Admin
18 Sep, 2018
UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Executive Committee appointed
United Democratic Movement (UDM) representatives from all seven regions in KwaZulu-Natal met on Saturday, 15 September 2018 to, amongst others, discuss the future of the UDM in the province and to appoint an Interim Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) that will drive the party’s programmes leading up to the 2019 National and Provincial. The below persons shall take the lead until a provincial congress can be held after which officially elected provincial office bearers can take over the reins. Position Name Region Chairperson Sipho Mbatha eThekwini Deputy Chairperson Sboniso Mabika uMkhanyakude Secretary Boysey Gumede Umzinyathi Deputy Secretary Zukiswa Thanjkwayo Amajuba Treasurer Philani Dlamini uMgungundlovu Organiser Temba Mbatha Ilembe Financial Planner and Fundraiser Nkosi Dlamini uMgungundlovu Five Additional Members Dumisani Nkosi uThukela Dih Msomi eThekwini Kholiswa Madubela uMkhanyakude Mhlengi Mbatha Umzinyathi Thobile Zulu iLembe As we get closer to the 2019 elections, we wish our colleagues well with their future work in building the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
16 Sep, 2018
Harassment of PIC whistle blowers
In reference to an article published on Fin24 (https://www.fin24.com/Economy/pic-moves-to-discipline-another-executive-20180914?isapp=true) the United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns what can only be called permitted harassment of whistle blowers at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). One is suspicious at government i.e. Minister Nene and President Ramaphosa’s handling of the matter of instituting the commission of inquiry into the PIC. To make matters worse the terms of reference has not yet been published, nor have the commissioners been appointed. Something is very wrong here; it does seem as if government is pulling all the stops to delay the process. Only they will know the reason. The UDM has persisted in calling for Dr Dan Matjila, PIC’s chief executive officer, to be suspended because of the possible influence he might bear at the PIC until the commission kicks off its work. The UDM calls on government to institute a total moratorium on disciplinary processes at the PIC until the commission’s work is done and its findings are made public. Government is playing a game that could have dire consequences for the Government Employees Pension Fund. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
14 Sep, 2018
Nelson Mandela Bay: DA’s Trollip allegedly interfered with an internal audit to protect Mettler and Olver. UDM hands over a dossier with information to Auditor General
Dear Mr Makwetu Alleged corruption to the tune of R21.8 million irregular and wasteful expenditure involving Mohlaleng Media and a seeming cover-up in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro 1. The above matter has reference and has been widely reported on in the media. 2. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes to make you aware of claims of serious corruption in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMB Metro) and the seeming cover-up by the NMB Metro’s former executive mayor Mr Athol Trollip of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and city manager Mr Johann Mettler. 3. It pertains to the alleged corruption involving a company called Mohlaleng Media, to the tune of R21,8 million which was of course at the ratepayers’ expense. 4. To provide background, I refer you to an article posted on Independent Online (IOL) dated 7 September 2016 (https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/eastern-cape/trollip-to-freeze-contract-with-joburg-media-company-2065623) wherein it is reported that Mr Trollip stated his intention to have the contract (see item 6.1.2) with Mohlaleng Media frozen. He was quoted saying: “This administration will not tolerate irregular, wasteful or unnecessary expenditure, in any form, and any contract that is alleged to have facilitated any expenditure of this nature will be fully investigated and scrutinised”. I also refer you to an article in Herald Live dated 24 May 2018 (https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/politics/2018-05-24-just-in–bobani-launches-scathing-attack-against-city-boss/) wherein it was reported that Mr Trollip ‘…said the Mohlaleng matter has been handed over to the investigation authorities.” 5. The UDM has in its possession a whistle-blower’s dossier that details the period during which the alleged corrupt activities took place, together with the attending evidence. According to the information contained in the dossier, Mr Johann Mettler played a pivotal role in the suspected corruption which was allegedly covered-up by Mr Trollip. 6. The dossier speaks in detail, and gives timelines, of an internal forensic audit that started in September 2016, which unveiled allegations, amongst others, that: 6.1. Pre-2016 Municipal Elections: 6.1.1. Services rendered by some printing companies, during the previous term of council, included party political work (see right). During the internal forensic audit, Mr Mettler was confronted with the details of the irregular print jobs, but he failed to act thus neglecting to perform his fiduciary duties. 6.1.2. Mr Mettler signed an “addendum” to a non-existing contract with a company called Mohlaleng Media. This was deemed to be irregular and again Mr Mettler failed to perform his fiduciary duties. 6.1.3. Dr Crispian Olver the author of the book “How to Steal a City: The Battle for Nelson Mandela Bay” wanted to conduct a pre-election survey that would cost the ratepayers R11 million. Mr Mettler was aware of this, but did not disclose it to the internal audit, which was deemed an impairment of the internal investigation. Note: According to the dossier, Dr Olver had instigated the initial appointment of Mr Mettler as city manager. 6.1.4. Dr Olver was also responsible for the appointment of a legal firm, because of a mutual association during their “activism days” which flouted SCM practices with only limited involvement of the legal services directorate. Mr Mettler was/is still to account for such an irregular appointment. 6.1.5. Two “political appointments” were made in former mayor Danny Jordaan’s office, the cost of which would be carried by the aforementioned Mohlaleng Media, thus the rate payer. The dossier states that this was done by Dr Olver and Mr Mettler, knowing full well that these were “political appointments”. 6.2. Post-2016 Municipal Elections: 6.2.1. Mr Trollip and Mr Mettler had interfered with and used various delaying tactics to derail the internal forensic investigation into what the dossier asserts are unlawful contracts with Mohlaleng Media. According to the whistle-blower, the internal forensic unit asked Mr Mettler a number of pointed questions in their investigation of the Mohlaleng deal. He however, knowing full well that he was a subject of the investigation, wrote a missive to the forensic unit instructing it to cease its investigation. 6.2.2. Several of the senior internal auditors and other staff members have been suspended and/fired for what appears to be spurious, but politically convenient, reasons. It is in fact alleged that these staff members were gotten rid of, precisely because of their knowledge of the corruption. 6.2.3. When the time came to appoint a new city manager, Mr Trollip had been aware of Mr Mettler’s alleged role in the suspected corruption involving Mohlaleng Media; yet he did not disclose this information at council. Mr Trollip persisted in protecting Mr Mettler and continued to champion his appointed as city manager, thus sweeping this material information under the carpet. If there is merit in any of the allegations, it seems as if there is a major cover-up by the former Trollip administration. 7. Once the coalition government took over after the 2016 municipal elections, the UDM hoped that any and all corruption would be exposed and rooted out. Little did we know that our and the voters’ faith in the election promises made by the DA and Mr Trollip was misplaced. As the record will attest, the UDM and our Cllr Bobani did our level best, over the years and in particular since the 2016 elections, to expose corruption in the NMB Metro but we were blocked and vilified at every turn. 8. Notwithstanding Mr Trollip’s stated intentions i.e. freezing the Mohlaleng Media’s [non-existing] contract and his comment that the matter was handed over to the “investigation authorities we still wonder who these mysterious “investigation authorities” are/were. 8.1. We however heard that, Mr Trollip handed over the investigation, not to the municipality’s internal watchdog, but to an outside outfit of his own choosing, which will naturally cost the municipality a lot of money. Mr Trollip has failed to take the council, and indeed the citizens of the NMB Metro, into confidence to report on any progress made in the investigation. In fact, his comments in the media regarding the aforementioned investigation are extremely vague and without substance. 9. We herewith hand over this dossier, which tells a tale of a web of lies and suggest that your office establish the veracity of the whistle-blower’s claims, so that we can get to the bottom of this nest of alleged corruption and to act in the interest of the NMB Metro’s people. 10. Sir, it is our considered view that it would be vital to compare: • the report of the firm that Mr Trollip appointed to investigate the matter; • that of the NMB Metro’s internal audit team and • any investigation you would undertake to test the veracity of the whistle-blower’s claims and to establish whether the proverbial books have been cooked. The claim that Mr Trollip and Mr Mettler covered up the corruption should specifically be tested. 11. Finally, irrespective of whom would be found guilty or innocent, the UDM asks that the abovementioned claims to be thoroughly investigated. We believe that the innocent should be exonerated and that the guilty should, without fear nor favour, be made to answer for their misdeeds and that the necessary actions are taken against them. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement CC: Mr Fikile Xasa, Eastern Cape MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Cllr Mongameli Bobani, Executive Mayor of the NMB Metropolitan Municipal Council, Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, Speaker of the NMB Metropolitan Municipal Council.
Admin
11 Sep, 2018
UDEMWO: The SA police is not serious about stopping the kidnapping and murder of women and children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is concerned that the South African Police Services do not appear to take kidnapping reports seriously. One only has to open a newspaper to read about the kidnapping and murder of women and children. Our communities are plagued by this scourge and those that are tasked to ensure our safety and security are failing dismally. Not long ago, live footage showed how 21 year-old student Charmaine Erick was almost kidnapped just in front of her house in Rembrandt Park, Johannesburg. We are grateful that she managed to escape, but how many children must fall victim before safety and security authorities realise that the country is in crisis? How long must we wait before this issue is addressed? It is getting clearer that issues relating to women and children are not taken seriously. What is even more disappointing is that Minister of Women Bathabile Dlamini is nowhere to be seen. It is disappointing and distressing that the ruling government continues to elect self-centred and inept individuals to high positions. UDEMWO together with many people throughout the country are panicked and we call upon Minister of Police Bheki Cele to, together with all stakeholders, act swiftly to stop this nightmare.
Admin
10 Sep, 2018
UDMYV: President Ramaphosa must take the nation into confidence: how will the technical recession be dealt with?
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is concerned that, since the announcement broke through the media that South Africa is in a technical recession, the country has not heard from President Cyril Ramaphosa. The UDM Youth Vanguard would like to know from the President, what does this technical recession mean for the youth and the poorest of the poor. The fuel price keeps on increasing, food prices are ever on the rise and unemployment is spiralling out of control, leaving the poor and the youth marginalised by means of affordability and they are left to starve. The young people of South Africa call on the President to take the nation into confidence and tell us what will be done to tackle the situation. We need decisive leadership and political will from the President to act and protect South Africans, but in particular the youth and the poor. Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard Udmyvgp.secretary@udm.org.za Mr Andile Jabavu Gauteng Provincial Chairperson UDM Youth Vanguard udmyvgp.chairperson@udm.org.za
Admin
07 Sep, 2018
It is disturbing to learn that government buildings in the City of Johannesburg are not safe
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is appalled and disturbed by the news that a number of government buildings in the City of Johannesburg in particular are not safe. This is witnessed by the fire that has destroyed one of these buildings two days ago which is also houses The Bank of Lisbon in the CBD. What was also shocking is to hear the Premier of Gauteng admitting that his government is aware of this problem that has led to death of the three fire fighters who were fighting the blazes that erupted. The UDM is sending its deep felt condolences to the families and colleagues of these Fire Fighters who lost their lives in their call of duty. The lives that were lost could have been prevented if the provincial government did listen to the public servants and unions who have raised their concerns about the lack of safety in these buildings. As we speak, buildings in the same situation are still being occupied by state departments and it is still business as usual. The UDM has been calling the government for some time to pay attention hazardous and abandon buildings in the city to either repair or destroy them as they exacerbate other problems like crime and harbour illegal immigrants. Our calls as always fell on deaf ears. The UDM is, therefore, calling for thorough investigation to the cause of the fire. Those who will be found to have neglected their duty in ensuring that these buildings are in condition and safe, must be brought to book.
Admin
06 Sep, 2018
Parliamentary debate on UDM motion: working towards an integrated and comprehensive infrastructure development strategy to fight poverty, inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment
1. Introduction South Africa (SA), like many other so-called developing nations, faces challenges of chronic underdevelopment and/or development skewed towards urban areas, albeit in an unequal manner. Even urban development is fraught with inequality, as some provinces are in a position to deliver better infrastructure, while others trail behind owing to fiscal constraints determined by the income levels of their households. Yes, some progress has been made since 1994 to provide services and infrastructure in areas where it was taboo to do so in the apartheid years. However, it is simply not sufficient or sustainable, and some of it not built well enough and is out of date with modern innovations. SA has been in economic stagnation for more than a decade now, but mostly due to sluggish investment, poor governance and chronic corruption. We have experienced two quarters of negative growth this year, thus the current technical recession. Mister Deputy Speaker, if we were to unite around this new approach on infrastructure development in our country, we shall be in practice, marching united towards drastically reducing inequality, the eradication of poverty and unemployment. 2. The UDM’s approach to Infrastructure Development The UDM believes in a policy of intervention by the state in the economy through planned sustainable development programmes, which create jobs on a large scale whilst developing and maintaining infrastructure. There is, however, a serious lack of capacity, uniformity in spatial planning and infrastructure development between municipal, provincial and national governments. The introduction of mega infrastructure should not be done at the expense of the development of rural areas, townships and informal settlements. Mega infrastructure must be linked and inclusive of these areas for their benefit. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement (UDM), with its integrated policy approach, proposes that the work of the Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission (PICC), must be locally driven from grassroots level. For instance, we need to have a comprehensive ward / municipal / district and provincial based infrastructure plan that will be coordinated at a central level by the PICC. We need to build internal capacity to restrict unnecessary dependence on outsourcing. The PICC must be able to ensure that the state has the necessary capacity at local levels. Government needs to plan infrastructure beforehand and ensure that their investment in education aligns with the infrastructure development goals to avoid having this sector being dominated by foreign experts. The PICC could also be tasked to ensure uniformity of infrastructure development across provinces; as guided by their individual needs. In so doing one province will not be favoured over another. For instance, primary schools across all provinces must have equal access to computer and science laboratories. Each worker should have the same access to transport to get them to and from work. Each citizen living in a rural area should have the same opportunity to benefit from the infrastructure and public services made available in urban hubs, as far as reasonably possible. South Africa is currently engaged in the land debate and the PICC could play a pivotal role in the implementation and monitoring of a future land dispensation, which includes the necessary infrastructure development. We cannot offer citizens access to the land that they desperately need and deserve, without in turn providing them with the infrastructure that they need to maximise that potential. For the PICC to succeed, the UDM suggests that we draw on the invaluable expertise that South Africans possess in all sectors. 3. Investment on Social Transport Infrastructure Our public transport system leaves much to be desired and an over-reliance coupled with lack of maintenance on our road infrastructure has led to its rapid decay. Government must do more and the UDM wishes to propose intercity high-speed rail. This is possible via the refurbishment and adaptation of existing railway lines and building additional capacity where needed. It is said that all roads lead to the proverbial Rome. But in South Africa maybe all roads and rails should lead to Gauteng and other hubs, to provide an alternative for South Africans, from the four corners of our country, to travel to and from our economic centres in a safe, affordable and speedy way. A high-speed railway system would, amongst others, have the following advantages: a) The reduction of people dying in road accidents at a high rate. This is unacceptable, and a high-speed rail system would reduce accidents and fatalities on our roads. b) Greater access to specialised services, for example courts, legislatures, hospitals with medical specialists and universities etc., will be more accessible. c) Our roads will be taxed less by heavy vehicles that damage road surfaces. d) Most importantly, the reduced dependence on road transport will have the spin-off of speeding up our economy, for example: • Businesses could be located anywhere and transport their goods with ease and at a relatively low cost. Our citizens will not have to face a choice between pursuing their careers and moving away from their families and loved-ones; • Businesses could employ people from far reaching places, thus spreading wealth to rural areas. • New business opportunities can be identified where it was previously deemed too remote. • Our lucrative tourism industry could be further unlocked, not only for international tourism, but also local tourism. Of course, such development costs money. However, in our case, it is not necessarily a lack of money, private sector has the resources we need but are reluctant to invest in corruption. Even public sector, for instance, the pension funds, can be best used to fund this new approach to infrastructure development. 4. Infrastructure development as an investment in our environment It would be irrational to disagree that, a new approach to infrastructure development must place a high value in our environment. This is especially applicable when considering our pristine natural resources. Furthermore, any infrastructure development must be done in consultation with affected communities. For instance, as part of a rural infrastructure development programme, communities should identify which areas should be used for grazing and planting, and which should be left fallow. Government must then take responsibility for fencing off land which will in turn generate local jobs. Lastly, 28% of Southern Africa’s water flows unused through the Eastern Cape rivers. Using this water effectively and responsibly could generate jobs in the short and long term. Also, some of the richest agricultural soil in the country lies uncultivated in this province. The refurbishment and establishment of irrigation schemes will not only create jobs and wealth, but it will also contribute to food security in the area and the country at large. 5. Conclusion We need to ensure that our infrastructure is advancing industrialisation, environmental preservation and social cohesion. In more ways than one, we need to ensure that South Africa and South Africans are no longer left behind but at the helm of their developmental trajectory. Thank you
Admin
06 Sep, 2018
Status of the UDM as part of the co-governance agreement; setting the record straight
Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MP President, African Christian Democratic Party Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, MP President, Congress of the People Mr Mmusi Maimane, MP Leader, Democratic Alliance Dr Pieter Groenewald, MP Leader, Freedom Front Plus Dear Colleagues STATUS OF THE UDM AS PART OF THE CO-GOVERNANCE AGREEMENT; SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Straight off the bat I wish to inform you that I take exception to the four signatories’ giving me a deadline to respond to your letter dated 1 September 2018 as if I am a schoolboy to be ordered about. This is not the collegial manner of communication I would expect amongst peers. For your information, I was contacted by both the City Press and the Business Day on the 1st of September, that asked for comment on your letter, which I only received yesterday afternoon. A question also arose in my mind as to why the United Democratic Movement (UDM) was not invited to the 31 August meeting of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), the Congress of the People (Cope), the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). Your letter clearly states that the meeting was “…to consider a number of issues relating to coalition led governments across South Africa.” I would be obliged if you could furnish the UDM with the other agenda items and explain why we were not invited. That said, it seems as if the signatories suffer from collective amnesia given the history that led us to this point in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMB Metro). The United Democratic Movement (UDM) herewith sets the record straight. 1. The three-person commission The co-governance agreement clearly stipulates what should happen in the case of discord between the coalition partners. I therefore remind you that the three-person commission – the coalition partners had tasked to make inquiry when the first differences within the coalition arose – had fingered both Mr Athol Trollip and Mr Mongameli Bobani. This inquiry also found that Mr Trollip had undermined the coalition and disobeyed the coalition partners’ collective instructions and by implication his own national leader. Despite these facts, the DA refused to act against Mr Trollip and yet expected the UDM to do so. This is an obvious double-standard. 2. The PricewaterhouseCoopers saga It was the DA which used the so-called draft report, that PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) had compiled, to discredit and defame Mr Bobani who at the time served as the NMB Metro’s Deputy Mayor. The DA refused to deal with Mr Trollip after he came up with wild accusations about Mr Bobani. At that time, the UDM stated that we would not take Mr Trollip’s word on these allegations and that the matter should be investigated and tabled at council. We were satisfied that council would apply its mind, once it received a report, and determine whether Mr Bobani was guilty of any wrongdoing. PwC’s interim report never reached council nor were the coalition partners privy to it. Instead the DA’s leaders Mr Mmusi Maimane, Mr James Selfe as well as Mr Trollip ran around the country blackening Mr Bobani and the UDM’s name. After we read in the media that such a report existed, the coalition partners had to demand a copy from the DA. There was no mention of Mr Bobani. The final PwC report was last year given to Mr Trollip, yet it remains in his hands. The coalition partners, council and even the media asked for its release and he has not done so. However, Herald eventually got hold of the report and reported that there were no findings that implicated Mr Bobani in any wrongdoing. We understand that this DA project cost the taxpayer millions of rands, which it used for their own nefarious purposes. What kind of political party uses public funds to attack its coalition partner? We have written to Mr Maimane in the past to demand that the DA and he must apologise to the UDM and Mr Bobani. He has not responded. 3. Regarding the DA’s “side deal” with the Patriotic Alliance It was the very same DA that brought some questionable characters through the back door and arranged that the Patriotic Alliance (PA) move for a motion of no-confidence against Mr Bobani. We wondered at this PA/DA “side-marriage” that was clearly outside the coalition. It seemed like an old apartheid style move to play brother off against brother. Our other coalition partners did nothing, and you clapped hands as you got rid of Mr Bobani. You chased us away and today have the temerity to ask about the status of the UDM as part of the coalition in the NMB Metro. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Now that you are out in the cold, you suddenly notice the UDM and try to blame us; yet you know very well that the DA is the sole reason for your fall. The UDM says stew in your own juice. The onus is on you to convince the UDM to remain in what has turned out to be nothing else but a coalition of thugs and liars. Lastly, he past two years paints a clear picture of the road that has led us to this juncture and I am surprised that the ACDP, Cope and the FF+ still tolerates the DA. Maybe you are still on a fool’s quest? The UDM calls on the coalition partners to be honest with themselves and acknowledge that the DA has treated all of us like we are second class citizens and junior partners in the coalition. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement CC: Mr Julius Malema, Commander in Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters
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