Admin
06 Feb, 2019
Ongoing student protests at KwaZulu-Natal tertiary institutions
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal is saddened by the escalation of violent student demonstrations at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and FET colleges in the province. The UDM condemns any use of force and violence in the strongest terms. We call for cool heads and calm, as violence has already led to the tragic loss of a student’s life. We call on all VCs and university executives to adhere to the national guidelines regarding the admission of new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) students who are from deserving poor families. The national guidelines provide clear directives that should be followed when these students arrive for registration. No deserving underprivileged student should be turned away because of a lack of NSFAS confirmation letters as this infringes on the promises that were made to them. The ruling party should remember that free higher education for poor and deserving households is now their governmental policy and thus requires leadership to implement effectively. There is no turning back the clock. High levels of corruption have already caused resentment of authorities, as well as the ruling party’s government in particular. This situation is balancing on a knife’s edge and violence is likely to spread countrywide, as we are currently seeing at the University of the Witwatersrand. The UDM is of the view that the South African Police Services should act as peace officers and refrain from using firearms and/or stun grenades. The police should enable an environment where peaceful engagement between student leadership, and university and college management are possible. We call on government to release emergency funds to speed up the realisation of this right to free higher education for students from underprivileged backgrounds. This expanded programme can be justified economically, as free education is a strategic economic driver, because it is an investment by the state in the creation of a larger tax base in the long run. A UDM government will add one proviso to this roll-out of fee-free tertiary education, which is that students’ progress shall be monitored and managed as an investment. .. The UDM in Kwa-Zulu Natal express our deepest condolences with the families of the deceased student; to friends, class mates and the entire student movement at the DUT. We will use this period to mourn the senseless death of a young fighter in the struggle for free education. Issued by: Mr Sipho Mbatha Provincial Chairperson UDM KwaZulu-Natal
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06 Feb, 2019
UDM Youth Vanguard: KZN student protests: the education department is yet again missing in action
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is disgusted and angry at higher education minister Naledi Pandor’s deafening silence when, year-by-year, students are driven to protest to get their basic right to education upheld. The dream of free tertiary education in South Africa is fleeting and the promise itself rings hollow. The ruling party has once again shown that they have no capacity to deliver on its promises made to needy students across the country. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) fatal shooting is one of many incidents propelled by the lack of urgency displayed by the education department and government in resolving not just issues at institutions of learning, but service delivery in our society at large. They always wait until the blood of the innocent is spilt on the streets of our country and then act as a mighty saviour whilst our peers die fighting for equality and freedom. The UDM Youth Vanguard feels that we are not free until the means of education is granted to all of us and the doors of equal opportunity are open to each and every young person in South Africa. We call on minister Pandor to intervene now, not only at the KwaZulu-Natal tertiary institutions, but also at the University of the Witwatersrand and other institutions that are going through a similar crisis, before the situation further deteriorates. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends and colleagues of the fallen young hero who died at the DUT. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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05 Feb, 2019
An Alternative State of the Nation: Holomisa addresses the Cape Town Press Club
Address by Mr BH Holomisa, MP and UDM President regarding an Alternative State of the Nation at the Cape Town Press Club • Chairperson • Ladies and gentlemen 1. Introduction We are grateful to be part of this engagement exploring the very important subject of the true state of the nation. We are just three months away from the 6th democratic elections in South Africa, which means that electioneering has begun and that all political parties are roaming the streets with their manifestos. We invite you to the launch of our manifesto on the 16th of February in Port Elizabeth. You can participate through personal attendance, the mainstream media and social media platforms. It is in this manifesto that the United Democratic Movement (UDM) will address the true state of the nation and project our vision for South Africa’s future. 2. The status quo South Africa has fast diminishing hopes of being able to respond to the triple threat of acute poverty, ever-rising unemployment and inequality. Our massive socio-economic problems remain glaring after 25 years into democracy. Furthermore, the pace at which the governing party is developing South Africa, takes a back seat to corruption. The reality is that South Africa is swamped in corruption scandals that extend its poisonous tentacles in almost all state institutions with little hope that there will be consequences. We are a nation of commissions of inquiry, because the governing party has decided to put itself and its corrupt leaders at the top of government’s agenda rather than serving the people. If my numbers are correct, we are currently dealing with three major judicial commissions (NPA – Mokgoro Commission, PIC – Mpati Commission, State Capture – Zondo Commission) and endless other investigation such as those into VBS, the HAWKS and Eskom. These commissions reveal that governance systems have collapsed due to brazen looting. We have also seen that state intelligence and law enforcement agencies have no absolute commitment to hold those accused of wrong-doing accountable. This is as a result of the governing party’s deployment policy. Instead of owning up and showing respect for the nation, the governing party, led by its president and finance minister, further insult the nation and solely place the blame for South Africa’s mess, squarely in the Zuma court when in fact they were also leaders. They attempt to hide behind any of their own goals by attributing it to the legacy of their former leader. South Africans must remember that the removal, of the African National Congress’ (ANC) sponsored head of state, was an initiative of the opposition parties supported by several civil society organisations. This initiative was fiercely opposed by the ANC on all fronts. Be reminded of his nine lives when he was defended by the ANC in nine votes of no-confidence. Whilst the governing party remain haunted by his presence, who is either a critical element, if not the face of their campaign, we must move forward and move with speed. We have not forgotten that more than 80% of the current ANC leadership was in the national executive and this fact was exposed in the Zondo commission when Ngoako Ramatlodi found it extremely difficult to distance the party from the looting that has robbed the nation of its resources. South Africa’s development trajectory has been significantly reversed by the governing party. We have less of their so-called good stories to tell. Instead, we see a rise of lawlessness, would-be whistle blowers are murdered, mud schools still exist, infrastructure keeps on decaying, the economy is faltering, which all present a loss of hope. 3. The PIC fiasco As if the state capture through the state-owned enterprises and departments was not enough, these looters have made a grand visit to the coffers of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). When we discovered this plot, we were not sure about its depth and scale. Since we succeeded in calling for a judicial commission of inquiry, we can now characterise the thievery at the PIC as nothing different from the grand capture of state by leaders of the governing party and its travellers in the administration of state institutions. Nepotism and patronage are the most dominant methods of bankrupting the PIC, robbing the pensioners whilst filling the bottomless pockets of the connected few. The UDM, as it promised the nation, shall not rest until those who have stolen from the pensioners face the might of the law. In August 2017, I asked Minister Nene a question in parliament, which dealt with the alleged mismanagement and irregularities at the PIC and the PPC board. To date, this question has not been answered. The current minister of finance must not act like his predecessor, he must show maximum interest in bringing stability to this institution. In this regard, Minister Mboweni must deal decisively with corruption, and start by immediately putting in place a credible board, so that the corrupt legacy left by the former board that resigned last Friday is erased. 4. UDM recommendations If there is going to be any meaningful change and hope, South Africa must go back to basics. 1. Thieves who are mainly in the leadership roles of the ruling party at all levels, must be removed from power come May 2019. 2. Those who are mentioned in all the investigations and are alleged to have been on the wrong side of the law, must be thoroughly investigated and subjected to the full might of the law. 3. South Africa must place active citizenry in the development trajectory of the nation. 4. We cannot be indifferent to the battle to bring back hope to our nation. We must through a range of avenues engage all South Africans all of whom have an interest in clean governance, legality and equitable distribution of resources, as a basis for improving our lives. 5. Lastly, we need a major structural change in the economy of South Africa from a consumption driven, exporting economy to a redistributive economy. We need to intensify the productive nature of our economy and for this, we need to find a new industrialisation of our economic model. 5. Conclusion The UDM is certain that the situation of our nation is far from what we define as a winning nation. We have reversed the hope for a winning nation that we brought by the 1994 break-through. We have collective responsibility to reclaim our freedoms. For this to happen, we must change gear and vote for credible leaders. Thank you
Admin
01 Feb, 2019
UDM welcomes resignation of PIC board
The United Democratic Movement welcomes the resignation of the Public Investment Corporation’s (PIC) board. The Mpati Commission can now go ahead and do a thorough investigation into the ins and outs of the allegations of corruption that surrounds the PIC. The UDM has equivocally stated in the past that the current board cannot play judge and jury in the investigation into the apparent corruption at the PIC. An interim board must be appointed as soon as possible, but not in a rushed manner. The UDM calls on finance minister Tito Mboweni, to ensure that all potential members of an interim board are thoroughly screened and vetted before they are appointed to ensure that the people who serve on it, is above any suspicion. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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01 Feb, 2019
Hoërskool Driehoek shock; accident must be investigated
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at Hoërskool Driehoek that claimed lives of three school children, while many others were injured. The collapse of the walkway raises serious concerns over the safety of our pupils whilst on school premises. We call on the basic education department and all those in authority to investigate the cause of the accident. The department must also ensure that pupils, teachers and parents receive counselling. We send a message of condolence to the family and friends of those learners who have lost their lives. We also wish a speedy recovery for all the injured children. We keep you in our prayers. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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01 Feb, 2019
UDM welcomes, Ms Sindi Mashinini-Maphumulo, former NFP deputy-president, to the fold
Address by Mr BH Holomisa, MP and UDM President in welcoming of new members to the United Democratic Movement on 1 February 2019 in Durban • Chairperson • UDM leadership, and • Most importantly, our guests; • Members of the UDM Your joining the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is a vital step to realise our dream for the socio-economic development of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). As KZN has the second largest number of voters, this presents the best opportunity for the people of this province to shape their future through participation in the political environment, government and legislative processes. This province accurately reflects the socio-economic challenges our country faces today. On the 18th of January, thousands of unemployed nurses marched to the provincial department of health demanding jobs to fill the 40,000 vacancies in South Africa. To make matters worse, the eThekwini Municipality has fruitlessly and wastefully spent your money to the tune of no less than R29 million. On top of this, the same municipality has failed to take reasonable steps to prevent irregular expenditure that amounted to more than R700 million as the auditor general has found. We welcome you into the fold, and together we must immediately start work towards achieving the following goals: 1. Step-up the ongoing campaign to remove the looters who continue to steal from you through Bosasa, the Guptas, VBS Bank and others to come. 2. We must enter every door in this province and explain to the more than five million voters why they must vote UDM in the next election. 3. We must go out and create hope for the people of KZN and convince them that the UDM is the only party that can uplift them from the misery the governing thieves have dumped them into. 4. On 16 February, you will be in Port Elizabeth with your fellow members to launch the UDM manifesto. This is where we will together present the UDM’s solutions to South African problems. 5. Spread the word of the UDM manifesto and get people to watch the launch on television if they are unable attend. Let us make the 16th of February the UDM’s day for all households to come together and identify with the bright future we promote. The UDM has made a significant contribution in shaping the direction that the country should take, and with you joining these efforts, we can fulfil our dream of a winning nation. With you, we are certain of realising a country that is free from looters, thieves and corruption. You have made the right decision to be associated with a party that our first secretary general, Sifiso Nkabinde, who hailed from this beautiful green province, strongly believed in. You are creating hope for the nation; you represent the good that South Africa is. Thank you
Admin
26 Jan, 2019
Poor service delivery is not the IEC’s problem
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes with concern that many voting stations across the country have fallen victim to protest action and violence. It is unforgivable to endanger the lives of the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) personnel and to destroy or damage property. Also, the country can simply not tolerate a situation where our democratic processes are held at ransom, because of people’s frustration and anger with the ruling party. We urge South Africans to not get riled up to the point of violence, over the ruling party’s failures. It is not the IEC’s role to deal with these issues. Although the reasons for our people’s actions are understood, they must understand that their very power rests with registering and voting. The UDM calls on all South Africans to punish the ruling party where it hurts most; at the ballot box. Leave the IEC alone to do its job. If you are unhappy with service delivery in your area, vote wisely and do not vote for a party that has proved its incompetence and don’t care attitude. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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25 Jan, 2019
#Elections2019: call to South Africans to register to vote
This coming weekend, 26 and 27 January, is the last chance for all South Africans who have not yet registered to vote, to do so. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) encourages all South Africans of voting age (18 and older) to register for the upcoming national and provincial elections. We especially urge our young people to take the time to visit voting stations and register. We mostly encourage young people to make sure that they register to vote. This is where they get to voice their anger and frustration through ballot. We are concerned, after the recent data release by SA Citizen Survey, showing that more than 11.2 million citizens are unregistered and out of that 4.5 million are not intending to register. The future of this country is in the hands of our young people. If they decide to stay home instead of making their voice heard by voting, they are still giving back the power to the same leaders who are not doing right. Youth has power of electing whoever they believe will deliver and meet their needs. For those who have registered in the past, take the time to check that your address is on the voters’ role and that you are registered in the right voting district. Go to https://www.elections.org.za/regweekend/ for information. Make sure that you choose right, and do right by yourself, as well as for those for whom you care. Remember, your vote is your voice so choose right and vote UDM. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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