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
Admin
14 Jun, 2018
UDEMWO condemns attack of teacher in school premises
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed and shocked by the attack of a teacher by two students in a video that is making rounds on the social networks this week. The behaviour of the students is not acceptable. This incident occurred in school grounds in broad day light. It is reported that the assault started after the teacher confiscated a cell phone of one of the students when she was playing music in class. The teacher had every right to exercise that in class. Reports are that, the two girls waited for the teacher after school and started beating and kicking her. The behaviour of these students cannot be justified in anyway. We have been noticing the continuing disrespect and humiliation of teachers by students for a very long time. Measures must be taken to put an end to this. In another video, young boys are seen touching in an inappropriate manner a young girl who somehow looks intoxicated with drugs. The boys are forcing themselves on the girl while trying to penetrate her. This is such a horrible scene to watch. We cannot fold arms while things are going on like this. What is the role of the governing body at our schools? Why our schools have turned into warzone? Even young girls have turned to be aggressive. What kind of future generation will this country have? Teachers are also living in fear while in classrooms. They are not protected at all; hence the quality of education is getting weaker and weaker by day. How do we expect them to excel in their job while our children are a threat to them? Our education system is a disaster and swift action needs to be taken before things turn even more out of hand. Our schools have turned from being a place of safety for both teachers and pupils to be a battlefield. The Department of Education, parents and all those involved must come together to have a solution on the crisis that has plagued our schools. UDEMWO condemns the attack. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
04 Jun, 2018
Round 2 of Mr Ndara’s ordeal with @WesBank. #WesBank vacillates on the immoral alliance between banks and car dealers. Where to now Mr De Kock?
Dear Mr De Kock EXPRESSION OF CONCERN: CONDUCT OF THE BANK IN THE MATTER OF MR NDARA The email from Mr Mahoney to Mr Ndara dated 29 May 2018 bears reference. Mr Ndara has since brought the contents of this email to my attention, which came as a complete surprise. I had simply requested Mr Ndara to establish the exact date for the agreed upon meeting with Mr Mahoney where all parties would be present to take this discussion forward. I had already received communication from WesBank confirming the same, seeking suitable dates for all concerned where the dealership employees would also be present. The initial view was to meet in East London, but we were later advised of Gauteng as an alternative venue and we chose the latter. Subsequently there was an undue delay upon which I asked Mr Ndara to follow up. In his email, Mr Mahony also advised that the dealer could not engage in a meeting whilst Mr Ndara was present, yet he was present in all other meetings, there seems to be something very strange going on here? DISCUSSION I must admit that this whole episode has left me perplexed. You ought to remember that in the first instance our meeting was not informed by a change of heart on the part of the bank, but it was in reaction to the exposure of the situation in the public domain. Hitherto you have not offered anything contrary to what the complainant has presented. You, and legal counsel, confirmed that either parties do not even know and had not seen papers related to this matter and yet you pronounced on how the bank have done nothing wrong in as much as you pleaded ignorance in our presence. The dealer is clearly defying your suggestion that “we get their side of the story” and strangely for us, who are from the outside looking in, this meeting was supposed to clear Wesbank and therefore confirm that it is the dealer who may be at fault. So, when the meeting is in the balance what do you really expect us to think? Here is what comes to mind: • Should the meeting proceed, the bank knows that it is in an untenable situation as the facts are not in dispute. • Now that we have presented WesBank with the necessary documents, which proves that in your own words, a grave injustice was done, there suddenly is backtracking regarding the meeting. • There is an illogical proposal to exclude the complainant from the discussions. • As the person who brought this into the public domain, and as such initiated these discussions, I still await communication from you that unequivocally confirms WesBank’s position. • Similarly, if there is none forthcoming I shall assume this sudden change of events has your stamp of approval. • The assertion about WesBank not having done anything wrong is increasingly, without merit given the posture of the bank. WAY FORWARD Sir, I would like to reiterate that our meeting on the 10th of May 2018 was not informed by a meeting of minds or a change of heart. You yourself mentioned in the meeting that the matter has dragged on for such a long time and that it has been a source of frustration. Now that I have satisfied myself that, whilst I gave you the benefit of the doubt, you have chosen to demonstrate that you do not take this matter seriously, I therefore take this to be an invitation to see how best to deal with this matter and that you are no longer open to discussion in an environment that will safeguard the bank’s reputation. I shall henceforth petition the institutions that should by law take an interest in this matter, as well as other institutions that by their virtue are there to advance our constitutional democracy and the justice that we seek for all. I appreciate having engaged with you and look forward to further engagements albeit on different platforms. Yours faithfully Mr Bantu Holomisa Member of Parliament President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
04 Jun, 2018
Allegations of misconduct against the Nelson Mandela Bay city manager Mr Johann Mettler
OPEN LETTER TO NMBM SPEAKER LAWACK The Speaker of Council NMBM Attention: Councillor Lawack RE – ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT AGAINST THE CITY MANAGER: MR JOHANN METTLER This correspondence serves to inform you that the UDM has brought some serious allegations of misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Johann Mettler to the attention of the Executive Mayor, Councillor Trollip on 22 May 2018. A copy of such a letter was copied to you as a Speaker of council. The UDM’s intention was for such allegations against the current City Manager to be tabled and considered by a municipal council as provided for in regulation 5 (1) of the Disciplinary Regulation for Senior Managers, 2010 promulgated in terms of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000. The Executive Mayor is, in terms of regulation 5 (2) of the above-mentioned disciplinary procedure, legally obliged to table these serious allegations of misconduct against the City Manager in council within seven (7) days of receipt thereof. The Executive Mayor has unfortunately not yet directly responded to my correspondence as to the way forward on these serious allegations against the City Manager other than conceding in the Herald dated 25 May 2018 to the fact that an act of misconduct has indeed been committed by the City Manager. I am therefore addressing this correspondence directly to you based on the provisions of both the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010 and the Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings, 2014. The above two (2) pieces of municipal regulations are extremely significant as they constitute a cornerstone for dealing with all forms of misconduct committed by municipal senior managers. Relevant sections of these regulations are outlined here below. Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010 Regulation 5 (1) clearly stipulates that any allegation of misconduct against a senior manager must be brought to the attention of a municipal council. Regulation 5 (2) stipulates that any allegation referred to in sub-regulation (1) must be tabled by the mayor or municipal manager, as the case may be, before municipal council not later than seven (7) days after receipt thereof, failing which the mayor may request the speaker to convene a special council meeting within seven days to consider the said report. Municipal Regulations on financial misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings, 2014 Regulation 3 (1) states that any person must report an allegation of financial misconduct against the Accounting Officer; a senior manager or chief financial officer of the municipality to the municipal council, the Provincial Treasury and the National Treasury. Regulation 3 (2) states that the mayor, the accounting officer or chairperson of the board of directors, as the case may be, must table an allegation referred to in sub-regulation (1) before the municipal council or board of directors in the case of a municipal entities, not later than seven (7) days after receipt thereof or at the next sitting of the council or the board of directors. Regulation 10 (2) states that if there is a likelihood of further financial loss for a municipality or municipal entity as a result of a financial offence, the accounting officer, council, board of directors must report the matter without delay to the South African Police Services and not wait the completion of any investigation referred to in regulation 5 and 6 related to the financial offence. The above regulations are in line with section 173 (1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 which clearly stipulates that the Accounting Officer of a municipality is guilty of an offence if that Accounting Officer fails to take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure. In view of the above, the UDM unequivocally re-iterates its demand of tabling and considerations by council of all the following allegations of serious misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Mettler: a) Unlawful extension of scope of work of Mohlaleng Media b) Irregular appointment of the former Acting Executive Director: Corporate Services through her company – Logodisa c) irregular termination of employment contracts of senior managers d) Irregular appointment of Senior Managers (section 56 managers) e) Misappropriation of municipal funds for the implementation of M-SCOA f) Irregular appointment of Sebata Municipal Solutions g) Irregular appointment and improper conduct of Gray Moodliar Attorneys h) Political Interference in municipal administration particularly on forensic investigations and human resources management matters (h) Irregular purchasing of Murray and Roberts building by a municipality (i) Misappropriation of funds on N.U 29 Housing demolition Project (j) Irregular commissioning of Wi-Fi Project through High Mast Light All the above allegations of serious misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Mettler have been elaborated upon in my letter dated 22 May 2018 addressed to the Executive Mayor and copied to you Your attention is specifically drawn to the fact that the Executive Mayor has already conceded in public that the act of irregular conduct by both the City Manager and Ms Zitumane has been committed. It is with this in mind that the UDM directs this correspondence to you as the Speaker of council so as to ensure that a report containing all the allegations of serious misconduct against the City Manager, Mr Mettler are tabled in council for its consideration as provided for in both the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010 and the Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings, 2014. I also wish to remind you that the continuation of the alleged irregular expenditure as highlighted above in respect of all the allegations against the City Manager is costing this municipality ernomous amounts of money and the sooner these allegations are tabled in council, the better. I must not hesitate to mention that this is a legal requirement which must be adhered to by everyone and not an individual opinion seeking exercise. Your response is awaited in this regard Yours Sincerely Councillor M. Bobani Copy: Head of Special Investigation Unit: Adv L. Mothibi MEC: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs : MEC Xhasa Auditor-General of South Africa: Mr Makwethu Director-General: National Treasury – Mr Dondo NMBM Executive Mayor: Councillor Athol Trollip EFF: Councillor Vena AIC: Councillor Buyeye COPE: Councillor Sijadu ANC: Councillor Suka PA: Councillor Daniels United Front: Councillor Mtsila ACDP: Councillor Grootboom SAMWU: Mr Nodongwe
Admin
03 Jun, 2018
UDM National Election Workshop
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), held its National Election Workshop from the 1st to the 2nd of June, at Burgers Park Hotel, in Pretoria. The UDM can now confirm, with confidence, that it is all systems go. 2018. The workshop was attended by the national leadership, the representatives from provinces and regions, the youth, women and young professionals associate structures. President Holomisa said the gathering’s main purpose was to establish a UDM Road Map towards 2019 national and provincial elections, and to retune its Manifesto to effectively address the national current challenges. He said the current state of national affairs require a new thinking. He made it clear that the old thinking of Liberation Movement no longer serves the needs of the majority of South Africans and lamented the loss of vision within the ruling party, which has been captured by the corrupt, and co-opted by the elites. The current change of leadership in the ruling party does not bring anything new, Holomisa said; instead it is a step backward towards the neoliberal narrative that brought us corruption in a large scale. In Orwellian language, it is just a change of characters who stands on the first trough feeding line. The Secretary General of the UDM, Mr Bongani Msomi, presented the state of the party report. He talked with r egards to laws and regulations of IEC, making it clear how the UDM features in the current political landscape. The UDM believes the country is in urgent need of a comprehensive and integrated infrastructure plan, both for social and economic development. The party emphasis is on the maintenance, improvement and sustainability of the existing, whilst new and modern infrastructure is developed. The well-known independent political analyst, Dr Somadoda Fikeni gave a robust and critical evaluation of the balance of political forces in the country. With regard to elections, we took bold resolutions, amongst others, are the following: Reconnect with our communities through a campaign called Community Service – Putting People First. [We are clear that there are still serious service delivery gaps that need to be take up with the government of the say on behalf of the people in particular the vulnerable groups.] Internally, we plan to be ready with the list processes before the end of the current year. All our election machinery shall be in full swing by the end of August. Polish our manifesto and policies on the socio-economic challenges facing our people: rural and the urban infrastructure, implementation weaknesses, job creation, crime, education, health, good governance and anti-corruption.The UDM has been successful in championing current Popular Policy Positions in the country. Amongst those is: The need for a dialogue on Land. A National Convention on economic policy development and redistribution that must benefit the majority of our people. The National Assembly resolution of the 27 February 2018, which is also consistent with the UDM call for explicit constitutional clarity on expropriation without compensation, thus we supported it. The recently adopted Party Funding Bill is one of the campaigns the UDM has been championing since 2003. The party sharpened and consolidated its position on the Land Issue and its prepared contribution in the current national debate on Land Expropriation without Compensation. The workshop is of the view that: Land must be expropriated without compensation, for the common cause, where necessary. The constitution as it stands, must be tested to the maximum to create progressive precedence. The state capacity to deliver on this constitutional mandate has to be enhanced for efficiency and speedy effectiveness. There is an urgent need to attend to the urban / city land hunger for human settlement and entrepreneurship. Rural development must be reprioritised. Land Tax Gender Parity The UDM notes the politically related violence and which finds its expression within the governing party. We call on all political parties, to ensure that their internal party squabbles do not become a threat to free and fair elections in 2019. We also call on IEC to ensure that all its systems are in place on time to enable citizens. Lastly, the UDM welcomes the good work being done by our members in various provinces. We are excited about the growth of the party, especially in provinces like KZN.
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