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12 Dec, 2015
Address by Bantu Holomisa, MP delivered at UDM 5th National Congress In Bloemfontein
Honoured guests, members, viewers at home, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to stand in front of you today, on behalf of the National Leadership, to report to back to you on our performance over the past five years. Chairperson, You will recall that the UDM was established at a time when the climate was not conducive to the formation of opposition parties in South Africa. As a result, we lost many comrades, such as our first Secretary General, Sifiso Nkabinde and others, through assassinations during this period. We should give ourselves a big round of applause for remaining dedicated and steadfast in the project of building a strong UDM that is a Political Home for All against overwhelming odds. We have also lost many comrades since the 2010 Congress. Included in this list, is our late Deputy President, Professor Ntopile Kganyago, among others. Fellow South Africans, We also gather here today just over two years since our struggle icon, Tata Nelson Mandela passed away. When the struggle against injustice required leaders to stand up against overwhelming odds, Madiba was at the forefront. For me, and indeed for most of us, Madiba was a beacon of hope. That history is known to all. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to request that we all stand and observe a moment of silence in honour of all these great men and women. May their Souls Rest in eternal Peace! Chairperson, We meet here today on the occasion of the UDM 5th National Congress since the UDM’s inception and after we have just celebrated 18 years of our existence. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all party structures, in particular the outgoing executive for their sterling contribution in building the UDM over the past five years. The incoming executive will have the responsibility to take thins movement, which includes the reviewing of UDM policies. I also wish to thank our staff members both at National Office and provincial levels for their professional help and support. I am pleased to inform you that in line with our Constitution, we have held our elective congresses after every five years. This means we have never failed in our commitment to make democracy work within our own organisation. This meeting of the highest decision making body of our organisation provides us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the road we have travelled. We should therefore spend the next two days doing some serious introspection and developing a clear programme of action on how to take the party forward, as proposed in our 2021 Ascendancy Profile. There are clear indications on the ground that the party is growing, as we regularly welcome new people to the party. We should go out of our way to make new members feel at home and make use of their skills and expertise in party building. The Ascendancy Profile proposes strategies on how to market ourselves and the best ways of reviving and strengthening our associate structures, such as Women, the Youth and Students. To achieve the goals and objectives of this Plan, we will need strong leadership and discipline at all levels. To facilitate deliberations on the state of the organisation, state of the nation and our manifesto for the Local Government Elections, we have included all these documents in your packs. You will recall that this Congress adopted these documents yesterday. Our Congress theme is: SAVE SOUTH AFRICA: Live the dream. We chose this theme because of the overwhelming evidence that in the ruling party government “things are falling part, and the centre cannot hold.” Economic mismanagement, corruption, crime, lawlessness and arrogance of power are the order of the day. With this theme, we are therefore saying the power to save South Africa from the ruling party’s misrule and to change the status quo is in your hands. Fellow South Africans, Yesterday marked the end of the campaign on 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. We are proud of the contribution our members have made during this campaign in helping to build communities that are safe for our women and children. We wish to reconfirm our solidarity and commitment to the elimination of violence against women and children. Colleagues, There is a phrase that has become a mantra of the ruling party: “legacy of Apartheid”. There is nobody among the thousands gathered here today, or the many more viewers at home, that cannot easily identify the scars that Apartheid has left upon our country. But when did Apartheid become a valid excuse for the failures of the current government? Surely we do not need to accept mediocrity, incompetence and corruption, simply because it is inflicted by a democratic government instead of a repressive regime. I fact, quite the opposite; we should be striving for the highest standards. We should have a government that reaches for the ideals embodied in the Constitution. Instead, we find ourselves having to cope with the ANC’s misrule, which undermines the dream of building a better life for all. Literally thousands of public protests occur every year across the country. The vast majority of these are by communities frustrated by 20 years of broken promises over basic services like water and sanitation. It is clear that more and more people are becoming disillusioned with the ruling party’s misrule. When the Youth march into the grounds of Parliament, and protest in their tens of thousands at the Union Buildings demanding free education, it is clear what they think of this government’s failures. From where we are sitting, it is clear that the ruling party lacks the political will to implement its 1994 election promise of free education. Instead, they use every means possible to brutally suppress protests by sending in the police. To make matters worse, the ruling party government prioritises elite projects such as e-tolls and trillion Rand nuclear deals over the needs of the people. This means that the already overburdened taxpayer is being asked to foot the bill for unnecessary and wasteful projects, which are laced with corruption. To say that we, as a nation, deserve better, is an understatement of the century. We need a growing economy that creates jobs in order to end poverty and restore human dignity. And yet, we are saddled with economic policy that does exactly the opposite. Our economy needs to be stimulated and nurtured, with the state playing a decisive role in order to address past imbalances and backlogs. This can be done by investing in small business development, among other things. It is important to remember that no meaningful empowerment of the people can occur without first addressing the lack of access to land for the majority citizens as well as the lack of access to capital. It is for this reason that the UDM believes that South Africa needs to convene an Economic Indaba to develop a blue print for our country’s economy. This Indaba must be similar in scale and scope to the CODESA negotiations, which resolved the basic political direction of our country. Like CODESA, it must include all the stakeholders in society, so that we can loosen the stranglehold of the ruling elite and their dubious consultants. We can no longer trust the ruling party with the running of our economy. For proof, one needs to look no further than President Zuma’s reckless and irresponsible decision to remove Minister Nene and the impact that decision has had on our economy. The danger posed to society by climate change worsens the bleak picture I have sketched above. For instance, today we are facing the worst drought in this country. While this is the state of the nation in brief, we must attend to the ways in which each of us can help to turn this situation around. We are gathered here on the eve of the local government elections. At this Congress we are also launching the UDM election manifesto under the theme: “Put Community First.” However, let me hasten to add that this manifesto serves as a guide. From here, you need to go to your localities and develop manifestos that speak to the challenges facing your communities. For us this represents one of the ways in which we can unite and steer our country back in the right direction. The forthcoming election is our opportunity to demonstrate on a local level that there are solutions to the challenges that face us. United in our desire to create better villages, towns and cities, we can light the way and show which policies should be applied nationally. We have it within our power to effect changes that will result in genuine improvements in the lives of all South Africans. There is one thing that we can all agree on: change is necessary! In this election you are not simply choosing between one political party and another. You can choose another five years of the same old discredited policies and poor service delivery, or you can choose change for the better. Some will claim much has been done in the past 20 years. But we look at reality and know that many of these accomplishments are overstated. For instance, when the ANC government claims to have built more houses, they should admit that more people have badly-built houses. And when the ANC government claims to have provided more services, they should admit that more people are receiving bad and unreliable services. When they claim to have built more infrastructure like roads, they should admit that it is mostly just more tolls and more potholes. To add insult to injury elite projects, like the E-tolls, funnel our taxpayers’ money out of the country. We should be reaching for the highest goals to give expression to the spirit of the Constitution. We must aim to build a country that unleashes its vast potential where each person irrespective of race, gender, class or geography has the opportunity and indeed, the calling! to contribute to a thriving prosperous nation. To build a nation like no other. This local government election is our chance to show that it can be done. Starting in the streets where we live, we can build something greater, something better, to improve the lives of our families and loved ones. As a voter, it is up to you to set a new agenda. You have the power to say what are the real priorities; as opposed to the elite projects such as speed trains, automated tolling, etc. which contribute nothing to your life and only enrich the politically-connected. It is time to PUT COMMUNITY FIRST by prioritising service delivery and removing the politicians and parties standing in the way of that. Once and for all we need to firmly establish the principle that our elected councillors are there to serve the community and not the other way around. All of us pay municipal rates, but in return most of us do not receive the services that are rightfully ours. We have so much work to do, the need is great. But we can do this, we can rise above the current disaster in local government. Let us vote for a party and councillors dedicated to joining hands with their communities. Let us start now, instead of waiting another 5 years. In many municipalities the potholes outnumber the streetlamps. It is up to you, as a voter, to demonstrate your unhappiness with incompetent and corrupt councillors and councils. I give you my personal assurance that if we find any UDM councillors who are failing to deliver, they will be swiftly removed. Other political parties may tolerate corrupt and incompetent councillors, but the UDM does not. I believe that the UDM, and the councillors we are fielding in these elections, provide you with champions for your cause. Our overriding purpose is to serve and PUT COMMUNITY FIRST. The UDM seeks to bring about positive change and improve the quality of life in those wards and municipalities where our councillors are elected. This manifesto introduces you to our thinking on the core principles of how local government should PUT COMMUNITY FIRST. We are eager to meet you, at rallies or within your living rooms, to explain to you, in greater detail, our values and how we intend to serve you in your municipality. Ultimately your UDM councillor is your voice in local government; a person that consults with the community to determine your needs, and then champions your cause in the council. I thank you.
Admin
07 Dec, 2015
UDM National Congress – Discussion document – State of the Nation
In preparation of the 5th UDM National Congress from 11 to 13 December 2015, the UDM issues the following discussion document on the State of the Nation. “A lot has been done since then to change the political, social and economic landscape for the better. It is true that much has been accomplished, but – for instance – when the ANC government claims to have built more houses, they should admit that more people have badly-built houses. And when the ANC government claims to have provided more services, they should admit that more people are receiving bad and unreliable services. When they claim to have built more infrastructure like roads, they should admit that it is just more tolls and more potholes. When did we stop trying to be a world-class nation? To be the best? To excel? To measure ourselves not against the past but against our highest ideals? When did Apartheid become the benchmark… for us to settle for inefficiency, corruption and mediocrity because “at least it’s not Apartheid”?”
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03 Dec, 2015
UDEMWO pleased by SCA verdict: Oscar Pistorius
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is delighted by the new ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal that has found Oscar Pistorius guilty of murder of Reeva Steenkamp. As UDEMWO, we welcome this verdict. The overturning of the court judgement brings hope in the justice system and to women and children that are victims of crime. We hope that the justice system will continue to deal with lawbreakers and not be lenient against them. As the case is going back to the High Court and Judge Thokozile Masipa will once again preside, we hope that it will not drag for a very long time as we feel this is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
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23 Nov, 2015
UDEMWO calls for swift action by MEC Qedani Mahlangu
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the news of a possible risk of babies going blind due to power outage at one of the biggest hospitals in Africa, Chris Hani Baragwanath. It is with great sadness that such an unfortunate event is not taken serious by the health authorities instead the Department of Health in Gauteng is busy playing hide and seek while the health of those innocent babies is at risk of being permanently blind. The power outage could have been avoided. Government has the money for all the lavish lifestyle for the leaders but the important and basic things as health are being taken for granted. Millions of rands are wasted in building and upgrading Nkandla, funding private jet for president while the masses are suffering. UDEMWO is calling upon Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu to a make swift intervention on this problem and other challenges that Gauteng hospitals are faced with. This unfortunate incident adds up to all the misery in health facilities in that province. It has been forever since the Department Of Health was confronted with issues of health such as community members sleeping on the floors at health facilities while others lost lives. What is even sad to this is the fact that the Department of Health in Gauteng is denying the problem to ever exist in that hospital. As UDEMWO, we say more could be done to curb this problem and other problems that hospitals are facing. An immediate action must be made by Health authorities to save these innocent babies. End
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17 Nov, 2015
Presentation by UDM President at SCSA, Zurich
Presentation by the President of the United Democratic Movement and Member of the South African Parliament, Mr Bantu Holomisa at the SwissCham Southern Africa (SCSA) Chamber of Commerce – Zunfthaus zur Schmiden, Marktgasse, Zurich, 17 November 2015 Programme Director, The Chairman, Mr George Umbricht, Her Excellency the South African Ambassador to Switzerland, Ambassador and Mrs Staehelin Dignified Guests and participants from all corners of society, Ladies and gentlemen 1. Introduction: On South Africa entering the global village after apartheid I wish to thank the former UN Ambassador and his wife Irene, the founder of the Ubuntu Foundation, for inviting me to address you and for facilitating my trip. The topics I was asked to discuss are the role of opposition of South Africa and the economic relationship between China and Europe. I was privileged in 1993 to accompany Mr. Nelson Mandela to the United Nations to convince the world that apartheid was to be a thing of the past and therefore they should start lifting sanctions against the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Our success brought high and reasonable expectations that, amongst others, investment into the South African economy would come in droves. It however had not been as easy as we thought. Instead, some companies like Anglo American and Old Mutual pulled the plug and invested off-shore. Although it made great sense to take advantage of the diverse global economy, in particular under the conditions of globalisation, disinvestment from the South African economy negatively affected our developmental path. Politically this reality had its own challenges; it created the perception that those who invested in our economy during the apartheid years were no longer interested in investing in the new South African democracy. 2. The role and viewpoint of the UDM: “Government must do more” The United Democratic Movement’s (UDM’s) policy thrust is that: “Government must do more”. In order for government to create a conducive environment for economic growth, more has to be done, amongst others, to; • Create more friends with capital for direct investment; • Heavily invest in social capital, in particular, skills and knowledge development through a qualitative education system whilst building a healthy nation; • Invest in sector-based planning and implementation, including the creation of sector-specific banks to provide financial assistance to historically disadvantaged groups and individuals; • Provide more funding to facilitate new entrants into the local and global mainstream of productive economy, targeting those who have been locked outside of economic activism; • Develop a funding model that will make it possible for historically disadvantaged communities to participate in their own socio-economic upward mobility; and • Invest in social and economic infrastructure across the entire country and not only in certain pockets should be an over-arching work of government in creating a conducive environment for investment. In this regard, the UDM makes a clarion call to countries such as our host, Switzerland, and other developed nations – in particular those with diplomatic ties with South Africa – to join the developmental path of the RSA. We need you to provide the necessary capacitation of the would-be captains of industry and to help upgrade our technological capacity so that it is able to compete and cooperate with advanced nations. 3. The UDM on clean governance We have from the UDM’s inception in 1997 upheld the principle and practice of clean governance and we have fought relentlessly against the misuse of the public purse. Our reputation on this score is beyond question. We will continue batting on this wicket until our country is free of the scourge of corruption and, for instance, the elitist projects that do not benefit the downtrodden masses, but are designed to benefit the connected few. We firmly understand that the country and its people comes first and not the other way around. In this regard we shall, as we have always done, advocate for the supremacy of our constitution, the defense of our democracy, the separation of powers, as well as promoting the checks and balances. The UDM will also lobby for electoral reform where more power is placed with the electorate where they directly elect their public representatives. 4. The role of opposition parties in South Africa Programme Director, there seems to be a misconception in the so-called developing world that the role of opposition parties, as the name suggests, is limited to opposing everything and anything an incumbent government proposes. Contrary to this, in emerging democracies like ours, the opposition has played and should continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping policy agendas, conducting civic education and fighting corruption – singly or in alliance with other entities. In South Africa we have a vigilant opposition that works with all other institutions and constitutional bodies established to strengthen democracy. Without this vigilant opposition and the independent media, constitutional institutions like the Public Protector and the independent judicial system, our democracy would have already been weakened or have failed. The opposition has in some instances worked as a collective on specific issues and where they differ, political parties go it alone. Our multi-party democracy plays a fundamental role in ensuring that opposition parties are able to discharge their responsibilities as their existence is secured by the Bill of Rights. It is however a fact that South African opposition parties are undermined and vilified. The ruling elite continue to dig deep into the public purse and use official resources to out-compete opposition parties. They also vulgarise majority rule to mean arrogance and a careless attitude towards the people. Just recently, the State President said his political party comes first, before the country. The opposition must remain vigilant so that the country is not turned into a faction of a political party. Political parties, under these circumstances, become victims of political restrictions designed by the incumbent regime. Nevertheless, and within this context, the role of the opposition is without doubt critical and it serves a very important function. Centrally to the role of opposition is to hold those in government accountable for its commissions or omissions. It must at all times be a watchdog making sure that the government acts within the scope of the law, and pointing out failings such as corruption and nepotism, which undermine freedom and democracy. In the same vein, the opposition should present itself as a viable alternative to the incumbent government or be a government in waiting with all the mechanisms in place to take the reins of power. This cannot be over-stated because, when government lets the voters down, citizens should know that the country is in safe hands. Opposition parties should seek to structure and influence alternative international relations that foster cooperation on matters of common interests, whilst putting the nation’s national interests first. In this regard, South Africa should go back to basics and do away with a one-sided approach to international relations, which allows one side of the global community to dominate economic activities within the country. Our point of departure should be the history of our struggle and conducting an audit of the friends who invested in our democracy. This should lead to redefined partnerships for development. 5. South Africa in the global village Today, the world is dominated by the powerful economy of China. Almost all nations are establishing economic relations with this giant. South Africa, as a member of the global village, has not many options but to join other nations to trade with China, Europe and other countries. Lately, we have seen members of Brics, like India, joining South African markets. In this regard, and consistent with the realities of the day, both Europe and China have a key role to play in building the economies of developing countries, including that of South Africa. Even strong economies like the United States of America are growing trade relations with China. However, it is important that a high quality dialogue between policy makers from China and European Union takes place to overcome their institutional differences and pave the way for fruitful economic cooperation that will benefit other countries. Nations must be able to identify their interests and, based on such, be able to structure socio-economic relations that are mutually beneficial. This will mitigate possibilities of unfair dominance by either side. The global village must bring people of all nations together for a better world. I thank you.
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11 Nov, 2015
UDM welcomes sentencing of Mido Marcia’s killers
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi As the United Democratic Movement (UDM), we welcome the sentencing of the eight (8) police officers who were involved in the horrendous assault that led to the death of Mozambican taxi driver Mido Marcia in Daveyton in 2013. The sentencing sends out a clear and strong message to all other officers and criminals who think they are above the law. We hope that the justice system will continue to deal with lawbreakers and not be lenient against them. Such people do not belong in our communities. We hope that the sentence will also be a lesson to other law enforcement officials who abuse their power. End
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04 Nov, 2015
Together moving the NCOP forward
ADDRESS BY LB Gaehler EC NCOP MP TOGETHER MOVING THE NCOP FORWARD AS A VANGUARD OF THE INTERESTS OF PROVINCES Hon Chairperson and Honourable Members Indeed there is more to be gained from running a cohesive and well-co-ordinated system for this house to avoid working in silo and harmful completion and costly duplication of efforts across the sphere of government. It is in this house that all spheres of government, at a legislative level, can find a concrete expression of an integrated approach towards people driven and centred development. The integration of development planning and implementation across the three spheres must be the prime are of focus of this house. Such approach will be a ensuring efficient service delivery is achieve through good working relationship between all role partners. In order to improve our capacity to discharge our work thus making this house, effective as a vanguard of the interests of the people in provinces and in municipalities, we need amongst others, to: • Improve our planning and coordination of the work of this house through a well-designed and managed programming process; • Structure our agenda in a manner that does not take long but secure and sustain qualitative and productive debates; It is a matter of nature and fact, that a human body gets a level of exhaustion after a certain time of concentration; • Spread our work evenly and where possible equal through-out the months of our work. Currently we turn to load the third and fourth term of parliament with heavy loads of work, resulting to unnecessary pressure that my compromise the ability to do quality work; • We need to devise legal mechanisms and methods of ensuring that the oversight reports we send to government departments, provincial and local governments, are attended to and reports on actions taken thereto, are presented to the house in time; • It cannot be an outing followed by a talk show and ends there, because we will be failing the constitutional purpose of this house; and • Reports and views of this house on various audit reports should be acted on by departments, provinces and municipalities, and reports on what has been done be brought back to this house. This house, should and can only be able to claim it vanguard role, when the conditions of our people are improving. To be a vanguard must primarily be about, a consistent and practical determination by all spheres of government, to effectively address the historical challenges which condemned the majority of citizens to marginalisation. We must bring back the pride of all South Africans by amongst others, ensuring that the quality of our democracy is that which is fostering and strengthening intergovernmental relations as a necessary ingredient for sustainable development. Our programme content and outlook, must envisage increased oversight work which is guided by inputs from all provinces and municipalities with regard to the needs of all citizens. At all times, ours must be about, for, with and driven by the people with government and other role player as facilitators. Thank you
Admin
04 Nov, 2015
MPs 2nd Global TB Caucus
ADDRESS BY Ms CN Majeke MP in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker and Members Tuberculosis (TB) represents a threat to both the lives and livelihoods of people in the world and no country can fight it alone. It is a global health threat. In this regard, the Global TB Caucus as well as the 2nd summit, is fully supported as an essential step to foment a truly robust and sustainable global response to this global challenge. South Africa has a high burden of disease from tuberculosis with a growing number of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB cases, which is partially due to the inadequate or incomplete treatment. Tuberculosis disproportionately affects the poor and individuals who are already immunocompromised, marginalised, living in rural areas, without adequate access to Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (DOTS) dispensing health facilities, and the poor with inadequate health infrastructure. Its social impact is enormous due to the prolonged and debilitating nature of the disease, the large incidence of TB cases and the stigma associated with it. Economically, TB, impact includes loss of income among those who are sick, as well as their caretakers, it devastates individuals and their families, and it decrease gross domestic product (GDP). It is the cause as well as a consequence of poverty. In acknowledging and welcoming the department’s National Tuberculosis Management Guidelines, 2014 as well as the TB DOTS Strategy Coordination; the following programmatic areas should be high in the execution of the guidelines and strategy: • The DOTS treatment strategy should be universally implemented and be expanded to cover the most rural areas; • Increase early diagnosis and treatment of TB to limit it spread; • Invest in health infrastructure with well-equipped facilities and proper diagnostic tools; • Strengthen the HIV prevention; Further, the Global Strategy and Targets for Tuberculosis Prevention, Care and Control (The End TB Strategy) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) should be supported, with its emphasis on: • Integrated, patient-centered care and prevention; • Bold policies and supportive systems; and • Intensified research and innovation. Other technical interventions that South Africa should consider include. • Support and create for an enabling environment including social support packages; • Development of a patient-centred care and treatment approach; • Identification and elimination of barriers to accessing TB services by those most at risk; • Engagement of leaders, representatives of key population, and both public and private health providers in encouraging and supporting early and active finding and care to enhance treatment completion. A vision of a South Africa and world free from TB is ambitious yet achievable. Thank you
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