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31 Aug, 2017
UDM rejects DA’s dirty tricks campaign
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP Since the outrageous DA orchestrated ousting of Deputy Executive Mayor Mongameli Bobani from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan coalition government, such senior DA leaders as Mmusi Maimane, James Selfe, and Athol Trollip have relentlessly attacked the UDM, its loyal coalition partner until the DA breached the relationship. I trust that the High Court will separate fact from fiction and that the honourable court will see through the DA’s politicking and identify the DA’s smear campaign against Bobani and the UDM. The UDM is taking a dim view of the irresponsible statement by DA Leader Maimane, to the effect that the UDM, in defending Bobani, is in fact also covering up corruption. The UDM rejects this false and loaded accusation by Maimane with deserved contempt. A civil application in the High Court is launched today, to interdict and restrain the municipality from implementing the August 24 decision to remove Deputy Executive Mayor Bobani; and to reinstate him. The UDM argues that the mechanics of the introduction and acceptance of, and the voting on, and the decision of Council to pass a motion of no confidence in the Deputy Executive Mayor was unconstitutional and unlawful from the outset and should be set aside. And, in any event, a majority of council members of the Municipality were not present during the vote. The DA, claiming good governance at every turn, should have known better than to have proceeded with the motion; should know better than to defend the illicit decision to remove the Deputy Executive Mayor. What the DA claims, and what the DA does; what the DA promises, and what the DA delivers, remain alarmingly divergent. The motion of no confidence is both unreasonable and irrational because there is no factual or legal grounds for the removal of the Deputy Executive Mayor. Councillor Bobani had not been formally accused of any wrongdoing; councillor Bobani had not been granted any opportunity to defend himself, or even to be heard on the alleged accusations of wrongdoing. The architect of this outrageous political plot, DA Executive Mayor Trollip, refers only to some forensic report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a report produced without any input from the Executive Deputy Mayor apparently compromised by the findings. The flagrant DA double standard in dealing with its own, as the current Bongi Madikizela birthday party matter in the Western Cape Legislature clearly indicates, is unconscionable and offensive. The PwC report was never even tabled in council. All the so-called “evidence of corruption” was kept in DA briefcases. The DA has been making noise about these unfounded allegations against councillor Bobani, but the DA did not, and the DA would not share the information with its fellow leaders in the coalition. Trollip did not even refer the so called misbehaviour of Bobani to the Ethics Committee as required by municipal regulations. It is clear that a DA Kangaroo court presided over Bobani in his absence It is a fact that a coalition multi party enquiry levelled accusations of wrongdoing against both Trollip and Bobani; only Bobani had been sanctioned by Council. Again, the flagrant, unmitigated double standard is as appalling as it is shameful. It is a fact that the DA encouraged and pressured Members of Parliament to vote their conscience in the August 8 motion of no confidence in President Zuma, and are now sanctioning Bobani for his considered voting record in Council. Yet again, the flagrant, unmitigated double standard is as appalling as it is shameful. In typical DA baasskap style, the DA ordered an acolyte, Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor Marlon Daniels, won over with a mayoral committee seat, and unilaterally invited to join the coalition government, to table the motion is so insulting that more than half the councillors walked out in disgust while the DA Speaker hastily counted remaining heads in an emptying chamber. The UDM, a loyal, and the largest DA coalition partner at the time, had not even been consulted on the PA joining ranks. Accordingly, the PA’s inclusion in the coalition government is invalid and of no force and effect. The PA was, apparently, sneaked in to front its new master’s dirty work. Quite ridiculous. If the DA can ever be said to be transparent, it is because the DA’s intimidation tactics are so transparent. Bullying is most certainly not conducive to mature coalitions. The DA’s current coalition management appears to be a bridge too far for an assumptive political party with some 1 in 4 voter support. Given its current political management, the DA can hardly be expected to lead a national coalition government by Apartheid style baasskap dressed up in a cheap tuxedo. As it is becoming all too evident that the DA cannot manage coalitions, the UDM will step up to strengthen the developing mechanics of coalition governance in the run-up to 2019, when coalition governance is expected to become the norm in the next chapter of South Africa’s maturing democracy. To this end the UDM is seeking relief against DA intimidation in the High Court not because the UDM is belligerent, or annoyed, or insulted, but because the UDM is determined to expose the empty DA promise of working coalitions against corruption. The court will have to rule on the DA’s underhanded, treacherous tactics in the vain attempt to get rid of a “coalition partner” not willing to dance to the exact tune of the lordly DA clan master. The UDM will not abandon the people of the NMB Metro. The UDM will not abandon the people of South Africa while the biggest opposition party continues to try to enforce itself by intimidation, in the absence of substantive vision. The UDM is committed to strengthening governance in all spheres. Because the UDM stands for inclusive government, not exclusive, disdainful lordliness by some arrogated superiority. End
Admin
30 Aug, 2017
UDM is concerned about fatalies in the mines
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary The United Democratic Movement (UDM) conveys a message of condolences to the families of the mineworkers who tragically lost lives at Kusasalethu Mine, Carltonville. We pray that those still trapped underground will be brought to surface. The families are not alone in this sad time. This incident is a reminder of unsafe environment mineworkers are working under. The latest tragedy is yet another incident that gives clear evidence that mineworkers are not safe while in the line of duty. The UDM is concerned by the growing numbers of the fatalities in the mines. Mine workers are risking their lives trying to provide food for their families while their lives are in danger. The mining sector is making lot of money and most of these accidents could be avoided provided the Department of Mineral Resources, mining bosses with their stakeholders may put the lives of mineworkers first. The lives of the workers must not be taken for granted. It is time for government to fulfil the promise of protecting the workers and intervene to curb these fatalities in the mining sector. Mine companies that fail to meet safety requirements must be shut down. One life lost is too many. End
Admin
25 Aug, 2017
NMB coalition: UDM participation – notice to pull out
Letter by UDM President Bantu Holomisa to Coalition Opposition Party Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MP President, African Christian Democratic Party Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, MP President, Congress of the People Mr Mmusi Maimane, MP Leader, Democratic Alliance Dr Pieter Groenewald, MP Leader, Freedom Front Plus Dear Colleagues NELSON MANDELA BAY METRO COALITION: UDM PARTICIPATION – NOTICE TO PULL OUT 1. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) National Executive Committee (NEC) met on Saturday, 5 August 2017. The NEC expressed serious reservations about the manner with which the Democratic Alliance (DA) treats the UDM in dealing with the situation at the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM). 2. The UDM NEC expressed its intense dislike of the DA’s style and manner of operation which undermine the Coalition and the decisions we had taken, at the highest level, to resolve the situation concerning Councillors Trollip and Bobani. The findings of the three-person team remain that both Councillors Trollip and Bobani were fingered by the findings of the investigation, Yet, the DA seems to think that it is above those decisions and want to unilaterally force the UDM to comply. Why is the DA not taking action against Councillor Trollip? This is a double standard. In the end, the Co-governance Agreement makes provision for a conflict resolution mechanism and we have followed those prescriptions to the letter. Why is the DA operating like “big-brother” outside these provisions? They are not only attacking the UDM directly, but also actively undermining the collective leadership of the Coalition Partners. 3. In addition, we take a dim view of the underhanded scheme to have Cllr Marlon Daniels (from the Patriotic Alliance (PA)) move for a motion of no-confidence against Deputy-Executive Mayor Bobani. We wonder at this PA/DA “side-marriage”, which seems to be outside the Co-governance Agreement? How is this relationship managed? Is the PA being swallowed by the DA? How can Councillor Daniels, who is not a Coalition Partner, be aware or have information about the allegations that Councillor Bobani is destabilising the Coalition? 4. The DA is acting in such a hypocritical manner. We are reminded that, at the first council meeting in the City of Johannesburg, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) insisted that they would not work with the DA, should it go ahead with the appointment of Councillor Herman Mashaba as Executive Mayor. The DA told the EFF they would not be dictated to by another political party; yet in this instance the DA wants to dictate to the UDM? Yet another double-standard. 5. To make matters worse, in a recent City Press article, DA leader Musi Maimane, said about Cllr Bobani: “…that a preliminary investigation into the deputy mayor showed prima facie evidence of corruption.” The UDM has not been privy to this “preliminary investigation”; which begs the question whether any of the Coalition partners have seen it? The City Press also reported that: “Maimane said the DA had repeatedly appealed to the UDM national leadership to replace Bobani with another candidate, but the party refused to do so, signalling a tolerance for corruption which infringed upon the coalition agreement.” On the 22nd of August, in a meeting of the leaders of coalition in Cape Town, Maimane asserted that the DA has a report from PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) which implicates Bobani in maladministration. The leaders of the coalition demanded to be given this report. The PricewaterhouseCoopers report was only delivered yesterday, the 23rd of August, and we are still yet to see a line that implicates Bobani on corruption. The DA has gone rogue in the worst manner possible. Going to the media and saying that the UDM tolerates corruption is tantamount to defamation. Making these damaging statements about the UDM in the media is also in contravention of the Co-governance Agreement. Why must we tolerate this? 6. The UDM NEC decided that should these matters not be put to rest once and for all, the UDM will review its decision to be part of the NMBMM coalition. As a result of the DA’s dirty tricks campaign against Bobani and the UDM, today Deputy Mayor Bobani was irregularly removed from his post. In light of the DA’s stance, we have no option but to inform you that the decision of the UDM’s NEC must be put into immediate effect. In other words, if Bobani is not reinstated to his position by the 28th of August, the UDM will pull out. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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24 Aug, 2017
Dlamini-Zuma visit to Marikana – a gimmick
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) notes with anger the visit of Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in Marikana, North West. It was just a gimmick. Her visit was nothing but a campaigning stunt. As the country celebrated women and their role in the month of August, we do not remember her visiting or mentioning anything about the women who lost their relatives during Marikana Massacre. Dlamini Zuma is nothing but an opportunist along with her team. They must stop taking people for a ride to fulfil their mission. The ruling party’s women’s league is quiet on matters relating to women but it is easy for them to use the same vulnerable women so they can be in power. The women’s league seems clueless on its role in the society or it is only in existence to protect corruption and to promote women abuse as they have shown previously. We commend the community of Marikana for not allowing her in the area. That should be a lesson and a message that people are tired of fruitless promises. End
Admin
16 Aug, 2017
UDEMWO disappointed by SA law on Grace Mugabe
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General As the country celebrates women, the abuse continues to take place. As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are disappointed by the reports of Mrs Grace Mugabe who allegedly assaulted a 20 old year old woman in Sandton, just few days after Women’s Day. For someone in her position to behave the way she did is saddening. Mrs Mugabe’s actions cannot be justified and unacceptable. She is supposed to be a beacon of hope. What is more disturbing is the fact that the South African law enforcers had allowed her to get away with her horrific action. It also seems as if they protect outsiders more than the citizens. As the country, we witness the Mr Omar al Bashir scandal repeat itself in our own grounds. We were hoping that the case will not be handled with exception and the hand of justice will take its course but we were wrong. End
Admin
11 Aug, 2017
Something is seriously wrong: Aviwe Jam Jam is dead and Deputy Minister Manana is out on bail?
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by reports of yet another female murder victim: young Capetonian Ms Aviwe Jam-Jam. Her name has been added to the ever-lengthening list of woman victims of violence and crime in South Africa. The fact that her body was found dumped at a sport field, not very far from her home, rubs salt into an already raw national wound. Like most women caught in an abusive cycle, Aviwe had – according to a relative – tried to get away from her allegedly abusive boyfriend who seems to be suspected of her murder. It is alleged that her boyfriend had a reputation for violence and destruction of property, yet nothing was done. The system has failed young Aviwe! On the disgraceful actions of Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana, UDEMWO believes that neither the response of ruling party, nor Police Ministry, nor the police services, is vaguely commensurate to the nature of what happened. The Women’s League’s lukewarm reaction to the situation is a condemnation of the women at its helm. Ms Bathabile Dlamini and Ms Baleka Mbete, spends all their time protecting their irredeemable Mr Zuma. You are focusing on the wrong man ladies! Have you no backbone? Deputy Minister Manana is a public leader who should be the daily embodiment of the campaign against gender-violence, for when a prominent South African man makes himself guilty of gender violence, it makes it easy for the ordinary man to follow his example. UDEMWO feels that the Honourable Deputy-Minister has been (and still is) accorded special status when he was not cuffed and arrested. It is hogwash to argue that his actions were “not so bad”. No matter how Police Minister Fikile Mbabula tries to spin the situation, his colleague is getting special treatment. We urge the state prosecutors to not spare Deputy Minister Manana because of his status and the magistrate should throw the book at him. UDEMWO believes that gender equality lies in transforming the balance of power between men and women and therefore urges all women to continue to campaign for our rights. Women, shout to the rafters that we are not the convenient punching bags or the sex slaves of some immoral men. Gone are the days where women endured abuse at the hands of their male counterparts, but they had no voice. End
Admin
10 Aug, 2017
UDM reaction to the DA’s proposed motion for the dissolution of the National Assembly
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) does not support the Democratic Alliance (DA) sponsored motion for the dissolution of the National Assembly. We respect the DA’s right to propose motions like any other political party represented in the National Assembly. Of immediate importance to the UDM, is the state of readiness of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. The IEC reportedly needs R300 million, as well as access to municipalities’ databases to capture voters’ addresses before the Constitutional Court deadline of June next year. The IEC must move with speed to ensure that the voters’ roll is cleaned and that correct addresses of the electorate are factored in. To this end, we call on Government to ensure that the IEC is provided with the money they need to comply with the ruling. The mandate of the current Government comes to an end in 2019, and we are working towards that end. We want to make sure that the 2019 Elections are credible, free and fair.
Admin
08 Aug, 2017
UDM reaction to outcome of MONC in Mr Zuma
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) accepts the result of today’s vote on the motion of no-confidence in Mr Zuma. We are however perturbed by the choice of the African National Congress (ANC) Members of the National Assembly who sided with an irreparably corrupt President. The people of South Africa have been shown the middle-finger for the eight time. We however welcome and are happy with the almost thirty ANC Members who voted against thievery and Mr Zuma. The battle to save South Africa is not over though. The UDM will join the Economic Freedom Fighters’ court proceedings for Mr Zuma’s impeachment. We shall also intensify our campaigns on the streets, in Parliament, and everywhere, for as long as Mr Zuma remains in office. South Africans can now see the difference between those who stand for the truth and those who stand for the looting of their Country’s resources meant to alleviate poverty and erase unemployment. The ANC regards our people as mere fodder, used to vote it into power every five years, but in return its leaders continue to steal from them. Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa,MP and UDM President
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