Admin
05 Sep, 2018
UDEMWO calls for police visibility in rural areas to fight crime against women, children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is distraught by the rape and murder of a female student in Engcobo in the Eastern Cape. This time the victim was young Zikho Cabeni, who was also an active member of the United Democratic Students’ Movement. This horrifying incident comes just after the country “celebrated women” in the month of August. We have learnt that nothing much has been done in terms of investigation and apprehending any suspects. This is heart-breaking and frustrating. We also call upon those who may have any leads to solve this case to come forward. The police must stop dragging their feet and do an urgent but thorough investigation so that the culprit/s can be brought to book. As UDEMWO, we stand for the rights of women and children and we feel that femicide and child homicide continues unabated and UDEMWO reiterates its call for greater police visibility and mobile police stations in the rural areas. We wish to extend a message of condolence to Zikho’s family and friends. May they find comfort in this time of pain. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
04 Sep, 2018
The Public Investment Corporation: concerns regarding time being taken to institute commission of inquiry and the PIC board appointing forensic auditors
Dear Mr President This matter has reference. The United Democratic Movement is very concerned that there is no movement in terms of the appointment of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) commission of inquiry. Sir, in this matter, we want to remind you that Minister Nene had initially, in his court papers, said that he saw nothing untoward at the PIC. This raised some eyebrows at the time. His lack of action now raises the question as to why Minister Nene is dragging his feet in instituting the inquiry and appointing the commissioners. Our main concern is that Minister Nene, who once was a PIC Chairperson, is acting like a person who may himself, or maybe a family member, have been captured. Regarding Minister Nene’s instruction on a forensic audit at the PIC, the minister has not stated which aspects or transactions such an investigative team will audit. In fact, Sir, the entire matter is shrouded in secrecy. Mr President, we herewith ask that you take this matter away from Minister Nene and appoint the commission yourself. We also ask that you appoint the forensic auditing team i.e. not by the PIC board whose members may be compromised themselves. Kindly advise. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
31 Aug, 2018
Sars decision to pay Symington’s legal costs must be reversed and investigated
Dear Minister Nene and Judge Nugent MR VLOK SYMINGTON: SARS DECISION TO PAY SYMINGTON’S LEGAL COSTS MUST BE REVERSED AND INVESTIGATED I refer to a City Press article that reported on Sunday, 26 August 2018, (see https://city-press.news24.com/News/sars-settlement-with-symington-questioned-20180825) that the SA Revenue Service (Sars) has, in a “confidential settlement”, undertaken to abandon “its right to the costs awarded in its favour” by Judge Hans Fabricius, following Vlok Symington’s unsuccessful bid last September to block disciplinary charges against him.” According to City Press, “records showed that Symington was expected to pay Sars at least R300 000 for its legal bills. In terms of the settlement agreement, Sars would pay both its lawyers and those of Symington. At least R750 000 was tabled as half of Symington’s costs for the two-part case, meaning the entire transaction could cost the taxpayer in excess of R1 million if Sars’ costs were factored in”. Sir, we are also concerned that, according to City Press, acting commissioner Mark Kingon is on record saying that he enjoyed a friendship with Vlok Symington. There is clearly something wrong here, as it seems that Kingon is prepared to waste taxpayers’ money to advantage or save his friend. In our view, Mr Kingon, and employee relations executive Luther Lebelo who was part of this decision, have neglected their duties. The United Democratic Movement calls upon you to declare the decision null and void and that Mr Kingon and Mr Lebelo are to be made to explain what happened here; or that the matter be included in the current investigation of the commission of inquiry into the country’s tax management. Kindly advise Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
30 Aug, 2018
UDM calls for calm during SRC elections
United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls for calm during this time of student representative council elections at many of our institutions of higher learning. What the country witnessed at the Soshanguve Campus of the Tshwane University of Technology is not acceptable. We are disturbed by the allegations that police are accused of killing a student during protests. We believe that the life that was lost during the clash amongst students could have been avoided. We ask that the commission of inquiry that is investigating this killing can be finalised as soon as possible. Whoever is responsible must be brought to book. It is critical that justice is served. UDM also wish students and universities the best of luck as elections continue; we hope they are quiet and peaceful. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
17 Aug, 2018
PIC commission to start it’s work in “due course”
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted that President Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of a commission of inquiry to probe the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and the dark cloud of corruption allegations hanging over the institution. It is however frustrating that the names of the chair of the commission and the supporting team, as well as the detailed terms of reference will be announced “in due course”. What does National Treasury mean with “in due course”? They have been saying this for the last three weeks or so; it would appear that this could be months from now, which is enough time for the guilty to send the proof of the misdeeds to the shredder; if it has not happened already. The UDM outright rejects the idea that the PIC board – which includes CEO Dr Dan Matjila who is also under the cloud of suspicion – should be given the task of appointing the forensic company. The board appointing the audit firm is tantamount to a thief appointing his own judge and jury. National Treasury or the commission itself should appoint such a forensic company. To make matters worse, the board has neglected its fiduciary duty by outsourcing the decision to suspend the CEO to the forensic auditors. The UDM reiterates our call that Dr Matjila must be immediately suspended until the commission concludes its work.
Admin
16 Aug, 2018
Message by Mr BH Holomisa, MP and UDM President on the 16th of August 2018 at the Commemoration of the Marikana Massacre
• Programme Director • The families of the victims of the Marikana Massacre • Ladies and Gentlemen 1. Opening Thank you for allowing me to share in this occasion, the commemoration of the Marikana Massacre. We must always remember what happened on this awful day six years ago, so that it may never be repeated. 2. No consequences for criminals We live in a country where there are no consequences for breaking the law. Worst still when it is our very own government that is doing so. It is frustrating that there are no consequences for those who steal; there are no consequences for those who engage in corruption and there are no consequences for those guilty of murder. This must stop. 3. The UDM’s message to mineworkers It is the mineworkers of this country that must bring about change in how government manages the mineworking industry. Each time there is a cabinet reshuffle the policies change as a new personality takes over the reins. The mining experts are frustrated, because they are being tossed around by politicians. This too must stop. It is time for the owners and the mineworkers to get their acts together and speak the same language on this score. 4. Land and the purpose of the parliamentary committee’s hearings Whilst I have the opportunity, I want to remind you that the parliamentary hearings that took place all over the country, were to determine whether the constitution should in fact be amended or not. This is phase one. The second phase is where the “how” part should be discussed, whether the parliamentary committee recommends that the constitution should be amended or not. The current land-owners such as government, big business, the Anglo’s of this world and the traditional leaders and churches should meet under one roof, together with political parties, to hammer out the “how” part of such a process. People’s expectations have been raised and phase 2 must happen very soon, as there has already been threats of land grabs and even civil war. 5. When will things change? What each of us must take to heart is that things will not change unless we take to task those who have disappointed us… those who have abandoned us. We must stop moaning and do something about those who squander and pillage state resources. It is time for the South African voters to say: NO MORE. We will no longer be fooled by your empty election promises. The ANC must be punished come the 2019 elections. Their support should be drastically cut back as a lesson to any party which thinks it can walk over South Africans. That power lies in the voters’ hands alone; it lies in your hands alone. 6. Closing As I close, I say to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to those who survived that fateful day; We will keep you in our prayers. We hope that time heals some of your sorrows and that peace will replace some of your heartache. Thank You
Admin
15 Aug, 2018
Condolences with the passing of Veronica Sobukwe
As we celebrate women’s month, we are saddened that another of the nation’s mothers Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe has left us. As many had happened with many of the wives of imprisoned struggle icons, Mrs Sobukwe held the fort at home. She was a true example of a strong, capable woman who was never daunted by what the Apartheid government threw at her and her family. Our condolences with the family and friend of Mrs Sobukwe, as well as with the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania. May her soul rest in peace. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
15 Aug, 2018
UDEMWO: Another female student bears the brunt of abuse: Fort Hare
The assault of a female student from the University of Fort Hare, in a video that is making the rounds on social media, is quite chilling. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) condemns the actions of the young man in the strongest possible terms. Witnessing such an assault in the period where the country is celebrating women is even more heart-wrenching. This is a clear sign that South Africa is still far away from ending gender-based violence. We live in a society where young men think it is normal to treat their female counterparts with physical and verbal abuse. UDEMWO believes that men who abuse women are cowards. It is of great concern that the young woman will apparently not be laying charges against her partner, because it was the first time he assaulted her. This is often the way women excuses the men in their lives who are cruel and mistreats them. There can be no justification for this young man’s behaviour; at all. We are urging women to come forward and report cases of abuse. No one is supposed to stay in an abusive relationship. You rather walk away while you still can than losing life and become a statistic. There has to be greater societal pressure that condemns this kind of behaviour. UDEMWO has been calling for greater punitive measures to be meted out to those found guilty of such actions but we cannot achieve this if victims continue to withdraw charges against their alleged attackers. UDEMWO also wishes to express our disapproval at the excessive alcohol abuse at what is termed bashes (how ironic a word) at universities and schools. There should be a total ban on alcohol on campus. /end 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
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
