Admin
05 Mar, 2018
UDM NEC’s plans and checks readiness for 2019
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) National Executive Committee (NEC), met at the weekend, to discuss several issues of national importance and gauged the Party’s readiness for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections in terms of its planning. Amongst its plans had been to host election workshops and meetings, in 2018/9, in the lead-up to the elections. The UDM in the Western Cape has already indicated that they are geared to host a mass meeting on 17 March, whilst the Party in Gauteng shall be ready to engage with the public on 21 March. The UDM in the Eastern Cape will follow in their tracks on the 27th of April. We will of course be mobilising communities to register new voters and to encourage existing ones to check their address information on the voters roll at Independent Electoral Commission’s registration weekend on the 10th and 11th of March. We will keep the nation abreast of any changes and additional events on our calendar as time progresses. A National Elections Workshop of the UDM will have its own strategy session, in the third week of May, where the draft manifesto will be presented and to keep its finger on the pulse of the Party’s nationwide campaigns. In addition, the UDM’s national leaders have been invited to, on the 12th of March, visit the Entlangwini Palace to meet with the King, AmaKhosi and the community. The NEC also discussed the status quo of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipal Council and noted that the Economic Freedom Fighters called for the removal of Mayor Trollip. The “new dawn”, promised at this year’s State of the Nation Address, was discussed and the UDM NEC expressed the opinion that it sounds a hollow prospect, as events unfold, with some of the prime suspects in state capture surviving the recent cabinet reshuffle. With this move, President Ramaphosa has already started off on the wrong foot and the UDM NEC believes that South Africa is in for more-of-the-same. The involvement of former President Zuma in the African National Congress’ (ANC) electioneering activities, casts doubt that it is at all serious about its plans to eradicate corruption. Mr Zuma’s token removal only happened, because the opposition and civil society put so much pressure on the ANC that they no longer had room to manoeuvre. Their keeping Mr Zuma at the forefront of their election work is like asking a bank-robber to guard the money. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
27 Feb, 2018
Subject for Discussion: Expropriation of land without compensation
Address by Mr ML Filtane, MP in the National Assembly Honourable Deputy-Speaker and Honourable Members In November 1990, 85 churches met for the National Conference of Church Leaders in South Africa and produced what is well known as the Rustenburg Declaration. The central theme of the Conference was the expression of the contrition for the wrongs and sins of the past, and a call for action to repair those wrongs. In paragraph 2.4. of the declaration, the (Church Leaders) Conference said … “we know that without genuine repentance and practical restitution we cannot appropriate God’s forgiveness and that without justice true reconciliation is impossible”. The Conference said… “As a first step towards restitution, we call on the Government to return all land expropriated … to its original owners”. The call by the church leaders, would respond to what, today, seems to be glaringly missing in the debate about land. Notwithstanding the provisions of the constitution, the question of moral demand or rightness of not only changing land access and relationships, BUT of repairing the hurt, misery, brokenness, and trauma of people often violently ripped from their land for generations. In 2013, we marked the centenary of the 1913 Native Land Act, which heralded an extraordinary scale of land dispossession. Many South Africans, including members of this House, made moving observations and experiences about the viciousness of that Act and its subsequent impact on land ownership in South Africa. However, any talk on land, has still not translated into a legislative and policy landscape that recognises the question of land reform as a matter inclusive economic development, moral concern and legal justice. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) supports the wide and inclusive consultative process on this matter of nation interest. We want to remind citizens that the most lucrative and substantial amount of land was taken before the 19th of June 1913. The failure of the restitution programme, as found in the report of the High Panel, represents justice denied. The principle of justice, as would have been understood by the conference of Church Leaders, demands that where something was unjust acquired or taken away, it must be returned or given back. In simple language, if you steal my vehicle, I lay a claim to it, I deserve it back. I am not required to buy it back. This is what the moral and legal interpretation of what justice must be. Justice delayed is justice denied. It cannot be that to the victor go the spoils and so a “finder-keepers” situation. In fact, what may invite unending conflict, is not the return of land to its rightful owners, but the refusal to do so “… return the land to its rightful owners”. Given the historical reality of our society, the current economic challenges confronting the nation, the increasing levels of inequality and poverty, the UDM support, the motion. Thank you
Admin
27 Feb, 2018
President Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle is a major disappointment
The United Democratic Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) would like to express concern over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle. At most this cabinet represents the old order of former President Jacob Zuma and is divorced from the supposed “New Dawn” that the African National Congress (ANC) claims to espouse. How else would the President explain the retention of people such as Ms Bathabile Dlamini, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane (as the face of government), Mr Malusi Gigaba, Mr Sfiso Buthelezi and Mr Kebby Maphatsoe? It is quite clear that President Ramaphosa puts the ANC’s needs before those of the country. Signs are clear that the ANC will never change and therefore the United Democratic Movement must stand up to lead the people of South Africa. The absence of young persons in this cabinet is very disappointing especially in the ministry of sports and recreation where an opportunity was missed to bring in a young person. The reappointment of Mr Nhlanhla Nene, as finance minister, is however welcomed and the UDMYV wishes him well in filling that position. The UDMYV would like to challenge President Ramaphosa to put his foot down and lead the country with conviction. He promised to trim his cabinet and he has failed to do so owing to his party’s internal politics. We call on the people of South Africa to note this anti-climactic moment and hold President Ramaphosa and the ANC to account in the 2019 national and provincial elections. Issued by: Katleho Mothama Political Liaison Officer, UDMYV Gauteng plogp@udmyv.co.za Yongama Zigebe Provincial Secretary, UDMYV Gauteng secretarygp@udmyv.co.za yludwe@yahoo.com
Admin
27 Feb, 2018
UDEMWO: The Ramaphosa cabinet is an insult to SA women
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disappointed by President Ramaphosa’s choice of ministers. While we notice with disgust the recycling of the Zuma cabinet nothing would have prepared us for Ms Bathabile Dlamini as the Minister of Women in the Presidency. The fact that the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League decided to elect her as its president does not necessarily mean that she is capable to do the important work this ministry needs to do. South African women deserve better that this hogwash and the President must realise that elevating Bathabile Dlamini into his office is incomprehensible and a grievous insult to the women of this country. This cabinet reshuffle brings us to the realisation that there is no difference between the Zuma and the Ramaphosa administrations. As former President Zuma once said that the ANC is bigger than the nation. President Ramaphosa is giving a nation recycled persons (some with dubious records) in his effort to keep the so-called unity within the ANC. As far as UDEMWO is concerned, there is no Ministry for Women in South Africa despite the many challenges that women are currently facing in this country. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
22 Feb, 2018
Subject for Discussion: Debate on the State of the Nation
Address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP (NCOP) in the National Assembly The UDM has been vindicated When His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, during his State of the Nation Address 2018 responded positively to the issue of the service providers being paid on time by the government departments, within the policy of thirty days. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has been advocating the issue of service providers through its public representatives in parliament since 2005 and talking to all departments. The UDM has been calling on the government since 2005 through speeches and members statements to pay service providers within the thirty days, as it is the policy of government. The President has now reiterated that this issue is going to be looked at and rectified as people and political parties has been complaining about this issue. We are very much happy that now the people of South Africa will benefit extremely as there are many South Africans who are doing services for government. The government must always keep its promises; as well, it is also the policy to pay service providers within thirty days. Thank you
Admin
19 Feb, 2018
Subject for Discussion: DEBATE ON SONA
Address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP (NCOP) in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members Mr President, we welcome your commitment to make the public service work. We therefore call on you, to professionalise service delivery as a function of public servants. They are employed to serve the people and not to be served by the people. Your administration, must put South Africa First. We must, as you have promised, make sure that public service is not a dumping site of unqualified, incompetent and lazy people, who are a product of your party’s deployment policy. This must come to an end now. Secondly, we welcome your commitment towards the Small Business Development. Accordingly, we suggest, that there must be consequences for failing to pay service providers within the specified time. There must be consequences for those who fail to implement government policy. For example, if a service provider is not paid within 30 days, there must be an interest accrued and such must be taken from the salary of the defaulting government official. As you establish your advisory streams, we call on you, to ensure that, this good initiative is not merely a payback for loyalty to you or your party. Therefore, you must, tap into the rich knowledge, expertise and wisdom of the society at large beyond party political confines. Mr President, industrialisation must not fly above the head of the majority of our people. It must originate and be driven from below. Your administration must invest in local economic development and prioritise rural economy. We are in this morass, as a consequence of poor management of state affairs by the governing party. However, you must be able to acknowledge this in order to steer the country on the correct course. It should be said that charity begins at home, cleansing must begin at home too. You must take the lead and deal decisively with those who commit crime against the people of South Africa. South Africans must be shifted from greed and corruption in which they have been accustomed to by previous leadership, and now focus on creating a society that we can all identify with and be proud to promote. If I judged correctly I would say approximately 80% of your speech was concentrated on economic matters and need for entrepreneurial revitalisation. We welcome your message of charting a new path for our country and imprinting footprints for what you call our future greatness. The idea of concentrating on JOBS, especially to tackle youth unemployment is well advised. I become concerned when politicians mention Extended Public Works jobs as part of tackling unemployment, as if they were sustainable jobs. These are dig a hole and fill it kind of jobs, they are great as emergency bailouts but are not real sustainable jobs. If we going to create real low skill jobs we must, as you have emphasized, you need to look deeper at construction and agriculture. We must couple it with the agenda of modernising our schools, building new community medical clinics that would expand access to quality low-cost care. We must include them on plans to upgrade broken-down electrical substations, localising the building of trains and buses and public housing to mention a few. The Job summit and investment conference are good ideas – provided it is not a white-wash in the manner in which government currently conducts its public consultations without effecting any suggestions from the public. You need to take seriously other people’s views, especially when they conflict with yours, because that is the only way you will also test and strengthen yours. Do not come with the dismissive attitude of thinking that the voice of experts on the field carries more weight. Often it is people on the ground, who know where it pinches and how to solve it. I am also sure opposition parties, like the UDM, who’ve been calling for an Economic Indaba will support you on this. Thank you
Admin
19 Feb, 2018
State of the Nation Address 2018 debate
Contribution by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and President of the United Democratic Movement on the occasion of the State of the Nation Address 2018 debate in the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa • Honourable Speaker & chairperson of the NCOP • Mister President • Honourable Members 1. Congratulations Mr Ramaphosa! When an opponent has done well, one must applaud and say: “Well done”. Well done on your speech Mr President! Your message has restored hope and put South Africa on the right track for the restoration of our dignity. This opportunity was given to you on a silver platter by the steadfast efforts of the loyal opposition, the media and civil society, while your party’s leadership turned a blind eye to brazen looting of state resources and fiddled while South Africa was burning. Who will forget the hundreds of thousands of South Africans who marched in a united display of dissatisfaction over an ill-suited and irresponsible President of the Republic. 2. Corruption is the lynchpin in giving effect to your SONA vision 3. Madam Speaker, Institutionalised corruption has been exacerbated by political heads usurping the powers of accounting officers in all three tiers of government. And Mr President, there must be consequences for those who have been found guilty of corruption. 4. The work of the State Capture Inquiry The State Capture Inquiry must be beefed up with the inclusion of forensic audit experts and even the Hawks. The Justice Department must be directed to make special provision for prosecuting capacity and the establishment of dedicated courts to expedite justice, as was done in 2010 with the Soccer World Cup. Once the Inquiry identifies an incident of corruption, the Hawks must pounce, the judicial system must take the baton, whilst the Inquiry continues. 5. On a side note Mr President, you mentioned infrastructure development in your speech; and specifically referred to roads, millions of South Africans are forced to travel long distances to work in the cities and mines. These long-distance travels are marred by accidents, death and injury, with some using insensible transport. It might be time for us to consider state of the art, safe, speed trains to decongest roads, decrease accidents and to save time and lives. Also, Mr President, we need to attend to the phenomenon of anarchy in our society, the general lack of discipline and disrespect for the law. 6. Thuma Mina Your call to action resonates with all South Africans Mr President! We all want to see it prosper so that we might thrive as a collective and as individuals. Your call builds on the action initiated by opposition parties and civil society of the course of the past year or so. We all said “we wanna be there” to stay the rot of corruption; and we were there on the streets in our thousands. We commend your consultative style and welcome the initiatives you mentioned in your SONA, but you did not go far enough. There must be a broadening of the collective consultative process and a wide range of topics that should be interrogated and discussed. Call it what you will, an indaba, convention or a summit, but we need to convene under one roof to discuss the critical challenges facing South Africa today. Contrary to the opinion of some political gurus, who said the opposition was exclusively obsessed with getting rid of former president Zuma, we have laid the groundwork for this national dialogue. With the input from some academics, we compiled a draft “Problem Statement”, which was released in August last year, to serve as a fundamental basis for such a dialogue. The identified issues are: • The reinstatement of our Constitutional order and the Rule of Law; • Reaffirmation of our founding vision and values; • Measures to ensure inclusive economic participation and to address inequality; • Reversing our economic decline. • The establishment of a shared consensus on land reform. This should include the rural tenure system, bodies like the Ingonyama Trust, as well as selling of urban land to foreigners. • Review the National Development Plan, with regard to its implementation and outcomes; • Reviving our national morality and the eradication of systemic corruption; • The reformation of our electoral system to enhance accountability and responsiveness; • Review of the powers and functions of the President to resolve the over- concentration of power; • The development of a capable and professional state, which requires fair employment opportunities in government, for all South Africans as opposed to non-professionals being parachuted into positions of power. • The rehabilitation of our international standing based on a human rights approach. • The reinvigoration of our structures and systems of education and training to ensure skills development and meaningful participation in economic and social activities; • Reversing social decay and putting a stop to violence against women and children; • The fostering of reconciliation, social cohesion and nationhood; • Resolving impediments to the progressive realisation of our basic human rights; • Strengthening and ensuring the independence of our Chapter 9 Institutions; • The reformation of party-political funding; • Securing the attainment of all role players towards the attainment of a state of good governance and the values that underpin it; We are here Mr President and we wanna be there to help find sustainable solutions. I thank you
Admin
16 Feb, 2018
UDMYV: Some SONA2018 announcements give hope to young South Africans
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) has taken note of the State of the National Address delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 16 February 2018. This on the back foot of many young people of South Africa who continue to be marginalised due to lack of job opportunities in the country. The UDMYV welcomes the President’s commitment to “move young South African’s to the centre of the national economic agenda.” Some of the initiatives announced today include: 1. A jobs summit 2. Launch of Youth Employment Service Initiative 3. Establishment of a Youth Working Group represented by all young South Africans. 4. Creation of one million internships in three years. The UDMYV supports these initiatives in principle and would avail its machinery for the success of these programmes as the UDMYV recognises that the exclusion of young people from economic activity is an injustice to the black child in particular. We also hope that these programmes are not designed to appease the African National Congress Youth League whom we believe are enemies of the President in his party’s factional battles. The UDMYV therefore calls for wide representation and inclusion of all youth formations in these programmes. We shall also continue to work with the United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) at all tertiary institutions to make sure that free education is implemented in order to benefit the millions of young South Africans who seek to venture into higher education and training. The economy needs a new approach that will attract international investors and create jobs. The UDMYV believes that manufacturing through localisation will indeed help to achieve this and that ratings agencies will upgrade South Africa out of junk status. Issued by: Katleho Mothamaha UDMYV Political Liaison Officer, Gauteng plo@udmyv.co.za Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Provincial Secretary, Gauteng Secretarygp@udmyv.co.za yludwe@yahoo.com
- 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
