Admin
13 May, 2016
Speaker of the National Assembly condones abuse of public monies
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly The closing remarks by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Baleka Mbete during the debate on the Parliamentary budget are shocking and preposterous. Her condonation of the abuse of public money by the Parliamentary officials, who blew R1m on a holiday spree in London, led by the Secretary of Parliament, is a clear demonstration of arrogance and abuse of power. Ms. Mbete has absolved the Secretary and his officials of any wrong doing. Interestingly, ten minutes before the debate, the she delivered a letter to me, responding to a request I made, on the 14th of April 2016, for an investigation of a possible irregularities related to the so-called benchmarking trip. In her reply she says, “Regarding the request for Parliament to investigate possible irregularities, kindly note that the matter is receiving attention by the Executive Authority. A response will follow in due course”. Hardly, two hours later, the same Speaker says, nothing was wrong with the trip and everything was above board. Where did she get this information when the request for investigation is still being considered? The conduct of the Speaker is the same as that of her travelers in the ruling party, who are led by a President who has neglected his oath of office. It appears, with the permission of the Speaker, that public monies entrusted in Parliament are up for grabs by corrupt politicians and officials as long as they sing to the tune of the corrupt ruling party elite. The Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 10 of 2009 is very clear on General Financial Management Functions. It instructs the Secretary who is the Accounting Officer of Parliament to ensure that Parliament’s resources are used effectively, efficiently, economically and transparently. The Speaker, without any investigations, says all is above board. What a shame!. End
Admin
03 May, 2016
UDESMO mourns for Wits students
Statement issued by Akhona Bavu, UDESMO Chairperson The United Democratic Student Movement (UDESMO) would like to convey a message of condolences to the families and friends of the University students that were involved in a horrible car crash that has claimed their lives in Limpopo yesterday. This is such a sad time for the higher institution fraternity, not only for Wits University but to all South Africans. The whole country is in mourning during this unbearable time. We would also wish a speedy recovery to those who are still in hospital. As UDESMO, we are calling upon the law enforcement officials to be visible on the roads during holidays and beyond as we feel that drivers do behave when they see them. The Department of Transport, Road Traffic Management Corporation and law enforcement officials must also investigate the root cause of these fatalities and come up with ways to curb them. We cannot continue losing lives every time because of silly behaviour of the drivers. One life lost is too many. End
Admin
29 Apr, 2016
Debate on Budget Vote 24 – Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Address by Mr ML Filtane, MP in Parliament Honourable Speaker and members The United Democratic Movement (UDM), supports the budget vote with the following comments. Although the Department manages 64 000 hectors of category B and C of plantations, there is no budget for the revitalisation of these plantations through which process, jobs could have been created. In the meantime there is a huge national demand for sawlog timber. South Africa could soon be a net importer of sawlogs because the water shortages, change of business model as well as the state’s poor management of the category B and C forests. The consequence hereof is that building costs are going to go up. The department bosts a large number of highly qualified personnel, yet all we see is an ongoing increase in the numbers of food-less citizens and jobless people. The projected 40 000 beneficiaries of the food production initiatives is less than a drop in ocean because it accounts for less than 1% of the total population that lives below the poverty line. Truth is, people don’t care how much you know, all they want to know is how much you care, for them. The impact of your draught relief programme was so minimal that two farmers took their lives after losing hope in your endeavours, most farmers in the Eastern Cape have only heard about your efforts, instead of actually getting it. Food prices are set to rise to unprecedented levels. The effect of the drastic reduction of the Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) budget is going to be negative that even ordinary citizens will decry your decision. This is an entity that was able to produce an effective drought tolerant maize seed. Had they had the obviously necessary financial support, the effect of drought would have been seriously minimised, thus saving the citizens from death resulting starvation. Go produce food for the starving masses such that the social grants beneficiaries can get food at farm gate prices with minimal transport costs. (transport adds 25% to the plate of food). Prioritise food production. If the department had a strong policy of maximising your position in the local market, you would not be worried about the collapsing China markets. The committee’s report is not reflective of public representatives who realise that this country is in dire-straights. I suggest the department responds much faster to the recommendations. Poverty drives more people to social security for financial relief. The numbers of food producers has declined by about 30% in the last 10 to 20 years. The current government is not being effective in stopping the haemorrhage. South Africa is going to be less food producing and have very high food costs. Minister, you are producing inflation. Most important and urgent, the agricultural sector remains lily white with no semblance or evidence of purposeful transformation that dismantles the exclusive ownership of food production in our country. It is disturbing to hear that white farmers continue to exclude the majority of citizens by using Afrikaans as the only medium of producing food. We demand a clear realistic plan on this. Thank you
Admin
29 Apr, 2016
Debate on Budget Vote 11 – Public Works
ADDRESS BY Mr ML Filtane MP in Parliament Honourable Speaker and members The United Democratic Movement (UDM), support the budget vote with the following important comments. The most common problems with this programme are: · Insufficient support by the department with no collaterals from any other source, including the beneficiaries themselves. This makes the beneficiaries to be almost totally dependent on the department; a rather too heavy a burden to bear. · Lack of Project Management skills on the part of the senior management of the department its glaring. This puts the beneficiaries, and therefore, the department in an invidious position where there is so much reliance on the Director General department as stated above. Hence the Minister recently directed that from downwards, staff members should attend a project management course. · The department is caught up in a situation where the Community Property Associations (CPAs) become a law unto themselves thus failing to maximise the opportunities presented to them by the department. In some cases courts are brought in to resolve internal issues. · Kwa Zulu Natal was beginning to see the unfortunate, but unavoidable effects of the drought that has devastated crops and livestock in most provinces of South Africa. · Most beneficiaries of the restitution programme prefer cash to land. This is a political scenario brought about by severe levels of poverty, both of the ability to develop land and make it productive, as well as lack of foresight in so far as the long term benefits of owning land are some people do not understand that land appreciates in value because of external factors not necessarily influenced by its owner. More advocacy is needed as a critical component of the restitution programme. Accordingly; we strongly suggest that this political challenge should no longer just be addressed through a simple mechanical process of qualifying people for restitution but rather that people must be offered land only. I cannot find anything contrary to the Bill of Rights therein and therefore such a policy would withstand a constitutional test. The slow pace of restitution is actually a contravention of section 25 (6) of the constitution. Government just cannot deliver on its promises of the promised land. Thank you
Admin
20 Apr, 2016
Message from UDM President, Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP at the launch UDM Gauteng Manifesto for 2016 Municipal Elections
Chairperson, NEC Members of the UDM Members and Supporters of the United Democratic Movement Gauteng Citizens WELCOME Welcome one and all, and thank you for making the effort to come and listen to the vision which the United Democratic Movement (UDM) has for people of Gauteng. In just over three months’ time, you will have an opportunity to have your say in which party should govern your municipalities. Through the ballot box, on the 3rd of August, you have an opportunity to lay foundations for change for the better and create hope for the future. 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 that stand in the way of that. GAUTENG AS OUR FLAGSHIP PROVINCE Gauteng is the gateway to South Africa and is the economic hub of our country. Yet, we witness how our people struggle to find work and struggle to find a decent home to live in. There are disconcerting signs that our infrastructure is in distress. If you walk down our streets you will see paint flaking from the walls and roofs of the buildings. It is a sad and ugly sight. No-one respects the bylaws and they are definitely not enforced. Our CBDs are fast becoming unhygienic slums threatening community health. UDM Councils will be proactive in identifying problem areas, with the help of communities, to ensure that dilapidated buildings are inspected. Owners will be forced to bring buildings up to standard and to maintain them. This will not only ensure a safe living environment, but is a win-win strategy to reduce crime and increase property values. PRIORITIES OF MUNICIPALITIES It is clear that the councils and municipalities in this province has not done well and in some cases failed completely. In far too many municipalities the councils have their priorities all wrong. For example, in which universe does a council approve millions of Rands to be spent on a mayoral soccer extravaganza whilst they owe millions of Rands for electricity and water. Yet, this happened. Whilst our people are jobless and homeless, councils throw mammoth parties with taxpayers’ money. When you, the voter, go to the ballot box in August, you must think of putting leadership in place that will not forsake the needs of the people with frivolous expenditures. The UDM has the right people and the right plans to make sure that council monies are spent on the bread-and-butter needs. SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT AND DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS People see Gauteng as the duck that lays the golden eggs, and yet when they come to Johannesburg or Pretoria they are in for a rude awakening. Job hunting aside, one of the first things people need is a roof over their heads. Our townships have become a deposit ground for the homeless. People build their meagre shacks wherever they find an open space. Out of desperation, these buildings arise near landfills and floodplains which are extremely dangerous. The rats that infest these areas are disease ridden and are so big they even attack people. UDM councils will make spatial development programmes an immediate priority. People who have built their shacks in dangerous areas must be assisted immediately and measures taken to prevent others from building there. The long-term solution to these problems is the acceleration of housing programmes. The UDM will make adequate housing, in conjunction with provincial and national authorities, one of the highest priorities in those councils where we govern. Local government would immediately make land available for development and infrastructure development will be monitored by both the national department and a municipality. LIVING IN A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT: THE JUKSKEI AS AN EXAMPLE Johannesburg’s official waste management service provider states that their mission is to keep the city clean and preserve an attractive and hygienic environment for residents and visitors. Yet, this commendable vision only seems to only apply to certain areas of the city, and only when the company’s workers are not on strike. Let us take areas near the Jukskei River… It is heavily polluted by urban runoff and lack of infrastructure maintenance has let raw waste flow into the river on a daily basis. Outbreaks of cholera are prevalent. Tons of waste such as plastic, metal and rubber flow down the river annually. Aside from the environmental damage the river suffers, many people in Alexandra Township access this water for washing, drinking, and cooking. This is an appalling indictment against the City of Johannesburg. The UDM believes that the problem can be addressed by finding a simple solution closer to the people. A UDM-led municipality will help the people to help themselves by creating small businesses, owned by the community, that will be responsible for cleaning the area they live in. This way jobs are created, people can claim ownership of their environment and all can live in a decent, healthy space. POLITICISING MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS; THE CAPE TOWN EXAMPLE Municipal affairs are, more often than not, politicised to the extent that political parties block each other at every road simply for the joy of derailing each other. This political obstinacy has only one effect: the people suffer. The citizens of the Cape Flats live in abject poverty and squalor and for what? Government, whether it be at local, provincial or national levels have one purpose: that is to work for the betterment of our people. The UDM has a track-record of working with other parties and we will continue our philosophy of doing just that: working with our colleagues to make life liveable for our people irrespective of political affiliation. RATES AND TAXES For years the billing system for rates and taxes in Johannesburg, in particular, has made headline news. Despite assurances that the city has sorted out its mess, the administration continues to battle a large deficit, partly due to poor management and collapsing infrastructure, and partly due to its failure to collect rates and service fees in areas where there is a high rate of illegal usage and/or payment defaults for legitimately supplied utilities. In a UDM-led council, this administrative incompetence will not be tolerated. It is clear that our cities and towns are in need of well trained, competent officials to administer billing systems. In order to get to the bottom of this mess an extensive skills-audit needs to be done immediately and corrective action taken. ADRESSING PROBLEMS OF A COMMUNITY AS COLLECTIVE Unfortunately our people have reached levels of frustration which leads to lawlessness and violence. When they vent their dissatisfaction with service delivery the effects are mostly felt at local level whilst the problems might not necessarily be addressed at that level. In some instances, a councillor will be approached to solve a service delivery problem in the community, but he/she might not be capacitated to address the problem. Very easily that councillor becomes a scapegoat and suffers the wrath of the community. The UDM proposed that small crises committees be instituted that have all the necessary technical expertise to assist councillors in their work. Once dissatisfaction arises within a community, a quick call to such a crises committee can be made. If it is a simple problem of a burst pipe, engineers can be dispatched or if a more a complex problem, meetings can be arranged with complainants and solutions found as a collective. IMPORTANCE OF THE 3 TIERS OF GOVERNMENT WORKING TOGETHER As I have mentioned earlier, our people vent their frustration on the streets where they live. Whether the problem actually lies with national, provincial or local government becomes quite irrelevant. An ordinary citizen will try to find a solution closest to home and that sometimes mean that the blame is laid at a municipality’s door. To prevent this from happening, the UDM believes that it is crucial that all three tiers of government must work much closer when they are planning and budgeting. In other words, the problem must be identified and stopped before it becomes a reality. UDM Councils will therefore be proactive in creating fruitful partnerships with their counterparts higher up in government in an effort to prevent crises before they occur. PUTTING COMMUNITY FIRST The time for citizens to take control of their lives and dictate their destiny is now. Join the United Democratic Movement in its call – “PUT COMMUNITY FIRST”. Putting Community First, means: working together with the South African Police Service, businesses and the community, bring closer to the people, satellite police stations. It also means, empowerment of local community safety organisations like neighbourhood watches. Putting Community First, means: fair and proper valuation of all properties, and stopping the excessive property rates. It also means, ensuring that the correct residents are accurately billed for services they actually receive. Putting Community First, means: access to basic services to the poorest of the poor without being charged. This also means scrapping any Apartheid-era arrears and strengthening of the rolling out of the indigence policy. Putting Community First, means: collection of refuse on a regular basis, cleaning of streets, parks, pest and rodent control and promoting income generation through recycling. Putting Community First, means: no abuse of office power, immediate action against all officials and councilors found to be involved in corrupt activities. It means rooting out any attempt to award municipal tenders to people with personal or family ties to council employees and councilors. It also means, the tendering system shall be transparent, unbiased and open to public scrutiny. CONCLUSION 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. 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. The UDM has stood the test of time and has been consistent in its efforts to make South Africa a Winning Nation. To vote for the UDM is to vote a better future for you and your loved ones. Thank you
Admin
21 Apr, 2016
UDM reacts to Arms Deal Commission Report
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa The long awaited report on the allegations of mass corruption in the 1999 arms deal has not surprised anyone. It only adds to the shelves of South Africa, another white-washed report whose objective is nothing less than clearing comrades from Luthuli House. Our memories are still fresh from the damning findings of the Durban High Court, in which evidence carried in the notorious encrypted fax, recording an alleged arms deal bribe to the then Deputy President of the country from the French arms giant, Thales. This piece of evidence was successfully admitted, used in court and led to the conviction of Mr. Schabir Shaik. In the judgment that followed, Mr. Zuma was implicated. It is very disturbing that the report is conspicuously quiet on this. In fact, it is also mysterious that Mr. Zuma did not testify in the commission even though he allegedly accepted a bribe from Thales. We are also not told about the luxurious vehicles that were bought for various Luthuli House comrades who were connected to the arms deal procurement processes. In fact, we are not told whether the commission, during its independent investigation, did take advantage of various investigations and findings conducted by other countries like the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and France. We remember that the German detectives said they found a copy of the agreement when they raided ThyssenKrupp, the German engineering conglomerate which led the consortium that sold four patrol corvettes to South Africa for R6.9 billion. The bribe agreement was reported to be R6 million. It begs to wonder the seriousness of the commission, its work and product. We also remember that the commission was marred with resignations including the one of the evidence leader who challenged the credibility of the inquiry. We note the timing of the release of the report, which is on the eve of highly contested Local Government Elections. The ruling party is in dire need of a relief for it to be taken serious by the electorate. It enters this campaign on the back foot due to its corrupt activities including the flouting of the Constitution. This report comes as a tool to strengthen their compromised campaign. End
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19 Apr, 2016
Condolences to ANC and Ekurhuleni community: bus tragedy that occurred between Winburg and Ventersburg
Dear Mr Mantashe CONDOLONCES TO THE ANC AND EKURHULENI COMMUNITY The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to convey a message of condolence to the families and friends of those who lost lives in the bus tragedy that occurred between Winburg and Ventersburg, on their way back from ANC Manifesto Launch in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape over the weekend. We also extend condolences to the ANC and Ekurhuleni community at large for the tragedy. We wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. As UDM we feel that the accident could have been avoided if the drivers were responsible enough hence we are calling for proper investigation into the matter. Kind regards, Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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11 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA regarding meeting with Presiding Officers
Dear Honourable Speaker NOTICE OF A MEETING WITH PRESIDING OFFICERS – 13 APRIL 2016. The above matter has reference. Your notice of a meeting between the Presiding Officers and Leaders of Political Parties in Parliament is confirmed. On the 18th of February 2016, I wrote to you requesting that your office direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings on what I referred to, as; “The threat presented by the Gupta family to the security of the country’s resources”. I have not received a response to this letter either than a request for a signed version, which was delivered to your office. On the 7th of April 2016, I wrote to you requesting for a disciplinary enquiry against President Zuma. Again I have not received a response to this letter either than an acknowledgement. Given the above, I confirm that I will attend the meeting with Presiding Officers, only on condition that your office replies to the contents of the two letters referred to above. Kind regards, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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