Admin
18 Oct, 2018
Omotoso trial: Dauberman’s questioning is immoral and unethical
Since the start of the Tim Omotoso trial, the past few days have been nothing but the most unbearable time for women in South Africa. It is so overwhelming to witness the young and brave rape survivor, Cheryl Zondi being grilled in the manner that the defence Advocate Peter Daubermann did. In our view, his morals and ethics are questionable. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) views Daubermann as heartless and would do anything to promote the rape and abuse towards women. He seemingly has no conscience whatsoever. In as much as we respect the justice system, we believe that he crossed the line in so many ways with the questions he continued to ask Zondi. The victims have borne so much already; to be questioned as if they enjoyed what happened to them is not acceptable. Daubermann cannot be allowed to make fun of such an unfortunate situation. We commend Cheryl for her bravery and if we keep quiet about the manner in which she was treated in court we will be failing, not only her, but all the affected victims. UDEMWO rallies behind the Commission for Gender Equality’s decision to approach the judiciary and the General Council of the Bar regarding the unfair treatment of rape victims in court. This matter could have been handled better. UDEMWO strongly believes that many women will rather not report cases of abuse due to the treatment victims get in court. We continue to commend the bravery shown by all the witnesses in this case. We still maintain and believe that this case is strong enough for those involved to face the wrath of justice. We call upon the men in collar to show support to the victims in this case. The time has come that the wolves in sheep’s clothing be exposed. We have been calling upon our government to thoroughly screen these so-called men of God. This issue must be taken seriously. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
17 Oct, 2018
UDM welcomes announcement of PIC commission of inquiry
The United Democratic Movement welcomes the president’s announcement of the appointment of Justice Lex Mpati as the head of the commission of inquiry into the allegations of corruption at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). The inquiry should clean-up the mess at the PIC and get to the bottom of the rot we have seen exposed in the media for quite some time. The pension funds of past and present government employees should be protected from the ruthless sharks that are eating away at their financial futures. We reiterate our call that PIC chief executive officer, Dr Dan Matjila, who played a pivotal role in, for example the Mozambican oil deal, the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, the Ayo Technologies and Sagarmatha Technologies mess, should be suspended with immediate effect, which is in line with international norms and standards. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
15 Oct, 2018
Good luck class of 2018!
As you stand at the precipice of exams, the United Democratic Movement wishes all the matriculants, who will start writing exams today, the best of luck. It must be a motivation to you that you have persevered with your schooling to have reached this goal. We understand that the pressure is on, and that all eyes are on you, but that should motivate you to study even harder for each of the tests you will be writing. You must always keep in mind that you have a bright future ahead of you, not only for yourself but also for the country. You may be a matric student now but your decisions after getting your certificate will determine your future. So, make those good ones! We wish you all the best. May you stay focussed and not allow negative peer pressure to take its toll on you. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
12 Oct, 2018
Condolences on the passing of Pik Botha
The first time the late Pik Botha and I spoke over the phone was with the removal of George Matanzima and Stella Sigcau from power. I explained that on both occasions there was just cause, because of the corruption they were involved in. He again contacted us when he and FW de Klerk had concerns that the Transkei military government was taking unilateral decisions when we decided to work with the liberation movements. I knew Pik Botha as a bold negotiator and an intelligent opponent. He was one of the few National Party leaders who stood up and said that the system of Apartheid will not work. Even during PW Botha’s time, when saying such a thing would have been regarded as treason of the white nationalist cause. We offer our condolences to his family, friends and his organisation. Released by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
10 Oct, 2018
VBS: ‘The Great Bank Heist’ – it’s time for action not words
President Ramaphosa must immediately appoint a task team to make sure that the people who were fingered by advocate Terry Motau in his report are held responsible for their misdeeds. Each and every person must be brought under the search light, especially those in the employ of the Public Investment Corporation. The PIC seems to be sinking deeper and deeper in the quagmire of corruption. The United Democratic Movement wants to see these people charged and the Asset Forfeiture Unit must not dilly dally and get to work. Advocate Motau’s report will remain a piece of paper until the President takes direct and urgent action. The paper trail of the millions of rands that were given to certain individuals must be followed with a view to recoup the money. Each account much be investigated, and this includes money that was allegedly spent on an “ANC gala dinner event”. The chickens are coming to roost on the Comrades in Corruption! For further comment: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
10 Oct, 2018
The PIC commission should start now that Nene has been fired
We welcome President Ramaphosa’s decision to show Nhlanhla Nene the door. We have consistently been calling on the President to act with speed in instituting a commission of inquiry regarding the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). The Gupta scandal makes the exploitation of the PIC look like a Sunday picnic and the President should take immediate action so that the rot may be exposed. We now know why Nene was dragging his feet when it came time for him to institute the PIC commission of inquiry. He was protecting certain individuals at the PIC, given the involvement of his son. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has consistently called upon President Ramaphosa to make certain that the cancerous tumour of corruption, that envelopes the PIC, should be cut out. The UDM had, a couple of weeks ago, handed over our files on the whole PIC saga to Advocate Budlender SC which included the details of the Mozambican oil deal scandal. It showed the role of the PIC CEO and certain Fidelis Madavo in this mess. The President’s focus should now be on publishing the terms of reference for the commission of inquiry and the appointment the commissioners. The terms of reference for the PIC commission of inquiry should include all the questionable deals that went through the system whilst Nene was board chairperson. It would also be important to scrutinise any other suspicious deals that were approved by previous board chairpersons.
Admin
08 Oct, 2018
Condolences: passing of Eastern Cape Education MEC
The United Democratic Movement is saddened by the loss of Education MEC, Mandla Makupula. This is not only a loss for his family or the Eastern Cape, but to the nation. We wish to send a message of condolence to the family, friends and to the African National Congress, as well as the education fraternity at large. His departure leaves a scar especially during a time that the province still faces a whole lot of challenges in education development. May his family find strength and solace in this sad time. Our prayers are with them. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
05 Oct, 2018
PIC looting scandal
The deeper we dig, the greater the corruption exposed. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has been saying all along that there is something seriously wrong at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and that it is endangering the pensions of government employees. Our sources indicate as much, and the scratch-work done by the media; in particular the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, reads like a corruption horror story. As the drama unfolds, a pattern emerges where some of the family members some Deputy Ministers of Finance, de facto chairs the PIC board, have had their fingers in the PIC cookie jar. It would therefore make sense to think that Minister Nene has been covering for PIC CEO Dan Matjila, the board and himself. Only yesterday did he confirm that he had tea and coffee, almost six times, with the Gupta family. This proximity of Minister Nene and his son to the Guptas is no different from the connection of former president Jacob Zuma and ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule. Even the Gwede Mantashe toilet scandal in Amathole comes to mind. There is a clear conflict of interest here and, under normal circumstances Minister Nene would be handing over his resignation this morning. Nene and Matjila should be removed from their positions and the current board be dissolved, to make way for an interim board until this matter has been investigated. Very early on, the UDM approached President Ramaphosa regarding various dodgy PIC deals and he promised to act. Yet, the Ramaphosa has been stalling in appointing the PIC commission of inquiry and publishing its terms of reference. He made this announcement and the months’ delays are casting aspersions on his integrity. There is enough prima facie evidence that should convince the president to get the PIC inquiry up and running with immediate effect with the participation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Financial Intelligence Services, as well as Interpol. Also, each of the past PIC Chairmen of the Board should be investigated. For further comment: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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