Admin
22 Mar, 1999
UDM Manifesto Launch Election 1999 “The future hope for all South Africans”
Address by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP in Johannesburg, Gauteng It is most appropriate that the release today of our manifesto coincides with the weekend of our National Youth Conference, because we are charting a future, which will be led by the youth. Our objectives therefore address the needs of the future which belongs to them. We are grateful to our youth movement for inviting us to share ideas with them and keep us relevant to their needs and aspirations. In our manifesto we address the historical imbalances which are the heritage of this century. It is up to us to ensure that we do not enter the new millennium with the baggage and legacy of conflict, corruption, greed and selfishness of the 20th century. We must begin a fresh and promising era. This is the challenge facing us all. On the 2nd of June 1999, South Africans will be voting in the last South African elections this century. These elections are of a tremendous significance to the people of South Africa who will be choosing which political party has the most relevant vision and best capacity to lead the country into the next millennium. The main challenge of this year’s election is to give hope to millions of disillusioned South Africans who have seen most of the promises made by incumbent government evaporate before their eyes. South Africans demand an apology from the ANC government for failing them. Further, the choice which will be made on 2nd June 1999 will be about building a government that is clean, accountable and who cares for the people. It will also be about a government which will make South Africa a competent nation that enjoys the support of its citizens and the respect of other nations. As UDM we must give leadership and clarity to a people whose material well-being has degenerated to unparalleled levels even under apartheid. We must restore faith in governance by reversing the process of disempowerment. Our poor working people have been systematically edged out of employment with no prospects of alternative employment for them. Millions of the unemployed, whose ranks are annually swelled by school leavers and more retrenchments, stare a bleak future in the eye. The 1994 elections in our country provided a historic framework for the transition from apartheid oppression towards an era of democracy and prosperity. The transition was conceived in various phases with each phase costing the lives of many South Africans as they, in different ways, struggled to develop a common vision and purpose in the search for a democratic society. Unfortunately, for South African people, the reality in our country indicate that the ANC-led government neither has the will nor the ability to govern. This reality is seen in the escalation of unemployment, crime, interest rates, corruption and the general state of institutional decay in all spheres of government. We in the UDM must arrest this downward spiral which is turning state departments and corporations into a playground for ANC deployed members, who line their pockets by driving other black and white South Africans into the streets in the name of down-sizing and rationalisation. The UDM will substitute a new economic philosophy for ANC’s GEAR. The ANC’s policies are impervious to the needs of the disadvantaged who are bewildered by the disregard of their needs by a government they voted into power. The poor have paid the capital price to ensure the success of a struggle they waged in the fore-front when those who now enjoy the fruits of their labour were touring the capitals of the world. Our manifesto is a statement of intent, which provides a framework for a ten-year period within which we would govern when elected to government. The manifesto seeks to address the glaring national grievances and provides alternatives and solutions in the future as the way forward. Inspired by our unifying love for our country and respect of her people for each other we will address these grievances. It is only by means of genuine co-operation and partnership that we, South Africans, will be empowered to ensure a better quality of life and individual freedom for every citizen, family and community. This will be based on good governance and civil order. One of the most serious flaws in the economic policy of the present government has been a blind leap onto a band-wagon of globalisation without taking the necessary measures to protect local emerging industries and markets which have become the dumping ground for cheap foreign goods. The demise of local industries as a result of unfair competition resulting from inferior technology of the sanctions era has resulted in massive job losses and stifling of economic growth. Our manifesto recognises that globalisation is a reality, but argues for a balanced global strategy that does not reduce South Africa into a satellite economy. An UDM government will develop an economic policy that will enable our economy to withstand the external shocks that have rocked the Asian tigers and other emerging markets. To that end the UDM has adopted a policy of enterprise development to empower South Africans to create wealth and thereby narrowing the gap between the have’s and the have-nots. However, globalisation accounts for only part of our economic woes. Lack of investor confidence has been occasioned by lawlessness and escalating crime. Rightly or wrongly there is a growing perception that the relocating and delisting of mining giants like Anglo-American is linked to the deteriorating law and order and lack of confidence in the future of South Africa. We need to arrest this process and restore confidence. In this regard, the UDM will adopt realistic and committed strategies to stop the rampant crime wave and to transform the penal code into an effective mechanism for punishing wrong doers. In line with our philosophy of an integrated approach, we propose a single Ministry of Civil Order. This Ministry of Civil Order will combine the current ministries of Justice, Safety and Security, Correctional Services, National Intelligence and Defence into one, effective mechanism to combat crime and restore civil order in South Africa. In doing so we shall instil pride and commitment in our law enforcement agencies to ensure their loyalty and dedication to their job of protecting the public and divest them of the feeling of despair and disillusionment at the hands of a government which treats them with contempt. We will give the people an opportunity to decide whether the life of a murderer is more valuable than that of its victim, by holding a referendum on the death penalty. The UDM recognises that while students in centres of learning must be given a hearing and allowed to make a meaningful contribution to the learning process, their primary responsibility to themselves and their parents who pay their fees is to restore the culture of learning. Learn in the process and equip them to salvage the disadvantaged from the throes of perpetual enslavement. The students of today and in the future must take a leadership position in society which only skills can assure. Conversely, we will not countenance lawlessness, anarchy and disrespect for authority law and order. Ladies and Gentlemen, the foreign policy of the UDM will determinedly work towards reclaiming the international opportunities squandered under most favourable circumstances. We will play a leading role internationally by assiduously co-operating with other states, the U.N., the O.A.U. and the Non-aligned Movement to protect and promote human rights and democracy on a universal basis. The UDM believe that South Africa’s role on our continent and in our region can be meaningful without being hegemonic and coercive in our approach. For that to be a reality we need a foreign policy that reflects the wishes of our people and the wisdom of our parliament so that we are not accused of following destabilisation policies of the apartheid era. Therefore in our region, the UDM government will play a significant role through co-operation and consultation in all forms of interactions including trade, investments security and other forms of partnerships in order to bring shared development and happiness to the many disadvantaged in our region and continent who have yet to realise the material benefits of political liberation. As far as the elections are concerned, we are fully prepared for a hostile winter election. The ANC, by its own admission, is mobilising its forces to stop the growth of the UDM all over South Africa. We are hardly surprised that no other party has been targeted, like ours, because scientific forecasts indicate that the UDM is the fastest growing party in South Africa. The UDM is the only party that can erode the power base of the ANC. It is up to the UDM and all its supporters that all the checks and balances as enshrined in our constitution are guaranteed. As long as South Africa is being seen by the international world as drifting towards a one-party state, investor confidence will elude us. It is for this reason that we are calling for a more objective and non-partisan election monitoring mechanisms. To this end I have recommended to the I.E.C. Commissioners to convene a summit of all the leaders of the registered political parties to clear some concerns related to the levelling of the political playing field. However, it is to the credit of our leaders at all levels that our membership growth patterns reflect that we have support in all South African communities irrespective of colour, race or class. This is testimony to our total break with the past and the acceptance of the UDM as a political home for all South Africans. The UDM has a message for all South Africans. Our lack of resources should not constrain the distribution of this manifesto. We appeal to all South Africans to make this document accessible to all voters. This will enable them to make informed decisions when they vote. We have moved from the past and converged on a common course to a shared future. Any suggestions, as have been made, that we are a marriage of convenience or a home of outcasts is devoid of truth. We have severed all links with the past. We are a party of the future. We are a party of hope. Those who think otherwise are themselves extinct dinosaurs. In summary, the UDM believes in alternative, independent and competitive politics and responsible government; UDM believes in empowering all South Africans; UDM offers hope; this is our challenge. If you want to preserve South Africa’s beautiful land and cultural diversity; If you are concerned with the ANC’s economic dependence on outside forces and jobless growth; If you are aggrieved by the escalating crime; If you are concerned by the deteriorating health and educational standards in state hospitals, clinics and schools; If you are concerned with the uncontrolled influx of illegal aliens into South Africa, who deprive South Africans of employment opportunities; If you are concerned about our neglected senior citizens and handicapped; If you are concerned with the misuse of government resources, bribery and corruption, theft and fraud in the government departments; If you are concerned with the low morale of our law enforcement agencies. THEN VOTE UDM!!!!!! Thank you
Admin
19 Mar, 1999
Indictment of Allan Boesak
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President There are few things more distressing in this world than witnessing a hero’s fall into disgrace, particularly when that fall is brought about by the hero himself. Many South African’s are suffering from a harsh sense of disillusionment today. After all, Allan Boesak was a world-renowned clergyman and a champion of human rights who showed tremendous courage in our struggle against apartheid. When a man who fought such a dignified and noble fight succumbs so easily and unabashedly to greed, mendacity and hypocrisy, those who had respected him are left feeling cheated, foolish, and, perhaps, a little cynical. The UDM only hopes that this shameful incident will serve as a wake-up call to South Africa. It is no secret that thousands of rands mysteriously disappear every year from the people’s coffers, and yet it is very rare that someone is actually held responsible for this money. It is time that we demand accountability and transparency from our leaders. We have come too far and suffered too much to allow ourselves to be exploited now. There is no longer any room for corruption in South Africa. The UDM applauds the Cape High Court for acting on its conviction in such a controversial and high profile case. Government must know that corruption will no longer be tolerated, and the ANC, in particular, must rid itself of crooked politicians and officials at the national and provincial level. Until this happens, the slogan, “A Better Future For All”, will continue to be quite a good joke.”
Admin
09 Mar, 1999
Murder of UDM members in the Western Cape
Statement by the National Deputy Secretary The UDM is deeply disturbed by the killing of three of its members in the Western Cape, during the past 24 hours. The President of the UDM together with all UDM leaders and members of the party would like to express its deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased, the wounded and the community. The political intolerance that is demonstrated through these kind of brutal actions is unacceptable in a young, fragile developing democracy like our own. The systematic killings of UDM leaders remind one of the assassinations of IFP leaders in KwaZulu Natal before the 1994 elections. All political parties and role players in democracy must condemn political connected incidents such as these in the strongest possible terms. The ANC as governing party must be careful to point fingers and allocate blame like they did yesterday morning after the killing of an ANC councillor. All political parties, including the governing party, should display maturity and responsibility in dealing with such sensitive matters. By making wild and unsubstantiated allegations, the lives of innocent people are put in danger. The UDM is perturbed by the threat that these type of actions so early in the campaign holds for the possibility of running free and democratic elections. The UDM calls on all political parties, the Independent Electoral Commission and institutions of civil society, committed to democracy, to speak out against these kinds of actions. The UDM asks that you add your voice to ours in calling for an independent investigation into these and other related incidents. Every victim is a reminder of our failure as democrats to act decisively with these matters, failing our responsibility to develop and protect democracy in South Africa. The UDM will work tirelessly in achieving free democratic activity in our country. We will not fail the electorate. Tomorrow, Wednesday 10 March, the President of the UDM, Bantu Holomisa will visit the families of the victims and address the community. He will meet with the police investigating these brutal killings and will raise with them the community and our concern of bias actions by the police.
Admin
03 Mar, 1999
UDM’s response to election announcement
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President The UDM welcomes the announcement of the election date. It gives certainty, allows for proper planning, and gives parties time to inform the electorate about their policies. We hope the elections will be free and fair and that tolerance will be practiced, in the run up to the elections, on Election Day and after the results have been made public. The UDM calls on the IEC to stick to their timetable to ensure that the elections are run properly. All role players, (i.e.) political parties, IEC, Government, and the media should go into the election realising our democracy is still young and fragile and must be handled with care. The elections and the run up to the elections will contribute to the development of our young democracy.
Admin
03 Mar, 1999
Independent commission of inquiry: KwaZulu-Natal
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President The announcement by Minister for Safety and Security that he is requesting Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar to appoint an Independent judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violence in KZN is welcomed by the UDM. Since July 1998, the UDM has been calling for an Independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the root causes of the violence in KZN. The life of the late Secretary General of the UDM, Sifiso Nkabinde and many other innocent victims could have been saved did the ANC then adhered to this call. Though it is late in the day, we are glad that reason at last prevails in the governing party regarding this very sad situation. The scope of work of this commission should not be limited to come up with preventative measures. It should definitely investigate and provide answers to the question of who were behind this spiral of violence. We need to have a full picture of the situation in KZN in order to understand it completely. Preventative measures will not succeed unless the perpetrators of these horrendous crimes and their ruthless masters are brought to book. Not investigating the past cycle of violence and who were behind it raises questions about who it is that government would like to protect?
Admin
25 Feb, 1999
Statement by Sipo Mzimela upon expulsion from the IFP
As you already know, yesterday I was expelled from the IFP and all its organs with immediate effect. My expulsion was prompted by my insistence that party matters must be handled in free and open discussion. The IFP culture is one of blindly following whatever Chief Gatsha Buthelezi says. The so-called disciplinary hearing lasted approximately 30 minutes. My accusers were not the normal disciplinary committee. They were a specially assembled panel of seven Buthelezi henchmen who made up their minds to expel me before the hearing. As a result I saw no reason to contest their decision. There are some who feel I should have rejoined the ANC. Such a step would prove untenable since the IFP will most likely become a surrogate of the ANC after the elections. After due consultation with my family, friends, and advisors I have decided to join the United Democratic Movement, convinced that this is the party that represents a NEW BEGINNING. The majority of South Africans still need to be liberated from various forms of oppression – violence, intolerance, poverty, ignorance, etc. South Africa needs a new value system to guide her into the 21st century and beyond. In my view, the UDM is well placed to create and lead the new South Africa.
Admin
25 Feb, 1999
NIA involvement in PAGAD
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President The revelations of the involvement of a NIA agent in PAGAD is shocking and alarming. It requires immediate explanation and independent investigation. The sudden rush by government to come up with laws against urban terrorism becomes under these circumstances very suspicious. From this incident, it appears as if NIA as a security arm of government is actually sponsors of incidents of urban terrorism. The question that needs answering, if one looks at the bigger picture is in whose interest is NIA working? Did they have prior knowledge of attacks of urban terror? Did they know about the threats against the lives of police personnel? In the fight against crime we should have one law enforcement agency and that agency should be working in the interest of South Africa as a whole and not in the interest of one group. Allegations of drug trafficking by certain members of government has been leveled – and inconceivable in the light of NIA involvement with PAGAD one can not but wonder who is threatened and who is protected. Under the ANC government the line between personal interest and the interest of the state and its people, became blurred. Is there any difference between the previous government’s third force activities and what is happening now? The ANC government must come clean on this issue and the only way is through an independent and transparent commission of inquiry.
Admin
25 Feb, 1999
University of Durban Westville – demonstrations on campus
Statement by UDM KwaZulu-Natal Acting Chairperson It is the democratic right of students to demonstrate peacefully, they must not disrupt classes or fellow students who want to attend lectures. For students to demonstrate, they must have a strong reason. If they have failed their exams, and if they have not paid their fees, there is no place for so called “students” at higher tertiary institutions. They are wasting tax payer’s money. We encourage students to continue their studies and empower themselves with knowledge for the future. It is the responsibility of each student to pay their university fees, and they must study hard to pass their exam. We would like the Vice Chancellor of the University of Westville to tell the public: How many students are demonstrating? What are their reasons for demonstrating? What the University plans to do about the demonstrating students? How is the University going to protect students who want to attend classes?
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