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03 Apr, 2025
Far-reaching consequences of bullying: suicide of Joseph Maimela
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses its sympathies to the family of Joseph Maimela, a Grade 12 student from Kgabo Secondary School in Mokgokong Village, Limpopo, who tragically took his own life in October last year. His death has highlighted serious concerns regarding the role of educators, particularly allegations that teachers at the school may have contributed to his distress. Reports suggest that teachers publicly shared Joseph's progress report card with the entire school, an action that, if confirmed, would be a significant violation of professional conduct and a breach of the student’s dignity and emotional well-being. The Maimela family's frustration with the lack of transparency and delayed action from the Limpopo Department of Education is both understandable and justified. Despite claims from the department that an investigation has been concluded, the family has yet to receive any meaningful updates or information on the status of the case. Six months have passed since Joseph’s death, and the family remains in the dark, without any clarity or assurances that accountability will be pursued. This delay in action has left the family feeling unsupported and neglected by the authorities responsible for overseeing the investigation. In response, the UDM calls for the Limpopo Department of Education to take immediate and decisive action. We call on the Department to speed up the disciplinary process and ensure that those responsible for the alleged bullying are held accountable. The failure to act swiftly would be a disservice to the Maimela family and to all students who deserve to learn in an environment free from fear and harm. Furthermore, the UDM calls for a comprehensive review of how the Department has handled this case, emphasising the need for transparency and better communication with families involved in serious allegations. The broader issue of bullying within schools also requires urgent attention. While young Joseph’s tragic case is particularly devastating, bullying is a pervasive problem that affects many students nationwide. Bullying, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, can have severe consequences on a student’s mental health and well-being. The UDM believes that every student should have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment. Therefore, both educators and policymakers must work together to create schools where students feel valued and protected from harm. Finally, the UDM urges the Limpopo Department of Education, and all provincial education departments, to implement comprehensive anti-bullying strategies in schools. These strategies should include regular teacher training on recognising and addressing bullying, as well as systems that allow students to report bullying confidentially. Schools should also be equipped with mental health resources, including counsellors to support students facing emotional or psychological challenges. The recent data from the Department of Health, revealing that 7,426 children under 18 were treated for suicide attempts in 2023, underscores the critical need for a national focus on mental health in schools, with an emphasis on early intervention and proactive prevention to safeguard the well-being of all students.
Admin
03 Apr, 2025
UDM in Gauteng welcomes Africa’s largest automotive assembly precinct in Rosslyn
Statement by Andile Jabavu, Provincial Secretary of the United Democratic Movement in Gauteng The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in Gauteng welcomes the announcement of what is being called Africa’s largest automotive assembly precinct to be developed in Rosslyn in the City of Tshwane. This multi-billion-rand project is apparently expected to create 150,000 jobs, bringing much-needed employment opportunities to our people in the capital city. For years, the UDM has been advocating for job creation as a key pillar of economic development. This project is a step in the right direction, demonstrating the impact of strategic investments in industry and infrastructure. The Rosslyn precinct, in the City of Tshwane, already hosts major automotive manufacturers including BMW, Nissan, Tata and Iveco, this expansion will further cement Gauteng and South Africa’s position as a leader in automotive production on the continent. The 7,157-hectare precinct will be developed over 40 to 50 years, requiring collaboration between the public and private sectors. This initiative, spearheaded by the Automotive Industry Development Centre in partnership with the City of Tshwane and the Gauteng Provincial Government, which will hopefully attract both local and foreign investment to boost economic growth and industrial development. The aforementioned all being economic strategies which the UDM has long been advocating for. The UDM acknowledges unemployment as a major challenge in South Africa. Despite Tshwane contributing 25% to Gauteng’s R133 billion economy, high unemployment persists. We welcome initiatives that drive job creation and economic growth.. We also encourage all stakeholders, including local communities, businesses and labour representatives, to actively participate in the public consultation process to ensure that this project benefits all South Africans equitably. The UDM will continue to push for policies and projects that create sustainable employment and uplift our economy. We stand in full support of initiatives like the Rosslyn Automotive Industrial Park, which provide opportunities for growth and a better future for our people.
Admin
03 Apr, 2025
Omotoso case: prosecution failed the victims
Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) expresses deep concern over the handling of the case against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho. After nearly eight years of legal proceedings, the High Court in Gqeberha has acquitted all three accused due to shortcomings in the prosecution's case. This outcome raises serious questions about the efficiency of our justice system and the rights of victims seeking justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. For almost a decade, the complainants in this case have been waiting for a fair and decisive resolution. The prolonged delays, inadequate cross-examination and mishandling of evidence have ultimately resulted in a failure to secure a conviction. This is a devastating setback not only for the complainants but for all South Africans who rely on the courts to uphold justice and protect victims of crime. The court acknowledged that while there were inconsistencies in the complainants' testimonies, the evidence presented by the defence was not properly tested due to prosecution failures. This highlights the urgent need for reforms in how complex criminal cases, especially those involving gender-based violence (GBV) and human trafficking, are handled. UDEMWO calls on the National Prosecuting Authority to urgently review this case and ensure that such procedural failures do not happen again. Victims of serious crimes must not be subjected to drawn-out trials that end in technical acquittals due to prosecutorial weaknesses. We also urge government and legal authorities to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial processes to prevent similar injustices in future. South Africa cannot afford a justice system that fails victims due to inefficiency and unnecessary delays and criminals being set free to perpetrate further crimes against hapless victims; especially GBV victims. UDEMWO will continue to advocate for a legal system that delivers timely and effective justice for all.
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01 Apr, 2025
UDM disappointed as Education Department fails to meet pit toilet eradication deadline
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement and Chairperson of the S79 Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses deep disappointment over the Department of Basic Education's failure to meet its deadline for eradicating pit latrines in schools. This failure is not just a missed deadline, but an extension of a health hazard to our children. The deadline, set for 31 March 2025, has once again come and gone, leaving thousands of learners exposed to unsafe and undignified conditions. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube recently claimed that 93% of identified pit latrines have been eradicated. However, civil society organisations, including SECTION27, have raised serious concerns that the 2018 audit used to track progress is outdated, and many schools still operating with pit toilets have been overlooked. This failure is not just a missed deadline, it is an extension of a public health crisis and a health hazard to the lives of our children. The tragic case of a five-year-old learner who drowned in a pit latrine in 2014 in the Eastern Cape, should have been a wake-up call, instead, after years of court battles and repeated extensions, the government continues to move at an unacceptably slow pace. Reports from civil society indicate that many schools, particularly in rural provinces like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, remain without proper sanitation. Some schools rely on unsafe and unhygienic mobile toilets, which are not a viable solution. In some cases, there are not enough toilets to accommodate all learners, and they are not properly maintained. According to media reports, almost 11,000 schools across the country still lack a single flushing toilet, and hundreds of schools have no running water. Learners are forced to use unsafe facilities creating serious hygiene and health risks. The government's continued failure to address this crisis with urgency is unacceptable. The UDM demands the following immediate actions: • A new, transparent national audit of all schools still relying on pit latrines, with the results made publicly available. • A clear, time-bound implementation plan for eradicating all remaining pit latrines, with no further extensions. • An accountability mechanism to track progress and ensure that responsible officials are held accountable for ongoing failures. • Increased collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector to accelerate sanitation projects. South Africa cannot afford another empty promise. The dignity and safety of our children must come first. The UDM will continue to monitor this issue closely and hold the government accountable for ensuring that no learner is forced to endure these inhumane conditions any longer.
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01 Apr, 2025
UDM victory: Buffalo City exposed over
Statement by Anele Skoti, United Democratic Movement Councillor and Whip in Buffalo City Metropolitan Council The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) welcomes the long-overdue accountability being demanded from BCMM bosses over the shocking mismanagement of public funds in the Mdantsane Swimming Pool project, which we have dubbed the "money pool". For years, the UDM has been at the forefront of exposing this scandal. Our party has conducted multiple site visits, raised concerns over the wasteful expenditure and consistently pushed for transparency. The recent grilling of BCMM officials by Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) confirms what we have been saying all along that millions of Rands have been looted while the community remains without a functioning swimming pool. The forensic report, which BCMM leaders attempted to suppress, reveals shocking details: • Over R56.9 million spent on the project between 2012 and 2024 with little progress. • An additional R14.5 million proposed for rehabilitation and completion, bringing the total to over R71 million. • More than 60 companies, some linked to BCMM officials, received payments. • R13.7 million paid to 46 service providers who were not involved in the project. Despite this damning evidence, BCMM leaders, including Mayor Princess Faku, have failed to take responsibility. The decision to withhold the forensic report under the pretext of an ongoing Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) investigation was a blatant attempt to protect those implicated in corruption. The UDM applauds Scopa’s demand that the report be tabled urgently and handed over to both the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit. The UDM will not rest until those responsible for this financial disaster are held accountable. We demand immediate action against corrupt officials, full disclosure of the forensic report to the public, and an end to the culture of looting that has crippled service delivery in BCMM. Mdantsane. Buffalo City residents deserve better.
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29 Mar, 2025
UDM Eastern Cape calls for justice for Cwecwe and accountability in schools
Statement by Bulelani Bobotyane, Provincial Secretary of the UDM in the Eastern Cape The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape is outraged by the tragic case of Cwecwe, a seven-year-old child from Matatiele, who was allegedly raped while under the care of Bergview College. It is deeply concerning that, despite medical confirmation of the assault, no arrests have been made. We extend our full support to Cwecwe and her family during this traumatic time. We commend the Department of Education for its decision to deregister Bergview College, but this is only the first step. The failure to protect a child within an educational institution reflects a deeper crisis in our schools. We demand urgent action from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite the investigation and ensure that justice is served. Law enforcement agencies cannot continue to fail victims, especially vulnerable children. We also call on Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to strengthen safety measures in schools to prevent such incidents from ever happening again. Furthermore, the UDM in the Eastern Cape urges government to: 1. Fast-track the arrest and prosecute those responsible for this heinous crime. 2. Review safety policies in schools to ensure that all children are protected while in the care of educational institutions. 3. Provide psychological and social support to Cwecwe and her family to help them recover from this traumatic ordeal. We will not stand by while the most vulnerable in our society suffer due to negligence and lack of accountability. The UDM will closely monitor this case and push for justice to prevail. #JusticeForCwecwe
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21 Mar, 2025
Congratulations to Namibian's first female President on historic victory
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament The United Democratic Movement (UDM) extend its congratulations to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on her historic election as the first female President of Namibia. This is a momentous occasion not only for Namibia but for the entire African continent, as it marks a significant step forward in the advancement of women in leadership. Her election is a testament to the strength of democracy in Namibia and the growing recognition of the vital role women play in shaping the future of our nations. We commend the people of Namibia for their commitment to progress, equality and good governance. As she takes on this important responsibility, we wish President Nandi-Ndaitwah strength, wisdom and success in leading Namibia towards greater economic growth, social justice and unity. We look forward to fostering strong relations between Namibia and South Africa as we work together for the development of our region. May her leadership inspire many more women across Africa to rise, lead and break barriers for generations to come.
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21 Mar, 2025
Human Rights Day 2025
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day, on 21 March 2025, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. This day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for justice, equality, and dignity in our country. The UDM has always stood for a South Africa where human rights are not just words on paper, but a lived reality for all. We remain steadfast in ensuring that every South African enjoys the rights to freedom, dignity, safety, and equal opportunities. The UDM will continue to safeguard democracy and strengthen institutions that protect human rights with our continued fight against corruption, abuse of power, and any attempts to undermine the rule of law. We will continue to fight against poverty, inequality, and unemployment by pushing for policies that promote economic inclusion, land reform, and fair wages. In a country combatting high levels of crime, we will continue our advocacy for stronger action against gender-based violence, crime, and human trafficking and a reform in the justice system as unpacked in our last election manifesto. Access to healthcare, education, water, and housing is a fundamental human right and the UDM remains committed to holding the government accountable for better service delivery. As we mark Human Rights Day, let us honour the past by working towards a better future, i.e. a South Africa where freedom, fairness, and dignity are the cornerstones of our democracy. The UDM will continue to fight for the rights of all South Africans, ensuring that our hard-won democracy benefits every citizen, not just a privileged few.
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