Admin
14 Aug, 2018
Holomisa discusses The “Rainbow Nation” and the Political Culture of South Africa in new SA
• Programme Director • The faculty dean, Prof Van Wyk • Our hostess, Ms Busi Khaba • Staff members • Monash students • Ladies and gentlemen 1. Opening I want to thank our hostess, Ms Khaba, for reaching out to me and inviting me to have a chat with you today. I see many fresh faces in front of me and it is heartening to see young South Africans still interested in politics as a field of study. Well done to you and your teachers. I say this because millions of young South Africans are apathetic towards politics; not seeing the link between politics, government and their daily lives. This is a gospel you need to spread, especially amongst your peers. 2. The link between my world and your world It would not be wrong to say that in most fields of study, we have – on the one side – the academics and researchers and – on the other – the practitioners. I am of course a practitioner that started my political career, just before Madiba dragged an unwilling nation into what Archbishop Desmond Tutu called “the rainbow nation.” What a breath-taking image this is; that our diversity can be moulded into a thing as special as a rainbow. 3. The miracle of 1994 You might be too young to really appreciate the miracle of 1994 and what the rainbow nation meant. We very narrowly escaped a full-blown bloody civil war. The fear and anger that ruled the hearts of both the oppressor and the oppressed would have seen this country in flames. You have of course studied this, but I want you to internalise what Madiba must have felt, having been given the task to be president of the new South Africa. He must have asked himself: • How do we unite a nation with this deep gorge separating them? • How do we bring the ultra-left and ultra-right to the table e.g. those who incited fear of a black rule and those who thought him a sell-out to the whites? • How do we convince the millions of ordinary South Africans, who found themselves in the middle, that everything is, simply put, going to be okay? Can you imagine this responsibility? 4. The induction of the rainbow nation Madiba clearly thought there was merit in Desmond Tutu’s idea of a rainbow nation and it was immortalised in his inaugural speech: “We have triumphed in the effort to implant hope in the breasts of the millions of our people. We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” 5. Politics in the new South Africa: trusting democracy Even though we entered a democratic era with the so-called rainbow nation, we had (and still have) much to learn about democracy. Saying that we should be on par with the “established democracies” is an error in thought. Some of these established democracies, makes the twenty-four years we have been on the road, look like chump change. We still have a long way to go before South Africa has two main parties vying for political supremacy. It is still early days and we have already seen the majority party losing support as time has gone by. We have seen old foes disappear and the arrival of new kids on the block. It makes for exciting material for you to study I am sure. There is an old joke about democracy, that, in retrospect, 10 million voters can be wrong. But that’s the way democracy of course works. What we need to question in terms of our own democratic system is that the gap between public representatives and the voters is too wide. Yes, our proportional system allows for the voice of the smaller parties to be heard, but the average South African would not be able to tell you which member of parliament (MP) serves their interests in a particular area. I doubt whether the MPs know either. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has campaigned for quite some time that ours should be a mixed electoral system: A) a constituency-based system that allows for greater accountability and B) a proportional system that still gives space for minority voices to be heard. The UDM also argues that the president of the country should be elected directly by the people. Just think, if we used this method, how differently the terms of office of our former president could have played out. 6. Politics in the new South Africa: the slippery slope of corruption After Madiba handed over the baton to his successors, the country started sliding down the slippery slope of corruption. It is a sad fact that South Africa has indeed regressed from the ideals of 1994. In fact – to illustrate this point – in the mid to late nineties, one could not even whisper the word corruption in Luthuli House’s corridors. It was a big taboo and it could lead to one’s expulsion from the African National Congress so fast it could make your head spin. I speak from experience! Institutionalised corruption presents an interesting philosophical conundrum i.e.: are all individuals corrupt to varying degrees and we should expect no less? Or is there corruption because we tolerate or even laud it? Maybe it is a little of both? What we do know is that corruption invariably hurts the man and woman on the street; those who can least afford it. For example, we today have commissions of inquiry that have been tasked to get to the bottom of some of the worst singular acts of corruption in South Africa ever. The state capture inquiry being one of them, as well as the yet to be convened inquiry into the allegations of corruption at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). The alleged looting of your parents’ retirement moneys, invested at the PIC, literally runs into billions of rands!! Simply put, the hyenas have stripped the nation of the “easy meat”, as shown by the Auditor General’s report, and have now turned their immoral jaws onto the PIC with bogus black economic empowerment (BEE) deals. What is clear from these transactions is that selected cadres, close to the ruling elite, have been using the BEE policy to concoct unsustainable schemes in the name of empowerment and job creation. A serious and responsible government would not have jeopardised people’s retirement monies in such a reckless fashion. Instead of creating a national fund to empower all South Africans, the PIC’s resources have been tapped to line the pockets of the “lucky few”. Of course, as we have seen with the Steinhoff scandal, corruption is not only the domain of political appointees, government officials and public representatives. One can however argue that corruption in government has, of late, been at an all-time worst. This brings the UDM’s argument full circle i.e. how different our country would have been managed if the people were directly represented in parliament. You will tell me in the question and answer session whether you think the UDM’s idea of direct representation has merit. 7. Politics in the new South Africa: the land debate Because the land debate is at the front of our minds, I want to share a few quick ideas with you. We must all agree that, as we ushered in the new South Africa, the issue of land was placed on the backburner. Political emancipation was item number one on the agenda. The land issue, as a tool to achieve economic emancipation, should have been addressed much sooner to avoid the emotional tug-and-pull we are now witnessing. On this score, the UDM has long argued that there should be an economic Codesa of some description, where we can all gather under one roof to discuss the macro economy with land at the apex of this debate. I dare say, that if the powers that be had listened to the UDM, South Africa would have had a smoother ride on the road to economic freedom. 8. Politics in the new South Africa: a government of national unity Lastly, I want to address the constitutional provision of a government of national unity. This is an idea that echoes from 1994, but it has again become relevant as we march on to the 2019 national and provincial elections. People think it’s a cliché, or a redundant argument, that “every vote counts”. You will tell me if you differ from this point of view. It is easy to see how each person’s vote gets lost in the millions of votes cast, but the 2019 elections could possibly be a watershed moment in South African politics. Political pundits have predicted that it is not likely that the coming elections will produce an outright victor. This is the first time in the history of the new South Africa that this is likely to happen and brings the importance of each of our votes to the fore. The so-called king-makers will therefore be the “small” political parties. This will be a test for democracy in our country; I am sure that you as students and lecturers will watch the run-up to the elections and the results like hawks. Enjoy the viewing pleasure. 9. Conclusion People sometimes say that they live in the most exciting part of a country’s history, but irrespective of which era we live in, this remains true. You certainly live in an exciting time in South Africa’s history and you have a responsibility to participate. It will be remis of me, as a politician, to not encourage you to vote for the UDM, but the more important point is that you should at least vote. If you have not already, go and register and encourage your peers to do the same… make a fun outing of it and go and register. Take to heart my message that if you don’t participate, other people will make decisions on your behalf. You will sit dry-mouthed on the side-lines and murmur your dissatisfaction to an indifferent government. I sincerely hope that you, young people, will dip your feet in politics for we certainly need young blood to be infused in government and South African politics. Thank You
Admin
07 Aug, 2018
UDEMWO: Rape victim, Khensani Maseko dies; another young life snuffed out
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shattered by yet another young life cut short due to abuse. The death of Khensani Maseko is another reminder that the abuse of women and children in this country is very much alive. It is clear that Maseko, like many other abused and raped women, was dying on the inside while pretending to be fine after her rape ordeal. The society we are living in has allowed and normalised a rape culture and all sorts of abuse towards women. Our government continues to let women down. Why are the authorities mum on women abuse? How many lives must be lost before swift action is taken? Why are our lives taken for granted or not matter that much? Many like Maseko do not see a way out of their ordeal and opt to take their lives because the hand of justice continues to favour the culprits. The month of August has been set aside so that we may celebrate womanhood, and yet our plight, and that of our children, go unheard. How many lives must be lost before the ruling party sees the seriousness of women abuse? We express our condolences with Khensani’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
28 Jul, 2018
Bantu Holomisa’s address at the EFF’s 5th birthday
Address by Mr BH Holomisa, MP and UDM President On the occasion of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ 5th anniversary at Mdantsane Stadium • Programme Director; • The Commander in Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters Mr Julius Malema; • The Deputy Commander in Chief Mr Floyd Shivambu; • The EFF Chairperson, Advocate Dali Mpofu • The entire National Command Leadership of the EFF; • The UDM chairperson in the Eastern Cape and member of the provincial legislature, Mr Tando Mpulu; • EFF members and the ground forces; • People of Mdantsane and the Eastern Cape 1. Happy birthday Let me start by saying: “Congratulations, Economic Freedom Fighters on your fifth birthday!” When the powers that be massacred the workers at Marikana in the North West, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) was one of the first political parties to visit this bereaved community. I there met the current leadership of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) who still were with the African National Congress’ (ANC) Youth League. The rest of the events around this day are well documented. Fast forward to when the ANC booted out the executive of the Youth League and you decided to form a political party called the EFF. It is like yesterday when you called upon me to give a message of support on the formation of your party at Marikana. Since your arrival on the South African political scene things have dramatically changed. You certainly have made some waves and ruffled the establishment’s feathers. The EFF and the UDM worked together on several occasions where the convergence of ideas led to us collectively to achieve several victories in pursuit of South Africa becoming a winning nation; those include: • An unwavering fight against corruption, both in the public and private sectors; • The removal of the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission after the Constitutional Court confirmed that she was conflicted; • The release of the State Capture Report which today is the subject of a judicial inquiry. • Going to the Constitutional Court where the judgement was made that the speaker of the national assembly had the power to decide that members may cast a secret ballot in the motion of no confidence in the former president of the country. • The call for the former president of the Republic to account and pay back the money stolen from the public. Our continued pressure bore fruit when he resigned. • There were several other high and constitutional court cases we won together, however, Zuma still owes us the money for the legal fees! Our team of legal eagles, under the leadership of your chairperson, senior counsel Dali Mpofu, has made us proud. For those who don’t know, I worked with Dali when he was part the campaign of release Mandela and other political prisoners. I also worked with him when we reburied King Sabata Dalindyebo. With his experience and knowledge of the South African politics, you were not wrong to bring him on board. The UDM and the EFF, together, organised several marches that culminated in the mother of all marches when thousands of South Africans walked to the Union Buildings to rid this country of a destructive, self-interested man who could not be trusted with this country’s future. 2. Coalitions post 2016 You heeded the call for us to start talking about coalition governments post the 2016 watershed municipal elections. Together with the EFF, the United Front and the Congress of the People, we agreed on the basic conditions for collaboration at our meeting at the Protea Hotel in Midrand. This collaboration effectively meant that the political landscapes in the big metros were going to drastically change. Hopefully this start in local government leads to bigger things since that exercise served as a game changer in the political landscape of this country. The voters of South Africa should not forget that we saved this country from the corrupt leaders of that time. They should give us the benefit of the doubt, as they cannot expect the ANC to correct itself. 3. The EFF’s agitation re the land question The EFF’s motion for expropriation of land without of compensation in the national assembly, which the UDM supported, has given rise to the current national consultations with the people. This is in line with the UDM’s call for an economic indaba, where the land issue would feature centre stage as one cannot achieve economic emancipation without security of tenure. The UDM agrees that there is a need to review the relevant constitutional provisions to ensure a fair distribution of land. It cannot be that the people who lived in the villages and townships of the former Ciskei and Transkei, and other homelands, find themselves still living in areas which were dubbed reserve areas for black blacks, whilst there are acres and acres of land now lay fallow and unused. As we follow the process on land we must come up with the laws, regulations and timeframes on how we are going to implement them. And, these must be followed to the letter. You will agree that this entire process is long overdue. There are however much to discuss, and I propose that those parties who voted in favour of the motion to convene a meeting so that we may compare notes and make sure that we sing from the same hymn book. We need to pay special attention on the “how” part of the process. The people’s wishes must always be at the heart of what we do, and we must ensure that the process is not sabotaged by those who want to bulldoze us because of a superiority of numbers. 4. Closing We must always ensure that rationality, supreme logic and the voice of the people are not only heard but that it dictates our course of action. Once more, Happy Birthday EFF and Thank you
Admin
27 Jul, 2018
UDEMWO: Another child murdered: Where is the women’s minister?
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shaken by yet another murder, that of 4-year-old Uyathandwa Stuurman, in the Khayelitsha area. A few months ago, it was reported that statistics show that more than 2 600 children were murdered in the country over the last three years, while 41% of rapes committed were against minors. These statistics shock to the core. Women are living in fear for their children on a daily basis. UDEMWO condemns the minister of women in the presidency Bathabile Dlamini for her deafening silence. She does not seem to take her work seriously. We never see her; we never hear from her. Minister Dlamini might as well be a trophy in the president’s office that serves no purpose. Why are the ruling party and its government so quiet about these matters? Why is gender violence a ceremonial topic during the 16 Days of Activism and Women’s Month? It is a sad fact that women have lost faith in the organs of state which are supposed to protect them. We live in fear in our own societies and spaces. More often than not we know the rapists and killers in our communities and homes. UDEMWO reiterates its belief that our legal system favours culprits; we believe the sentencing of the guilty are not harsh enough. Murderers and rapists must be put in jail and the key thrown away. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
26 Jul, 2018
NPA drops the case and Mduduzi Manana resigns as MP; something must be brewing?
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is left pondering over the sudden resignation, as a member of parliament, of former deputy minister for higher education Mduduzi Manana. This after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided to not prosecute him for the alleged abuse of his domestic worker Christine Wiro. We are extremely disappointed by the NPA’s decision. For it to decide that the case is not winnable is not acceptable and we would have preferred that a court of law decided on the matter. If Manana believes that his name has been cleared, why is he resigning on the eve of the end of his term in office? Is this case “not winnable” because there is no video evidence like with the previous one? Manana may believe that he has been exonerated, but to our minds he will always be a women basher. UDEMWO has time and again pointed out the lack of synergy in the work of government departments. The NPA has just added another piece to this puzzle. It is clear that women have no place in this country. This must stop. We reiterate our view that the law of this country favours the culprits over the abused. And, as always, the ruling party continues to reward abusers and corrupt individuals. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
25 Jul, 2018
UDM notes minister’s decision re PIC independent inquiry
Media release by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President The United Democratic Movement notes finance minister Nhlanhla Nene’s instruction to the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) board to commission a forensic investigation into allegations of corruption and to institute an independent inquiry into the PIC’s affairs. The mere fact that the minister has so decided shows that there must be prima facie evidence of wrong doing. We however completely disagree on the minister’s approach of giving the responsibility for instituting the inquiry by the very same people who may be tainted. Who will draft the terms of reference for the inquiry? The minister cannot rely on the very same board and the Chief Executive Office, Dr Dan Matjila, to be player and referee. In addition, we are also surprised that the CEO has in fact not been suspended. This smacks of favouritism and protection of a person that might be on the wrong side of the law once the commission gets to work. The UDM will consult with its lawyers on what the next step will be on our side, given that we have taken the minister to court.
Admin
24 Jul, 2018
Government is failing or unwilling to solve taxi violence
Statement by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the continued violence in the taxi industry. The killing of eleven taxi operators at the weekend is senseless and not long ago, many lives were lost in Mthatha in taxi violence. It cannot be business as usual while our people are suffering. The country is in crisis, as far too many people lose their lives as taxi violence continues to pervade many areas in the country. This needs to come to an end. It is clear that local authorities have failed to solve the problem. The national authorities should intervene swiftly and find lasting solutions to the perennial taxi wars. We also convey a message of condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
Admin
06 Jul, 2018
SASSA beneficiaries are again the victim of inept management
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) debacle that continues to disadvantage beneficiaries, especially elderly pensioners. The so-called glitch in the social grant service is simply not a good enough reason, if there are any, to blame for the continued inept management of the system. Since the past weekend, pensioners all over were left in the dark after not being able to access their monies. Many braved the cold, standing in queues, in the hope that this issue will be resolved. It is even worse when one considers that there was no communication with beneficiaries informing them of the problem. UDEMWO condemns the way SASSA’s management goes about their work. This mess clearly shows they are incompetent. We are of the view that there was internal sabotage from those who were reluctant to hand over to the post office. Any normal department would know that one cannot just go live without testing a new system and then expect miracles. They should have run a parallel demo before complete switch over. This mess must be sorted as a matter of urgency as the beneficiaries are suffering. We call on the Department of Social Development to pull up its socks. Swift interventions must be in place to ensure that, in the following months, everything runs smoothly. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO secretary General
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
- 06
- 07
- 08
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
