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28 Apr, 2015
Debate on the African Union’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want”
Address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Chief Whip In the National Assembly Debate on the African Union’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want” Thursday, 30 October 2014 Speaker and Honourable Members, On 3 May 1999, respected BBC newsreader and former African correspondent, George Alagiah, wrote in a piece for The Guardian (of London) that, and I quote: “For most people who get their view of the world from TV, Africa is a faraway place where good people go hungry, bad people run government, and chaos and anarchy are the norm. My job is to give a fuller picture. But I have a gnawing regret that, as a foreign correspondent, I have done Africa a disservice too often showing the continent at its worst and too rarely showing it in full flower.” End quote. Making a bad situation worse is that even Africans themselves contribute to the negative African narrative. In a study of Afro-pessimism online in 2011, Matha Evans highlights that, and I quote: “Online expatriate responses to events in South Africa perpetuate its [afropessimist] thinking to varying degrees, with openly racist declarations and fantasies of recolonisation sitting at the extreme of the continuum, and predictions about the country’s decline and apologetic speculations about the benefits of apartheid situated further along the scale.” End quote. Even today there is a litany of media stories both here at home and abroad that propel this negative narrative about Africa. However, beneath this media-fuelled pessimism is a continent that dreams of moving out of the malaise of poverty and underdevelopment and building a new Africa. After many decades of relative economic stagnation, a number of African countries have achieved economic growth through the adoption of prudent macroeconomic policies and have seen improvements in political stability and more transparent elections. Therefore, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 should, among others plans and programmes, serve as a new trajectory for Africa’s development. Despite these achievements, we are aware that in Africa there is a yawning disconnect between word and deed, between our grand plans and implementation. And this disconnect regrettably tends to be couched in idealism rather than pragmatism. To achieve Africa Vision 2063, we must demonstrate the political will to implement our plans and commitments to eradicate hunger and poverty in Africa and by so doing place African countries on a path to sustainable growth and development. In Africa, we should commit to good governance and democracy and do away with the tendency to tolerate authoritarian regimes. As long as we tolerate authoritarian regimes, which brazenly fiddle with the public purse for self-enrichment, we will never remove the detritus that shackles Africa’s potential. We should compel African countries to create conditions necessary to help democracy take root. The success of nations rests on their ability successfully to entrench good governance, promote and consolidate democracy, because where there is democracy there is likely to be observance of the rule of law and of human rights. We all need to put hands on deck to end wars and conflicts in Africa and prevent new ones from occurring. We need to deal in particular with the “Big Men” of Africa who commit to bringing peace and stability in their countries, but simultaneously tear them asunder by conflict and endless civil wars due to, in part, their refusal to relinquish power. Fellow South Africans, Africans need a leadership that is able to reconfigure the hidden dynamics in the world that shape the relationship between Africa as the powerless continent and the mighty in the world, because these are important in how trade and wealth accumulation are determined in the world. We need a good leadership that takes on an iconoclastic character to providing African solutions to African problems. Taking the aforementioned bold steps would ,among other things, help to improve the depressing investment climate on the continent. Fellow South Africans, As we begin the process of implementing Africa’s Vision 2063, we should draw inspiration from the words of Haile Selassie, when he once said, and I quote: “We remain persuaded that in our efforts to scatter the clouds which rim the horizon of our future, success must come, if only because failure is unthinkable.” I thank you.
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24 Apr, 2015
The United Democratic Movement Supports Deployment Of Sandf In Areas Affected By Xenophobic Attacks
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) supports the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in support of Police Service in areas that are affected by the xenophobic attacks. It is high time that we come together in reclaiming and protecting everyone who lives in South Africa legally or not. It must be made that this country cannot fold arms while perpetrators continue to mess up the good name of this beautiful country. South African troops are all over the continent maintaining peace. This country cannot allow anarchy. The government and people of this country must work together to maintain peace. Our priority must be to stabilize and protect everybody in our streets.
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24 Apr, 2015
Statement By The President Of The Republic On The Violence In Kwazulu-natal
Address Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Hon Speaker and members A country with high levels of poverty, high unemployment rate, high levels of inequality, blended with leadership whose attention is on filling their pockets through corrupt activities, breeds all social evils including criminality. Compounding the situation is that the African Agenda we were once known to be its champions, has taken a back seat. We must agree that, indeed the violence we see today in KZN with a potential to spread to other provinces can be best described as recklessness, inhumane, barbaric and criminal. This debate must immensely contribute to the stoppage of this inhumanity in the history of our democracy. We must also acknowledge that the levels of lawlessness in this country are increasing daily, this has to come to a stop, if we are to redeem our image and attract investors as a country. To respond and address this situation a number of things needs to be done immediately; amongst are the following: • An immediate Presidential visit to the Kingdom of the Zulu nation has to done immediately after this house concludes this debate to share with the King the spirit of the house on this important matter. (Nxamalala ndikulungele ukuhamba nawe siyo Phunga ne Silo Samabandla) • We must contain the current situation in KZN by amongst others enforce the law to the fullest. Such a step must communicate to all, that South Africa is not a lawless society. • The state of our intelligence services requires urgent attention because these activities should have been detected before their occurrence. • Special police units as well as special courts to deal with incidents of sporadic lawlessness must be established nationally. • A comprehensive audit must be conducted on foreigners already in our country, what are they doing where, how and with whom are they engage in those activities. This will help to expose those who are in the country for wrong reasons like corrupt activities including drug and human trafficking. • The poor and slack labour relations regime with regard to foreigners within our labour market needs and urgent review. Included to this is to ensure that those who trade, do so in accordance with the applicable laws of the country. • Aggressively reduce unemployment by amongst others, create more entrepreneurs on soft skills to run small business in the township, salons, small shops, car washes and others. Target young people in particular, train them in these areas and providing seed funding and support to run sustainable business. • Build a sense of responsibility and collectivism amongst the people, motivate them to move away from hand out syndrome into action for their livelihood. • Implement a civic education programme on Africanism targeting young people in-particular to change attitudes towards other Africans and citizens of the world. • We must revisit our policies on people entering and leaving South Africa to ensure full control of our borders. In the words of Kwame Krumah, “Africa must Unite”. I thank you
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24 Apr, 2015
UDM Welcomes The Arrest In The Alexandra Murder
Statement issued by United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the arrest of the men responsible for the death of the Mozambican National, Emmanuel Sithole in Alexandra township over the weekend during what appears to be a xenophobic attack. Also we would like to welcome the role played by the members of Alexandra community in arrest of these culprits. This shows clearly that working together we can do more to curb this widespread violence. This is really a trying time for the country and we would like to state it clear that as UDM, we are against these brutal attacks of our brother and sisters. South Africa is known for its rainbow nation and unity and it is time to come together and put an end to these horrific events. Despite these arrests and police officials being deployed, we are calling on the more police visibility especially in the affected areas. As citizens of this beautiful country, let us work together and protect Africa and Africans. We would also like to take this opportunity and convey our deepest condolences to the Sithole family and friends and of those who have lost loved ones during the xenophobic attacks throughout South Africa.
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24 Apr, 2015
SHOW OF SOLIDARITY – UDM Chief Whip to spend a night at the KZN Camps
Statement issued by UDM Chief Whip Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP Over the past few weeks, South Africa has been engulfed by a humongous wave of xenophobic violence. This has caused untold damage to the image of our country in the African Continent and the world at large. It has, however, been heart-warming and encouraging to see South Africans of all races taking a firm stand in the fight against xenophobia. All the various campaigns have contributed immensely in ensuring the restoration of calm and peace in the country. With the blessing of my President, General Bantu Holomisa and my party, the United Democratic Movement (UDM), I have taken a decision to spend Thursday night (23-04-2015) in one of the Camps that have been set aside for the victims of xenophobia in KwaZulu-Natal. This is because I believe that there is no better demonstration of solidarity than spending time with the displaced African brothers and sisters and having first-hand experience of their plight. We hope this step will give further impetus to the campaign against xenophobia in South Africa. We also hope that this will demonstrate to Africa and the whole world that we are a caring Nation.
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17 Apr, 2015
Honourable Kwankwa Requests For A Snap Debate On Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa
TO: Hon. Baleka Mbete, Speaker of the National Assembly From: Hon. Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP – UDM Chief Whip Dear Madame Speaker, RE: REQUEST FOR A SNAP DEBATE ON XENOPHOBIA IN SOUTH AFRICA The above matter has reference. We once more find ourselves faced with the challenge of having to deal with attacks on foreign nationals by South African citizens. According to media reports, many lives have once again been lost and property destroyed in the spate of xenophobic attacks taking place in KwaZulu-Natal. To this end, it is the United Democratic Movement’s (UDM’s) considered view that Parliament should lead the debate on this very important matter in order to influence the climate of public opinion. I therefore request you, Madame Speaker, in terms of rule 104 (1) of the Rules of the National Assembly, to place the problem of xenophobia in South Africa on the Order Paper for discussion. I am aware that rule 104 has never been invoked before in the democratic South Africa. However, the violent crimes that have been committed against foreign nationals in South Africa over the past ten years, if not nipped in the bud, are likely to escalate into a vicious fight or a full blown genocide. However, should you, Madame Speaker, feel that this matter is not of urgent public importance, I would be delighted if you would accede to my request in terms of 103 (1) of the Rules of the National Assembly, which would make it just a matter of public importance. We are aware that the rules provide for such requests to only be made during days on which the House sits. However, the UDM is of the view that the urgency and seriousness of this matter warrants that we act without delay. I look forward to hearing from you. Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP. UDM Chief whip
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17 Apr, 2015
Address By Mr Bh Holomisa Mp: Statement By The President Jacob Zuma On Violence In Kzn
Hon Speaker and members A country with high levels of poverty, high unemployment rate, high levels of inequality, blended with leadership whose attention is on filling their pockets through corrupt activities, breeds all social evils including criminality. Compounding the situation is that the African Agenda we were once known to be its champions, has taken a back seat. We must agree that, indeed the violence we see today in KZN with a potential to spread to other provinces can be best described as recklessness, inhumane, barbaric and criminal. This debate must immensely contribute to the stoppage of this inhumanity in the history of our democracy. We must also acknowledge that the levels of lawlessness in this country are increasing daily, this has to come to a stop, if we are to redeem our image and attract investors as a country. To respond and address this situation a number of things needs to be done immediately; amongst are the following: • An immediate Presidential visit to the Kingdom of the Zulu nation has to done immediately after this house concludes this debate to share with the King the spirit of the house on this important matter. (Nxamalala ndikulungele ukuhamba nawe siyo Phunga ne Silo Samabandla) • We must contain the current situation in KZN by amongst others enforce the law to the fullest. Such a step must communicate to all, that South Africa is not a lawless society. • The state of our intelligence services requires urgent attention because these activities should have been detected before their occurrence. • Special police units as well as special courts to deal with incidents of sporadic lawlessness must be established nationally. • A comprehensive audit must be conducted on foreigners already in our country, what are they doing where, how and with whom are they engage in those activities. This will help to expose those who are in the country for wrong reasons like corrupt activities including drug and human trafficking. • The poor and slack labour relations regime with regard to foreigners within our labour market needs and urgent review. Included to this is to ensure that those who trade, do so in accordance with the applicable laws of the country. • Aggressively reduce unemployment by amongst others, create more entrepreneurs on soft skills to run small business in the township, salons, small shops, car washes and others. Target young people in particular, train them in these areas and providing seed funding and support to run sustainable business. • Build a sense of responsibility and collectivism amongst the people, motivate them to move away from hand out syndrome into action for their livelihood. • Implement a civic education programme on Africanism targeting young people in-particular to change attitudes towards other Africans and citizens of the world. • We must revisit our policies on people entering and leaving South Africa to ensure full control of our borders. In the words of Kwame Krumah, “Africa must Unite”. I thank you
Admin
09 Apr, 2015
Udm Youth Vanguard Condemns The Demolishing Of Statue
Statement issued by Mbongi Majija – On behalf of the UDMYV NATIONAL TASK TEAM The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard has noted, with utter disappointment, the recent uproar against the previous regime that resulted in a number of statues being defaced and demolished throughout the country. The UDMYV feels that destroying these colonial symbols won’t change the current struggles the country is dealing with such as high unemployment rate, health care system that is in shambles, the education crisis, high number of crime, corruption by government officials, etc. This uproar against these structures does not change who or what we have been through as a country. By destroying these sculptures we are attempting to hold our own history ransom. We cannot rewrite history. Apartheid is and will always remain part of our history, painful as it was. History will deal with us harshly if we now start behaving in the very same manner that we demonstrated and fought against during that very same apartheid era. These apartheid symbols are an indication of the history of our country. They are part of our heritage therefore we all need to defend this heritage for future generations. We cannot distort where we come from as a nation. A family without roots is not a proper family. What need to be fought are the systems of apartheid that are still in place in various institutions. Let us not create our own apartheid as the black nation.
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