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03 May, 2017
Open Letter by Thandi Nontenja to Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato
Mr Dan Plato Western Cape Minister of Community Safety 35 Wales Street 5th Floor Cape Town 8000 Dear Mr Plato UDEMWO calls for quick intervention on crimes against the women and children on the Cape Flats The unabated incidents of rape and murders, on the Cape Flats, targeted at women and children caught our attention. Since the beginning of the year, several women and children have fallen victim to such crimes and we are worried that not enough is being done to eradicate this phenomenon. Gang related violence, drug and alcohol abuse seem to be endemic to these areas. The situation is out of control with the City of Cape Town Metro Police reportedly saying that teams will only enter ‘red zones’ in large numbers to avoid potential threats and attacks from residents. There is obviously a challenge with the affected communities not trusting the police and this must be addressed without further delay. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, would like to know what drastic interventions, if any, you and your department are taking to deal with the problem. It cannot be that we fold our arms while these terrible crimes continue; something must be done to restore dignity to these citizens and heal the ills in this society. We urge that you and all the involved stakeholders to come up with strategy that will see to the safety and protection of the vulnerable. In the meantime, we welcome the arrest of the four suspects in the horrendous murder of four-year-old Iyapha Yamile in Khayelitsha over the long weekend. May justice be swift. Yours in Nation building Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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27 Apr, 2017
Freedom Day 2017, Bantu Holomisa’s contribution at a Multi-Stakeholder Rally
Colleagues in civil society and political parties My fellow South Africans 1. Thank you to the organisers We thank today’s organisers for hosting all of us at this historic celebration of Freedom Day. It can be argued that civil society was at the centre of the campaign that brought Apartheid to its knees. We have not forgotten the work of, amongst others, Bishop Tutu and the various faith based organisations, the labour movements and the United Democratic Front. People were marching across the globe in answer to the clarion call for solidarity against an evil regime. Little did we know that our new democracy would be vulnerable to a cackle of hyenas that is hell bent on destroying the gains of our freedom. Fortunately, we are blessed with civil society organisations that have emerged with the message: “No, not under our watch!”. Truth be told, many did not understand where the opposition parties were coming from when we started our campaign for Jacob Zuma to go once it was clear the he was unsuited for the post of President. As time has gone by, civil society has cottoned onto this critical mission and we are at last walking in the same direction. Civil society is the conscience of a nation and should continue to play this role. Your mettle will be tested once this suspect President has left office. We expect you to stick to your guns for the good of South Africa and not engage in a battle for the soul of the ruling party. 2. Celebrating Freedom Day “And so we assemble here today, and in other parts of the country, to mark a historic day in the life of our nation. Wherever South Africans are… our hearts beat as one, as we renew our common loyalty to our country and our commitment to its future.” This is what uTata Mandela said on 27 April 1995 at the first commemoration of the 1st democratic elections of the New South Africa. 3. An unhappy people: South Africa today Those words resonate today as we are jubilant in celebrating our free, democratic society. But, as loyal South Africans, we also express our concern about the slippery slope on which our Country finds itself. 4. The proposed National Convention We would be naive to deny that South Africa has made make progress in certain areas, but the challenges confronting the Nation are many and complex. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore mooted the idea of a National Convention. A safe space, on a similar scale to Codesa, where all stakeholders, interest groups and individuals may raise issues; actively listen; engage and convince each other and/or make compromises. The product of the National Convention should be a hammered-out, common vision in which we can all believe and which Government can implement. So far, the response to the UDM’s call is encouraging. There is a clear expression of interest from many stakeholders. I had been requested last week, by opposition leaders, to coordinate the establishment of a steering committee to drive this process. A meeting will take place on the 3rd of May and the steering committee, in its current form, plans to expand for the inclusion of representatives of civil society. Regarding the No-Confidence Motion in President Zuma, the opposition parties have already met and our programme of action is underway. We will keep you posted on developments. 5. Conclusion In line with what we are trying to achieve with the National Convention in which we all participate, Madiba concluded his 1995 speech by saying that “…there is no short-cut to making South Africa the country of our dreams. • It requires hard work by those entrusted with positions of responsibility in government. • It demands that workers and employers work together to produce efficiently and compete with the best in the world, to achieve equity and to help create more jobs. • It requires hard work on the part of farmers and farm-workers, to feed the nation and provide raw materials, even in the face of adversity. • It requires hard work by students and teachers to build a literate, skilled and learned nation. • It requires greater exertion by our sports-persons and artists to always offer the best for the country and its people. • It demands of all of us, wherever we may be, to exercise our rights as citizens; and do so without infringing on the rights of others.” How true! Thank you Freedom Day 2017 speaking notes of Mr BH Holomisa, MP (UDM President) at a Multi-Stakeholder Rally at the Caledonian Stadium (Pretoria)
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26 Apr, 2017
Nuclear deals: Western Cape High Court judgement is an indictment of a Government involved in sneaky deals
Statement issued by UDM President Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the Western Cape High Court ruling in favour of the case brought against Government by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute. This ruling is a good lesson for Government to understand and accept that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable Constitutional dictates. Government must stop trying to sneak such deals without the knowledge of the people. The ruling is also in favour of the millions of citizens who would have had to service this long-term debt for a deal that could have bankrupted the national fiscus. South Africa’s economy has already been downgraded to junk status and therefore would not have been able to raise external funds without punishing the poorest of the poor. The UDM warns Government leaders to stop placing their personal interests and that of their party ahead of the people of South Africa. End
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26 Apr, 2017
ANC must stop looting state resources
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi Eastern Cape is one of the worst struggling provinces with severe challenges such as poor infrastructure. It is with great sadness that we observe those who are in power abusing resources meant for uplifting the poor. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is however happy to note that action has been taken against those who allegedly stole from the state purse. The recent court appearance of the former Amathole district municipality mayor Nomasikizi Konza, as well as Buffalo City Metro mayor Zukiswa Ncitha with their co-accused, bodes well. It gives us hope as a country that the Hawks have finally woken up to smell the coffee and are doing their job. We hope to see a maximum punishment being meted out to all found guilty. The leadership of the ruling party seems to be in denial while the state is being looted. It is high time that they own up to the widespread corruption within the ranks of their political deployees and officials.
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25 Apr, 2017
“Leading in the South African context” Bantu Holomisa’s presentation at the Spar Gala Dinner in Durban
1. What is leadership? If we accept that leadership is a process of social influence which maximises efforts of others towards achievement of a goal, what does it mean in the South African context? 2. What is the South African “goal” Surely it is to give expression to South Africa’s Constitution; specifically, the Bill of Rights. The Country’s basic vision, as detailed in the Constitution, includes our various personal freedoms, property and labour rights, adult suffrage and so forth. 3. The Constitution versus the State of the Nation But, most sober South Africans would agree that the State of the Nation has for some time stood in stark contrast to the Constitution’s vision. Developments over the past few years, and even weeks, have increased the speed with which we’ve been sliding down the slippery slope of corruption and poor governance. South Africa is stuck with an ill-suited deployee, foisted on us by the ruling party, who does not seem to realise – or care about – the impact of his decisions. With President Zuma’s recent midnight cabinet reshuffle, South Africa literarily has jumped from a very hot frying pan, straight into the fire. Government leaders, with President Zuma in front, no longer serve the people and our constitutional democracy. They don’t seem to understand clean governance, never mind, practicing it. We suffer from a leadership vacuum that makes it impossible for the Country to move forward. Therefore, instead of concentrating on the “basic stuff” such as education, health care and housing, we are fighting to not drown in our seemingly insurmountable woes. 4. The unintended consequence of President Zuma’s actions Ironically President Zuma has achieved one positive thing with his bull-in-a-china-shop approach: he has galvanised this Nation. We have a new short-term goal: #ZumaMustFall. But we cannot afford to be short-sighted… should Zuma fall, what then? Or worse, should he not vacate his office, what should happen? We have made much progress since 1994, but there are fundamental problems that need addressing. The land issue is a case in point; whether one likes it or not, it is an issue at the core of our national identity. It needs to be laid to rest once and for all so that inflammatory rhetoric does not lead to South Africa becoming a second Zimbabwe. 5. National Convention The problems we face are bigger than any one solution, one political party can proffer. We need to find common ground and all stakeholders, including yourselves, must voice their opinions. We need to listen to each other and renegotiate a new vision. This is why the United Democratic Movement advocates for a National Convention. A Codesa-type forum, where we have a safe space to raise issues; to actively listen; to engage and to convince each other and/or compromise. With our struggling economy, lawlessness, poverty, unemployment and many other ills, we need to have leaders who are equal to this task. To answer the question of accountable leadership, we need to institute a deliberate, direct participatory democracy model where the President and Members of Parliament report to people. In the end, the National Convention should produce a well hammered-out, common vision in which we can all believe and Government can implement. 6. Conclusion My and your role as leaders are to do everything in our power to maximise our efforts to make South Africa a Winning Nation, not only for our benefit, but also for those who follow in our footsteps. Thank you
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21 Apr, 2017
UDM condemns police killings
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi The United Democratic Movement (UDM) sends condolences to the family and friends of the brutally killed police officers while on duty. As UDM, we note with shock and concern the increasing numbers of officials killed throughout the country. The recent killings bring much alarm and it warrants that something should be done urgently. We cannot carry on as if nothing happened. The attack on police is an attack to the citizens. UDM calls on community members to help in the protection of the police. They must be allowed to do their job without fear. When a police officer dies, not only the family is affected but the whole community and nation at large. The police must be trained in such a manner that will allow them to defend themselves when they are attacked. We wish to extend a speedy recovery to the police officer who was wounded during shootout in Soweto. We hope he gets well soon. We call on the security agencies to work tirelessly to arrest the culprits. We hope they will get arrested and brought to book. End
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19 Apr, 2017
Political intolerance : Councillors involved in Johannesburg violence
STATEMENT ISSUED BY UDM JOHANNESBURG COUNCILLOR, MS THANDI NONTENJA The political scene in the Greater Johannesburg City Council leaves much to be desired. The fact that an Integrated Development Plan summit in Midrand was violently disrupted and resulted in the injury of several persons is deplorable. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) takes a dim view of this kind of political intolerance which harks back to a violent past and we condemn it in no uncertain terms. It is reported the African National Congress (ANC) councillors instigated the situation and one cannot help but think that the ANC is hell-bent on destabilising the Johannesburg coalition government. The ANC must take responsibility for their actions and explain to the voters in Johannesburg why they don’t want to accept the outcomes of the 2016 Municipal Elections. They lost the battle and their actions reeks of sour grapes. These actions are disadvantaging the community who have now deprived of the opportunity to submit their wish lists. We hope that the injured persons soon recover and that the police take the guilty persons and/or parties to task. End
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18 Apr, 2017
Towards a National Convention, the UDM writes to leaders of political parties and civil society #OneVision
Dear Leaders A NATIONAL CONVENTION: THE UDM’s VIEWS ON SOLUTIONS TO THE CRISIS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND LOOKING BEYOND MARCHING FOR THE REMOVAL OF PRESIDENT ZUMA 1. Introduction When South Africans marched under the leadership of the opposition parties at the National Day of Action (12 April 2017), I advised that we cannot march forever, but that we must find a way to converge under one roof to discuss South Africa’s future. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is of the view that we must find a vehicle that will provide a safe space for all stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliation, to assemble and hammer out a common future vision for South Africa that is binding to all. We may therefore soon need to have a National Summit, which should ultimately culminate in a National Convention, where leaders of political parties and civil society can exchange ideas on how to take South Africa forward. We should find solutions to our current set of challenges and most importantly, set the ball rolling so that we may leave behind a prosperous country for future generations. The UDM was not left off the hook with this statement and I was asked what the next step should be. This, in my view, confirms that our Nation yearns for an alternative route towards finding sustainable solutions to our vexing problems and remove the dark cloud that hangs over our fledging constitutional democracy under the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC). 2. Background South Africa is at a crossroad and is in urgent need of visionary leadership who provides guidance in finding lasting solutions to the challenges we face. The uprisings, as is expressed through peaceful marches, reflect a deep-seated frustration about the direction the Country is taking. A relatively tiny group of almost 800,000 ANC members is effectively holding a nation, of an estimated 56 million citizens, at ransom. It acts in the name of 11 million voters, some of whom have since joined hands with other citizens, which includes the plus-minus 8 million people who did not vote ANC, in protest of its leadership and its sponsored President. The ANC not only sometimes sponsors bad policy choices, but it is also hellbent on defending one individual, lacking responsible leadership, who has been found (by the highest court of the land) to have contravened the Country’s Constitution. Instead of providing good leadership, ANC leaders feed the Nation with flimsy excuses for not acting against one of their own. The Country has, as a result, slipped farther down the slope with no hope of the ANC ever providing the kind of leadership that is required. Who ever thought that this country, endowed with so many resource, would be reduced to ‘junk status’? It is the same ANC that is undoing the legacy of the likes of Mandela, Sisulu, Luthuli, Tambo and many others who fought for a free, democratic South Africa. It is disingenuous to call 2017 the “Year of Oliver Reginal Tambo”, while the words and actions of the current batch of ANC leaders are in stark contrast to the values OR Tambo espoused. The “self-correcting nature” of the ANC is long gone and South Africa cannot invest in this myth going to the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. It may be that the outcomes of the much-awaited ANC Elective Conference of 2017, will be worse than expected. Unfortunately, and because the ANC is the governing party, South Africa will not emerge unscathed from its internal implosion. 3. The way forward Consistent with the UDM’s views, I want to suggest – in broad strokes – the following steps as a matter of urgency. South African from all walks of life – including political parties, civil society organisations and any interested individuals – should get together as soon as possible to craft a new vision for South Africa. This should not only culminate in a roadmap for extracting us from this ANC-made quagmire, but one that will result in a prosperous future for our people. 3.1. Meeting of leaders The UDM therefore suggests that the leaders of political parties and civil society must first meet to thresh out the issues to be tabled at a future National Summit. This meeting of leaders will only set out an agenda for consideration at the aforementioned summit. At this meeting, a steering committee must be formed to prepare for the bigger forum of a National Summit. The funding of this process should be tackled i.e. should private funders be solicited and/or should Government be approached for assistance. The steering committee should also be capacitated to attend to practical matters such as determining a suitable venue and sending out invitations. 3.2. The National Summit Once we find common ground at this proposed National Summit, and agree on minimum binding principles, working groups must be formed, to tease out the details of the programme to be implemented, that should report to the summit plenary for further discussion and adoption. A new vision, as mentioned earlier, should in practical terms respond to burning issues such as land, economy, employment, corruption, good governance, education, health, review of our electoral system, party funding and others. 3.3. The National Convention Any resolutions adopted at the National Summit, should then be tabled at a National Convention where all interested South Africans and/or organised civil society, as well as Government, should be present. In conclusion, I want to stress that we can wait no longer to act; it is now or never. Yours in finding a solution. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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