Admin
06 Aug, 2015
Advancing the developmental agenda of municipalities for a better life for our people
Address by Mr LB Gaehler in the NCOP Hon Chairperson and Honourable Members The ruling party is failing the development agenda of municipalities at the expense of the poor rural masses of our people. The visit to the OR Tambo District has exposed this as a fact. People of Port St Johns and Nyandeni had to take to the streets, in demand for the upgrading and maintenance of the roads which are in a devastating state. External and Internal connecting roads are in a state of constant decay with no sense of an urgent action from the ruling elite. Some roads in the Ingquza Local Municipality remain unsurfaced, yet they were gazetted long time ago. There is absolutely no justification for the neglect of such an important infrastructure. Water and sanitation infrastructure is under budgeted, with only R10 million for the management, painfully with no clarity on whether there is a plan and budget for the replacement and maintenance of the daily decaying infrastructure. In some areas within the KSD and Nyandeni municipalities, poor rural people do not have access to basic human necessity, water. Greenville in Mthatha is a case in point, where water has been a scarce human necessity for more than four weeks. Whilst the District Municipality lists as a success, the development of new towns and malls, town planning fails to address the historic spatial development challenges. Much of the reported and planned development does not confirm existence of a spatial development plan seeking to redress the imbalances of the past. Honourable Chairperson, the socio economic infrastructure of the majority of the rural municipalities, demands a special and dedicated attention. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement proposes that a Special Rural Infrastructure backlog fund be created. The current Municipal Infrastructure Grant is either under budgeted and is not bias towards rural areas. Without this crucial intervention, developmental agenda in rural municipalities cannot be advanced. Finally, the advancement of the municipal development agenda will not be realised as long as we have many of the Senior Municipal Managers like the Municipal Managers of the OR Tambo District, the Port St Johns and KSD local municipalities are in acting positions. Worse, in KSD local municipality this unbearable situation doubles up with an Acting Chief Financial Officer. The Ruling party need to take the people of rural areas serious and treat them with respect, if the developmental agenda is to be advanced. Thank you.
Admin
06 Aug, 2015
UDM Parliamentary Caucus denounces the Ad-hoc Committee on Nkandla as flawed and against the law
Statement by UDM President Bantu Holomisa After deliberations this morning the Caucus resolved as follows regarding the Nkandla Ad Hoc committee: 1. The new Ad-hoc committee process has not changed the original position of the UDM that the President must not use the Executive and Parliament to undermine the report of the Public Protector, but should in line with legal prescripts; approach the appropriate court for a judicial review. 2. Irrespective of the findings and recommendations of the Ad-hoc committee given the fact that the ANC bulldozed parliament on this matter, the fact does not change that, this matter is not for parliament but between the President and the Public Protector. Anything to the contrary borders on the conflation of the doctrine of the separation of powers, between the legislature, the judiciary and the executive. UDM will always and in the interest of Constitutional Democracy, refuse to break this fundamental principle. 3. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the independence of Chapter 9 Institutions as they strengthen our democracy. To this end, we support the report of the Public Protector on Nkandla and firmly believe that, only the court of law can review its findings and remedial actions. 4. Consistent with the Executive Members Ethics Act and the Constitution of the Republic, it is the President who can make a legally valid decision not to comply with the remedial actions made by the Public Protector, only if such is based on rationality and cogent reasoning, as the Cape Town High Court determined. 5. This matter must not only be a private property of political parties as it affects all citizens. As a result, we call on all organs of civil society to join the campaign to save this country and its resources for the benefit of the poor. 6. We call on organs of civil society to approach the courts of law to challenge this abuse of power in Parliament by using the institution to protect the President. Thank you
Admin
05 Aug, 2015
Former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION:ENTRENCHING FORMER PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA’S LEGACY OF DEDICATED AND SELFLESS SERVICE TO BUILDING A SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE SOCIETY ADDRESS BY Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Hon Speaker and members This debate reminds me of a haunting question that Tata Mandela asked me in the early nineties and the question was … “Bantu what happened to all the birds that used to inhabit this place?”. This question would have been occasioned by an acknowledgement that even in the most remote rural areas, the morning enjoyment of the tranquillity of nature, the harmonious sounds of the birds, their beautiful singing has long gone. Poverty, against which Mandela dedicated the entirety of his life fighting to defeat, has forced people to continue resorting to trees, as wood to make fire to cook and keep warm, resulting to the destruction of the natural forests. Today we are confronted by a life threatening global warming, the lack of production of food through home based gardening, which cause hunger, unhealthy environment and unsustainable livelihood. Indeed with Nelson Mandela having fought and served to build a socially inclusive and sustainable global society, the 67 minutes we contribute to this good cause would seem appropriate way to honour the legacy of this icon of our time, but more can still be done for 365 days. In this regard, I propose that we consider an International Project to restore the tranquillity of the nature. This means launching global re-afforestation programmes together with food production gardens in every household in the world. To be conclusive on this proposal, it may be termed a Nelson Mandela Forests and Gardens in which case, the nation that gave birth to this great patriot, South Africa, may lead the international community by starting with its own chapter. In our country, this initiative will go a long way to address historical consequences of an environment that was deliberately designed along the racial lines whilst creating more opportunities for jobs. Equally important, is that such an approach will also instil a culture of participation and ownership which our Constitutional Democracy requires. I thank you.
Admin
17 Jul, 2015
President Zuma to look into issues raised by Bantu Holomisa: Moretele Local Municipality
Issued by the Office of the Presidency President Jacob Zuma has assigned the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) to look into the issues raised by United Democratic Movement leader and Member of Parliament, Gen. Bantu Holomisa on the challenges facing Moretele Local Municipality, in the North West Province. General Holomisa has written to the President raising concerns about service delivery matters such as water and sanitation, roads infrastructure, public works programmes and general management of the municipality. The DPME will liaise with the province and other affected Departments. Enquiries: Harold Maloka – Maloka.harold@gmail.com or Harold@presidency.gov.za
Admin
16 Jul, 2015
UDEMWO is devastated by the recent horrific attack against a 14 year old girl in Grabouw
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) we are devastated by the recent attack on the 14 year old girl in Grabouw, Western Cape. We would like to convey our message of support and wish her a speedy recovery from this horrific attack. This young girl has shown bravery after her brutal attack and was able to name the culprit. This incident is taking us back and reminding us of what happened to Anene Boysen who was also brave enough to name her attackers and the justice system failed her and many women of this country by letting one of the attackers walk free because of lack of evidence. We hope this time the hand of justice will do the right thing and be for the victim other than the perpetrator. Such individuals who abuse women and children in any how do not deserve to be part of our communities and that is why we want him to rot in jail for the horrendous act he has committed. We hope that the sentencing will be a lesson to other perpetrators out there. The abuse of women and children is growing everyday in this country and we cannot fold arms and watch, something needs to be done to curb this problem in this country. As UDEMWO, we are calling upon the Department of Social Development to make sure that women and children are protected. End
Admin
15 Jul, 2015
Bantu Holomisa writes to President Zuma re sorry state of Moretele Local Municipality in urgent need of Government’s attention
Dear Honourable President, RE: SORRY STATE OF MORETELE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN URGENT NEED OF GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION The above mentioned matter has reference. A few weeks ago, I was invited to a community meeting by the Concerned Residents of Moretele Local Municipality in North West Province. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and find solutions to the challenges facing their Municipality. In addition to the meeting, the Community had also planned a march on 26 June 2015 to the Municipal Offices to deliver a Memorandum of Complaints to the Mayor. Both events took place, and were a huge success. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, I could not attend these events. Mrs Thandi Nontenja, our National Treasurer, represented the UDM at these events. After receiving a Report from Mrs Nontenja about her visit to Moretele Local Municipality, I felt obligated to write you this letter in order to bring to your attention the challenges besetting Moretele Local Municipality. Below is a summary of the residents’ complaints. For more details, please consult the attached Memorandum. 1. Poor Leadership and Corruption The residents complained about poor leadership and bad management at the Municipality. They accused the leadership of failing to attend meetings and of failing to fulfil their service delivery promises and mandates. They also alleged that some of the senior leaders of the Municipality are involved in corrupt activities. For details, please see attached Memorandum. 2. Water and Sanitation It was with a great deal of shock to hear that about 56 Moretele villages have no access to clean running water and sanitation. These villagers still use pit toilets and have to walk long distances to fetch water from nearby rivers. It beggars belief that more than 20 years into our democracy there are still people, who live in such conditions. This is a serious violation of our people’s basic human rights, as access to clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights that are essential for life and human dignity. We call on your Government to urgently look into this matter. In so doing, kindly also look into the millions of Rands that the residents claim were spent on the water reservoirs that were either never used or have never worked. 3. Public Works Programmes and Road Infrastructure The residents complained bitterly about the poor management of the Public Works Programmes in North West. They have apparently made numerous requests to the Provincial PWP leadership to discuss the poor state of their road infrastructure, but all their efforts have come to naught. Their roads infrastructure is so poor to the point where most of their roads are impassable. This, needless to say, disconnects these communities from important economic hubs in the Province. As already indicated above, this is a summary of some of the key issues that were raised by the residents of Moretele during their engagements with Mrs Nontenja. For more details, please see attached Memorandum of Complaints. Feel to contact person Thubakgalo at 072 832 0233 should you require more information. We call on your Office to urgently look into the sorry state of this Municipality. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
14 Jul, 2015
Department of Correctional Service is letting down the nation
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned about the growing number of prisoners escaping in correctional facilities throughout the country, which sometimes becomes a clear indication that Correctional Service officials might have got a hand in these acts. This has also caused the public to lose hope on state organs due to victims becoming vulnerable and more susceptive to crime, after the culprits have escaped from prison. We are calling upon Minister of Correctional Services Micheal Masutha to come to his senses and deal with this problem. He should immediately come forward and tell the nation he is failing to fulfil his duties and abdicate his position. Prison escape is fast becoming a norm and it is very troubling, as many of these prisoners are behind bars for very serious crimes including and certainly not limited to murder and rape. The Department of Correctional Service must ensure that stringent security measures are put in place and adhered to by all the stakeholders involved. Almost everyday prisoners are escaping from prisons around South Africa and some do not get to be rearrested. Also, the officials placed in their guard, those within authoritative positions, get away with not following up or even conducting proper investigations. It is unfortunate that our government together with departments do not heed communities and often, ordinary citizens and community members are so oppressed in their own living environments, that they resort to violent protests in order to be heard. Criminals mock society’s laws. This has also raised a question on the killing of the South African Police Service officials as we feel that the escapees might be involved. Not long ago a number of prisoners escaped from Groenpunt Maximum Correctional Facility in Vereening. This further confirmed that the Department of Correctional Service is failing to do its job in protecting the community from the perpetrators. Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General
Admin
10 Jul, 2015
UDM President Bantu Holomisa requests an investigation by Public Protector into the Department of Transport – Eastern Cape Province
Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR AN INVESTIGATION: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT – EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE – SCHOLAR TRANSPORT. I take this opportunity to table the following matter with you, so that you may please investigate it appropriately for the benefit of the South African public. I have anonymously received the attached information alleging maladministration within the Eastern Cape Department of Transport with regard to the scholar transport. Most importantly is not how it landed on my desk but its contents which we kindly request your office to investigate. The amounts involved here exceeds R15m of public money as well as a list of people whose employment is allegedly not transparent and not according to procedure. I look forward to your excellent investigative work on this matter, and these are the only things I could identify, however, the attached documents will help you to identify relevant offices to be approached for further information which may possibly bring up many more discrepancies that would need to be exposed. Kind regards Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
- 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
