Admin
01 Apr, 2015
UDM letter to the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela: Request for a forensic audit on Inkandla non-security expenditure
The Public Protector Hillcrest Office Park 175 Lunnon Street Pretoria 0001 Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR A FORENSIC AUDIT ON INKANDLA NON-SECURITY EXPENDITURE Following the release of your report on the Nkandla Security Upgrades as well as the Report of the President to the National Assembly; the National Assembly appointed an Ad-Hoc Committee which made the following recommendation with respect to non-security upgrades: “the Committee recommends that the matter of what constitutes security and non-security upgrades at the President’s private residence be referred back to Cabinet for determination by the relevant security experts in line with the Cabinet Memorandum of 2003. Cabinet must report back to Parliament on the steps taken to give effect on this recommendation within three months”. This recommendation was adopted by the National Assembly through a majority vote. On the 18th and 19th of March 2015, the Speaker of the National Assembly convened a meeting of the Leaders of the Parties represented in the National Assembly. The purpose of the meeting was to first advise the party leaders that the Minister of Police has indicated his readiness to present the report on the non-security expenditure on Nkandla. Secondly, it was to secure the support of the party leaders that they be briefed by the Minister of Police on the contents of the Nkandla non-security upgrade report, and in turn for them to agree to blackout what she referred to as sensitive areas, all this was to be done before the same report is presented to the National Assembly. However, during the meeting, I personal asked the Speaker; whether the report is based on the report of the Public Protector or the report of the President and or that of the Ad-Hoc Committee. This question was not answered and it remains not responded to. The above question is critical and at the centre of what I wish to bring to your attention for a possible action. The report of the Public Protector says with regard to the matter at hand: “The President is to: take steps, with the assistance of the National Treasury and the SAPS, to determine the reasonable cost of the measures implemented by the DPW at his private residence that do not relate to security, and which include Visitors’ Centre, the amphitheatre, the cattle kraal and chicken run, the swimming pool. Pay a reasonable percentage of the cost of the measures as determined with the assistance of National Treasury, also considering the DPW apportionment document”. The President in his response to the Speaker said with respect to this matter: “the Minister of Police as the designated Minister under the National Key Points Act, to report to Cabinet on a determination to whether the President is liable for any contribution in respect of the security upgrades having regard to the legislation, past practices, culture and findings contained in the respective reports”. What is interesting in both the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee and that of the President, is the omission of the critical role of the National Treasury. In my understanding, amongst other reasons that the report of the Public Protector would have seen a role for the National Treasury, was the internal expertise within that department in handling matters of this nature. Whilst I have not seen the report, I am unable to see how a determination on this matter could be arrived at, without forensic auditing as I believe that the same methodology could help to verify how much the then architect and contractors at Nkandla could be liable for. It is my humbly request that your good office cause the National Treasury to conduct a forensic audit in order to determine the actual amounts that constitute what is non-security upgrade in Nkandla. I do not see how best this can be done without such scientific process being followed. The President has, during the last question session in the National Assembly, emphasised the need for quantification of costs to be paid by him, if any. He protested, how can, he be expected to pay monies that are not determined and that he does not know. This clearly calls for this methodology to be considered for the finalisation of the matter. I look forward to your excellent guidance on this matter. Kind regards Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
30 Mar, 2015
UDEMWO calls for investigation on involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi Minister of Health 4th Floor, Room 417 120 Plein Street Cape Town 8000 Dear Honourable Minister UDEMWO calls for investigation on involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers Recently there were allegations of doctors and nurses who perform gruesome practice of sterilisation to women without their consent. No one has the right to perform such a heinous procedure without the consent of the patient; the fact that the women are living with the virus does not mean they are less human. Adding insults to injuries most of these women are those living with HIV/AIDS. This is surprising and offending to us as women especially in this day and age of human rights. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is even more dismayed to learn that this horrible practice is taking place in both private and public hospitals in most provinces in the country. The rights of women have been once again violated and taken for granted by the health officials. It is important to remind officials that the duty of health workers is to help the community and not to make them feel less human. Living with HIV/ AIDS should not be seen as a death sentence to those infected and affected by it. So far 48 cases of involuntary sterilisation have been documented. This takes away the dignity of women. It permanently violates the right of women to have any babies when they are ready to do so let alone the risks it brings to women living with the virus. This is unacceptable and UDEMWO demands answers to this matter. We are calling upon you Dr Motsoaledi along with your department to investigate these serious allegations. Doctors and nurses who are found to be responsible for these demoralising actions must be severely punished for their inhumane and unethical behaviour. Yours sincerely in nation building, Thandi Nontenjwa UDEMWO SECRETARY GENERAL
Admin
26 Mar, 2015
UDEMWO condemns involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) lambasts at the recent allegations against the doctors and nurses who are performing involuntary sterilisation without consent of those involved taking advantage of women living with HIV/ AIDS. As South African women, we are surprised and offended by the latest scandal in private and public hospitals of our country. UDEMWO feels that our rights as women have been once again violated and taken for granted by the health officials. No one has the right to perform such a heinous procedure without the consent of the patient; the fact that the women are living with the virus does not mean they are less human. Health officials’ duties are to help the community and not to make them feel less human; living with HIV/ AIDS should not be seen as death sentence to those infected and affected by it. UDEMWO is aware that this is happening both in public and private health care centres and 48 cases of involuntary sterilisation have been documented so far. We are calling on the South African Human Right Commission, Commission for Gender Equality and the Department of Health to investigate these allegations. The doctors and nurses who are found guilty must be severely punished for their inhumane and unethical behaviour. South Africans were made to believe that there is medication for prevention of mother to child transmission. What happened to that medication or that prevention? Why these sterilisation of the infected women.
Admin
19 Mar, 2015
UDM: Reacts to withdrawal of corruption charges due to lack of evidence
Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General United Democratic Movement is saddened by a high number of court cases being thrown out of court due to lack of evidence. This has worsened over the years becoming a norm in the country. We have also noticed the dragging of court cases that are costing the country a lot of money and time. This has dented the justice, prosecution and investigation system leading to many South Africans to lose hope in South African justice. Recently people all over the world watched Shrien Dewani being acquitted of all charges he was facing including allegations of being the mastermind behind the killing of his wife Anni here in South Africa. Millions of rands were spent in legal battle but he walked free due to lack of evidence before court. In the latest incident, the country has seen another lack of evidence in court leading to withdrawal of charges against the former Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development Neo Moerane and her ex-husband former Agriculture MEC Max Mamase. UDM is disappointed by the latest developments in the case which dragged for a very long time and this shows clearly that the ANC government condones the action by criminals. ANC must stop colluding with its official to destroy this beautiful nation. The two former MEC’s were accused of receiving millions of rands in dirty deals including R15.6-million Khangela land deal near Addo in the Eastern Cape while community is starving. These charges dated back from 2005 when Mamase was still an MEC. The Eastern Cape province is one of the struggling provinces in South Africa. In most parts the schools and hospitals are in no good condition. The province is under developed with no basic infrastructures such as running water and flushed toilets and the millions could have been used to develop such. UDM is calling on government to make sure that the money spent is recovered. We are also calling on the National Prosecuting Authority to pull up socks in making sure that prosecution is done in a satisfying manner. The nation cannot tolerate the way justice is applied that is in favour of criminals. Investigators must also be taken into account when they are not performing their duties.
Admin
16 Mar, 2015
Condolence With The Passing Away Of Minister Collins Chabane
Receiving news of the departure of Minister Collins Chabane is with immense distress and profound sadness. His passing away robs us of one of the greatest sons of our people, esteemed administrator and polished politician. ISSUED BY MR BANTU HOLOMISA – UDM PRESIDENT The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses its shock by the passing on of Minister Chabane. We would like to pass our deepest condolences to his family, the ANC, friends and comrades. Leaders are born, live and die. Minister Chabane was one of the extraordinary leaders that had passion, constructive criticism and vision. He was a diligent, eloquent and focused person to a level whereby his articulations in the house were not based on personalities and political allegiances but on practical socio-economic conditions confronting in particular the poor people of South Africa. His, was for a just society. He may die but his contribution ever since he became a member of parliament and a minister will never be forgotten. We as UDM and the people of this country we will miss that bold fast persuasive voice, a voice when he spoke no one could talk while was speaking. This country has lost a leader indeed. Our souls are deeply sad by his suddenly death. To his family, we want to tell you that you are not alone in this deep sad moment. UDM cries with you and we know that 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 give and take. Our legislative house, and the country has lost an extraordinary leader. It is our responsibility to take where Minister Chabane left, take the baton and carry on. He has left a huge gap in the South African political landscape which we are challenged to fill up. May the peace of almighty gracious God be with his family, this will also pass. To the leader of the Cabinet, the President, please find space in your heart to be strong and let him to rest. Akuhlanga lungehlanga. To the South African Parliament, the ANC and his constituency at large, you have lost, we have lost and the country has lost. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Admin
11 Mar, 2015
The replacement of Pansy Tlakula with Mr. Glen Mashinini
United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO):The replacement of Pansy Tlakula with a male candidate Mr. Glen Mashinini is not an appropriate choice. Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General We are not pleased by the recent appointment of Mr Glen Mashinini, the former Presidential Advisor as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) replacing Pansy Tlakula. As women the appointment of a male candidate does not sit well and it shows clearly that women are not taken seriously by the ruling party, African National Congress. We’ve only heard about government’s tough law in enforcing the gender equality and a total makeover in the workplace but we have not seen that happening. Under the legislation it’s said that departments and companies are required to fill 50% of all senior positions of each gender and by electing Mr Mashinini as the candidate to fill Tlakula’s position the 50/50 has not been applied. The African National Congress is so good in introducing policies, bill and legislature and later not implement such. We were happy to hear about the Gender Equality Bill which will take this country to greater heights crafting a healthy environment for both men and women but that was only a dream to us women. The only other woman Commissioner in the IEC, Rene Taljaard, has just resigned from the IEC, we don’t know the reason for her resignation, but our concern is that position is also likely to be filled up by another man. We rue the day that the ANC recalled former President Thabo Mbeki, his successor seems to be the “Master” of the men’s forums. The silence of the ANCWL on this matter is deafening.
Admin
10 Mar, 2015
Udm Women’s Organisation Laments The Domestic Violence By Police Officers
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Madindi family who lost their daughter Vuyiswa and her mother Sbongile during a shoot-out spree by an off duty Constable Rhulani Nkuna in Meadowlands, Johannesburg. The Madindi relatives are the latest victims of domestic violence by a police officer who also shot himself dead. This incident is of many which occur exactly three days before the world celebrates International Women’s Day. UDEMWO laments the action by the officers in blue uniform that has become a norm throughout the country. Women and children in South Africa no longer feel safe and protected in the hands of the police while they are there to protect them. We would like to call upon government to take a closer look on the regulations that allow off duty police officers to carry service pistol. The bill of right states that everybody has a right to live and this means women and children have that right to live too. UDEMWO would also like to wish the tenant who was injured during the shooting, a speedy recovery. Issued by: Sipho Mawoko MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER UDM NATIONAL OFFICE Contact numbers : 012 321 0010 / 073 3708327
Admin
27 Nov, 2014
16 Days of Activism 2014
It’s that time of the year again. And every year I wrestle with how we feel about the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence and Abuse against Women and Children campaign that kicks off on November and runs until December 10. Although the campaign is held for only sixteen days, for it to be successful it rests on each individual and the nation as a whole in taking action for the security, protection and safety of our women and children against abuse and violence UDEMWO is of the view that it is not enough that we only have 16 days to fight against the violence and abuse of women and children and therefore makes a call to the government and stakeholders to take action and make it an everyday lifestyle and everyone’s first agenda in their day to day lives. If one were to look at high profile cases like Shrien Dewani and Oscar Pistorius, the feeling is that the country’s justice and security systems is not strong enough to protect our women and children against this scourge. Our borders are easily accessible to anyone who feels like coming to our country to commit all sorts of crime and get away with it. The UDEMWO calls upon the government to increase safety and security at the country’s borders. Looking at the Oscar Pistorius trial the question arises as to whether he received a just and suitable sentence for the death of Reeva Steenkamp and if not, are women safe and protected? Doesn’t his sentencing not encourage other men to kill, abuse and violate women’s knowing that they will get light sentences or community service? Doesn’t this then promote mob justice as sentences are not suitable to the crime committed and therefore not acceptable to communities? How safe are women and children in their own homes and communities? Victims of sexual offences and domestic violence are often highly-stigmatised. Because far too many South Africans condone such violence, women often feel obliged to protect members of their families who have committed such crimes and decide on keeping quiet about it because they are afraid that the perpetrator will get few years of imprisonment and still come back to abuse or kill them or the perpetrator is the breadwinner. Action needs to be taken from grassroots level and the government needs to do more in fighting this criminal activity. The way we socialise our boys and girls must talk to addressing the scourge by treating them as equals and giving them an equal platform in taking action with regard to any activities within the school and community environment. The government safety and security agency must claim back the street back to the community.
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