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27 Sep, 2018
UDEMWO: 6-year-old raped in a Dros Restaurant
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and outraged by the recent rape of a 6-year-old girl at a Dros restaurant. This is sickening and too much to swallow. The thought that the culprit went as far as committing his evil act in a public space, where it is thought to be safe, makes us even angrier. This wicked man did not even care that there were loved ones around. This is a clear indication that he does not even care and has no conscience. UDEMWO will be part of picketers outside the court, calling for no bail. Our society does not have a space for such inhumane individuals who do not respect women and children. UDEMWO also calls on parents not to lose sight of their little ones, we are living in an evil society. What we have unfortunately witnessed in the past is that our justice system favours alleged perpetrators. We hope that our justice system will do what is right and lock him up for the rest of his life. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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10 Sep, 2018
UDMYV: President Ramaphosa must take the nation into confidence: how will the technical recession be dealt with?
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is concerned that, since the announcement broke through the media that South Africa is in a technical recession, the country has not heard from President Cyril Ramaphosa. The UDM Youth Vanguard would like to know from the President, what does this technical recession mean for the youth and the poorest of the poor. The fuel price keeps on increasing, food prices are ever on the rise and unemployment is spiralling out of control, leaving the poor and the youth marginalised by means of affordability and they are left to starve. The young people of South Africa call on the President to take the nation into confidence and tell us what will be done to tackle the situation. We need decisive leadership and political will from the President to act and protect South Africans, but in particular the youth and the poor. Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard Udmyvgp.secretary@udm.org.za Mr Andile Jabavu Gauteng Provincial Chairperson UDM Youth Vanguard udmyvgp.chairperson@udm.org.za
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15 Aug, 2018
UDEMWO: Another female student bears the brunt of abuse: Fort Hare
The assault of a female student from the University of Fort Hare, in a video that is making the rounds on social media, is quite chilling. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) condemns the actions of the young man in the strongest possible terms. Witnessing such an assault in the period where the country is celebrating women is even more heart-wrenching. This is a clear sign that South Africa is still far away from ending gender-based violence. We live in a society where young men think it is normal to treat their female counterparts with physical and verbal abuse. UDEMWO believes that men who abuse women are cowards. It is of great concern that the young woman will apparently not be laying charges against her partner, because it was the first time he assaulted her. This is often the way women excuses the men in their lives who are cruel and mistreats them. There can be no justification for this young man’s behaviour; at all. We are urging women to come forward and report cases of abuse. No one is supposed to stay in an abusive relationship. You rather walk away while you still can than losing life and become a statistic. There has to be greater societal pressure that condemns this kind of behaviour. UDEMWO has been calling for greater punitive measures to be meted out to those found guilty of such actions but we cannot achieve this if victims continue to withdraw charges against their alleged attackers. UDEMWO also wishes to express our disapproval at the excessive alcohol abuse at what is termed bashes (how ironic a word) at universities and schools. There should be a total ban on alcohol on campus. /end Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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07 Aug, 2018
UDEMWO: Rape victim, Khensani Maseko dies; another young life snuffed out
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shattered by yet another young life cut short due to abuse. The death of Khensani Maseko is another reminder that the abuse of women and children in this country is very much alive. It is clear that Maseko, like many other abused and raped women, was dying on the inside while pretending to be fine after her rape ordeal. The society we are living in has allowed and normalised a rape culture and all sorts of abuse towards women. Our government continues to let women down. Why are the authorities mum on women abuse? How many lives must be lost before swift action is taken? Why are our lives taken for granted or not matter that much? Many like Maseko do not see a way out of their ordeal and opt to take their lives because the hand of justice continues to favour the culprits. The month of August has been set aside so that we may celebrate womanhood, and yet our plight, and that of our children, go unheard. How many lives must be lost before the ruling party sees the seriousness of women abuse? We express our condolences with Khensani’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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27 Jul, 2018
UDEMWO: Another child murdered: Where is the women’s minister?
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shaken by yet another murder, that of 4-year-old Uyathandwa Stuurman, in the Khayelitsha area. A few months ago, it was reported that statistics show that more than 2 600 children were murdered in the country over the last three years, while 41% of rapes committed were against minors. These statistics shock to the core. Women are living in fear for their children on a daily basis. UDEMWO condemns the minister of women in the presidency Bathabile Dlamini for her deafening silence. She does not seem to take her work seriously. We never see her; we never hear from her. Minister Dlamini might as well be a trophy in the president’s office that serves no purpose. Why are the ruling party and its government so quiet about these matters? Why is gender violence a ceremonial topic during the 16 Days of Activism and Women’s Month? It is a sad fact that women have lost faith in the organs of state which are supposed to protect them. We live in fear in our own societies and spaces. More often than not we know the rapists and killers in our communities and homes. UDEMWO reiterates its belief that our legal system favours culprits; we believe the sentencing of the guilty are not harsh enough. Murderers and rapists must be put in jail and the key thrown away. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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16 Mar, 2018
Yongama Zigebe, of the UDM Youth Vanguard, takes the education campaign to the North West
The youth and locals of Rustenburg (in the North West) will have an opportunity to be exposed to the many exciting careers paths available to those on their road entering the South African job market or those who consider making a change from their existing work paths. UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng Provincial Secretary Yongama Zigebe, who is also the Founder of the Yongama Levertte Foundation, will be one of the facilitators at the Annual Mamoretse Book and Career Fair. There is a dearth of information on career opportunities available to learners. The Mamoretse Book and Career Fair is a community development initiative that seeks to promote literacy and assist learners to make informed career choices. In making informed subject choices at secondary level, young South Africans will ensure their prosperous futures and enable them to contribute to the economic development in their own communities and South Africa at large. Details are as follows: Date: Saturday, 17 March 2018 Time: 10am Venue: Mamoretse Community Hall in Rustenburg
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16 Feb, 2018
UDMYV: Some SONA2018 announcements give hope to young South Africans
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) has taken note of the State of the National Address delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 16 February 2018. This on the back foot of many young people of South Africa who continue to be marginalised due to lack of job opportunities in the country. The UDMYV welcomes the President’s commitment to “move young South African’s to the centre of the national economic agenda.” Some of the initiatives announced today include: 1. A jobs summit 2. Launch of Youth Employment Service Initiative 3. Establishment of a Youth Working Group represented by all young South Africans. 4. Creation of one million internships in three years. The UDMYV supports these initiatives in principle and would avail its machinery for the success of these programmes as the UDMYV recognises that the exclusion of young people from economic activity is an injustice to the black child in particular. We also hope that these programmes are not designed to appease the African National Congress Youth League whom we believe are enemies of the President in his party’s factional battles. The UDMYV therefore calls for wide representation and inclusion of all youth formations in these programmes. We shall also continue to work with the United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) at all tertiary institutions to make sure that free education is implemented in order to benefit the millions of young South Africans who seek to venture into higher education and training. The economy needs a new approach that will attract international investors and create jobs. The UDMYV believes that manufacturing through localisation will indeed help to achieve this and that ratings agencies will upgrade South Africa out of junk status. Issued by: Katleho Mothamaha UDMYV Political Liaison Officer, Gauteng plo@udmyv.co.za Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Provincial Secretary, Gauteng Secretarygp@udmyv.co.za yludwe@yahoo.com
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30 Jan, 2018
UDEMWO disappointed by the Methodist Church’s reaction on harassment allegations
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) commends the action of the young women who decided to speak out about allegations of harassment they have endured in the hands of the senior steward in the Pretoria Methodist Church. The bravery shown by the young girls gives hope that this country is in the right direction. The country is still stunned by the revelation. The house of God is supposed to be a sacred place for the young and old and the Methodist Church is amongst the respected churches in the Southern Africa. It is even saddening that the very people who are supposed to be protecting women and children are the ones accused of these horrific acts. We were even shocked to see how ignorant women are when it comes to the sensitive issues. On the video that circulated on social media, you can see women singing and some are embarrassed by the actions of these young girls who were brave enough not to keep quiet. If the very same people who are under siege, which are women, are still protecting the perpetrators, how do we expect men to take us serious and value us. We do not wish that anyone endures abuse but if it has not happened to you; do not rejoice when it happens to someone else. If it is not you today, it can be your sister or daughter tomorrow. We cannot fold arms and watch while things are taking another turn. The Methodist Church has played a vital role in the apartheid era. We call upon the Church and all those involved to use the same power to get rid of the perpetrators. We cannot be led by abusers in the house of God. The church must do away with the Omotoso tendencies. To women, continue fighting for your place and speak out against abuse. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General
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14 Nov, 2017
UDM’s reaction on the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training
Statement issued by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa – UDM Deputy President and Chief Whip The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training released by the President on 13 November 2017. We welcome the Report’s reaffirmation of the clarion call and the need to make education accessible to all South Africans. We, however, reject the Report’s recommendation that Income Contingency Loans be adopted as the new funding model for students, as this commodifies education. This system will create an army of young graduates who are debt-trapped long before they even get an opportunity to earn an income. On the other hand, South Africa’s unscrupulous banks will be cash flushed by charging students exorbitant fees and interest rates on risk-free loans that are fully backed up by government guarantees. While we welcome the Report’s recommendation that there should be more resources allocated to the Vocational, Educational and Training Colleges (TVET) sector, we are concerned that throwing money at the problem without addressing the structural challenges facing this sector will compound the problem. South Africa needs to redefine this sector and reposition it so that it is able to respond to the labour market demands whilst contributing to economic growth. We agree that the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector is the missing link in the current education system and much more must be done to integrate it into the mainstream education system with very clear goals and objectives. To this end, UDM does not find any concrete solution from the Heher Report and is disappointed that the Presidency took more than two months to release it and when it did release it eventually, it did so without a clear position and a clear way forward on it. Instead, it took a bureaucratic approach by referring it to yet another structure, the Inter-Ministerial Committee, to process it. These delaying tactics are indication that Presidency is using education as a pawn in the political factional battles of the ruling party in the run-up to its elective congress in December. The UDM believes that government should fund fee-free quality education by downsizing its executive, putting an end to the ever-increasing wasteful, irregular and fruitless expenditure, closing the tap on illicit financial flows and increasing corporate income tax, among others. End
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26 Oct, 2017
#FeesMustFall: Students up in arms yet again, when will Government learn?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned by the #FeesMustFall protests that have, yet again, forced several institutions of higher learning to grind to a halt, and interrupted exams. The UDM expresses sympathy with our students’ plight and we believe their grievances are real, and their demands, valid. What boggles the mind is that, Government and university managements do not learn from experience. These protests have dragged on for far too long; their poor handling of students’ grievances has already compromised more than two years of academic activities. The UDM supports their call for free education, but we are concerned about the loss of academic time and learning opportunities. The cause of this unhappiness remains the African National Congress’ election promises of free education, which it reneged upon. President Zuma has failed to address the problem in the past. He continues to undermine the people, by fighting his own political battles at the expense of a public waiting for service delivery. The UDM is also doubtful that the new Higher Education Minister, Hlengiwe Mkhize, will be able to handle the current crisis. Only time will tell. As in the past, these protests seem to be hijacked by criminal elements. The UDM condemns any damage to public and private property and call on students to not get carried away in the heat of the moment, or be influenced by opportunists who want to exploit the situation. We urge you to take ownership of your cause in a peaceful and responsible manner. The UDM believes education is a stepping stone for democracy. An educated and healthy citizenry is needed to grow and develop our economy so that we are capacitated to eradicate poverty and inequality, and to generate employment. We therefore call on Government and all stakeholders, to swiftly find sustainable ways to solve the education crisis; for if this does not happen, these protests will remain a yearly occurrence. Statement by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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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
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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.
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31 May, 2017
Protecting Women and Girl Children against violence and abuse (Rule 84) by Mr Lennox Gaehler, MP in the NCOP
Honourable Chairperson and Honourable Members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) joins millions of South Africans to declare, violence and abuse of women and girlchildren, a crime against humanity. Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender-based discrimination and social norms, as well as gender stereotypes that perpetuate such violence. The recent spate of gruesome murders of girls and infants, have a devastating effect on girls, women and society in general, and must be rejected by all. As a nation, we must never tolerate crime, the crime against women and girls must be stopped now. We must do everything legal, to prevent it from happening and address its root and structural causes. Prevention must entail, supporting the implementation of the laws, policies and programmes that place a strong focus on the promotion of gender equality, women’s empowerment and their enjoyment of human rights. Working together, as women, girls, men and boys, we must accelerate progress in preventing and ending violence against women and girls. Awareness raising and community mobilisation, including through traditional forms of communication, the mainstream and social media. The “Not in My Name” campaign by men must be part of our daily life. It must be a collective responsibility and an obligation of both men and boys to prevent and end violence against girls and women. Working with faith leaders, traditional leaders and communities, we must change the social norms and harmful practices, acknowledge and act against gender injustices. Government must too, ensure that the girlchild is protected and make available all the institutional function to give security to the girls. Abuse of girls through child labour is illegal and we have a responsibility to monitor the labour market and ensure that this is abolished. There must be a concerted drive to ensure that all girls enjoy full and equal access to education with the necessary support to keep them focused on the development of their future. A girlchild must be taught and encouraged to accept that there is no small or insignificant violence; all violence is gross violence and is a crime, and therefore must immediately be reported to law enforcement agencies at the time of its occurrence. Law enforcement agencies must be trained and taught on how to respond and manage gender-based violence. As society, we must build working families and household that respect human life. Criminals, who murder our young women must have no place in our homes, political parties, churches, schools, sports, and arts and cultural associations and in the society in general. I thank you
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16 May, 2017
Avoidable WSU violence takes a life
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the strongest terms condemns the destructive behaviour of some Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students. The reported fight between WSU medical students and the fatal stabbing of a final year medical student, Lwando Mantshontsho, is shocking and seems quite senseless; it is difficult to grasp what has happened. Parents send their children to university in the hope that they will live and learn in a safe environment, yet they are exposed to danger from fellow students. This is not acceptable. Judging our students by this behaviour, forces us to doubt the quality of the future leaders of this country. WSU students have long complained about lack of security on campus and not much has been done. How many more students and/or staff must be injured and lives lost before action is taken. We call upon all the stakeholders involved to take rapid action. University management must prioritise campus safety so that staff and students can work in an environment conducive to learning. The UDM hopes harsh sentences will be meted out against those found guilty and that it will be a lesson to other criminals in the making. Justice must take its course as our society does not deserve such people. Our condolences to the family and friends of young Lwando. We also wish speedy recovery to those in hospital Issued by: UDM Secretary General Mr Bongani Msomi
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10 Apr, 2017
UDM condemns ANC Youth League political intolerance
Statement issued by Bongani Mosmi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is stunned and disappointed by the violent behaviour displayed by the ruling party’s youth league, African National Congress Youth League towards anti-Zuma protesters. ANC is supposed to be the custodian of our constitution which guarantees the freedom of association. The attacks and threats are totally unacceptable. We are observing the similar behaviour even to the officials who are ANC members in the Tshwane Metro and other areas who refused the permission to the organisers of the protest march. South Africa is a free country and this must stop. End
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05 Apr, 2017
UDEMWO condemns attacks on young Cape Town girls
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and disturbed by the recent brutal rape and murder of 11-year-old Stacha Arendse whose body was found dumped in an open field not far from her home in Tafelsig. This atrocity happened within just a few days after the body of murdered Rene Tracy Roman (13), was discovered in a house on the same street where she lived. These horrific attacks against women and girl-children are adding up and has become endemic to the Western Cape. But, we see far too many such incidents right throughout the country. UDEMWO condemns these criminal acts and we call upon the members of the community to work together with the police to ensure that such cruel crimes are not committed. It cannot be that everyday someone dies at the hands of those whom they know and trust. We are thankful that the alleged evil doers are behind bars, but we find it worrying that the man arrested for the attack on Stacha is a convicted rapist who was out on six months’ parole. We therefore hope that justice be swift and that harsh measures will be taken against those found guilty – they must never be unleashed on society again. We urge the MEC of Community Safety in the Western Cape, Mr Dan Plato, together with all the relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in curbing this growing trend of attacks on women and children in the Province. One soul is one too many.
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09 Jun, 2015
Police must refrain from using grenades and live ammunition when dispersing members of the public
It is with great sadness that during the Youth Month in South Africa we hear of a sad event of a student that was shot and seriously injured by police. This shows that as a country, we are still far from being free. The act by the South African Police Service officials have once again taken us aback and reminded the nation of the sad times during the apartheid era when students were shot and killed for demanding their right to education. The shooting of an 18 year old student Mawande Ngoyo from Lindelani Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape who is in a serious condition in hospital is really saddening and is raising question of whether as South Africans are we free indeed. Everyday we hear about brutal acts of police when dealing with public protests and this is deeply worrying that live ammunition are being used. As the United Democratic Movement, we are against the vandalism of properties when members of the public are not happy with service delivery and other things but the use of live ammunition is not acceptable at all. We therefore are calling upon the Police Minister, Nathi Nhleko, to come up with ways of dispersing and dealing with large gatherings. We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Mawande. Statement issued by UDM SECRETARY GENERAL – Mr Bongani Msomi
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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
