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26 Apr, 2025
Freedom Day 2025: much is yet to be accomplished
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament Tomorrow marks 31 years since South Africans, from all walks of life, stood together in long lines under the sun to cast their first free vote. On 27 April 1994, the shackles of apartheid were broken, and a new chapter of democratic hope was born. As the United Democratic Movement (UDM), we join our fellow compatriots in commemorating this sacred day, Freedom Day, and honouring the memory and sacrifice of those who made it possible. Freedom Day is not only about remembering our past, but also about confronting our present and shaping our future. We acknowledge the enormous strides our country has made. We are a democracy with one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. South Africans enjoy freedoms that were once denied to the majority: freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the right to vote. However, we must ask: are our people truly free? When learners in Diepsloot and Riverside are denied placement in schools, when some schools remain without scholar transport, and others still carry desks on their heads just to learn; our children are not free. When communities in Ntuzuma and Vhembe are denied access to clean water, a basic human right, they are not free. When gender-based violence continues unabated, when young women like Cwecwe are failed by the justice system, and when sexual misconduct persists in our institutions; women are not free. When the Compensation Fund fails injured workers for 12 years, and when Eastern Cape doctors remain unemployed while our healthcare system is in crisis; our workforce is not free. When the streets of our inner cities crumble with potholes and corruption scandals like the “Money Pool” in Mdantsane shake the public trust, then governance is not serving the people, and our democracy is at risk. True freedom must be measured by the dignity and well-being of our people. That means a functioning state that delivers on its promises, that protects the vulnerable, and that holds officials accountable when they fail. It means education that empowers, healthcare that heals, and jobs that restore dignity. As the UDM, we have consistently spoken out on the issues that threaten this vision of freedom. Whether it’s demanding audits and accountability for failed municipal projects, exposing failures in basic service delivery, or defending human rights in the face of crisis. We believe that our democracy must be defended not just by words, but by action. Freedom Day is also a time to celebrate our resilience. Despite the challenges, South Africans remain hopeful, innovative, and determined. We are a people who know how to stand together in times of difficulty - from township streets to rural villages to university halls. This spirit of unity is the heart of our democracy. Let us not allow our freedom to be hollowed out by neglect, corruption, or apathy. Let us demand more; not out of entitlement, but out of the belief that democracy must work for everyone. On this day, the UDM calls on all South Africans to recommit to building a country that reflects the dreams of 1994: a South Africa that is just, fair, and free. We urge government at all levels to act with integrity, transparency, and urgency. We urge civil society and citizens to remain active in shaping our future. This Freedom Day, let us honour the past by working for a better tomorrow. Let us make freedom real in every home, every school, every clinic, and every corner of our beloved nation. Happy Freedom Day, South Africa.
Admin
26 Apr, 2025
UDESMO welcomes Jafta Commission at WSU but calls for broader student issues to be addressed
Statement by Manyano Njikela, UDESMO Branch Chairperson at Walter Sisulu University The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) in the Eastern Cape notes and welcomes the appointment of retired Justice Chris Jafta to lead the Commission of Inquiry into the serious events that have recently taken place at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) including the tragic shootings of students Sisonke Mbolekwa, Ntando Gqetywa, and Lizwa Ndzumo on 15 April 2025. We commend the University Council for invoking Section 7(2)(n) of the Institutional Statute of 2024, which allows the Council to establish a Commission of Inquiry into matters that pose significant risks to the institution. We trust the Commission will carry out its work independently and thoroughly. While we appreciate the urgent response by the University Council and welcome the scope of the Commission, especially its focus on issues of security, student safety, governance and allegations of violence, we are deeply concerned that the broader struggles of students are not being fully addressed. In particular, we call on the university and the Commission to investigate the root causes of student protests and unrest, including the painful issue of students from poor families being deregistered due to financial exclusion. This is a national crisis that continues to deny young South Africans their right to education and a better future. The UDESMO in the Eastern Cape therefore believes that the Jafta Commission must go beyond the incidents of violence and look at the full picture of student experiences at WSU, including academic exclusion, poor living conditions, lack of psychosocial support and the WSU’s response to student grievances. We hope the Jafta Commission will be a turning point, not just for accountability, but for lasting change that puts students first and ensures our institutions of higher learning are safe, inclusive and fair.
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25 Apr, 2025
More than 1 million applications for 44 000 jobs shows SA’s unemployment crisis still deep
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes with concern the overwhelming response to the fifth phase of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), where over 1.1 million applications were received for 44 000 school assistant positions, for now. This is a clear sign that South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains unacceptably high. The latest round of the BEEI, which is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, received over a million applications within 24 hours of opening. W understand that by Tuesday evening, more than 223 000 individual young people had applied, with each position attracting an average of 25 applications. This is not just a number, it is a loud cry from our youth who are desperate for jobs and opportunities. The UDM believes that this overwhelming response reflects a deeper crisis where millions of young people are without work, and the economy is not creating nearly enough jobs to meet the demand. While we welcome the efforts of the Department of Basic Education to provide short-term employment, this programme alone is not enough. The fact that so many young people are scrambling for limited opportunities shows how critical it is for government to urgently prioritise large-scale job creation across all sectors, not just in education. We must grow the economy in a way that includes and uplifts the youth. More must be done to boost employment in sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, construction, agriculture, ICT and tourism sectors that have the potential to absorb large numbers of job seekers. The UDM calls on government to speed up the implementation of long-term youth employment strategies, reduce red tape for small businesses, invest in skills development and make sure job creation efforts are inclusive, sustainable and decentralised. We also call for better coordination between national and provincial departments so that barriers like delayed training plans do not hinder implementation. It is unacceptable that only the Western Cape is ready with training while other provinces are still behind. This programme must be more than just a temporary fix; it must be a stepping stone to long-term employment and self-sufficiency for our youth.
Admin
25 Apr, 2025
UDM KwaZulu-Natal raises concern over delayed payments to struggling NPOs
Statement by Remington Mazibuko, Provincial Chairperson of the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal expresses its deep concern and disappointment over the ongoing delays in payments to non-profit organisations (NPOs) by the provincial Department of Social Development. These delays are not just administrative issues; they are putting the lives of vulnerable people at serious risk. The department recently informed NPOs about monthly empty promise that the first payments for the 2025 financial year are likely to be made at the end of April, even though organisations have been without funding since February. This delay has left many charities and welfare organisations without the funds they need to pay staff, buy food and provide essential services to children, elderly and those in need. People are suffering, children are going to bed hungry, old-age homes cannot afford items such as medicine or adult diapers. Organisations offering mental health support and care for the vulnerable are facing closure. Staff have gone unpaid; some have taken out loans just to survive and many NPOs are now being forced to cut salaries or even consider retrenchments. The UDM notes that it is not the first time these delays have happened. Since the department introduced the new tranche system in 2023, NPOs have repeatedly experienced late payments. This latest delay allegedly caused by challenges with the Basic Accounting System (BAS) and changes from National Treasury, is yet another example of poor planning and a lack of urgency from government. Many organisations have apparently tried to get answers last month but were only officially informed of the delay through a circular sent out last week. The UDM KwaZulu-Natal therefore condemns the lack of proper communication from the Social Development. We cannot expect organisations to serve communities while the provincial government delays their funding without any accountability. These are the same NPOs that the government relies on to deliver critical social services. The UDM calls on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and National Treasury to resolve these payment issues immediately. We further call for a full review of the tranche payment system and for urgent interventions to prevent these delays from happening again. This is a crisis, real lives are being affected. Government must act with the seriousness this situation deserves.
Admin
24 Apr, 2025
UDM Eastern Cape shocked by sexual abuse cases in our schools; tougher laws and real accountability needed
Statement by Bulelani Bobotyane, Provincial Secretary of the UDM in the Eastern Cape The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape is shocked and angered by reports that nearly 30 educators in the Eastern Cape including five principals and two deputy principals, have been implicated in sexual offences involving learners in just the past year. This includes cases of sexual harassment, sexual assault and inappropriate relationships with pupils, many of whom are minors. This is a disgrace and a betrayal of trust by those meant to educate and protect our children. Schools should be safe places for learning and growth, not hunting grounds for sexual predators. The UDM in the Eastern Cape strongly believes that dismissal is not enough, there must be harsher punishments for perpetrators of such crimes. We are calling for urgent legislation that enforces criminal charges, longer prison sentences and permanent blacklisting of any educator or school staff member found guilty of sexual abuse or misconduct. Predators should never be allowed to work with children again, not in schools, not anywhere. It is unacceptable that some educators simply walk away with written warnings, short suspensions or salary deductions. Even more disturbing is that some cases are being withdrawn because victims, often traumatised children are too scared to testify, resulting in abusers escaping justice. We welcome the report by Education MEC Fundile Gade to the Bhisho Legislature, but we demand that this not be the end, the department must work hand in hand with SAPS, the Department of Justice and social workers to ensure every victim is supported and every perpetrator is brought to book. We also urge the South African Council for Educators (SACE) to act decisively in cancelling the registration of these individuals so they can never return to the profession. It is time that we say enough is enough. This is not just a school issue, it is a national crisis. A system that delays justice or allows abusers to slip through the cracks is complicit in harming children. The UDM in the Eastern Cape is committed to defending the rights and dignity of learners across our province. We will continue to advocate for a school environment where trust is protected, justice is swift, and survivors are never left to suffer in silence. This crisis demands bold and urgent action; not only from the department but from society as a whole. Our children deserve better, and we will not rest until the full weight of the law protects them.
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24 Apr, 2025
UDM welcomes announcement that VAT will not be increased: our stance has been vindicated
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Finance that Value Added Tax (VAT) will not be increased on 1 May 2025. This decision comes as a direct response to serious concerns raised by the UDM and other stakeholders regarding the potential impact of a VAT hike on already struggling South African households. In a statement on 3 April 2025, the UDM clarified our position that we had voted for the 2025/2026 Budget Fiscal Framework with the strict proviso that “the Minister of Finance facilitates the receipt of substitute revenue proposals from the committee, together with corresponding expenditure savings, that will form the basis of an alternative revenue proposal instead of the proposed 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT for the 2025/26 financial year, effective 1 May 2025, in respect of which the committee has expressed serious concerns.” as articulated in Paragraph 6.29 of the “Report of the Standing Committee on Finance on the 2025 Fiscal Framework And Revenue Proposals, dated 01 April 2025”. The UDM furthermore took into consideration Paragraph 6.30 of the same document which reads: “…the committee recommends that the alternative revenue proposals and expenditure savings to balance the R28 billion shortfall which must effectively suspend the proposed increases be finalised and submitted by the committee to process within 30 days for consideration and adoption of this report by the house.” The UDM is pleased that the Finance Minister has heeded this call, thereby prioritising the economic wellbeing of ordinary South Africans over regressive tax measures. We will continue to champion equitable fiscal policy and work with all stakeholders to find creative, inclusive, and sustainable ways to raise revenue without deepening the burden on the most vulnerable members of society.
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21 Apr, 2025
UDM condolences on passing of Pope Francis
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament The United Democratic Movement (UDM) sends its heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the Vatican and all Catholics around the world following the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. We honour his life of service, humility and compassion. Pope Francis was a leader who stood for peace, justice and care for the poor and marginalised. His commitment to interfaith dialogue and the right to freedom of religion or belief. His efforts to bring people together, regardless of their background, will be remembered for generations to come. He was against all wars across the globe. He was a champion of social justice and the social gospel for all peoples. The UDM acknowledges the deep spiritual guidance he provided to millions across the world. His legacy will continue to inspire people of all faiths and Christians around the world. The UDM extends its heartfelt condolences to the South African Catholic community and Catholics worldwide during this time of mourning. We honour his spiritual leadership and the profound inspiration he offered to billions of people worldwide. May his soul rest in eternal peace, may his legacy continue to guide us toward a more just and compassionate world.
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18 Apr, 2025
UDM Nelson Mandela Bay calls for accountability and transparency after R53 million flood repair tender irregularities
Statement by Luxolo Namette, UDM councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Deputy Chairperson of the UDM in the Eastern Cape The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is gravely concerned by the explosive revelations regarding alleged misconduct by senior officials of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, as detailed in a memorandum by the municipality’s former Acting City Manager, Mr Sizwe Mvunelwa. The memorandum apparently outlines a troubling sequence of events suggesting that seven senior officials may have misled the Office of the City Manager and deliberately bypassed valid contracts in order to irregularly award new flood repair projects worth R53 million. This, despite the existence of properly procured service providers already under contract with the municipality. This conduct not only undermines the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), but it also exposes the Municipality to serious legal risks, potential withdrawal of disaster relief funding, and irreparable damage to the communities of KwaNobuhle, Kariega, and Kwazakhele, who continue to suffer the consequences of the devastating floods without timely intervention. The allegations include: • Possible collusion to subvert procurement procedures; • Recommending the appointment of companies without valid tax clearance certificates; • Issuing appointment letters to companies in violation of legal requirements; • Concealing critical information from incoming leadership to influence decision-making. Such actions, if proven, represent a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of public trust. The UDM fully supports the call for this matter to be referred to independent law enforcement agencies, such as the Hawks or the Special Investigating Unit, for a thorough and impartial investigation. We further call for: • The immediate suspension of all officials implicated in the memorandum, pending the outcome of investigations. • A full audit of the tender processes related to the R53 million flood relief funding. • The reversal of all irregularly issued contracts and reinstatement of the original contractors appointed under the valid triennial agreement. • Assurance from the municipality that service delivery in the affected communities will not be compromised due to internal administrative failures. The UDM maintains that the integrity of public institutions must be upheld at all costs. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and demand accountability for those who compromise the rule of law and the needs of the people for personal or political gain.
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