UDM News & Events Calendar - United Democratic Movement

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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

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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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28 Oct, 2015

ANCWL march insult to women

Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja :UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are overwhelmed at the stunt by the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) to take into the streets in defence of President Jacob Zuma. Their march shows clearly that Women’s League does not care about societal matters but their main objective is covering each other’s backs rather than the masses. This is an insult to women of this country that the ANCWL decides to stand by Zuma the very same thing they did when he was facing rape case and other cases. The current ANCWL President Bathabile Dlamini was at the forefront during that case against another woman. To us as UDEMWO, it appears clearly that their interest lies only in self-serving. The nation is currently faced with burning issues and we have never heard from the Women’s League and now they have courage to march protecting one man. The country would be a better place if they would use the same energy and heroism in matters that will benefit us all, specifically women. Instead of addressing the symptoms of Zuma’s blunders the ANCWL should find the root causes of him being ridiculed. They must look around to see which other Presidents were ever ridiculed more than him. The answer lies within the ANC. ANCWL must also remember that the President they are defending was elected by people and he must account to the citizens. End

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27 Oct, 2015

Debate on Higher Education Transformation

Address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly Speaker and Honourable Members, We should all take a leaf out of the students’ book because during their protests they were able to rise above narrow sectarian interests to fight for a common cause, something which is becoming rarer and rarer in our national politics. The second lesson is that, apart from other political dynamics that were at play, the rejection of political parties during the student protests, though strategic on the one hand, pointed to a yawning disconnect between political organisations and voters, on the other. Colleagues, It is clear that we have some soul-searching to do. Coming back to the theme of today’s debate, the United Democratic Movement supports the students call for free education and the reasons are as follows: First, government has room to eliminate wasteful expenditure in its Departments, which runs into billions of Rands annually, and to reallocate the money to tertiary education. Second, government should compel universities to be transparent about their cost structures and to identify opportunities for cost cutting. Furthermore, steps should be taken to ensure that institutions of higher learning are transparent about and accountable for their use of public funds. The Auditor General must audit their books. Third, government should redirect and reallocate some of the money that is sitting with SETAS to higher education to make free education a reality, as these SETAS are increasingly becoming employment agencies for the ruling party and its cronies. Fourth, on transformation, Honourable Minister, ensuring access to higher education is only one side of a complex problem. Government should address issues of racism in the sector, of an alienating institutional culture for the majority of students, concerns about the lack of advancement of black academics and general concerns about the language of tuition. While still on the subject of transformation, Mr Minister, I wish to ask you two questions. The first question is: Of the universities that have been placed under administration, how many of the administrators are black? The second question is: How many black consultants have been used by these administrators over the years? Fifth, we propose that the Task Team that has been established to look into the provision of free university education be opened up to civil society organisations and relevant stakeholders in order to ensure that as many stakeholders as possible contribute to the process. Compatriots, The time for political blame game is over! We must now work together to put forward a comprehensive plan that will ensure that, through free university education, our children are able to escape the vicious cycle of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Thank you.

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26 Oct, 2015

UDM wishes matriculants luck

Statement issued by Bongani Msomi,UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes the Matric class of 2015 the best of luck with their final exams that have commenced today throughout the country. These exams are crucial in determining your future through education and all of your efforts and hard work will improve your chances of making better career choices. The country has witnessed many protests that have led to the disruption of school attendance but we are confident that with your commitment, you have stayed, and continue to stay focused. As UDM, we also urge the matriculants to go out there and make the nation proud. End

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23 Oct, 2015

PE Ward 30 service delivery challenges

LETTER TO PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA, MINISTER PRAVIN GORDHAN AND MAYOR DANNY JORDAAN BY UDM PRESIDENT BANTU HOLOMISA Honourable Mr D Jordaan Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality First Floor City Hall Vuyisile Mini Square Port Elizabeth Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Republic of South Africa 120 Plein Street, Floor 11 Room 1110 Cape Town 8000 Honourable Mr JG Zuma President of the Republic of South Africa Tuynhuys Private Bag X1000, Cape Town 8000 Dear All SERVICE DELIVERY CHALLENGES IN WARD 30 NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY The above matter has reference. On the 13 of September 2015, I visited ward 30 of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Port Elizabeth and conducted a walk about at the ward and had a dialogue with residents, in the company of the newly elected United Democratic Movement (UDM) Ward Councillor, Mr Mandla Lous Faltein. The ward mainly covers two settlements, Kwamagxaki and Veeplaas. During our interaction with residents of both settlements, and the subsequent engagements with the ward councillor, the residents raised the following issues for urgent consideration by authorities. The Kwamagxaki residents raised the following issues, in no order of priority: • Leaking water pipes and meters; • Roads with potholes and some untarred; • Water fountains which are reducing the durability of their houses; • Inaccurate municipal electricity and rates billing system; • Delays in the issuing out of title deeds to deserving people; • Lack of clarity on the substance and implementation of the indigent policy as some households are headed by children and or unemployed persons; • The long turn-around time of the community services department, resulting to unhealthy environment and the mushrooming of illegal dumping sites; and • Daily increasing levels of crime. The Veeplaas residents raised the following issues, in no order of priority: • High rate of unemployment and lack of opportunities thereof; • Lack of or poor street lighting and playing grounds; • Slow pace of houses delivery resulting to unending mushrooming of shacks; • Overcrowded and poor state of the clinic; • Road with pothole and some untarred; • Sewerage spilling over the street due to poor maintenance; • No legally agreed to, occupation of the official buildings (incubator) by political parties in the ward; • Lack of communication between the ward councillor and municipal officials with regard to show houses; and • Lack of support for local initiatives like the carwash, cleaning of the Chetty River, fencing of cemeteries which initiatives may result to job opportunities. Although the two communities may not share exactly the same socio-economic circumstances, their service delivery issues raised above, are similar and related. This reality presents an opportunity for the municipality to consider implementing ward-based service delivery and development approach as an intervention method. The ward based planning and implementation approach to service delivery, which is central in the Back to Basics Campaign championed by the Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Pravin Gordhan, is the way to go. This approach may be piloted in this ward and be implemented to all other 59 wards of the municipality. This will also provide an opportunity for residents to be at the centre of planning and implementing their own developmental programmes, thus owning up to their responsibilities and rights. I urge your respective offices, to seriously consider the suggested intervention and be in contact with the ward councillor and residents of these communities as a matter of outmost urgency. Your prompt and decisive intervention is awaited and appreciated. Yours in service, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement

+27 (0)12 321 0010

info@udm.org.za

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