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05 Dec, 2018
Sexual abuse of children living with disability
As the world this week marked the international day for persons living with disabilities, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is extremely worried about the continued abuse of children living with disabilities in special schools across the country. The recent revelations, of sexual abuse of children living with disabilities, made by SABC 1 current affairs programme, Cutting Edge, send chills down the spine. The programme showed that child abuse should in fact be a matter of national concern; in particular where it concerns children living with disabilities. It is sickening that those in positions of trust are the main culprits in sexually abusing these most vulnerable children. Teachers are the very people who are supposed to protect them. Teachers who rape and abuse children living with disabilities are no longer educators, but are monsters who prey on innocent lives. It is clear that the system is failing our children and we cannot fold arms whilst they are suffering. What are the concerned government departments doing about this egregious abuse of children’s rights? One solution to this disturbing problem is that special schools should be regularly inspected to ensure that our children are safe, healthy and flourishing. We regrettably live in a society where persons living with disabilities are treated as if they are something less than human and the stigma attached to persons living with disabilities crushes their lives. Efforts to educate the nation about people living with disabilities should be intensified. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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04 Dec, 2018
GEPF’s R7,4 billion write-offs are shocking
The United Democratic Movement noted with disbelief, the Government Employees Pension Fund’s (GEPF) write-offs amounting to R7,4 billion for the 2017/2018 financial year. These write-offs are of direct consequence of some of the Public Investment Corporation’s (PIC) most controversial deals such as investments in Steinhoff/Lancaster 101, as well as with companies controlled by Iqbal Surve. All of which happened under the management of former PIC boss, Dr Dan Matjila. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Why were these PIC investments given the green light? Why was the GEPF board allowed to make these write-offs? Why was there a delay in appointing the PIC commission of inquiry? Has anything been swept under the carpet? Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni and his deputy, Mondli Gungubele has much to explain. The Mpati Commission of Inquiry must get to the bottom of this mess; sooner rather than later. It should, in particular, look at these transactions that led to the write-offs. The PIC board and Dan Matjila should not get away with this immoral and egregious abuse of people’s retirement money. Merely resigning from a position cannot be the end of the road, if corruption is proved, the guilty must go to jail. The state pensioners, whose moneys are invested at the PIC, have a right to be very worried about how the GEPF and PIC boards are handling their funds, because the powers that be has cast them to the wolves. In the meantime, the disciplinary action taken against any PIC staff members should be immediately suspended pending the outcome of the work to be done by the Mpati Commission. For further comment: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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03 Dec, 2018
Mendi Msimang: Rest in peace our struggle hero
A tribute by Mr Bantu Holomisa The nation is mourning the painful death of yet another son of the soil, uTata Mendi Msimang. He was cut from the same cloth as the founding president of our democracy, Tata Madiba and of the same generation of people like the great Tata Walter Sisulu. Ntate Msimang distinguished himself in the fight for a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and a prosperous South Africa. He remained true to that vision up until his death. He represented our country par excellence when he served as an envoy in London between 1995 and 1998. In his honour, we must work harder to improve the lives of the people of South Africa. We must ensure that the land is returned to the people and used to ensure inclusive economic growth and development. We must make schools work and become safer places to teach and learn. We must eradicate informal settlements and improve on the quality of basic health services. We must deepen the battle against the abuse of women and children, and we must ensure that all citizens enjoy their freedoms as equals. Only once we have achieved this, can we seek to adequately honour his memory and legacy. As the United Democratic Movement, we say: Ulale kakuhle Tata. I will personally miss you and pass our condolences to the entire Msimang family. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay respect to the African National Congress as his lifelong political home. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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30 Nov, 2018
Aids Day 2018: a message to South Africans
As South Africa and the world mark another Aids Day tomorrow, it is comforting to know that many lives have been saved through access to antiretroviral treatment. It is however heart-wrenching that the number of people infected has escalated from 4,25 million in 2002 to 7,52 million in 2018. In as much as we have seen the decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2007 and 2018 of more than 160 000, the number of infected individuals is extremely worrisome. It is clear that there is still a long way to go to eradicate HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the country, especially in rural and afar villages, many still have difficulties in accessing ARVs and it is incumbent on government to ease access to lifesaving drugs. Government must intensify its awareness campaigns as vulnerable South Africans, especially poor women and children, still bear the brunt of this scourge. We each have a responsibility to let our actions count. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore continues its call, to young and old, to protect themselves and those they love. Know your and your partner’s HIV status, be faithful, condomise and take your medication as required. It is each and everyone’s dream to see South Africa and the world beating this pandemic and the UDM encourages all South Africans to care about this serious issue and to change their behaviour. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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28 Nov, 2018
Holomisa at the 5th RENAPRI stakeholder conference: speaking notes on Unlocking the economic potential of land through good governance
Speaking Notes by Mr BH Holomisa, (MP) and UDM President 5th RENAPRI STAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE: Unlocking the economic potential of land through good governance 28 – 29 November 2018, Zanzibar, Tanzania • Chairperson • Fellow panellists • Ladies and gentlemen 1. Land itself at the crux of the matter: the South African example As many of you will be aware, we in South Africa are in the middle of a heated national debate on land and the expropriation thereof without compensation. This debate is of course rooted in South Africa’s deeply divisive past; the reverberations of which we still feel today. Twenty-four years into our democracy and the emotions still run high on both sides i.e. those who held the land under colonial rule and the apartheid regime versus those who were deprived of their land sometimes using violence and/or abusing the law. I specifically launch from this point in my argument, precisely because having the conversation around the concepts of “land governance”, “economic transformation” and “agricultural transformation” is moot if one does not address property ownership and land tenure. Because those in South Africa who are debating the issue of land are pulling in opposite directions, it is clear that the matter of land ownership in my country will not be sorted out that easily. My political party, the United Democratic Movement, is of the view that the only way to find a meeting of the minds regarding land issues in South Africa, is for all stakeholders to gather under one roof and to have a constructive debate in order to find long lasting, sustainable solutions that will benefit all. In the end failure to resolve land issues increasingly becomes a barrier to achieving other development objectives, to fight poverty and inequality, and to promote sustainable inclusive growth. It is however true that the discourse on land in its manifestations is not merely about land as a physical item, but it is also about the reconstruction of society, inclusive economic growth and development, social development and power relations. 2. Land tenure and infrastructure development Land tenure and deeds of ownership is a key to giving people access to finance. This means that people are directly empowered to enter the formal finance and banking sector and obtain credit with their property serving as collateral. It is however vital to recognise that gaining access to land for collateral must first be preceded by infrastructure development or upgrading, since the lack or disrepair of infrastructure (especially in rural areas) negatively affects the value of the land. 3. Land tenure and rights under customary law and practice One example we will undoubtedly share, in terms of land tenure on the continent, is that much land is held under customary law and practice where land allocation and use are managed by customary traditions. Much of the agricultural activity in those areas is around subsistence farming, rather than having commercially viable enterprises that have higher productive profit-making farming, which will in turn create jobs and promote economic transformation in rural communities. Therefore, one of the primary concerns of any government should be rural revitalisation. For any individual emerging farmer, or a group of farmers, access to infrastructure and agricultural tools is vital. The creation of the necessary infrastructure will also generate jobs in rural communities and encourage the growth of more employment-creating agricultural-related enterprises. It is easy to see how these kinds of activities will incentivise rural communities to consider commercial farming over subsistence farming. 4. Land tenure; emerging versus commercial farmers In South Africa the disparity between emerging farmers and commercial farmers makes for a situation where the emerging farmer simply cannot compete with large scale farmers. The big farming concerns have easy access to financial resources and the tools of their trade. This will never change if the land tenure question is not addressed comprehensively. 5. Land tenure; the rights of women In particular, customary law and practices severely limit women’s rights to land and property. It has been argued that the agricultural sector in rural communities is underperforming in part because women, who are often a crucial resource in agriculture and the rural economy, face constraints that reduce their productivity. One of those constraints is land which means they tend to have less access to credit and insurance. However, many studies indicate that women would be able to achieve the same yields as men if they had equal access to land, production resources and services. In terms of government’s role in the matter, improving transformation, removing infrastructure constraints, and encouraging rural women’s participation in farmers’ organisations and cooperatives can help. 6. Tenure and government’s role • The sale of suitable state land to encourage local ownership for emerging and small commercial farmers to create jobs will enhance rural revitalisation. • A government must also make use of the opportunity where farmers are willing to sell their land to facilitate access for emerging farmers. • There is also an onus on government to acquire, or assist communities to acquire, land for development and agricultural enterprise. • Government must assist those accessing agricultural land in communal areas to make better productive use of their land. • Any government must have a comprehensive database for land use, planning and the efficient and sustainable use of agricultural resources throughout a country. The intention is to ensure that agricultural and other developments are sustainable and environmentally responsible, as well as ensuring that viable farmer settlement occurs. • Government must also ensure closer cooperation between its various departments involved in agricultural business. 7. Anticipating how the land issue will play out over the next 5 to 10 years I think that it will take longer than the next 5 to 10 years to make any long-term progress in settling the land issue in Sub-Saharan Africa. The wounds of the past are still fresh in many minds and to untangle the web that was spun during colonialism will take time. That said, I don’t think that it’s insurmountable, if enough pressure is brought to bear by communities, agriculturalists, non-profits, governments and conferences of this nature, changes will happen. Thank you
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26 Nov, 2018
Why is Services SETA strike not resolved?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on higher education minister Naledi Pandor and Cosatu to step up to the plate in resolving the Nehawu strike that is dragging on at the Services SETA. As we know there are several reasons for the strike action, including alleged corruption, maladministration and mismanagement by the board. Minister Pandor must take everyone into confidence and explain why there has been no action on her part to resolve this crisis. Or is this lack of action merely because she’s protecting friends and ministers’ wives who sit on the SETAs’ boards. This is an embarrassment and it is the learners who are suffering. Issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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22 Nov, 2018
President Ramaphosa’s “cabinet changes” is a damp squib
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard is of the view that President Ramaphosa’s new dawn is a copy and paste of the old order and thus have abandoned the youth of South Africa with his so-called cabinet change. He has showed the country a lack of conviction by retaining figures such as Nomvula Mokonyane who has shown her incapability as communications minister with the disastrous handling of the public broadcaster. Mokonyane’s shift to environmental affairs, after failing in her previous department, was a move without consideration on the part of the president. We, as the youth of South Africa, should not be surprised if we run out of oxygen under her bungling leadership. Former president Jacob Zuma once said that the ANC is more important than the country and we fear that President Ramaphosa is doing the same. We call on the president to imbibe decisive leadership and lead with the interest of the country first and not that of his party. We as the UDM Youth Vanguard still call on the president to fire minister Bathabile Dlamini from cabinet unless there is some or other cause to keep her in office. The UDM Youth Vanguard does however welcome the merging of the department of communications and postal services under Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. We have seen her in action in her previous portfolio working very hard in bringing ICT to the youth. We wish her all the best and we hope that she will bring stability and offer leadership in this newly merged department with the understanding that it is a very challenging time as the SOEs in this department are faced with many challenges. This move by the president shows that the young people of South Africa cannot trust that the ANC will take us seriously come 2019 and we therefore encourage them to find an alternative and vote for the UDM. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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21 Nov, 2018
UDM on NMU student involved in fatal stabbing
We are shocked at reports of the arrest of a 23-year-old Nelson Mandela University student, Athenkosi Zenani, who allegedly stabbed a man to death in self-defence after two Tanzanian men tried to apparently rob him and his friends. We have noted that he has since been released on bail. We too frequently see our justice system fail and leave those who are the victims of crime to their own devises. It is unfortunate that we live in a society where citizens in a desperate situation defend their lives to the point where they are vulnerable to prosecution. We do not necessarily condone the action of this young man or encourage vigilantism but, if it is true that the aim of the men that accosted them was to murder the student and his friends, it harks back to the “Lion Mama” case. Once the police have established the facts and there is enough evidence that the student might have had no other choice but to act as he did, we hope that the National Prosecuting Authority will do the right thing and drop the charges against him. The United Democratic Movement encourages the police to swiftly get to the bottom of this case so that justice can take its course.
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