims has resulted in very low rates of reporting and some young women and in particular in the rural areas, do not report and or sometimes are turned away by authorities who see violence against young women as not important. All government institutions and in law enforcement agencies and our judicial system, must give priority to violence against young women. The World Health Organisation reports that the health of young women is affected by a plethora of factors, most of which revolve around lack of adequate health facilities and infrastructure. We need to give extra focus on this matter as well during this 39th anniversary of the youth months with specific focus on young women. Promoting gender equity and empowerment of young women will be of benefit to our economy and the society at large. However, we still face a stumbling block with regard to prioritising young women. The National Youth Agency must give the necessary attention on this area as it implements its programme during this month. The majority of the unemployed young people are young women. I thank you
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26 Mar, 2015
UDEMWO condemns involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) lambasts at the recent allegations against the doctors and nurses who are performing involuntary sterilisation without consent of those involved taking advantage of women living with HIV/ AIDS. As South African women, we are surprised and offended by the latest scandal in private and public hospitals of our country. UDEMWO feels that our rights as women have been once again violated and taken for granted by the health officials. No one has the right to perform such a heinous procedure without the consent of the patient; the fact that the women are living with the virus does not mean they are less human. Health officials’ duties are to help the community and not to make them feel less human; living with HIV/ AIDS should not be seen as death sentence to those infected and affected by it. UDEMWO is aware that this is happening both in public and private health care centres and 48 cases of involuntary sterilisation have been documented so far. We are calling on the South African Human Right Commission, Commission for Gender Equality and the Department of Health to investigate these allegations. The doctors and nurses who are found guilty must be severely punished for their inhumane and unethical behaviour. South Africans were made to believe that there is medication for prevention of mother to child transmission. What happened to that medication or that prevention? Why these sterilisation of the infected women.
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04 Sep, 2014
UDM Women’s organisation: reaction to rape of Bongiwe Mnguni
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes it is a travesty that women in the workplace, both in the private and public service, are not safe from sexual harassment, abuse, violence and rape. One of the main reasons why people with much needed skills, such as doctors and nurses, leave for greener pastures is that they are not safe at their places of work. We have much sympathy with, Ms Bongiwe Mnguni, a nurse who was beaten and raped at the Helen Joseph Hospital. We hope that she fully recovers from this horrific experience; our hearts go out to her. Although Ms Mnguni has suffered much harm to her body, mind and soul, we commend her for the courage to speak out. Hopefully this act will encourage more abused women to come forward. We also hope that Ms Mnguni will not leave the matter there. The police must investigate the incident and arrest the monster who attacked her. This man deserves nothing more than to rot in jail for the remainder of his years. UDEMWO believes that the hype created during Women’s Month and the 16 Days of Activism is all for nought. Government throws big parties under the name of sensitising the nation to the plight of women and girl-children. Journalists write endless stories during those times. They seem to be forgetting the rest of the year. Looking at this from a man’s perspective, they feel left out when all of government’s efforts are targeted at women’s issues – government should give some attention to this. The big picture looks bleak and UDEMWO calls on government to urgently make the places of work of their employees safe. Identifying the problem and talking about solutions is not enough – do something and find the criminals who makes us live in fear.
