Dear All Thank you for your support and votes in the National and Provincial elections on May 7th. I would also like to extend my appreciation to all the United Democratic Movement (UDM) members and leaders. We have all had the opportunity to meet so many amazing, progressive people throughout this campaign period, I hope that each and every one of you stays in touch and stays involved. I can confirm that the UDM has been allocated two seats from the National List [10th] and two seats from the Regional List to National in Eastern Cape, making the total of four seats in the National Assembly. We also qualify for a seat of a permanent delegate to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). In total the UDM will have five Public Representatives represented in Cape Town. Looking at the UDM candidates who will be sworn-in in the National Assembly we were challenged when it comes to gender balancing. In the last five years we have been coming under heavy criticism in the House because the UDM did not have a female representative. Mr Lennox Gaehler who is one of the candidates will voluntarily go to the NCOP and accommodate a woman candidate in the National Assembly (Ms Cynthia Majeke). Let’s continue to build the movement. I have faith in the Party and faith in the people of South Africa especially UDM members. Yours in Party building, Mr BJ Msomi UDM Secretary General
• UDM Leaders from all across South Africa • UDM public representatives • Citizens of the Eastern Cape • The people of my hometown, Mthatha, and • My fellow South Africans 1.WELCOME AND THANK YOU TO ALL UDM ACTIVISTS Before we get into the politics and issues of Elections 2014, I want to welcome you all and quickly say something about teamwork. Many of you might not be familiar with the name Vince Lombardi. He was a legend in American football and had astounding success as a coach. He was an expert on teamwork. In honour of our election teams, I quote Mr Lombardi: “The achievements of an organisation are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” The United Democratic Movement (UDM) says: thank you, realeboga, dankie, and siyabulela to each individual who: • distributed flyers or hung posters, • represented the UDM on radio and television interviews, • spent weekends spreading the gospel of the UDM, and • dedicated the past months to this organisation we all love. 2. THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE 2.1. THE PAST On 15 August 1985, PW Botha gave his infamous “Rubicon” speech. There was much hope pinned on him to announce big changes to the policies of apartheid. To say that he disappointed us, is a colossal understatement. Fortunately we were blessed with people who fought for our freedom. They were principled individuals who never faltered in their cause; who were willing to make an enormous sacrifice for our freedom at their personal expense. [You might want to use fewer examples – names are alphabetically listed according to surname] We think of, amongst others, Helen Joseph, Chris Hani, Albert Luthuli, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Walter and Albertina Sisulu, Robert Sobukwe, Desmond Tutu and of course in 1990 the Father of our Freedom, Mr Nelson Mandela, walked out of Victor Verster prison a free man. The Eastern Cape takes a proud place in this history. In almost every town and remote rural areas you can find traces of the heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom. FW de Klerk followed Botha’s rule and during the early nineties we at last felt the winds of change. In 1994 we, at last, crossed the “Rubicon”. We recently celebrated 20 years of our new democracy. It is remarkable that we came so far in such a short time. We will never forget the oppression of the past. It serves as a reminder to never allow that history to be repeated. 2.2. THE PRESENT The tragedy of the last years of ANC rule is that this nation is sinking deeper into the quagmire of corruption, poor service delivery, maladministration and no regard for the rule of law. Our hard won liberties are systematically being destroyed with the socio-economic circumstances of our people making it impossible to protect the gains of our freedom. It is even worse that institutionalised corruption has reached the highest office in the country. We are led by a man who refuses to be held accountable and whose vocabulary extends to one phrase: I did not know. In addition, the executives (nationally and provincially) practice corruption as a sport – where one strives to best the other in a game where taxpayers’ money is misused. They are shameless. The ruling elite’s arrogance is a slap in the face of a nation. They cavort around, whilst many people go to bed hungry; our children receive a second-hand education and our townships, as well as villages, belong in a 3rd world country. In particular, the Eastern Cape is heavily under-budgeted. The infrastructure of the two homelands – and the townships in the province – was never brought on par with the developed one we inherited in 1994. A description of the current state of affairs; amongst others, includes: • The people in the province have become accustomed to mediocre schooling and results. • Dilapidated hospitals have become places of death. • Municipal administrations are rife with corruption and tenderpreneurship. • The industrial hubs in Butterworth, Ezibeleni, Dimbaza and Fort Jackson have perished or are following suit. • This province was the granary of Southern Africa, but agriculture was allowed to systematically wane and this threatens food security. • Roads are in disrepair, electrification and water supply are erratic and in some places non-existent. • Respect and power of traditional leaders are almost non-existent. The ANC of today has forgotten the values of the Freedom Charter. They have abandoned the original agenda, which is to improve the lives of all South Africans. 2.3. THE FUTURE The obvious question is: Are things so bad that we might as well throw in the towel? The UDM emphatically says NO! We believe that it is not too late to turn the situation around. 3. THE FUTURE – WHAT ARE THE UDM’s PLANS FOR THE EASTERN CAPE? Should I, as the UDM’s candidate for premiership in the Eastern Cape, be given the opportunity to govern, the following critical objectives shall be on the agenda for change: 3.1. Addressing the democracy dividend deficiency in the Eastern Cape so that it becomes a model province in terms of all development goals. 3.2. Turning the province into a key economic growth area so that it becomes the 4th fastest growing economy in South Africa by 2019. 3.3. Bringing essential services closer to the people and increasing the capacity the institutions that provide those services such as healthcare and education, as well as programmes that ensure food security and local employment. 3.4. Turning around the performance of provincial government – in particular the departments of health and education. 3.5. Providing effective governance by employing the right people, with the right skills, in the right places. Ensuring proper short and long-term planning, the appropriate use of resources as well as managing performance and monitoring. 3.6. A zero tolerance for corruption and not employing people for political reasons and/or their association to our party. 4. THE FUTURE – OUR PLANS FOR SOUTH AFRICA 4.1. We will promote good governance and the separation of the powers of government, legislatures and the judiciary. 4.2. A UDM government will do more and invest in our economy. We will: • implement checks and balances to ensure that taxpayers’ money is not wasted and take speedy action against corrupt government officials. • ensure that our people, especially in rural areas, have access to passable roads, electricity, irrigation and reticulation as well as a functioning railway network. • provide a conducive environment for our people, especially the youth, to become entrepreneurs and creators of wealth. 4.3. The UDM will ensure quality education and • go back to the basics i.e. teachers must teach and learners must learn. • translate the large education budget into quality education that produces school-leavers and graduates that are equipped with job related and life skills. 4.4. One of our main priorities is food security and rural development. The UDM will: • use agriculture as a tool to expand our economy, to create jobs and generate wealth. • prioritise the needs of farmers, emerging and commercial alike, by developing policies that enable them to compete against their international counterparts. 4.5. A UDM government will make quality health care a priority and bring services closer to communities, improve on emergency response; provide necessary supplies and equipment, as well as maintain hospitals and clinics. 4.6. Regarding safety and security, a UDM government will: • restore civil order and develop a doctrine for the police service to function in line with our constitution’s values. • enhance coordination between the ministries and departments of justice, the police and correctional services, as well as defence and national intelligence. • We will champion the environment and teach our people of climate change, water scarcity and energy, so that they – and future generations – become partners of a UDM government in protecting our natural heritage. 4.7. The UDM will bring about electoral reform by: • introducing a mix of a constituency and proportional representation system where politicians are accountable to the people. • changing electoral laws so that we elect our president directly – instead of a ruling party foisting a president on the people. 5. CONCLUSION An annual South African Social Attitudes Survey, done by the Human Sciences Research Council, showed that 66% of South Africans believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction. Why then do people want to again vote for the ANC? Open your eyes and punish the ANC for its cavalier attitude and callously risking our futures and the prosperity South Africa. It is time for us to cross another “Rubicon”. This Wednesday will give voters the opportunity to affect such a change. This is your country. Take charge and vote UDM! Thank you
To: Leaders of Political Parties From: Bantu Holomisa (Chairperson of the Multi-Party Forum and UDM President) Subject: PARTIES AND THEIR VOTING AGENTS MUST BE EXTRA VIGILANT Dear Colleagues We have already heard reports about transgressions and other misdeeds of some party agents and officials of the Independent Electoral Commission. We must now, more than ever, be vigilant and have our party agents work as a collective to ensure that the election at each voting station is held to the highest standards. We too have a responsibility to ensure that no aspersions can be cast on the validity of the results and that Elections 2014 were indeed free and fair. Amongst other, we should specifically be heedful of the following, that: Party agents stand firmly on their rights to observe every aspect of the voting process. Once it arrives at voting stations, election material has not been tampered with. Ballot booklets (and therefore ballot papers) should be checked before voting starts. Once voting stations close and ballots are counted, the number of used ballots (valid and spoilt) and unused ballots should tally with the original count. Ballot boxes are assembled in front of party agents and are sealed once full. The ink at each voting station is truly indelible and cannot be removed – it will be important that each new applicator is checked. Voters who enter the voting station do not already have ink on any of their fingers. It is in our interest to ensure that we safeguard our democracy by satisfying ourselves that each step in the voting process is monitored and that no untoward influence is exerted in any fashion. Good luck to you all Bantu Holomisa UDM President Chairperson: Multi-Party Forum
• Programme Director • Nactu Leadership • Nactu Members • My fellow South Africans THANK YOU On behalf of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), I thank you for the opportunity to share the stage with the National Council of Trade Unions on this very important day. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND WORKERS The past few years has seen a new dynamic in our political discourse that harks back to the time before our new democracy. The Marikana Massacre on 16 August 2012, was an incident of the most use of lethal force by South African security forces against civilians since the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960. Twenty one months hence, the ruling party adds further insult to this egregious injury. First Minister Fikile Mbalula tried to ply the African National Congress’ (ANC) pretense of caring and then President Zuma’s scheduled outing was cancelled due to “violence in the area”. Instead of visiting the area when it mattered, and listening to workers’ concerns, the ruling party sent their police to harshly suppress the masses – a blatant use of state resources to defend the ruling elite’s interests in the mining industry. It is impossible to comprehend the arrogance with which the ruling party treats our people. Where were government’s leaders when the danger signs showed? Where were they during the aftermath? The words of the ruling party’s North West provincial chairman Supra Mahumapelo illustrates the ANC’s disdain. He said: “We do not want to draw unnecessary attention… We do not want to give anarchists a platform to advance their agenda.” What kind of leadership provokes violence and then calls our people “anarchists”? Do you even recognise this ANC anymore? Would you judge these so-called leaders to be of the same cloth as the leaders of the struggle? They seem to be nothing more than impostors who masquerade in the name of the people. The original agenda, which is to improve the lives of all South Africans, is a carcass from which these hyenas has grown fat and then left it to rot. GOVERNMENT’S RELUCTANCE TO INVEST IN THE ECONOMY TO CREATE JOBS The irony of celebrating Workers’ Day is that most of our people don’t have work. The rest of the 364 days of the year should each be called: “Jobless Day”. The paradox of the South African economy since 1994 has been jobless growth, even when this country has had a sustained growth for ten years. The ruling party’s policies have failed to grow our economy at the rate required to create jobs. After a careful analysis of South Africa’s economic challenges and opportunities, reinforced by comparative analysis of successful policies in other countries, the UDM has a practical realisable plan. The basic philosophy of the UDM is that “Government Must Do More”. While the UDM recognises the valuable role that markets should play, it is of the firm belief that government must play a key role in creating a stable policy environment and developing the economy for the benefit of our people. “Government Must Do More” means that a responsible government: • cannot depend on market forces alone. • cannot fail to decisively intervene in the economy whilst the quality of life of its citizens deteriorates, South Africans cannot find decent work, millions live in abject poverty and suffer because of underdevelopment. • has to ensure that our political freedom translates into economic emancipation. CLOSURE It is time for change. May the 7th, can be the catalyst for that change, but this cannot happen if you don’t take action. The ANC has failed abysmally to unite South Africans and make nation building the priority. The UDM remains committed to creating a political home for all South Africans, a place where we can all share our freedom together. Thank you
Workers’ Day is a celebration of labour and the working classes. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) recognises the right of employers and employees to organise themselves to campaign and lobby the aspirations of their members. Given our history it is clear that labour organisations have a role to play in society and are a strong voice of social conscience. After all, this country must never return to a situation where our people are exploited as slaves and a source of cheap labour. Although we celebrate this day with those who have jobs, we think of the millions of South Africans who do not have work. We must not only concern ourselves with the rights of workers, but also with the right of all South Africans to work and to contribute to the economy. The labour disputes – such as the current ones in the mining industry – makes it clear that where labour is directly affiliated and dependent upon a political master, it does not serve its primary purpose. The ruling party has presided over so-called ‘jobless growth’ – which simply means that it has steered the economy into a direction that does not create jobs or increase the overall wealth of the country. With elections around the corner, we hope that South Africans will vote for job creation – in other words, a vote for the UDM.
• UDM Leaders at all levels of Eastern Cape • UDM public representatives • My fellow South Africans WELCOME Ladies and gentlemen, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) says “thank you” for making the time and effort to attend this rally and listen to our message. To our election teams that have worked themselves to a standstill to make a success of this event – thank you for the hard work guys. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF FREEDOM – A VIEW OF THE PAST We yesterday celebrated 20 years of our new democracy. It is quite extraordinary that we have come so far as a nation in a relatively short time. We will never forget the tyranny and human rights abuses of the past, because it serves as a reminder of what should never happen again. Our deepest gratitude to the struggle icons, many of whom hailed from the Eastern Cape, for their selfless efforts and sacrifices. CORRUPTION DESTROYS THE GAINS OF OUR FREEDOM At the moment our nation is going nowhere slowly – corruption has become a hallmark of how government operates. Maladministration and ineptitude are at the order of the day. Abuse of state resources have become a way for the ruling elite to line their pocket at your expense. This is true of the ruling party’s government at national, provincial and local levels. We can no longer pussyfoot around these issues… it is a fact that corruption, maladministration and incompetence destroy the gains of our freedom. STATE OF THE EASTERN CAPE This province is heavily under budgeted given the two homelands and townships’ infrastructure that had to be integrated into in the developed infrastructure we inherited in 1994. This has not happened. The infrastructure of the former homelands and townships in the Eastern Cape are in total disrepair. When one enters the townships of Port Elizabeth you might think you have entered a 3rd world country. This is a travesty. Voters should open their eyes and punish the ANC for putting the future of this province and its people on the back burner. THE STATE OF THIS MUNICIPALITY The UDM salutes the struggle leaders who hail from this city. Their contribution to the liberation of our people is well documented and history teaches us that they lead from the front and put the needs of our people before their own. As citizens of this metro, you must take over the good work of your grandmothers and fathers, and your parents. You must take the ruling party’s comrades in corruption of Port Elizabeth to task. These so called public servants spend more time fighting each other, than fighting for the people. The youth of PE must take responsibility for the future of this city; apply your abundant energy to turn the situation around – apply your minds to how we should ensure economic emancipation, good education and health care as well as promoting the check and balances to eradicating corruption. Harness your verve and vitality to erase the damage the ruling party’s cronies have done. Go back to the foundation the forerunners of old left and expose corruption, breathe life into the local economy and leave your own legacy to those who come after you. WHAT ARE THE UDM’s PLANS? Should I, as the UDM’s candidate for the premiership, be given the opportunity to govern, the following critical objectives shall be on the agenda for change: 1. Address the democracy dividend deficiency in the Eastern Cape, so that it becomes a model province in terms of all development goals. 2. Turn the province into key economic growth area in the country, so that it becomes the 4th fastest growing economy in South Africa by 2019. 3. Improve the quality of life of the poorest by bringing essential public services closer to the people and to increase the capacity of all institutions that provide those services, such as healthcare, educational opportunities, food production and security and local employment opportunities. 4. Turn around the performance of provincial government, but in particular the departments of health and education. 5. Provide effective local governance by employing qualified people, with the right skills-sets, in the right places. Proper planning, the appropriate use of resources and performance management and monitoring are key issues. 6. The celebration of corruption, which has somehow developed in a competition to see who outsmarts whom, must be brought to an end. We will therefore implement policies that ensure that the best talented, properly trained and competent persons are appointed; in other words, political deployment will become a thing of the past. CONCLUSION It is true that history tells us where we come from, but it is time for us to focus on the future; it is time for us to clearly identify where we are going. It is time for change. May the 7th, can be the catalyst for that change, but this cannot happen if you don’t take action. The people of this beautiful city, especially our young people, must be the agents of that change and the UDM the vehicle. Vote UDM! Thank you
Memo to: Mr Terry Tselane, Vice-Chairperson of the Electoral CommissionFrom: Bantu Holomisa (Chairperson of the Multi-Party Forum and UDM President) Copied to: Judge Thami Makhanya, Rev. Bongani Finca, Ms Raenette Taljaard, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, leaders and representatives of other political parties ===================================== Dear Mr Tselane The abovementioned matter has reference. The Electoral Commission is on record that it has accepted the Public Protector’s report 13 of 2013 captioned: “Report on an investigation into allegations of maladministration and corruption in the procurement of the Riverside Office Park to accommodate the head offices of the Electoral Commission in 2011”. It is also a matter of public record that Commission Chairperson Pansy Tlakula has in her personal capacity lodged papers at the Pretoria High Court to review and set aside the Public Protector’s findings and recommendations against her. This was confirmed at a meeting between the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Multi-Party Forum on 1 April 2014. We have received information that the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Mr Mosotho Moepya, has allegedly paid R500 000 from the IEC’s coffers to pay for Advocate Tlakula’s legal fees. We herewith enquire if the Commission is aware and/or has approved the expense. If it is indeed aware and/or has approved these expenses, how does the Commission justify its decision whilst Advocate Tlakula has engaged in these legal battles in her personal capacity and on basis was such a large amount paid even before the review has commenced? Two credible organisations have fingered this person as having done irreparable damage in terms of the IEC lease agreement i.e. no value for money, and yet she has the audacity use state moneys to fight her personal battles. We hope to receive your response to this enquiry by the end of this week. Yours sincerely Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President and Chairperson: Multi-Party Forum
• National Office Bearers of the UDM • UDM Gauteng Provincial, Regional and Branch Leaders • UDM members and supporters • My fellow South Africans THANK YOU AND WELCOME I would not be standing here, if not for the hard work of the election teams of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the province. You should feel proud of your efforts. Enkosi. Today we celebrate the first 20 years of our democracy. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is proud to be part of this history. We have made a tangible difference in steering this nation in the right direction; consistently exposing corruption and advocating for honest, conscientious and transparent government. We sometimes forget that it is extraordinary that we have come so far in such a short time. Although we will never forget how oppressive this society was, we also need to focus on the next 20 years and the 20 years thereafter and so on. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT PHASE OF OUR DEMOCRACY Today marks the first day of the next phase of that democracy. It would not be an overstatement to say that 7 May 2014 is nearly as important as the 27 April 1994. We again stand at the precipice of change and we must not lie to ourselves – it is time for change. We cannot allow the country to slide further down this slippery slope of corruption, maladministration and ineptitude. We can choose to continue on this path or have the sense and moral fortitude to take our responsibility as voters seriously. Poverty and corruption destroys the gains of our freedom. Disrespect for the rule of law destroys the gains of our freedom. There is no getting around these facts. The ANC is to blame and you should hold it accountable. GOOD GOVERNANCE AND RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW Disrespect for the rule of law, as exhibited by our executive, as well as institutionalised corruption have a direct bearing on South Africa’s downgrading on international ratings, which in turn negatively impacts investor confidence – so the vicious cycle continues. In this regard the UDM commits itself to promote a culture of good governance and respect of the separation of powers of government, the legislatures and the judiciary. THE ECONOMY – A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL The UDM believes that meaningful government intervention is needed to ensure economic growth. This means that we need good roads; an efficient rail network; electrification, provision of water, irrigation and reticulation in areas where people live and businesses operate. There has been much talk about the nationalisation of mines. Tensions raised to a boiling point, which resulted in great instability, not only amongst mineworkers and their employers, but it also negatively impacted on South Africa as an investment destination. A UDM government commits itself to: • Use a manageable budget deficit and government debt to create jobs and stimulate the economy. • Implement checks and balances to ensure that taxpayer’s money is not wasted and action is taken against corrupt government employees. • Ensure that our people, especially in rural areas, have access to passable roads, electricity, water and a fully-fledged railway network. • Initiate opportunities for young South Africans by radically reducing the red-tape that stifles entrepreneurship. • Make mining one of the major points of discussion at the Economic Indaba which the UDM proposes. EDUCATION AS THE STEPPING STONE OF DEMOCRACY An educated citizen is a national asset. In order for our education system to produce graduates with the necessary expertise for the job market, a UDM government commits itself to invest the education budget into the improvement of infrastructure, training of teachers and their career growth. Further, our policy and curriculum will be consistent and always in synch with the socio-economic imperatives of the country. FEEDING A NATION It is unimaginable that we, in this day and age, have people who go to sleep hungry and wake up hungry. South Africa was once the bread basket of this region, but the incumbent government has let our rural economy slide into the abyss. A UDM government commits itself to: • Use agriculture as a tool to expand our economy, create jobs and generate wealth – especially in rural areas. • Prioritise the needs of commercial and emerging farmers by developing policies that will level the playing field, to allow them to compete against their international counterparts. KEEPING OUR PEOPLE IN A GOOD STATE OF HEALTH A healthy citizen is a productive citizen and, therefore, a vehicle for economic development. Unfortunately, our public healthcare is in the I.C.U. and cannot deliver. A UDM government commits itself to improving the country’s national healthcare system by building more clinics and hospitals. We shall improve facilities, services, ensure availability of medicines and medical supplies. We shall ensure that the system responds effectively to communicable diseases and substance abuse. Medical practitioners shall be well trained and compensated. CRIME PREVENTION For many years the ruling party has refused to acknowledge the magnitude of the crime crisis facing South Africa. There is no synergy between the various partners in the justice cluster i.e. intelligence, police, the courts and correctional services. A world-class nation can only exist in a productive and safe environment that encourages enterprises to flourish whilst attracting local and foreign investments. A UDM government commits itself to: • Restore civil order and develop a doctrine to ensure that the police functions in line with our constitutional values. • Enhance coordination between the departments of justice, police, correctional service, defence and national intelligence. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU? The choice is yours – you can allow our country to continue on the same downward path or… you must do something different. Simple. Should you make your mark for the UDM, you can be assured that we will send a team of people to government that have your concerns at heart. CONCLUSION In ten days we will go to the polling stations to make our mark in favour of the political party of our choice. You have an opportunity to bring change to your lives. To bring that change, vote UDM! Thank you