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20 Aug, 2014
UDM Letter to President Zuma about political parties’ participation in national events: Women’s Day 2014
By Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP I refer to the Department of Arts and Culture, the Department of Women, and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s hosting of the National Women’s Day celebrations at ABSA Stadium on 9 August 2014 at the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality which was later changed to King Zwelithini Stadium. The United Democratic Movement (UDM), however with regret notes that the representatives of other political parties were treated as mere window dressing. The provisions of the policy in this regard, where representatives of other political parties participate in the programme, were undermined during this state function. A clear bias was shown with only the ruling party that was acknowledged and was allowed to address the gathering. We saw women in full ruling party’s women’s league regalia, it was like and ANC Women’s League rally. Since the adoption of the relevant policy, this was anomalous. This speaks to a matter that the UDM has raised time and again i.e. that there must be clear distinction between state and party. This situation makes us wonder why we should continue to honour and respect national events organised by government if the very regulatory framework governing such events are not respected by government. The UDM believes that unless this situation is corrected there will be no reason for it to be associated with abuse of public funds by the ruling party in the name of official state events. In conclusion, the UDM proposes that you conduct an urgent investigation into this matter, and pronounce on whether government policy has changed or there are other policies by the ministers. In the event the policy you pronounced remains in force, do indicate what actions are to be taken to rectify the situation before the next event. We await your kind response.
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20 Aug, 2014
National Women’s Day debate in National Assembly
Address by Ms CN Majeke, MP, in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker, Mr President Mr Deputy President Ministers and Deputy Ministers Honourable Members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) joins the millions of citizens of this country and the world to pay tribute to the women of South Africa for the central role they continue to play in liberating this country. These heroines acted as a conscious and formidable force of the liberation struggle, some even sacrificing their lives for freedom. Accordingly, any process which undermines the emancipation of women is fundamentally hostile to the objectives of a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. In this regard and as this parliament, together with the people of South Africa, it is important to answer the question whether we have made and continue to make progress with regard to the emancipation and empowerment of women. We must continuously measure the progress we make in this area so that we can determine what we should do next. There is no doubt that some progress has been made on women emancipation and empowerment particularly in the public sector. On this important day that celebrates our heroines, we make a call on the corporate world to meaningfully join the movement towards a non-sexist society. Certainly, it is not possible to realise our full economic potential with women on the margins of economic development agenda and process. Honarble Speaker, the empowerment of women does not only relate to high positions in the public and private sectors. It must amongst others, entail that, the ordinary women in the rural areas are freed from the daily arduous and back breaking task of walking long distance to fetch wood and carry river water. The ordinary rural women should be freed from abusive stereotypical cultural practices that undermine their humanity and freedom. Emancipation must mean that we make the necessary progress to arm women with education, skills and information so that they can participate meaningfully in the economic and social development opportunities that are available to them. Government should, amongst others, strengthen its tender processes so that through its interventions, visible change in the lives of ordinary South African women are seen. Both the public and private sectors should source their services and products from women-owned and managed businesses, taking the necessary measures to promote, mentor and empower such business women. The commitment by government to “buy local” must deliberately favour women. Government must engage both trade unions and employers to act together to bring to an end the continuing sexual abuse of women in the work place as well as those seeking employment. Women’s right must be protected if we are to decisively move towards a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. As this parliament and the nation, we have a responsibility and duty, to unite against the barbaric acts of rape and abuse of women and children. We must ask ourselves, what has happened to Ubuntu when these inhuman things happen. We should not shirk our responsibility and ignore the abuse of women and children on the basis that it is the task of police to deal with these matters. We must decisively discharge our responsibilities within the confines of law. We also need to pay more attention to the challenge of gender and disability, because women with disabilities face a double jeopardy which applies to those young and old. This is important because we sometimes find that women with disabilities are open to more abuse than other women. The task of women empowerment and emancipation demands that South Africans work together. Indeed by doing all these things together, we will perfectly celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Women’s Charter and twenty years of freedom whilst moving towards a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. Thank you
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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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