• National Office Bearers of the UDM
• UDM Gauteng Provincial, Regional and Branch Leaders
• UDM members and supporters
• My fellow South Africans

THANK YOU AND WELCOME

I would not be standing here, if not for the hard work of the election teams of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the province.

You should feel proud of your efforts. Enkosi.

Today we celebrate the first 20 years of our democracy. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is proud to be part of this history.

We have made a tangible difference in steering this nation in the right direction; consistently exposing corruption and advocating for honest, conscientious and transparent government.

We sometimes forget that it is extraordinary that we have come so far in such a short time.

Although we will never forget how oppressive this society was, we also need to focus on the next 20 years and the 20 years thereafter and so on.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT PHASE OF OUR DEMOCRACY

Today marks the first day of the next phase of that democracy. It would not be an overstatement to say that 7 May 2014 is nearly as important as the 27 April 1994.

We again stand at the precipice of change and we must not lie to ourselves – it is time for change. We cannot allow the country to slide further down this slippery slope of corruption, maladministration and ineptitude.

We can choose to continue on this path or have the sense and moral fortitude to take our responsibility as voters seriously.

Poverty and corruption destroys the gains of our freedom.

Disrespect for the rule of law destroys the gains of our freedom.

There is no getting around these facts. The ANC is to blame and you should hold it accountable.

GOOD GOVERNANCE AND RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW

Disrespect for the rule of law, as exhibited by our executive, as well as institutionalised corruption have a direct bearing on South Africa’s downgrading on international ratings, which in turn negatively impacts investor confidence – so the vicious cycle continues.

In this regard the UDM commits itself to promote a culture of good governance and respect of the separation of powers of government, the legislatures and the judiciary.

THE ECONOMY – A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL

The UDM believes that meaningful government intervention is needed to ensure economic growth. This means that we need good roads; an efficient rail network; electrification, provision of water, irrigation and reticulation in areas where people live and businesses operate.

There has been much talk about the nationalisation of mines. Tensions raised to a boiling point, which resulted in great instability, not only amongst mineworkers and their employers, but it also negatively impacted on South Africa as an investment destination.

A UDM government commits itself to:
• Use a manageable budget deficit and government debt to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
• Implement checks and balances to ensure that taxpayer’s money is not wasted and action is taken against corrupt government employees.
• Ensure that our people, especially in rural areas, have access to passable roads, electricity, water and a fully-fledged railway network.
• Initiate opportunities for young South Africans by radically reducing the red-tape that stifles entrepreneurship.
• Make mining one of the major points of discussion at the Economic Indaba which the UDM proposes.

EDUCATION AS THE STEPPING STONE OF DEMOCRACY

An educated citizen is a national asset.

In order for our education system to produce graduates with the necessary expertise for the job market, a UDM government commits itself to invest the education budget into the improvement of infrastructure, training of teachers and their career growth.

Further, our policy and curriculum will be consistent and always in synch with the socio-economic imperatives of the country.

FEEDING A NATION

It is unimaginable that we, in this day and age, have people who go to sleep hungry and wake up hungry. South Africa was once the bread basket of this region, but the incumbent government has let our rural economy slide into the abyss.

A UDM government commits itself to:
• Use agriculture as a tool to expand our economy, create jobs and generate wealth – especially in rural areas.
• Prioritise the needs of commercial and emerging farmers by developing policies that will level the playing field, to allow them to compete against their international counterparts.

KEEPING OUR PEOPLE IN A GOOD STATE OF HEALTH

A healthy citizen is a productive citizen and, therefore, a vehicle for economic development. Unfortunately, our public healthcare is in the I.C.U. and cannot deliver.

A UDM government commits itself to improving the country’s national healthcare system by building more clinics and hospitals.

We shall improve facilities, services, ensure availability of medicines and medical supplies. We shall ensure that the system responds effectively to communicable diseases and substance abuse. Medical practitioners shall be well trained and compensated.

CRIME PREVENTION

For many years the ruling party has refused to acknowledge the magnitude of the crime crisis facing South Africa.

There is no synergy between the various partners in the justice cluster i.e. intelligence, police, the courts and correctional services.

A world-class nation can only exist in a productive and safe environment that encourages enterprises to flourish whilst attracting local and foreign investments.

A UDM government commits itself to:
• Restore civil order and develop a doctrine to ensure that the police functions in line with our constitutional values.
• Enhance coordination between the departments of justice, police, correctional service, defence and national intelligence.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?

The choice is yours – you can allow our country to continue on the same downward path or… you must do something different. Simple.

Should you make your mark for the UDM, you can be assured that we will send a team of people to government that have your concerns at heart.

CONCLUSION
In ten days we will go to the polling stations to make our mark in favour of the political party of our choice.

You have an opportunity to bring change to your lives.

To bring that change, vote UDM!

Thank you