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19 Aug, 2014
Solidarity with the Cuban Five and demanding for the release and freedom of the remaining four of the Cuban Five
Address by Mr ML Filtane, MP in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker and Members The United Democratic Movement believes in productive engagement with all people of the world to improve the prospects for peace, cultural enrichment and economic well being of the people both here at home and anywhere in the globe. Further, we strongly believe in the vital importance of the United Nations and its constituent bodies in the creation of a new world order and the aspiration of mankind. A new world order that recognises all member states equally not what is currently prevailing, where there are member states who enjoys more power than others. In this regard, the UDM will enthusiastically support the United Nations and its agencies and will fully move for full cooperation with such bodies in pursuance of a regional and world peace and the elimination of social and economic inequalities and eradication of human rights violations which continue to degrade the quality of life of the majority of the world population. Our international relations must foster for the respect for, and the promotion of, universal human rights, justice and democracy. Accordingly, UDM supports and joins over 350 communities that have been established throughout the world demanding immediate freedom for Gerardo, Ramon, Antonio and Fernando. We hope Rene is really free and enjoying his freedom with his family and people of Cuba. This is further made urgent by the decision of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions, whose five judges, ruled in May 2005 that there were irregularities in the five’s trial, effectively denying them a fair trial. The working group, in its only decision regarding a trial in the United States, calls for the United States government to remedy the injustice. The only way is to release the four Cubans who remain in custody. We believe that their freedom will not depend only on the arduous work of their legal team in the legal front but just as importantly, on the public support including that of this house representing the citizens of our country. Our resolution here today will add to many other parliamentarians including those from Britain, Italy, Europe and Latin America. We also call on the government of the United States of America to lead by example on democracy and violation of human rights. Thank you.
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19 Aug, 2014
Member’s statement: Taxi industry
Mr ML Filtane, MP in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker Honourable Members, Noting that in the year 2000, there were approximately 126 000 taxi vehicles operating in South Africa that were ten years old and not fit for public transport. Since the inception of the taxi recapitalisation programme in October 2006, a total of 59 029 old taxi vehicles had been scrapped with 7 060 of these from the Eastern Cape. We further note that, this industry remains one of the greatest challenges of our public transport system that requires regular and close attention of government. Noting that, amongst many challenges confronting the taxi industry, it has to compete against government subsidised buses and the unregulated hitch-hiking resulting to harassment of innocent travellers and sometimes death. We therefore suggest that an in depth investigation be conducted into the status of the taxi industry including the factors that contributed to the non-conclusion of the recapitalisation programme. We further suggest that such an investigation should include the possibility of the regulation of hitch-hiking as well as support of this industry. I thank you.
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19 Aug, 2014
Condolences upon the passing away of Dr Mario Gaspare Oriani-Ambrosini
delivered on behalf of the UDM by Ms Majeke, MP in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker Honourable Members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses its sadness with the passing away of Dr Oriani-Ambrosini. We would like to pass our deepest condolences to his family, the leader of IFP, Prince Bhuthelezi, MP, his friends and comrades. Leaders are born, live and die. Dr Oriani-Ambrosini was one of those extraordinary leaders that had passion, gave constructive criticism and had vision. He was a diligent, eloquent and focused person to the point where his articulations in this house were not based on personalities and political allegiances, but premised on practical matters such as the socio-economic conditions confronting in particular the poor people of South Africa. His stood for a just society and presented his ideas without fear. He may have passed away, but his contribution ever since he became a member of parliament in 2009 will never be forgotten. We as UDM and the people of this country we will miss that bold fast persuasive voice; a voice that, when he spoke, no one would talk. This country has lost a leader indeed. Our souls are deeply sad by his sudden death. To his family, we want to tell you that you are not alone in these sad moments. The UDM cries with you and we know that the people of this country are crying too. No one can take over the pain you feel, but our Creator because He is the one that gives and takes. It is our responsibility to take the leads where Dr Oriani-Ambrosini left them and carry on. Mrs Ambrosini, Carin and Luke, please know that we are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the peace of almighty gracious God be with you; this will also pass. To the leader of the party, Honourable Shenge, please find space in your heart to be strong and let him to rest. Akuhlanga lungehlanga. To the national assembly, the IFP and his constituency at large, you have lost; we have lost; and the country has lost. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Thank you
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15 Aug, 2014
Multi Party Forum on the decision of the Constitutional Court on the matter of the IEC Chairperson
Statement on behalf of the Multi Party Forum on the decision of the Constitutional Court on the matter of the IEC Chairperson We welcome the Constitutional Court decision on the matter of the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission Advocate Pansy Tlakula. This decision vindicates the findings of the Public Protector and two other credible institutions that pronounced on the matter. We take our hats off to the whistle blowers who helped root out this maladministration and abuse of public monies. Advocate Tlakula and the African National Congress should hang their heads in shame and respect the decision of the highest court of the land.
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09 Aug, 2014
Women’s Day 2014
LOOKING BACK 2014 is certainly an auspicious year with the commemoration of a number of milestones, such as the sixty years that have passed after the adoption of the Women’s Charter of 1954. As is right, we take the time to, as a nation, make introspection on the role that women play in our society; in particular the contributions they made in the struggle against apartheid and the years before and thereafter. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN It is worrisome that some experts, such as Professor A Gouws (who is imminently qualified to speak on the issues of women and gender equality), have charged that the National Development Plan (NDP) was overall, gender blind, disregarding women’s gendered practical and strategic needs and concerns. These, if taken into account, should lead to a redistribution of resources and economic growth. There is a single specific reference to women in the NDP . This is very disturbing. Therefore, despite the programmes of your department, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to have society acknowledge women’s stake in a prosperous South Africa. We might have differing views on the NDP, but that does not change the fact that government will be charting its course according to this policy. We simply have to build its strengths and buttress the weaknesses. MOVING WOMEN’S AGENDA FORWARD Whilst acknowledging the women who paved the way for our freedom, we must have a forward perspective at this point in time of South Africa’s growth. It is imperative that we move the women’s agenda forward – which is our apt theme this year. I however I find the international women’s day’s slogan more fitting: “Inspiring change”. The foundation has been laid and we must therefore inspire change and build with haste. Women must not only inspire their sisters young and old, but so our men. Men and boy children must be inspired to give women the respect that they deserve and acknowledge their human capital – or should I say “female capital”. The cycle of violence and abuse, the belittling women and blind patriarchy must be broken. With women constituting over 50% of the South African population, it is imperative that we must break down the walls of ignorance and provide opportunities for women to learn and to exchange information on issues of mutual interest to advance gender equality. We know what must be done, the question is… how do we put action to the words and more importantly, how do we sustain momentum. South African is privileged to have a whole department dedicated to this cause, but we are not “feeling the change”. The department has been riddled with problems and has not had the impact it should. The Minister would surely agree with UDEMWO that things have to change. In fact, positive change should already have been seen and felt shortly after President Zuma created this department. We ask when will we see the paradigm shift necessary in the work of the department? When will women, especially those in the farthest corners of this country, feel the abundant progress? UDEMWO’s slogan is: “Fight against poverty”. Instead of us taking punches from the relentless attack of poverty, we need to take the fight to its doorstep. We stand with our hands reaching, as we have since 1997, and we wait for you to take our hands. To my sisters in other parties, it is clear that we need to rise above party political lines and stand together as women before it is too late. We will look to the ministry in the next five years for leadership. Talk to us. We might not all be academics, but we certainly have the necessary experience in our field of expertise: that of women and girl children. We want you to be our ally to “Fight against Poverty”. Wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo
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01 Aug, 2014
Question for written reply: In respect of mining operations in North West Province and Limpopo Province
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY Mr HB Holomisa, MP to ask the Minister of Minerals Resources: In respect of mining operations in North West Province and Limpopo Province: 1) Were any royalties or future considerations preserved in terms of item 11 (1) or 11 (3) of Schedule II, Transitional Arrangements, of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002; 2) If so, which are the affected a) mines, b) traditional communities; and c) mineral or mining leases or licences; 3) Have any of the recipients contemplated in sub-items (1) and (3) informed the Minister of the need to continue to receive the royalties as contemplated in sub-item (5) of item 11; 4) Have all of the recipients referred to in part 1 complied with the requirements of sub-item 6 (a) and (b) of the Transitional Arrangements and, if not, which recipients have not complied; and 5) Has the minister determined any terms and conditions as contemplated in sub-item (7) and, if so, what were those terms and conditions.
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30 Jul, 2014
UDM proposed meeting between you and the leaders of political parties in parliament
Mr MC Ramaphosa Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Leader of Government Business in Parliament Tuynhuys Private Bag X1000 Cape Town 8000 Dear Mr Deputy President PROPOSED MEETING BETWEEN YOU AND THE LEADERS OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN PARLIAMENT The above matter has reference. On behalf of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) I congratulate you on your appointment as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, as well as the leader of government business in national parliament. We are pleased to have someone of your calibre, who is widely respected as a skilful and formidable negotiator, who in 1991 as head of the Codesa negotiation team of the African National Congress (ANC), gave substance to our aim to build the South Africa we all want. Your institutional memory will certainly contribute immensely to remind us of the kind of democracy we all want and strive for. Whilst we agree that over the past twenty years significant progress has been made, we note with concern the stagnation and/or lack of proper leadership on important matters, some of which I cite hereunder. Matters pertaining to our democracy and the role of political parties 1. Regular meetings of political leaders In the past, South Africa had a dispensation where multi-party democracy was fostered through communication between government and political parties at a national level. It made for a situation where transparency and confidence were promoted – in other words there had been greater mutual trust between the cogs of the wheel that moved our country forward. As a particular hallmark of the terms of office of former Presidents Mandela and Mbeki this was done through regular meetings between the presidency and political parties. We therefore strongly recommend that regular meetings should take place between the leaders of all political parties in parliament and the presidency to discuss matters of national importance. 2. Review of the legislation governing political party funding Delays in resolving this matter has resulted in court action by a civic movement inviting political parties to show cause as to why new legislation, that govern the funding of political parties, cannot be introduced. Whoever will represent parliament in court will have to obtain a mandate from all political parties and not just one. There will be a need for the political parties represented in parliament to coordinate their replies to the court papers to avoid confusion and to do everything possible to avoid the wasteful expenditure of public funds. Regarding this matter, one is reminded that some political parties, like the UDM, have a congress resolution. We are further reminded that your party took its own resolution regarding the matter at the ANC’s 52nd conference held in Polokwane in December 2007. Both parties have endorsed the need to have this legislation reviewed so as to make it impossible for big business or individuals to buy political clout and/or source government contracts. It should therefore be easy to resolve the matter to avoid legal action and save money. 3. The allocation of debate time in the house The so-called “proportional” allocation of debate time in the house is sometimes difficult to explain. For instance, a “one member party” is allocated three minutes, which is the same that is allocated to a “four member party”. At face value, this time allocation favours the majority and the official opposition. This requires proper regulation in order to ensure robust and healthy discussions that give a voice to the entire electorate. The UDM outright rejects the current argument of the ANC whips that opposition parties depend on the ANC for debate time and/or that they are using ANC time. It cannot be that political parties take instruction from the ruling party. There should be clear standing regulations and presiding officers should have a formula to guide this proportional allocation of time to ensure that all parties are given enough time to make quality contributions to debates. The UDM strongly argues for a minimum of five minutes for a “one member party” and more proportionally allocated time to those parties that have more members, in order to represent their constituencies effectively. Issues affecting the citizenry and the country 4. Blurring the line between party and state This is a matter of serious concern that finds more expression during electioneering where it is difficult to differentiate between state and party functions. These past elections have shown again how easy it is to use state resources to thinly veil election campaigns. You will agree that we need to give this key issue the urgent attention it deserves in order to stop the misuse of state resources. 5. Civil disobedience and violent protest We find this last matter on our list the source of greatest worry. In far too many instances, and increasingly so, public protests in South Africa are characterised by violent lawlessness and a crippling culture of anger which results in the destruction of private and public assets. We must straightaway address the frustration of our people where they feel there is no other way of communicating with government and arrest the few malicious criminals who exploit this situation and incite lawlessness. In conclusion, the UDM proposes that you convene an urgent meeting with all leaders of political parties in parliament to discuss, amongst others, the items we have raised above. Other parties may however have additional items that they would like to place on the agenda. Should this proposal find your favour, we ask that your office organise and facilitate such regular meetings, and that it consults with other parties to ascertain which other matters they may want to discuss We await your kind response. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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29 Jul, 2014
Nelson Mandela Day – address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly
Madam Speaker, Deputy President and Honourable Members President Nelson Mandela’s election and inauguration in 1994 marked the end of many years oppression and caused South Africans of all races to fill the streets, all celebrating our victory in the fight for the self-evident right to determine our own destiny. Some shouted from their rooftops lines from SEK Mqhayi’s poem, Ukutshona kukaMendi, the SS Mendi steamship, which sank in 1917 killing all the troops on board. These lines have over the years been used to describe not only the bravery of the men, who died in this tragic incident, but to also explain a course of events that has been predetermined by fate. Mqhayi says, and I quote: “Sibona kamhlophe sithi bekumele, Sithethe engqondweni sithi bekufanele, Xa bekungenjalo bekungasayi kulunga, Ngoko ke Sotase kwaqala ukulunga.” End quote. Speaker, We did this precisely because Madiba was a man of courage, who refused to withdraw when difficulties ensued. He fought gallantly to deliver freedom and justice for all. During his term in office, Madiba meticulously stitched together a people as diverse as our country’s scenery into a Rainbow nation. We must however admit that race relations have regressed since the Madiba days. Anger, resentment and racism sometimes belie the seemingly well-adjusted Rainbow Nation. We therefore have to work hard to build a cohesive Nation that works towards the well-being of all the people. Speaker, Madiba did not only leave us a legacy of peace, forgiveness and justice, but he also left us one of the best Constitutions in the world, which is fortified by a number of institutions that support our constitutional democracy. While talking about democratic institutions, Honourable Members, our conduct in this House over the past few weeks has left much to be desired. It has chipped away at the foundation of Parliament and the very same very same Madiba legacy we seek to uphold and preserve. I submit that nations around the world use Parliament as a dipstick through which to measure the quality of a nation’s discourse, as well as the quality and the maturity of its leaders. Considering how badly we been behaving in this House, we should not complain when people mistake Parliament for a gathering of gangsters and hooligans. We must maintain the decorum of the House and treat each other with respect at all times. In honour of Madiba, we have to use this House to fight poverty, unemployment and inequality and to build a just and better South Africa for all. Fellow Compatriots, In conclusion, in his parliamentary farewell speech to Madiba in 1999, former President Mbeki said the following words, which still ring true today, because Madiba is with us in spirit and I quote: “We have you, Madiba, as our nearest and brightest star to guide us on our way. We will not get lost.” End quote. Thank you.
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