Admin
09 Jun, 2015
Police must refrain from using grenades and live ammunition when dispersing members of the public
It is with great sadness that during the Youth Month in South Africa we hear of a sad event of a student that was shot and seriously injured by police. This shows that as a country, we are still far from being free. The act by the South African Police Service officials have once again taken us aback and reminded the nation of the sad times during the apartheid era when students were shot and killed for demanding their right to education. The shooting of an 18 year old student Mawande Ngoyo from Lindelani Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape who is in a serious condition in hospital is really saddening and is raising question of whether as South Africans are we free indeed. Everyday we hear about brutal acts of police when dealing with public protests and this is deeply worrying that live ammunition are being used. As the United Democratic Movement, we are against the vandalism of properties when members of the public are not happy with service delivery and other things but the use of live ammunition is not acceptable at all. We therefore are calling upon the Police Minister, Nathi Nhleko, to come up with ways of dispersing and dealing with large gatherings. We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Mawande. Statement issued by UDM SECRETARY GENERAL – Mr Bongani Msomi
Admin
08 May, 2015
Subject for dicussion: The relevance of symbols in building a new democratic heritage – addresss by Mr ML Filtane, MP in the National Assembly
Hon Speaker and members Steve Biko once said, “As long as blacks are suffering from inferiority complex as a result of 300 years of deliberate oppression, denigration and division, they will be useless as co-architects of a normal society where man has nothing else but man for his own sake”. In this regard, he called for a liberation from mental enslavement. The historical and heritage symbols play an important part in defining our present, the past, and are a reality, upon which a discourse on defining the future or explaining the past can be located. However, the debate about symbols and building a democratic heritage cannot be an isolated one but an integral part of the broad socio economic transformation of our society. The building of a democratic heritage requires a substantial focus on a thorough understanding of how the social, political and economic structure, and relations, both theoretical and programmatic, are shaped. The narrow focus on symbolic representation of the legacy of colonialism, apartheid and separate development will result in mere ceremonial and symbolic engagement with the continuity of the same but under a post-colonial and apartheid era. The product will be artificial interventions devoid of substance, beyond the symbolic and a feel good vibes. The radical engagement with the more complicated challenges of how to bring about total de-colonialisation aimed at genuine physical and psychological liberation of the people must not be limited to politically correct rhetoric that cushions the interest and agenda of the ruling elite. However, and in the same vein, the importance of symbols as a means to restore dignity and pride of a people cannot be relegated to the periphery. We emphasise that it must not be divorced from the overall programme of building a new united South Africa that take cognisance of the histories, heritage and collective memories of all its people. The dictate of the Constitution, that South African belong to all who live in it, demands that we collectively, as a people, define our legacy, history and heritage and dictate how we want to celebrate these. The real debate should indeed be about what place do the colonial symbols occupy and how they can be used to educate future generations about the atrocities of colonialism and apartheid. Simply destroying parts of this reality of history will distort our collective history and deny future generations the chance of knowing our past. National unity and eradication of all socio economic ills of the past will be achieved through tangible institutional, systematic and structural pattern of development. Borrowing from Frantz Fanon, the struggle of the people of South Africa is concern as much with freedom from colonialism as with liberation from the suffocating embrace of the past and the pretention of its civilisation should be a universal destiny of all its citizens. I thank you
Admin
12 May, 2015
Dr Ruth Mompati Was A True Example Of Imbokodo
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and saddened by the death of the struggle veteran Dr Ruth Mompati. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mam’ Ruth. She was a true representation of Imbokodo and as women in South Africa, we are forever grateful. She gave and served the country tirelessly when South Africa was experiencing hardships. Mam Ruth was one of the brave women who took to the streets heading to the Union Building in 1956 marching against the carrying of passes and permits by women. She paved a way for the significant change of women in leadership we see today in the country. She was one of the inspirational women leaders who we all looked up to irrespective of political affiliation one belonged to. May her soul rest in peace. End
Admin
08 May, 2015
Letter by Mr LB Gaehler, MP to the Minister of Social Development regarding concerns about abuse of child grants – Hillcrest, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
Dear Minister of Social Development, Ms B Dlamini CONCERNS ABOUT ABUSE OF CHILD GRANTS – HILLCREST, MTHATHA, EASTERN CAPE 1. The above matter has reference. 2. Numerous reports have been given to me verbally about the abuse child grants in Hillcrest suburb in Mthatha Eastern Cape. 3. It is alleged that many of the people who receives child grant are not using them in accordance with the relevant prescripts and as such children are not attending school and not fed properly. 4. I humbly request your good office to investigate this matter and where possible bring sustainable solution by enforcing the application of the relevant regulations. 5. We await your kind intervention. Yours sincerely, Mr LB Gaehler, MP United Democratic Movement NCOP – EC
Admin
07 May, 2015
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: Vote 11 on Public Works
ADDRESS BY Mr ML Filtane MP Hon Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement supports the budget. However we want to drive home the following important issues for the department to pay the necessary attention to, during the current financial season. • For the financial year 2014/15, the Minister committed the department to creation of over a million work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme as a contribution to the overall commitment to create 6 million work opportunities by 2019. In this regard, the department should quarterly and annually update its statistics against the targets and report accordingly. • During our oversight visit to Pretoria, one eight storey building, in which the Council for the Built Environment is involved, was discovered to be socially unfriendly and non-compliant with basic prescripts governing and regulating conditions for buildings, private and public. This matter needs to be attended to urgently. One ablution facility and toilet to serve 32 tenants in one floor is just not acceptable. • The Departmental Offices situated in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, has not been functioning optimally for a while, allegedly due to internal management challenges. This situation, if left unattended to, is compromising the efficiency and effectiveness of the department to render its services to its clientele. The Departmental Administrative Head should ensure that the situation is resolved. • The department must move with speed in finalising all the outstanding lease agreements. • The security of the Parliamentary villages remains a very sore and critical matter, this is notwithstanding all important decisions taken in the past. We still receive reports of break inns and uninvited visitors from outside in the middle of the night, risking the security of members. The department must ensure that once decisions are taken, they are implemented with the speedy they deserve. It must be remembered that this is classified as PRESTIGE PORTFOLIO of the department. • We need to get an update reports on the suitability of all government buildings in terms of access by people with disability as regulated. The department undertook last year to ensure that all Government buildings are compliant. • This budget, must also consider the funding framework for the Independent Development Trust. This should be consistent with the mandate of the IDT. The future of the employees of this entity remains uncertain, whilst this matter remains in limbo. The UDM hopes that corruption that has been widely reported, painting the department as a heaven of corrupt activities, is being aggressively addressed at an accelerated pace. I thank you. End
Admin
07 May, 2015
UDEMWO Calls For Reviewal Of The Parole System
Statement by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation condemns the gruesome killings of women throughout the country. We are also calling on the Department of Correctional Service to explain how the parole system works. One of the accused in the recent murder case of the young teacher, Jayde Panayiotou in Eastern Cape has been in and out of prison for serious cases which include robbery and possession of illegal firearm which we view under serious charge and we are asking ourselves how was he able to be given parole. Three (3) months of being a parolee he is now facing a murder case, what does this say about the justice system of this country. It is even saddening to learn that Jayde’s husband is also in custody for his involvement in the murder of his own wife. This shows clearly that women in this country are not safe and always living in fear of not knowing what is going to happen to them. Everyday we are being abused and killed by those who supposed to love and protect us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. Men have forgotten and abandoned their role as protectors and builders of the nation. South Africa is known for the Spirit of Ubuntu but that is fading by day. As women we are not safe at all even in our homes. We are victims of crime everyday without protection and that is why we are calling for the hand of justice to prevail and not grant bail for those involved in the murder. We are also calling upon the Department of Correctional Services to view their parole system as we feel that somehow it is not applied appropriately. End
Admin
05 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 33: Tourism – address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Ministers and Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote number 33 on tourism. In this regard, we welcome the efforts and work done by the department and many other role players in ensuring that this country remains a destination of choice for many citizens of world. This is notwithstanding socio economic challenges that the country continue to be confronted which in many instances results to inhuman and barbaric acts by criminal elements within our communities. We also note with regret that more than 90 percent of tourism activities in the country are limited to the three economic centers of the country (Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban). This means beneficiation from this industry is limited to the urban part of the country thus excluding the majority of the unemployed and poor, who are found in the extreme rural areas of our land. The further UDM notes and welcome the commitment by the department to its focus shift towards expanding the tourism scope. However, this shift must not reduce the beneficiation currently enjoyed by urban areas, instead, more investment must be towards rural areas whilst strategically empowering the urban tourism to sustain itself through proper management and diversification. The niche for rural tourism is its heritage. The department has already made a clear case for this as paradigm shift and we support that. There are many iconic attractions in our rural areas and we must take advantage of this and maximise its strategic role on tourism. Our wildlife, fascinating history, natural beauty and culture are major and primary tourist attractions and we need to grow them into global iconic places and experiences. Heritage must be at centre of rural economic development and for the realisation of this programmes, a collaborative effort between all key stakeholders like, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Economic Cluster and well as the Local Sphere of governance is the pre-requirement. Accordingly, the department must invest on heritage knowledge working together with other relevant stakeholders. Total implementation of the National Rural Tourism Strategy, the National Heritage and Cultural Tourism Strategy and the National Tourism Sector Strategy as policy tools that the department has in its position can no longer be postponed. Through consistent and aggressive implementation of these tools and working together with the rural citizens, will ensure that the department plays its critical role in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality. The department must not fail in this historic task. Thank you
Admin
05 Jun, 2015
Member’s Statement on the critical challenges confronting young women address by Ms CN Majeke, MP in the National Assembly
Honourable Speaker and members As we begin the 39 Anniversary of the Youth month, it is important that we focus on the critical challenges confronting young women. Many young women remain targets for gender based violence. The recent UN, 2010 report, on violence against women in Africa indicates that the scourge of violence against women in Africa is still largely rampant, but hidden beneath cultural practices and beliefs. Amongst other reasons accountable for this situation are recorded as: • The predominance of the system of patriarchy across the continent and our country is not immune; • Violence against women is accepted as a cultural norm in many of our communities and is often condoned by the communities; • The stigma attached to female victims has resulted in very low rates of reporting and some young women and in particular in the rural areas, do not report and or sometimes are turned away by authorities who see violence against young women as not important. All government institutions and in law enforcement agencies and our judicial system, must give priority to violence against young women. The World Health Organisation reports that the health of young women is affected by a plethora of factors, most of which revolve around lack of adequate health facilities and infrastructure. We need to give extra focus on this matter as well during this 39th anniversary of the youth months with specific focus on young women. Promoting gender equity and empowerment of young women will be of benefit to our economy and the society at large. However, we still face a stumbling block with regard to prioritising young women. The National Youth Agency must give the necessary attention on this area as it implements its programme during this month. The majority of the unemployed young people are young women. I thank you
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