Admin
03 Mar, 1999
Independent commission of inquiry: KwaZulu-Natal
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President The announcement by Minister for Safety and Security that he is requesting Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar to appoint an Independent judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violence in KZN is welcomed by the UDM. Since July 1998, the UDM has been calling for an Independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the root causes of the violence in KZN. The life of the late Secretary General of the UDM, Sifiso Nkabinde and many other innocent victims could have been saved did the ANC then adhered to this call. Though it is late in the day, we are glad that reason at last prevails in the governing party regarding this very sad situation. The scope of work of this commission should not be limited to come up with preventative measures. It should definitely investigate and provide answers to the question of who were behind this spiral of violence. We need to have a full picture of the situation in KZN in order to understand it completely. Preventative measures will not succeed unless the perpetrators of these horrendous crimes and their ruthless masters are brought to book. Not investigating the past cycle of violence and who were behind it raises questions about who it is that government would like to protect?
Admin
25 Feb, 1999
Statement by Sipo Mzimela upon expulsion from the IFP
As you already know, yesterday I was expelled from the IFP and all its organs with immediate effect. My expulsion was prompted by my insistence that party matters must be handled in free and open discussion. The IFP culture is one of blindly following whatever Chief Gatsha Buthelezi says. The so-called disciplinary hearing lasted approximately 30 minutes. My accusers were not the normal disciplinary committee. They were a specially assembled panel of seven Buthelezi henchmen who made up their minds to expel me before the hearing. As a result I saw no reason to contest their decision. There are some who feel I should have rejoined the ANC. Such a step would prove untenable since the IFP will most likely become a surrogate of the ANC after the elections. After due consultation with my family, friends, and advisors I have decided to join the United Democratic Movement, convinced that this is the party that represents a NEW BEGINNING. The majority of South Africans still need to be liberated from various forms of oppression – violence, intolerance, poverty, ignorance, etc. South Africa needs a new value system to guide her into the 21st century and beyond. In my view, the UDM is well placed to create and lead the new South Africa.
Admin
25 Feb, 1999
NIA involvement in PAGAD
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President The revelations of the involvement of a NIA agent in PAGAD is shocking and alarming. It requires immediate explanation and independent investigation. The sudden rush by government to come up with laws against urban terrorism becomes under these circumstances very suspicious. From this incident, it appears as if NIA as a security arm of government is actually sponsors of incidents of urban terrorism. The question that needs answering, if one looks at the bigger picture is in whose interest is NIA working? Did they have prior knowledge of attacks of urban terror? Did they know about the threats against the lives of police personnel? In the fight against crime we should have one law enforcement agency and that agency should be working in the interest of South Africa as a whole and not in the interest of one group. Allegations of drug trafficking by certain members of government has been leveled – and inconceivable in the light of NIA involvement with PAGAD one can not but wonder who is threatened and who is protected. Under the ANC government the line between personal interest and the interest of the state and its people, became blurred. Is there any difference between the previous government’s third force activities and what is happening now? The ANC government must come clean on this issue and the only way is through an independent and transparent commission of inquiry.
Admin
25 Feb, 1999
University of Durban Westville – demonstrations on campus
Statement by UDM KwaZulu-Natal Acting Chairperson It is the democratic right of students to demonstrate peacefully, they must not disrupt classes or fellow students who want to attend lectures. For students to demonstrate, they must have a strong reason. If they have failed their exams, and if they have not paid their fees, there is no place for so called “students” at higher tertiary institutions. They are wasting tax payer’s money. We encourage students to continue their studies and empower themselves with knowledge for the future. It is the responsibility of each student to pay their university fees, and they must study hard to pass their exam. We would like the Vice Chancellor of the University of Westville to tell the public: How many students are demonstrating? What are their reasons for demonstrating? What the University plans to do about the demonstrating students? How is the University going to protect students who want to attend classes?
Admin
17 Feb, 1999
Evidence regarding the assassination of Sifiso Nkabinde
Statement by the National Deputy Secretary Following speculations of arrests and evidence received regarding the assassination of Sifiso Nkabinde, the UDM would like to put forward the following information. A man came to the UDM offices in Pietersburg claiming that he was involved in the assassination of Sifiso Nkabinde. A Videotape of his evidence as well as a sworn affidavit was taken down from the individual. In his evidence, he also said that attacks were planned against other leaders of the UDM. The UDM views this in a serious light. The video together with the sworn affidavit were handed over to Advocate MacAdams, the head of the special investigating team appointed to investigate the assassination of Sifiso Nkabinde. The individual who came forward with the evidence was also cross-questioned by the investigating team. The UDM expects of the police to deal with this and all other leads in a serious manner. All evidence that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this crime must be followed up. We will accept nothing less from the investigating team and the police. The UDM refers all enquiries regarding the evidence back to Advocate MacAdams of the Attorney General’s Office in KwaZulu Natal. It remains in the end the responsibility of the Criminal justice System and all its components to see to it that justice are done.
Admin
17 Feb, 1999
Budget 1999/2000
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President There are no surprises in the Budget presented to Parliament today. It is however a positive sign that the Minister has not deviated from the economic policy embodied in GEAR, which will promote economic confidence in South Africa. Regarding economic growth projections, we are moving in the right direction, but at too slow a pace. The projected economic growth rate of 1,8% for 1999 is simply not high enough to reach the levels of growth we need to create wealth for all South Africans. The UDM welcomes the reduction in company tax from 35% to 30%. This is a positive step towards creating an improved climate for investment. We regard the announcement on tax relief for individuals on the lower income group, as insufficient. The UDM is of the opinion that all tax on income of individuals up to R4 000 per month should be abolished. Only such a bold step will really benefit the poor in our society. The announced tax relief must be put into perspective. Any salary increase will push individuals in a higher bracket. This means that the effective tax burden continues to increase. The tax to income ratio for individuals has increased to record levels. It will therefore be an illusion to indicate that tax reductions are substantial, or that this ratio has decreased. The government expects an increase of 8.2% from individual income tax in the 1999/2000 financial year. Where will they get this revenue, other than from individual taxpayers? A significant announcement by the Minister is the loss by the South African Reserve Bank of R13,3 billion. This loss was incurred in attempts by the SARB to protect the currency, and is for the account of the Government. The question is where is the Government going to find this money and how are they going to pay? This incurred loss emphasises the fact that an urgent reconsideration of our exchange rate management is needed. We urgently need a new approach in this regard. The announced Budget deficit of 3,5% of Gross Domestic Product is twice as high as the average for the emerging world. The UDM is of the opinion that the Budget deficit should be abolished immediately, by way of ruthless cut backs on all unproductive government activities. The Budget deficit currently equates to 12% of total state spending. It therefore will mean to terminate the least essential 12% of government activity. A range of other measures can be considered to support such a step. The UDM is surprised that the Minister has failed to address an accelerated privatisation programme, which can also be used to reduce government debt. We are disappointed that no new and imaginative ideas were produced by the Minister to assist small businesses in South Africa. The UDM believes that enterprise development is the one important factor that can empower South African and that can build our economy. The Minister has failed to announce anything in addition to combat crime, or to restore civil order in South Africa. The impression is created that the Government has no sense of urgency to tackle this most serious problem in our society. In conclusion: the Government has a dismal economic performance over the last 5 years regarding job creation. Today’s Budget showed little evidence that they have the political will to be serious about our most serious socio-economic problem in South Africa.
Admin
10 Feb, 1999
Holomisa’s response to Mufamandi’s “safer SA” claim
Statement by Bantu Holomisa UDM President In a statement today, Sydney Mufamadi, the Minister of Safety and Security, made the claim that the crime situation in South Africa is “improving”. “We are convinced that the initiatives which we have taken… will correct the initial asymmetry which allowed criminals to go about their enterprise with impunity,” said Mufamadi. I am bewildered by this statement. This “initial asymmetry” must be some sort of bureaucratise for “no government policy” or “failed government policy”. According to the minister’s assessment of the statistics, safe and peaceful times are just around the corner for South Africa. The UDM prefers something more reliable than crime statistics. We prefer to talk to directly to South Africans. As we campaign across the country, people are telling us the opposite. The citizens we meet on a daily basis are now more afraid for their safety and security than ever, statistics or no statistics. While the UDM applauds the minor improvements in certain areas, we must emphasise the staggering deterioration in others. Naïve optimism is misplaced and inappropriate. The citizens of South Africa demand leadership in this area, not some band-aid approach to the crime situation during an election year. Civil order requires more than just lip-service. We feel that, currently, the government is actually undermining confidence in the forces of law and order. The UDM will work to ensure that public confidence is restored. The UDM is serious about crime, elections or no elections.
Admin
08 Feb, 1999
Human Science Resource Council poll; shows UDM is gaining momentum
Statement by Roelf Meyer UDM Deputy-President The Human Science Research Council, a respected South African research firm, announced a poll showing that if the elections for Parliament were held today, 9% of South Africans would cast their ballot for the United Democratic Movement. UDM President, Bantu Holomisa said, “That’s marvelous.” Roelf Meyer, UDM Deputy-President, echoed those sentiments, “9%, wonderful.” Holomisa and Meyer said, “We are very pleased with these results. It has been only 15 months since we founded the party, and to already have this type of support is very gratifying. We are not satisfied yet, but we are certainly headed in the right direction.” Holomisa and Meyer continued, “There are two big reasons the UDM is experiencing such dramatic growth as we approach the elections. First, it is because of the quality of the people we have in our party. At the national, provincial and local levels the UDM has attracted a group of loyal and dedicated workers. The result of this poll is a reflection of the tireless hard work our organizers have done on the ground. Our thanks go out to all those workers across the country. They are the backbone of our party. Keep up the good work. “The second reason for our success is our message. We offer South African voters a clear alternative to the failed policies of the ANC whether it is on crime, unemployment, education or healthcare. The voters are beginning to realize there is only one political party that will offer a constructive and credible opposition to the ANC. Only one party’s opposition is not rooted in the past or aimed at a narrow segment of South African society. The voters realize there is only one opposition party that represents South Africans from across the racial and socio-economic spectrums. That party is, of course, the UDM.” Holomisa and Meyer concluded by saying, “This is a nice shot in the arm. We obviously have the momentum, but much hard work remains to be done. We need to prepare for the only poll that counts, the one at the end of May when South African voters cast their ballots.”
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