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28 Mar, 2018
UDM’s well wishes for Easter holidays
As many South Africans make their way to different destinations these Easter holidays, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on drivers to be vigilant, cautious and obey road signs. They must ensure that travellers reach their destination safe. Motorists must curb roads rage. The drivers and passengers are urged to always exercise patience and be considerate of other road users. Pedestrians must also abide by the law and rather use bridges or areas marked for them to cross highways; they must also not jay-walk while under influence. Let there be no injuries and fatalities as we had witnessed in the past years. The scourge of deaths on roads can be stopped if all road users understand that there is no need for over excitement during holidays. The UDM also calls for visibility of law enforcement officials – it is their job to ensure that road users are safe. Owners must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. The UDM take this opportunity to wish well all those who observe Easter and those who are due for a period of respite, should come back rested. UDM also extends the message of condolences to the family and friends of those who were involved in a bus accident that took place in Ngcobo today. Those in hospital, we wish you a speedy recovery. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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26 Mar, 2018
UDEMWO welcomes laying of rape charges against Danny Jordaan
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) applauds Jenifer Ferguson for her bravery and boldness for finally laying charges of rape against South African Football Association boss Danny Jordaan. We have been waiting for this day and for all women, this is hope. Ferguson’s step will pave a way for other women to speak up. It goes back to say, ityala aliboli. We continue to be in dismay of how much damage has been done by those in high places. Women in this country have no place of safety. Many women decide to keep quiet after their ordeals because of the stigma and all sorts of ill treatment they get from the society. It is even saddening that someone powerful as Mr Jordaan can be named in such an alleged crime. No one is above the hand of justice and we hope that no stone will be left unturned to reveal the truth. Mr Jordaan has been crying foul. It is his time to prove that he is innocent. We hope that the hand of justice will do its course. UDEMWO, will continue to stand with Jennifer and all other women who continue to endure abuse in the hands of those they trust.
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21 Mar, 2018
#HumanRightsDay Rally 2018, UDM Rally in Gauteng, DH Williams Grounds, Kathlehong, Ekurhuleni
Speaking notes for UDM President, Mr Bantu Holomisa 1. Welcome On behalf of the entire United Democratic Movement (UDM) leadership, I extend a word of welcome to all of you gathered here today as we commemorate Human Rights Day in South Africa. For each of you, being present is a personal sacrifice and is contribution to the life of the UDM. The UDM leadership therefore thanks you for investing your money, time and energy to be here, as we honour those who have come before us in the fight for a just and equal South African society; free of the shackles of Apartheid. 2. Remembering those who came before us Today, we remember the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 when police opened fire on thousands of people who protested the draconian pass laws. We will never forget that almost 300 lives were irrevocably changed that day; with 69 souls making the ultimate sacrifice so that we can, today, enjoy our civil liberties in a post-apartheid South Africa. The great tragedy of what happened that day, is that it was not the end of the struggle for the dignity and freedom of non-white South Africans. A few days later, on March the 31st, more than twenty people were massacred in a march against the pass laws in Langa, Cape Town. We had the Soweto Uprising – who will ever forget the iconic picture of the limp body of young Hector Pietersen? Much of which followed, happened in the name of the armed struggle, which affected black and white alike. Today, is also the 33rd commemoration of the 1985 Uitenhage Langa Massacre, where at least twenty people were killed at a Sharpeville commemoration. On this day, we also remember the 1992 Bhisho Massacre and the tragic deaths in Boipatong, where the fires of the so-called black-on-black violence were stoked for the most nefarious of goals. Soon Shell House followed. The word “massacre” far too often marks low-points in our history; and this does not even quantify the sacrifices that so many other black and white South Africans made, so that we may all enjoy political freedom. 3. What does Human Rights Day mean in 2018? Sadly, that awful word, again scarred our nation’s consciousness when we witnessed the Marikana massacre, which was the single most lethal use of force by South African security forces against civilians since 1960. Like at Sharpeville, many of the victims were shot in the back whilst trying to flee for their lives. We witnessed (what can arguably be considered as a massacre) when over a thousand patients were relocated to mainly unlicensed NGOs by order of the Gauteng Department of Health… 144 people lost their lives in this tragedy… and they were vulnerable people who most needed their human rights to be protected! It is therefore clear, that fighting for human rights (even when it is entrenched in our constitution), should remain on our daily radars. We cannot afford to forget our history and we must work hard to not repeat the atrocities of the past. May all their souls rest in peace. 4. The state of the nation in brief Despite the changes for the better since 1994, South Africa still faces, amongst others, challenges such as unemployment; inadequate housing and poor living conditions; sub-standard education; a dilapidated public healthcare system; the deeply emotional issue of land; stark racial, gender and economic inequality, as well as the scarcity of opportunities. The changing political landscape in South Africa, particularly over the past few years, has demonstrated that South Africans are tired of the so-called self-correcting nature of the ruling party. The UDM must certainly pat itself on the back for bringing about the change we witnessed with our now infamous former President’s exit from office. I remind you that we, last year, amassed in our thousands to march against this corrupt, constitutionally delinquent man who could no longer be trusted to lead the nation. The UDM went all the way to the Constitutional Court to fight for the “secret ballot” to rid South Africa of “Suspect Number One”. We have consistently made our voice heard in the media and kept ourselves relevant in the body politic of this country. The opposition, civil society, the media and the courts can rightly say that they fulfilled their tasks as part of the checks and balances that protect good governance and ensure a healthy democracy. Yes, 2018 ushered in a new South African president. But, despite the so-called right noises we hear from the Union Buildings, the question remains the same as it had been in 2017 and the preceding years… Notwithstanding the billions of rands spent on infrastructure development since the advent of democracy, just last week a five-year-old girl died, because of poor school infrastructure, when she fell into a pit latrine at a school in the Eastern Cape. Keiskamahoek is on fire because, amongst others, the local roads are beyond repair, because of the current government’s failure to even maintain the infrastructure they inherited in 1994. In this small town, street lights are a luxury, post the so-called new wave. Here in Gauteng, we still have the toll roads, which the people of this province cannot afford and drives up the cost of living. In fact, the Esidimeni Life tragedy points to a public health infrastructure, in this province, that have been neglected to the point where our people are dying for no reason at all. The UDM is very clear that, without a clear and focused investment into a comprehensive infrastructure development programme, the challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and underdevelopment shall continue to haunt our nation. In this regard, the UDM will in the second term of Parliament lead a debate in the National Assembly on this matter. We invite you to submit your ideas on what needs to be done in regards to infrastructure development. 5. How do we recue South Africa from the slippery slope of entrenched corruption and the maladministration of an uncaring government? We all know that, putting a fresh coat of paint on a delipidated car, does not make it new. Underneath the hood it is still has an engine that will leave you in the lurch (especially when you need it to perform at its best). Voters can no longer afford to be fooled by this leopard trying to convince us that it has changed its spots. The fact remains that the very people who presided over our county’s decline over the past few years are still at the helm. It is the same so-called leaders who were hell-bent on defending their corrupt colleague, even after the writing was on the wall. It’s even worse, when that very same party ropes in the same dubious character to work in its campaigns for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. Clearly the “new dawn” is a continuation of the sunset it preceded. A Looter Continua! As a parting shot on this topic… it remains to be seen what the State Capture Inquiry will uncover. The nation could very well still be in for a major shock as the Deputy-Chief Justice starts digging into both public and private sector corruption. Indeed, the UDM can be proud of the fact that none of our leaders have been convicted of corruption and that we have been consistent in promoting the ethics of good governance. It is due to the continuous spade-work of parties like our own, that we hold the corrupt to account and turf out those who put their pockets first and the people last. 5.1. The land debate and expropriation without compensation in the bigger scheme of things Without belabouring the various crises that we face, some of which I mentioned earlier, I want to address one topic in particular… land. South Africans, of all persuasions, must understand and admit (whether they like it or not) that the land issue must be addressed once and for all, and that it must happen soon, because the country teeters on the precipice of open revolt. It has become a racial political football precisely because of South Africa’s divisive and turbulent history. The ruling party’s administrations, of the past twenty-four years, have also not done us any favours with their corruption-laced and slow-paced land redistribution project. No-one can dispute that black South Africans were, in the past, dispossessed of land without consultation (never-mind with compensation). To put this into context, I was recently told that historian WJ du Plessis noted that: “By the time of the advent of the new South Africa, about 17 000 statutory measures had been issued to segregate and control land division, with 14 different land control systems in South Africa.” Understanding the issue of land in this context, should find resonance with any rational individual. The UDM therefore voted in favour of the motion, that was recently tabled before the National Assembly, because the imbalances of the past must be addressed. But, with the following rider: it must be done, in terms of a constitutional review, fully cognisant of the implications and mechanisms of implementation. We, categorically, did not a vote for land grabs and turning the country into a second Zimbabwe. The debate, as it currently stands, needs level-headedness. The land issue should also not be used as a populist scaring tactic (by either the left, or the right) to drive the wedge deeper between the formerly oppressed and the formerly advantaged. I therefore invite the UDM’s structures, members and any interested parties, to enter into discussion on this topic and send your feedback to land@udm.org.za (by end-April) on what the fears, hopes and ideals of our people are where land is concerned. 6. Fighting “the good fight” since 1997 Many of you who are here today, have since the UDM’s inception, fought the good fight to clean government and hold those in power accountable. I recognise many faces of those who, with me, left behind a ruling party that, year-by-year, sunk deeper into the quagmire of moral decay, as well as those who exited a nationalist party that refused to recognise its cruel racism and discrimination. You will be proud together with me, that the UDM is firmly rooted in the post-apartheid South Africa that does not have any political baggage. The UDM therefore is the only credible political alternative that can enable South Africans to break free from the shackles of the past twenty-four years and the damage that was done in the era before democracy. 6.1. Recapturing the lost ground Notwithstanding the quite volatile political climate of the late nineties, the UDM, in 1999, managed to have public representatives in Parliament and in no less than six provincial legislatures. In 2000, when we contested municipal elections for the first time and we put into office, 240 councillors nationwide; and also won the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape. But how do we recapture this lost ground? It is a fact that the UDM is widely recognised as an authentic, progressive alternative. People see the party as a champion of clean governance. Our reputation for ethical politics and rationality resonates with South Africans of all walks of life and gives us an edge over other parties. The UDM has, despite the shortcomings in the funding of political parties, sustained itself through mere word of mouth. We have never spent a cent on fancy public relations companies, image polishers and spin-doctors. In stark contrast to this set-up, it was reported that a certain political party (that shall remain nameless) plans to blow a whopping R264 million, on its 2019 Election Campaign. It almost feels like a Hail Mary Pass to stay in control of the country… In order for the UDM to effectively reach the electorate, whilst not having the same resources (including those pilfered from government) as the “big shots” do, it may be necessary for us to consider investing in a strategic marketing exercise, to persuade voters, especially the youth, that the UDM is the political home for all South Africans. 6.2. What’s on our “to-do list” in the months leading up to 2019? The UDM needs to be responsive and pick up issues that affects people’s daily lives and mobilise civil society organisations, all sectors of society, and the people in general, around those issues. The UDM must, in very practical terms, demonstrate its core vision i.e. being the “political home for all South Africans”. It is therefore important that our pool of candidates for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections reflects this characteristic. We therefore thought it wise to “throw the net wider” as we start the exercise of identifying prospective UDM candidates. Not only are we encouraging our members to step up to the plate, but we have invited members of the public, who identify with the UDM’s values and ideals, to give it a shot. We will however fiercely guard against opportunists, who want to parachute onto our candidates’ lists, without first proving themselves. Prospective candidates will therefore be given the assignment of building their own constituencies and grow the Party’s influence. 6.3. The UDM on post-2019 coalition governments If the 2019 elections are to deliver no outright winner, which political pundits predict, the question of coalitions comes to the fore. Just to clarify, the UDM will not consider any form of partnership with other parties before 2019. We will retain our political identity, promote our brand of politics and will only consider coalition after the results have been announced. At that point in time, the UDM will bargain on behalf of the people so that they will have a say in how their government should be run. In other words, in the UDM’s view the work of any coalition government must be rooted in: “putting people first”. 7. Conclusion The task to build the UDM, on our road to 2019, and years beyond, is a big challenge. This doable if we put our noses to the grindstone. We must motivate people (especially the disenfranchised youth) to register, at any time, at any Municipal Electoral Office – or during the coming voter registration weekends. It is important that we spread the word that voters must ensure that their addresses are complete and correct on the voters’ roll; if they don’t do this, they might be turned away from the polling stations in 2019. We must always remember that the task to build the UDM is not only about the future of the party, but about the prosperity of the country and her people. The hard work must start now! Our first milestone is an improved performance in the 2019 elections as a benchmark to build on for all future elections. We have a responsibility to convince voters that the UDM is the only vehicle that can make manifest the UDM’s vision for South Africa. I hope we all leave here today, feeling energised to go full-swing towards 2019. Go out and launch branches, knock on people’s doors and convince them that the UDM is the right, and only party to vote for. Thank you for listening and please arrive home safely. Phambili UDM! Phambili!
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16 Mar, 2018
#ZumaCharges #ShaunAbrahams has at last brought Zuma’s chickens home to roost!
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes today’s announcement that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will reinstate fraud and corruption charges against former President Jacob Zuma. The chickens have come home to roost! After keeping the Nation in suspense for nine years, Mr Shaun Abrahams has finally manned up and has done what should have been years’ ago. If the African National Congress (ANC) had not pressurised the former NPA boss Mokotedi Mpshe, this case would have been over and done with long ago. The ANC should hang its head in shame given the Zuma administration’s distractions. That this has happened, in part, due to sustained pressure from the opposition and civil society, which is a sign that some of the checks and balances of our democracy is healthy and hail. Mr Zuma should be sued for the R15 million of taxpayers’ money that he has squandered on legal fees to defend his dubious deeds. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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16 Mar, 2018
Yongama Zigebe, of the UDM Youth Vanguard, takes the education campaign to the North West
The youth and locals of Rustenburg (in the North West) will have an opportunity to be exposed to the many exciting careers paths available to those on their road entering the South African job market or those who consider making a change from their existing work paths. UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng Provincial Secretary Yongama Zigebe, who is also the Founder of the Yongama Levertte Foundation, will be one of the facilitators at the Annual Mamoretse Book and Career Fair. There is a dearth of information on career opportunities available to learners. The Mamoretse Book and Career Fair is a community development initiative that seeks to promote literacy and assist learners to make informed career choices. In making informed subject choices at secondary level, young South Africans will ensure their prosperous futures and enable them to contribute to the economic development in their own communities and South Africa at large. Details are as follows: Date: Saturday, 17 March 2018 Time: 10am Venue: Mamoretse Community Hall in Rustenburg
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15 Mar, 2018
UDEMWO: Health department’s abject failure: as mortuary workers continue with strike, bordering on the inhumane
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is extremely concerned over the ongoing, illegal strike by mortuary workers; especially in Gauteng. UDEMWO feels uncomfortable using the phrase: “bodies are piling up”; but that is a hard fact – there is no delicate way to describe this atrocious situation. Families are already distressed over losing their loved ones and are now subjected to a prolonged wait before they can give them a dignified burial. Aside from the morality of what is happening, with forensic pathology officers downing tools; the growing backlog of autopsies has surely degenerated into a health risk. The families must not suffer and continue being in anguish for something that could have been avoided. If the striking workers have been given a final warning to resume their normal duties or face disciplinary action as they are in contradiction of a 2016 Labour Court interdict judgement, why does the powers-that-be tolerate the situation? The Gauteng health department continues to be in the news for all the wrong reasons. If it is not money laundering, it is patients who die because of departmental incompetence (Life Esidimeni); a lack of medical professionals in state hospitals, over-exerted staff, as well a drug shortages, medical supplies and equipment. Without even discussing the merits of the workers’ grievances, enough is enough. The national department of health must act speedily and solve the on-going problem; it is clear that the Gauteng health department is not getting anywhere. Our health departments exist to help those in need but instead, fail at every turn and is in breach of the South African Constitution which clearly states that: “Everyone has the right to have access to health care services”. “Everyone has a right to dignity.” Maybe the Constitution does not go far enough and should include the word “quality”. This is in violation of Human Rights. Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, must pull up his socks, those of his MECs, as well as departmental officials (at both national and provincial levels); those who fail to do their jobs must be given the boot and replaced with competent professionals. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General
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14 Mar, 2018
“The State of Peace in Africa – advancing the legal framework for a conflict-free Africa”
Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President’s contribution to the debate “The State of Peace in Africa” – advancing the legal framework for a conflict-free Africa” at the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the Proclamation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War • Our hosts, • Colleagues, • Distinguished guests and participants, • Ladies and gentlemen 1. Introduction Let me start by saying that the United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes in the noble idea of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW); especially in its uniqueness to end all war. Yet, as we are all aware, this is the proverbial “tall order”, which is ironic when one considers that most countries proclaim that peace is high on their national agendas. Let me also admit the following. In pondering this dilemma, and the virtuous intent of the DPCW, I am left with more questions than answers. 2. Religious persecution in Africa It is a sad fact that religious persecution is on the rise in Africa and the Middle East. It is said that the oppression of different religions in Africa dwarfs that of what is referred to as the world’s “most intractable conflict” i.e. the Israel/Palestine scenario. The world does not often enough talk about religious persecution in Africa, and the other “less important” parts of the world, as evidenced by President Donald Trump’s recent comment about Africa being a… I am not going to say the word. 3. Ethnic persecution in the name of religion To exacerbate matters, the line between ethnic and religious violence is often blurred. Differences in religion is used to “justify” ethnic cleansing or to assert dominance. The “us-and-them” mentality. Arguably the most stupefying example of this was the anti-Semitism in the Hitler-era. On a side note, with the acknowledgement of the suffering of Jews in Europe at that time, I wonder how those atrocities would compare to the religious persecution on the African continent over the last fifty years or so? However, in this regard, the DPCW is crafted broadly enough to say that war, no matter in which way it is justified, is wrong. Full-stop. 4. Religious persecution perpetrated by entire countries and how to make international law and concords stick? Naturally, to say that conflict in the name of religion, is only perpetuated by so-called radicals or fundamentalists, is simplistic. Persecution may be triggered by religious bigotry by a state when it views a particular religious group as a threat to its interests and/or security. Therein lies much of the rub for the DPCW. Even with internationally accepted definitions, many nations have a different interpretation of what constitutes “national interest” and “national security”. This is also not static, depending on which party, or dictator, governs a particular nation. There must be a universal agreement on what national interest, security and religious tolerance means; whether one talks about North Korea, Egypt, China or Nigeria. To use the analogy of alcoholism… admitting that there’s a serious problem is the first step. The next question would be, how does one treat countries where, at the most, they can be “punished” by using sanctions; which (more often than not), adversely affects the very people who needs protection from their governments. 5. Sovereignty of nations and their ability to defend themselves against aggressors Firstly, quite often the very countries where religious intolerance occurs, operate outside multi-national treaties and United Nations’ accords. One also has to be careful about the sovereignty of countries and even if this initiative gets billions of signatures to support it, how could this initiative, for example, stop China from considering the Dalai Lama a “dangerous separatist”. Secondly, as we have seen with the stand-off between North Korea and the United States, where does one draw the line between being able to defend one’s country against aggression versus demilitarising the entire world? Unfortunately (even though the world’s countries more or less have established boundaries) where humans are involved, conflict will ensue. That is why this initiative makes so much sense i.e. to have international understanding about achieving a warless society, that is legislated in some form. 6. Return of world-wide conservatism and refugees Terrorist attacks, sometimes in the name of religion, have contributed to an up-rise of world-wide conservatism, which has an element of intolerance. The issue of refugees, in the so-called developed countries, also contributes to this global “right swing”. It is clear that not enough is being done to resolve conflict in affected countries, especially in terms of our discussion today, on the African continent. 7. Conclusion The work of the United Nations, and international NGOs and bodies, is critical in bringing stability to many situations where religious persecution is rife; especially where it has escalated to war. The role of the media, as acknowledge in the DPCW, is an important piece of the puzzle, which is to shine a spotlight on the trouble-ridden parts of the world. However, the potentially biased interference by the world’s so-called super-powers, should be curbed. Even should their actions be well-intended, the world must understand that Africans will, because of our history, remain doubtful of our former colonisers. On a more positive note, the UDM has consistently advocated for constructive engagement between people with opposing views. Let the people with the problem, talk to each other (possibly with the assistance of a mediating body) or it should be considered to host a national gathering, where issues can be brought to the fore. In such a forum tolerance should be advocated and solutions found that suit all stakeholders; acknowledging and protecting religious (and other) minorities. Thank you Event hosted by: Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light in collaboration with the International Peace Youth Group and Junior Chambers International and Africa Unite
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06 Mar, 2018
#AddressTheVotersRoll – #UDMYV says SA youth must register and take their right to vote seriously!
The UDM Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) encourages the youth of South Africa to register in their numbers on the 10th and 11th of March 2018 and to take the determined step to vote in the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. Those who have already registered, must make time to ensure that their names and correct physical addresses appear on the voters roll. Go to the IEC’s website to check your information on the voters roll or SMS your ID Number to 32810 (R1.00 per SMS). The UDMYV believes that young South Africans have an obligation to register and to vote. For, if you decline to register and/or boycott the vote, it means you have given away your right to influence the course the country takes in the five years after 2019. Snubbing registration and refusing to vote is not rebellion against the African National Congress (ANC) government; it is in fact giving the very same ANC government permission to continue looting state resources that should be spent on youth advancement, skills development and job creation for young South Africans. We therefore call on our fellow young country men and women, to register in your millions and in 2019, choose to vote for leaders who are not corrupt, racist, criminals who run our country like thieves dressed in saintly skins. We must vote for leaders who will create opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, jobs as well as enabling youth to become wealth creators in their communities. The UDMYV has placed it faith in the United Democratic Movement, as the party which espouses these ideals, and which has the right people for the job; a party that is conscious of the plight of young South Africans and creates space for us to make our voices heard to determine our own future. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng, Provincial Secretary secretarygp@udmyv.co.za or yludwe@yahoo.com Or for more information contact: Mr Andile Jabavu UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng, Provincial Chairperson chairpersongp@udmyv.co.za Mr Katleho Mothamaha UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng, Provincial Public Liaison Officer plo@udmyv.co.za
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