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18 Oct, 2017
#NMBCoalition – DA admitted mistakes were made, Bantu Holomisa writes to DA Leader Mmusi Maimane
Dear Mr Maimane NELSON MANDELA BAY COALITION: MISTAKES WERE MADE REGARDING THE MANNER IN WHICH THE SPEAKER OF COUNCIL CONDUCTED THE NMBMM COUNCIL MEETING OF 24 AUGUST 2017 1. I refer to matter of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) Council meeting of 24 August 2017 at which a motion of no confidence was instituted by the Patriotic Alliance (PA), against our Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mongameli Bobani. 2. The United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) lawyers have secured the closed-circuit television recording (available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzwt1-3KK09fRElhN0kzblVtT2s/view?usp=drive_web) of the aforementioned meeting from the Municipality. 3. I now wish to draw your attention to the meeting we had on 17 September 2017 when we talked about the state of the coalition. During our conversation, you conceded that the Democratic Alliance (DA) had made mistakes in dealing with the coalition partners and you had committed to set right such mistakes. 4. After having watched the recording today, I wonder if, when you referred to mistakes the DA had made, did you include the way the DA had handled the ousting of Cllr Bobani? 5. The UDM would like to understand how the Speaker of Council (as seen in the recording), in the very first instance only allowed one person of each political party to speak on the item and then ignored speaker, after speaker, who protested this decision. The DA professes to be proponents of democracy, but we fail to understand how, what happened on that fateful day, could be considered democracy. 6. When a councillor asked that the proposer of the motion, Cllr Marlon Daniels of the PA, explain what he meant by Cllr Bobani’s “erratic behaviour”, he never did. It appears as if this matter was just steamrolled through Council to suit a hidden agenda. We now know what that agenda had been, after we heard why the PA withdrew from your separate and bilateral “coalition agreement”. 7. Sir, do you consider the handling of the Council meeting as one of the mistakes the DA had made? Are you prepared to rectify this mistake by immediately reinstating Cllr Bobani as Deputy Executive Mayor? Yours truly Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement Copied to: Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MPPresident, African Christian Democratic Party Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, MPPresident, Congress of the People Dr Pieter Groenewald, MPLeader, Freedom Front Plus
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13 Sep, 2017
Letter by UDM President Bantu Holomisa to DA leader Mr Mmusi Maimane
Mr Mmusi Maimane Democratic Alliance Federal Leader Dear Mr Maimane NELSON MANDELA BAY COALITION: UDM REACTION TO DA’S USE OF PwC “DRAFT REPORT” TO BESMIRCH OUR CLLR BOBANI AND THE UDM: APOLOGY REQUIRED FROM YOU AND YOUR PARTY I refer to the “draft report” which had been prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in terms of which the Democratic Alliance (DA) had masterminded a dubious campaign to remove from office the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Deputy Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM), Cllr Mongameli Bobani, under false pretences. The DA has very publicly, consciously and concertedly undermined one of its coalition partners. You had relied on an embargoed PwC “draft report”, which we certainly would not have seen had we not demanded a copy at a meeting of coalition partners on 22 August 2017 – only two days ahead of the DA bulldozing a questionable motion of no-confidence in Cllr Bobani through Council. The fecklessness of the “draft report” forced you to keep it secret, but it did not preclude you from (ab)using it. You and your colleagues have publicly criticised me (personally) and the UDM, saying that we condone corruption. The DA based its whole concerted campaign to get rid of Cllr Bobani, and besmirching the good name of the UDM, on a document in which PwC had not expressed an opinion and it had been clear that the document was preliminary. Little wonder that you kept it hidden in your briefcase as there is nothing in the “report”, contrary to your public misrepresentations, implicating Cllr Bobani. It is highly suspicious and abnormal that the accused, his party, the coalition partners and the NMBMM Council itself had been kept in the dark about the “draft report”. Yet, the “draft report” was given to you personally? Why were you, as a national leader of a political party, privy to this information at all? Is this a “municipality document” or a “DA document”? What were/are your and the DA’s motives in keeping this “draft report” to yourselves and using the information to attack the UDM? Another inaccuracy which the DA has peddled is that the UDM voted with the African National Congress (ANC) in the NMBMM Council. Firstly, differing from the DA is not tantamount to voting with the ANC. Secondly, your attention is drawn to our Co-Governance Agreement, where it is clearly stated that, should the coalition partners not agree on an agenda item, that item should be withdrawn for further discussion. Yet, your Executive Mayor, Cllr Athol Trollip, did not honour this arrangement and forced items onto the Council agenda, thus painting the other coalition partners into a corner, where the only option was to not vote in favour of an item we could not support. The case, currently underway in the Port Elizabeth High Court, is an opportunity for you to explain yourselves to the South African public and the voters of the NMBMM in particular. Lastly Sir, I submit that you and your colleagues have actively misled the public on this matter. The UDM would like to see you publicly and unreservedly withdraw your unsubstantiated accusations and apologise to me, to Cllr Bobani and to the UDM. Prove to the Nation that you are better than the manipulative, destructive liars within the ANC who you purport to oppose. Yours truly Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the UDM Copied to: Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MP President, African Christian Democratic Party Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, MP President, Congress of the People Dr Pieter Groenewald, MP Leader, Freedom Front Plus
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14 Jul, 2017
Inappropriateness of Ms B Mbete presiding over the debate on the motion of no confidence in President Zuma
Honourable Ms Baleka Mbete, MP Speaker of the National Assembly PO Box 15 Cape Town 8000 Dear Madam Speaker Inappropriateness of your presiding over the debate on the motion of no confidence in President Zuma The above matter has reference. I write on behalf of the leaders of the African Christian Democratic Party, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement. We met on 13 July, this instant, and resolved that it would not be proper for you, as Speaker of the National Assembly, to preside over the debate on the vote of no-confidence in President Zuma. We base our argument on the following grounds: You are on record instructing African National Congress (ANC) Members of Parliament in the National Assembly to vote in favour of their President; In the event of the success of the motion, you are enjoined by the Constitution to act as President; and You are also in the running for ANC President and by extension the President of the Country. Making matters worse is your recent attack on the judiciary. You have said that certain judges are biased against your party. Your action undermines your duty to act as liaison between Parliament, as an institution, and the other arms of State. It means that you still fail to separate your role as the head of the National Assembly and that of ANC Chairperson. All of the aforementioned demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are patently biased and therefore conflicted and compromised. We also wish to remind you of the wise advice given by the Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, in the 22 June Constitutional Court’s judgement, He said the following about the power of those in public office: “They are therefore not to be used for the advancement of personal or sectarian interests. Amandla awethu, mannda ndiashu, maatla ke a rona or matimba ya hina (power belongs to us) and mayibuye iAfrika (restore Africa and its wealth) are much more than mere excitement-generating slogans.” We hope that you will to do the right thing in the interest of the Nation and recuse yourself from presiding over this debate. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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12 Jul, 2017
Letter by UDM President Bantu Holomisa to Parliament Speaker Honourable Baleka Mbete
Honourable Ms Baleka Mbete, MP Speaker of the National Assembly PO Box 15 Cape Town 8000 Per email: speaker@parliament.gov.za Dear Madam Speaker YOUR REQUEST FOR INPUT FROM POLITICAL PARTIES ON A SECRET BALLOT ON THE MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA This matter has reference. 1. The context of the Constitutional Court judgement In giving the Constitutional Court’s unanimous judgement, on 22 June 2017, on the matter of the Speaker’s discretion to decide whether a vote on a motion of no-confidence (MONC) in the President of the Republic should be secret or not, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng stated the following: “South Africa is a constitutional democracy – a government of the people, by the people and for the people through the instrumentality of the Constitution. It is a system of governance that “we the people” consciously and purposefully opted for to create a truly free, just and united nation. Central to this vision is the improvement of the quality of life of all citizens and the optimisation of the potential of each through good governance.” About the power of those in public office the Constitutional Court said: “They are therefore not to be used for the advancement of personal or sectarian interests. Amandla awethu, mannda ndiashu, maatla ke a rona or matimba ya hina (power belongs to us) and mayibuye iAfrika (restore Africa and its wealth) are much more than mere excitement-generating slogans.” The context provided by these pronouncements is critical when considering whether the ballot on the MONC in the National Assembly (NA) should be secret or not. It means that any decision, which the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the NA makes, should be weighed in terms of the primary directive of improving the lives of all South Africans to the exclusion of “the advancement of personal or sectarian interests”. 2. Protection of MPs and their freedom fulfil their obligation to South Africans The question is therefore whether the NA MPs enjoy the protection and freedom to fulfil their Constitutional obligation to make decisions in the best interest of our people. In our submissions to the Constitutional Court, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) raised the issue of widespread intimidation of members of the African National Congress (ANC) in order to quell dissent within the party. There is a copious number of examples, as reported by the independent media, which detail the threats made on the person and employment of ANC MPs in the NA. These threats started right after President Zuma reshuffled his cabinet, and continue to this day. One cannot make the mistake of thinking these are idle threats. The Minister of Police announced, on the 29th of May 2017, that there had been thirty-three officially recorded politically motivated murders in the KwaZulu-Natal alone. We have not seen this level of political intolerance since the mid-nineties. As if this is not enough, during the ANC’s recent Policy Conference the very same Minister (who is also a member of the ruling party National Executive Committee (NEC)) described those NA MPs who may vote with the Constitution and the people of South Africa, as “suicide bombers”. A very violent analogy, to describe a potentially violent situation. The whole fracas around ANC MP Dr Makhosi Khoza’s point of view on the secret ballot is another case in point. Just today it was reported that her daughter received death threats from the same people intimidating her. Not only is she under threat, but her family too! On the 7th of July, the Chief Whip of the majority party in the NA threatened members of his party with disciplinary action if they dare to not toe the party line. If this is the level to which people will stoop, how can MPs vote without fear of what the Constitutional Court called “illegitimate hardships”. 3. “Proper and rational basis” for the Speakers decision on a secret ballot The UDM again refers you to the Constitutional Court’s judgement that states that: “There must always be a proper and rational basis for whatever choice the Speaker makes in the exercise of the constitutional power to determine the voting procedure. Due regard must always be had to real possibilities of corruption as well as the prevailing circumstances and whether they allow Members to exercise their vote in a manner that does not expose them to illegitimate hardships.” You have been given the responsibility, as the impartial Speaker of the House, to consider the quite unabashed intimidation already suffered by ANC MPs, as well as the threat of future adverse repercussions should the vote be open. These are not matters to be toyed with and we beseech you to apply your mind, being fully aware of 1) the entire ruling of the Constitutional Court and 2) what might happen to these public representatives if the ballot is not secret. 4. The UDM wants a secret ballot In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the arguments we placed before the Constitutional Court and stress the UDM’s point of view that NA MPs must be protected so that they may vote according to their conscience and therefore in the favour of our people. Yours sincerely Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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22 Jun, 2017
#Concourt: Nqabayomzi Kwankwa writes to the Speaker on secret ballot
Dear Madam Speaker CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULING ON SECRET BALLOT AND THE MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC We refer to our letter, that was subsequently withdrawn, sent on 3 April 2017 wherein we lodged a motion of no-confidence in the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr JG Zuma. In light of today’s ruling of the Constitutional Court regarding your discretionary power to allow for a secret vote in the motion of no-confidence, we again lodge a motion of no-confidence in the President in terms of Section 102, subsection 2 of the South African Constitution and Section 129 of the Rules of the National Assembly. We call on you to do the right thing and grant an urgent debate, and allow for a secret ballot for a vote of no-confidence in President Zuma. We therefore request an urgent meeting with you to discuss the matter. Yours sincerely Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Chief Whip
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03 May, 2017
Open Letter by Thandi Nontenja to Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato
Mr Dan Plato Western Cape Minister of Community Safety 35 Wales Street 5th Floor Cape Town 8000 Dear Mr Plato UDEMWO calls for quick intervention on crimes against the women and children on the Cape Flats The unabated incidents of rape and murders, on the Cape Flats, targeted at women and children caught our attention. Since the beginning of the year, several women and children have fallen victim to such crimes and we are worried that not enough is being done to eradicate this phenomenon. Gang related violence, drug and alcohol abuse seem to be endemic to these areas. The situation is out of control with the City of Cape Town Metro Police reportedly saying that teams will only enter ‘red zones’ in large numbers to avoid potential threats and attacks from residents. There is obviously a challenge with the affected communities not trusting the police and this must be addressed without further delay. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, would like to know what drastic interventions, if any, you and your department are taking to deal with the problem. It cannot be that we fold our arms while these terrible crimes continue; something must be done to restore dignity to these citizens and heal the ills in this society. We urge that you and all the involved stakeholders to come up with strategy that will see to the safety and protection of the vulnerable. In the meantime, we welcome the arrest of the four suspects in the horrendous murder of four-year-old Iyapha Yamile in Khayelitsha over the long weekend. May justice be swift. Yours in Nation building Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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18 Apr, 2017
Towards a National Convention, the UDM writes to leaders of political parties and civil society #OneVision
Dear Leaders A NATIONAL CONVENTION: THE UDM’s VIEWS ON SOLUTIONS TO THE CRISIS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND LOOKING BEYOND MARCHING FOR THE REMOVAL OF PRESIDENT ZUMA 1. Introduction When South Africans marched under the leadership of the opposition parties at the National Day of Action (12 April 2017), I advised that we cannot march forever, but that we must find a way to converge under one roof to discuss South Africa’s future. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is of the view that we must find a vehicle that will provide a safe space for all stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliation, to assemble and hammer out a common future vision for South Africa that is binding to all. We may therefore soon need to have a National Summit, which should ultimately culminate in a National Convention, where leaders of political parties and civil society can exchange ideas on how to take South Africa forward. We should find solutions to our current set of challenges and most importantly, set the ball rolling so that we may leave behind a prosperous country for future generations. The UDM was not left off the hook with this statement and I was asked what the next step should be. This, in my view, confirms that our Nation yearns for an alternative route towards finding sustainable solutions to our vexing problems and remove the dark cloud that hangs over our fledging constitutional democracy under the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC). 2. Background South Africa is at a crossroad and is in urgent need of visionary leadership who provides guidance in finding lasting solutions to the challenges we face. The uprisings, as is expressed through peaceful marches, reflect a deep-seated frustration about the direction the Country is taking. A relatively tiny group of almost 800,000 ANC members is effectively holding a nation, of an estimated 56 million citizens, at ransom. It acts in the name of 11 million voters, some of whom have since joined hands with other citizens, which includes the plus-minus 8 million people who did not vote ANC, in protest of its leadership and its sponsored President. The ANC not only sometimes sponsors bad policy choices, but it is also hellbent on defending one individual, lacking responsible leadership, who has been found (by the highest court of the land) to have contravened the Country’s Constitution. Instead of providing good leadership, ANC leaders feed the Nation with flimsy excuses for not acting against one of their own. The Country has, as a result, slipped farther down the slope with no hope of the ANC ever providing the kind of leadership that is required. Who ever thought that this country, endowed with so many resource, would be reduced to ‘junk status’? It is the same ANC that is undoing the legacy of the likes of Mandela, Sisulu, Luthuli, Tambo and many others who fought for a free, democratic South Africa. It is disingenuous to call 2017 the “Year of Oliver Reginal Tambo”, while the words and actions of the current batch of ANC leaders are in stark contrast to the values OR Tambo espoused. The “self-correcting nature” of the ANC is long gone and South Africa cannot invest in this myth going to the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. It may be that the outcomes of the much-awaited ANC Elective Conference of 2017, will be worse than expected. Unfortunately, and because the ANC is the governing party, South Africa will not emerge unscathed from its internal implosion. 3. The way forward Consistent with the UDM’s views, I want to suggest – in broad strokes – the following steps as a matter of urgency. South African from all walks of life – including political parties, civil society organisations and any interested individuals – should get together as soon as possible to craft a new vision for South Africa. This should not only culminate in a roadmap for extracting us from this ANC-made quagmire, but one that will result in a prosperous future for our people. 3.1. Meeting of leaders The UDM therefore suggests that the leaders of political parties and civil society must first meet to thresh out the issues to be tabled at a future National Summit. This meeting of leaders will only set out an agenda for consideration at the aforementioned summit. At this meeting, a steering committee must be formed to prepare for the bigger forum of a National Summit. The funding of this process should be tackled i.e. should private funders be solicited and/or should Government be approached for assistance. The steering committee should also be capacitated to attend to practical matters such as determining a suitable venue and sending out invitations. 3.2. The National Summit Once we find common ground at this proposed National Summit, and agree on minimum binding principles, working groups must be formed, to tease out the details of the programme to be implemented, that should report to the summit plenary for further discussion and adoption. A new vision, as mentioned earlier, should in practical terms respond to burning issues such as land, economy, employment, corruption, good governance, education, health, review of our electoral system, party funding and others. 3.3. The National Convention Any resolutions adopted at the National Summit, should then be tabled at a National Convention where all interested South Africans and/or organised civil society, as well as Government, should be present. In conclusion, I want to stress that we can wait no longer to act; it is now or never. Yours in finding a solution. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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04 Apr, 2014
UDM writes to Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to request urgent meeting to quiz origins of the so-called Intelligence Report
Dear Mr Nqakula REQUEST FOR URGENT MEETING: JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE The above matter refers. In my capacity as a member of the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, I request that you convene an urgent meeting of the Committee to consider the widely reported and circulated ‘Intelligence Report’ [the Report] that purportedly has been the central reason for the change of leadership in the National Treasury. In order for the Committee to be able to consider this matter and deliberate, I further request that you direct the Minister of State Security, Mr David Mahlobo, and his Director General, to attend the meeting and brief us on the following, amongst others: 1. Whether the Report is a product of our local intelligence agencies? 2. Whether the Report is a product of foreign intelligence agencies? 3. Whether the Minister is satisfied with the origin and substance of the Report and, if so, to give the Committee further details? You will certainly appreciate the negative impact the Report has had on our economy and the Country’s subsequent downgrading to junk status. I hope you find this request in order and urgent. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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03 Apr, 2017
UDM Chief Whip asks the NA Speaker for urgent debate on President Zuma motion of no confidence
Dear Madam Speaker MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC IN TERMS OF SECTION 102 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA AND SECTION 129 OF THE RULES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY With his unexplained, and seemingly unilateral, cabinet reshuffle the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr JG Zuma, has effectively relegated the South African economy to junk status. Whether he considered the consequences his decision seems doubtful. South Africans will soon feel the pinch – but ultimately the poorest of the poor will be hardest hit when food, transport and other necessities become unaffordable. The United Democratic Movement adds its voice to that of our colleagues in other parties, and I herewith lodge a motion of no confidence in the President in terms of Section 102 of the Republic’s Constitution, as well as Section 129 of the rules of the National Assembly. Yours sincerely Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Chief Whip
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27 Mar, 2017
The People’s Parliament must get its priorities right: Parliamentary oversight visits are not properly resourced
Letter written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, from Mr N Kwankwa, MP (UDM Chief Whip in the National Assembly) Dear Madam Speaker THE PEOPLE’S PARLIAMENT MUST GET ITS PRIORITIES RIGHT: PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT VISITS ARE NOT PROPERLY RESOURCED This matter has reference. Last week, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Public Enterprises and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, went to Johannesburg for an oversight visit. The visit pertained to the resolution of a conflict between Eskom and Soweto residents (particularly in Diepkloof, Orlando East and Soweto pensioners) regarding installation of prepaid meters in the area. We were on site for several days; arriving on Tuesday, 21 March staying until Friday, 24 March 2017. Our programme consisted of meeting sessions with the aggrieved community members, aged persons, from 10:00 to 16:30 – which means that we were continuously engaged for six and a half hours per day. Absolutely zero provision was made to ensure our basic comfort; there was not even a jug of water available. Madam Speaker, I am not talking about luxuries here! Just a simple thing, like keeping us hydrated during the course of our work, was seemingly too much to expect. On one occasion, the Members of Parliament went on a hunt, on foot, to find a decent eating establishment in a shopping mall; this was not a productive use of our time. On another occasion, I had slipped out (in the rain) of the consultation session to buy something to eat and drink, since I could no longer concentrate. I hurried to minimise the time spent outside that session. The only available shopping spot was a spaza shop, where the selection was so limited, I out of desperation, bought a packet of biscuits. As I slipped back with the open packet of biscuits, a queue of elderly people started to form in search of something to eat. I shared my meagre proviant, not only with them, but also with my colleagues (a packet of biscuits only went so far). The seniors complained bitterly. They asked what kind of Parliament, forces the elderly to engage with it, for hours at a time over several days, without any light refreshment, whilst we as representatives of Parliament, knew that they were elderly and that many suffered from diabetes. I, to my horror, later discovered that the packet of biscuits had expired. Having bought it at a spaza shop might explain that, but keep in mind that aside from eating them myself, I shared these biscuits with the pensioners and colleagues. The repercussions of possible food poising would have been devastating. In the end, should that have happened, it would have made me personally responsible for such a dire consequence. The whole situation was embarrassing for me as a Member of Parliament, because I was forced to leave a meeting, which was disrespectful, and could have led me to missing important information. It reflected badly on Parliament, and I certainly felt beleaguered. When I raised my dissatisfaction about the situation with the committees’ leadership, they explained that this situation arose because of budget cuts on oversight work. Madam Speaker, we are constantly reminded that Parliament must cut back on its expenses; and especially eliminate frivolous ones. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wholeheartedly agrees with the instruction of National Treasury that we should tighten our belts, but I have two problems with what happened last week: 1) Providing water (at the very least) would not have broken the bank and it would have ensured a basic level of comfort for the Members of Parliament, as well as the elderly members of the public, during hours’ worth of consultation time with the affected communities. It requires sustenance and stamina to keep mentally engaged and physically able to do such work. 2) Secondly, any contention that there is no money to provide for, even the basics, is preposterous. This is because, as late as December last year, Parliament’s Secretary was defended on the official parliamentary Twitter account following an exposé in City Press that revealed Mr Gengezi Mgidlana spent over R40 000 on being chauffeur-driven in a Mercedes-Benz on a so-called study visit in Budapest in July 2016. We also read that an extra R1020 was incurred for a taxi trip to the airport. To add further insult, this was not the first time that his lavish travel style has been on South Africans’ dime. Earlier reports revealed that he, together with senior parliamentary staff, spent millions of Rands on so-called benchmarking trips last year. Flying business class and staying in five-star hotels in the United Kingdom and Turkey. While in London, we heard, Mr Mgidlana stayed in a R14 050-per-night (at that time, R42 150 for three nights) room at the luxurious Conrad London St James Hotel. In another instance, he had also incurred a bill of R52 638 for six nights at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton earlier in 2016. What makes matters worse, is your past condonation of this abuse of public money by the Parliamentary officials in question. Madame Speaker, it is clear that something is wrong with the running of Parliament’s business. How is it possible, never mind justifiable, that the Secretary of Parliament can literally blow millions of Rands, but a few thousand Rands can’t be made available to facilitate our work as public representatives. Lastly, as part of the cost saving measures, Members of Parliament had been told that we are provided with a subsistence and travel allowance and we should spend this money on sustenance during the day. That is all fine and well, but I had left work on Friday and was only refunded the food expenses I incurred that evening. This lackadaisical administrative approach creates concern about Parliament’s administration and its finances. Given the Secretary of Parliament’s (and other officials) reckless spending and clearly frivolous joy-rides, the call for us to tighten our belts rings hollow. Madam Speaker, Government does not have its priorities right. To my mind, it is clearly more important to ensure the quality of our work in service of the People’s Parliament (by providing at least some basic sustenance to Members of Parliament – as well as the public – on oversight visits) than having Parliament’s officials romping around the world in the most expensive way possible. The UDM calls on your office to review Parliament’s budget, especially the allocation of travel expenses to officials, as well as the allocation of resources to ensure that one of the core functions of Parliament, i.e. oversight visits, are adequately resourced to maximise the positive impact our work must have on the daily lives of South Africans. Yours sincerely Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Chief Whip
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26 Sep, 2016
Bantu Holomisa requests meeting of political leaders and IEC regarding ANC leadership’s criticism of Mr Terry Tselane
Dear Mr Mashinini REQUEST FOR AN URGENT MEETING OF THE LEADERS OF ALL POLITICAL PARTIES REPRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT The above matter has reference. It has come to my attention that the African National Congress (ANC) has declared the Deputy Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Mr Terry Tselane, an enemy. It is alleged that, at the IEC National Results Centre (in Pretoria) for the 2016 Municipal Elections, the Secretary General of the ANC, Mr Gwede Mantashe and his deputy Ms Jessie Duarte, in the presence of the State President (who is also the ANC’s President) caused a stir by confronting Mr Tselane and, amongst others, alleging that he: Was an enemy of the ANC; Was conniving with the opposition parties against the ANC; Had single-handedly removed teachers as IEC electoral officers during the 2016 Municipal Elections in order to benefit opposition parties; and that His behaviour has benefitted the opposition parties. These are serious allegations, considering that it was made against a member of the Electoral Commission. It is interesting to note that Mr Mantashe seems to be confirming that the appointment of teachers as electoral officers, is designed to disadvantage opposition parties and unduly benefit the ANC. Such an admission vindicates the view always held by opposition parties with regard to the ‘exclusive’ appointment of teachers as electoral officers. Many of these teachers, if not all, are members of a Cosatu affiliated teachers’ union, Sadtu. Cosatu is in alliance with the ANC and has always taken a firm decision to support the ANC in every election that has taken place since the advent of democracy in South Africa; its decisions binds Sadtu and its members. These allegations place a grey cloud over other Electoral Commissioners. It will not be far-fetched to question whether their loyalties are with the country, its citizens and the Constitution or with the ANC. This is important, because from these allegations, it is clear, that any Electoral Commissioner who does not sweeten the ANC will be regarded as an enemy and will be dealt with accordingly. These developments may necessitate that the current composition of the Electoral Commission be urgently scrutinised to ascertain whether they are all in the service of the nation or in the service of a political party. I am also made to believe that the ANC has begun to question Accenture, a company that has been contracted and worked with IEC to provide technical solutions for a stable technical environment to support elections processes. In my recollection, the credibility of this company has never been questioned by the ANC and it is interesting that it is only now emerging after the elections results that have shocked the ruling party. It begs a serious question; why does the ruling party now have an issue with Accenture and why was this matter never tabled at the appropriate body i.e. the National Party Liaison Committee. I am also aware that the ANC is allegedly considering to alter the current party representation on the IEC’s Party Liaison Committees in favour of proportional representation. We wish to obtain a detailed understanding of this development and its rationale. The alleged meeting that took place on Monday, 19 September 2016, at Luthuli House, which was attended by some of the ANC ‘top six’ and Electoral Commissioner, is of serious concern. It is further disturbing that it is alleged that some of the issues raised above were discussed in the said clandestine meeting. Accordingly, I request that you convene an urgent meeting of all the leaders of parties represented in the South African Parliament to consider, amongst others, the matters raised above. I hope this will be attended to urgently. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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11 Jul, 2016
Mandileni Communities without water: Bantu Holomisa’s letter to Minister Mokonyane
Dear Minister Mokonyane MANDILENI COMMUNITIES IN THE EASTERN CAPE SUFFER BECAUSE OF LACK OF WATER SUPPLY – WE SEEK YOUR INTERVENTION During my recent travels through the country on the campaign trail, I visited the Mandileni community outside Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, 7 July 2016. The people in this community suffer a number of hardships and complain of a lack of service delivery; most notably the lack of a reliable, healthy water supply. The area is completely dry and at the moment the residents of Mandileni share an unfenced water-well with livestock. To make matters worse, the well will not produce water for much longer. Upon enquiry I have discovered that the Alfred Nzo District Municipality does not have the capital, nor the capacity, to assist these people in dire need. I herewith plead for your immediate intervention and assistance, and suggest that you dispatch departmental engineers to the area to find a long-term solution and that, in the meantime, maybe tanks could be erected to store water and/or the South African National Defense Force could cart water to the desperate villages. Kindly advise Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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04 Jul, 2016
Unfullfilled promise for provision of electricity at Mqhele A/A , Xhora, Mbhashe Municipality- EC
Dear Honourable Minister Joemat-Pettersson and Eastern Cape MEC F Xasa UNFULLFILLED PROMISE FOR PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY AT MQHELE A/A , XHORA, MBHASHE MUNICIPALITY – EASTERN CAPE The above matter has reference. Here under is a complaint laid to me in a meeting I was invited to by the community of Mqhele on 30 June 2016, held at their community hall. Their main complaint is lack of fulfillment by authorities who promised them that their area would be electrified as early as 1 June 2016. Further reference is made to MEC Xhasa’s promise at a meeting he had with the community of Mqhele on 12 May 2016, that officials from Eskom will visit the affected area with the relevant material to make electricity accessible to all citizens. I may as well remind you that, the 1st of June was set as a deadline for the delivery of this essential service . According to the community ‘s report a certain Ncamile Mbuqe of Eskom was also present in their meetings with MEC Xhasa when the deadline of 1 June 2016 was announced . Indeed on 1st June 2016 , Eskom trucks with loads of electricity poles came but to the dismay of the community , they passed the affected villages to Bafazi A/A .When the community tried to stop the Eskom vehicles and enquire about why they were passing their villages, police were called to intervene. As if that was not enough, the Mayor of Mbhashe Municipality responded to the protesting residents by throwing insults and rebuked them for lack of literacy and knowledge. Later on the community was told that they might get electricity in 2017. The community feels that the MEC deceived them by telling them that they would get their electricity on 1 June 2016 yet he knew that was not the case. If this is not a punishment meted against the rural poor for taking it to the streets in demand of an essential service, then the Department of Energy and the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, are enjoined to make a prompt and decisive intervention. Even with the dawn of democracy, 22 years ago, these poor citizens of Xhora and Mqanduli in general remain with no access to electricity. Instead they are being sent all over without being told the truth. It’s becoming clear that Eskom is a political tool. Why would an MEC made such a commitment fully knowing that Eskom is not his competence. This confusion must be clarified without delay. All of you who are embroiled in these empty promises must go back to that community and tell them the exact story. In this regard, I call on your offices to make an urgent and decisive intervention to ensure that electricity is available to these citizens too. I hope this will receive your favourable consideration. Your prompt response is awaited. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
19 Apr, 2016
Condolences to ANC and Ekurhuleni community: bus tragedy that occurred between Winburg and Ventersburg
Dear Mr Mantashe CONDOLONCES TO THE ANC AND EKURHULENI COMMUNITY The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to convey a message of condolence to the families and friends of those who lost lives in the bus tragedy that occurred between Winburg and Ventersburg, on their way back from ANC Manifesto Launch in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape over the weekend. We also extend condolences to the ANC and Ekurhuleni community at large for the tragedy. We wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. As UDM we feel that the accident could have been avoided if the drivers were responsible enough hence we are calling for proper investigation into the matter. Kind regards, Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
11 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA regarding meeting with Presiding Officers
Dear Honourable Speaker NOTICE OF A MEETING WITH PRESIDING OFFICERS – 13 APRIL 2016. The above matter has reference. Your notice of a meeting between the Presiding Officers and Leaders of Political Parties in Parliament is confirmed. On the 18th of February 2016, I wrote to you requesting that your office direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings on what I referred to, as; “The threat presented by the Gupta family to the security of the country’s resources”. I have not received a response to this letter either than a request for a signed version, which was delivered to your office. On the 7th of April 2016, I wrote to you requesting for a disciplinary enquiry against President Zuma. Again I have not received a response to this letter either than an acknowledgement. Given the above, I confirm that I will attend the meeting with Presiding Officers, only on condition that your office replies to the contents of the two letters referred to above. Kind regards, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
07 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to Speaker of the NA regarding disciplinary inquiry: President Zuma
Dear Honourable Speaker REQUEST FOR A DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY AGAINST PRESIDENT ZUMA The above matter has reference. Following the scathing Constitutional Court judgment delivered on the 31st of March instant, and found amongst others: “Consistent with this constitutional injunction, an order will thus be made that the President’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Public Protector is inconsistent with his obligation to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic; to comply with the remedial action taken by the Public Protector; and the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness”. A barrage of vicious attacks was meted against the office of the Public Protector and the Public Protector, by amongst others, members of the National Assembly; to a point of accusing her of misleading the nation. This grave misconduct has adversely affected the operations, performance and effectiveness of the Public Protector. Notwithstanding the clarity given by the Constitutional Court, the President, in his public half-hearted apology, failed to express himself on this matter of national interest. In July, justice portfolio committee chairperson Dr. Mathole Motshekga told the Nkandla ad hoc committee: “We should not, and cannot, apologise when we say the report of the public protector is misleading and has misled the nation.” The National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, led by the chairperson, Dr. Mathole Motshekga and Ms Thandiswa Mahambehlala brutally attacked the person of the public protector. This may have led to the economic embargo against the office of the Public Protector. News 24 reported on the 3rd of April 2016; attribute the following to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete; “Now I don’t know who owes the public protector an apology about what because as far as Parliament is concerned, the situation has been explained,” she said. It is my considered view, that the National Assembly has a Constitutional obligation to hold the President accountable on this matter. He has the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness. Further, the Constitutional Court found, against the President: “Consistent with this constitutional injunction, an order will thus be made that the President’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Public Protector is inconsistent with his obligation to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic; to comply with the remedial action taken by the Public Protector; and the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness”. Schedule 2 of the Constitution under Oath or solemn affirmation of President and Acting President provides: “The President of Acting President, before the Chief Justice, or another judge designated by the Chief Justice, must swear/affirm as follows: In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President/Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, I, A, B., swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always – promote all that will advance the Republic, and oppose all that may harm it; protect and promote the rights of all South Africans; discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience; do justice to all; and devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all of its people”. The President has on numerous occasions, and with regard to the report of the Public Protector and the security upgrades at his private homestead; made statements in the National Assembly, which were not accurate and may be bordering on perjury. To date, the nation as has not seen, the size and colour of a piece of paper purporting to be a bond that the President told the National Assembly funded his private home. Access to this document was never granted to the Public Protector as reported. Above all, the President had the audacity to come to the National Assembly and made mockery on a matter affecting the whole nation. We can all remember him infamously saying “…Nkandla – Nkandla! Owu Thixo – wa-se – George – Goch!” Accordingly, it is my considered view that the National Assembly is enjoined to institute a disciplinary enquiry against the President, in order to ascertain the gravity and the seriousness of the conduct of the President, as determined by the highest court of the land. In this regard, I propose: That a disciplinary enquiry be instituted against the President to: 1.1. Investigate whether the President has not misled the National Assembly with regard to his pronouncement on the security upgrades in his private homestead as well as the report of the Public Protector; and 1.2. Investigate the gravity and seriousness of the conduct of the President as determined by Constitutional Court on the 31st of March 2016, and in line with section 89 (1) of the Constitution. That the composition of the disciplinary enquiry be made up of three retired judges given that the National Assembly is conflicted, and that its findings should only be subjected to a review by a court of law where necessary. That a Multi-Party Committee be established to conduct a review of the current legislation governing security upgrades for public representatives in order to avoid further occurrence. That the National Assembly, set up a process that will immediately address the economic embargo meted against the office of the Public Protector and ensure that it is sufficiently resourced to be able to discharge its Constitutional obligations independently, impartially, effective and with dignity. Finally, the National Assembly has no choice but to hold the President accountable. Failure to do so, will send an unfortunate message to many other entities, that since the President was never held accountable, no one will have consequences for misleading the National Assembly under oath. Kind regards Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
04 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to Thuli Mandonsela with request for an addendum of costs for Nkandla
Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR AN ADDENDUM TO THE COSTS OF NKANDLA New details have emerged of how state funds were used to buy fittings, fixtures and building materials for private residence of the President. I am aware that your office was not granted access to this information, however, it is now in the public domain. The former Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Works, Rachard Samuel, is reported to have compiled a dossier revealing the following as costs that were paid by the department towards the private renovations of the private residence of the President. According to the Sunday Times report of the 27 March 2016, Rachard Samuel listed costs, totalling to a whopping R4, 6 million which is broken down as follows: 1. R1.5-million for air-conditioning at two private houses, a guesthouse and a guardhouse. This is apart from the R5-million for air-conditioning detailed in your report and that of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU); 2. R311, 932 for covered walkways between private residences; 3. R54,721.20 for six meranti doors and 26 meranti window frames; 4. R11,850 for hinges and bolts, doorstops, stainless steel hat-and-coat hooks, and six doormats that cost R1500 each; 5. R34,834.80 for aluminium sliding doors – without bulletproof glass – and other aluminium installations; 6. R38,517 for bulletproof sliding doors; 7. R63,215 for plastering materials, R23,300 for tiling and R41,406 for painting internal and external walls; 8. R271, 796 for carpentry and joinery, including roof construction; and 9. R2.4 million for “extras”. I believe, that your office has the authority to summon this information, and approach the Office of the Chief Justice for a proper guidance on how to deal with the new exposé. If this information is true as I believe, then it should help the National Treasury in making a proper determination of the costs to be personally paid by the President. I look forward to a favourable consideration of this request. Kind regards, Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
08 Mar, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to SABC about ANC hijacking of Imvuselelo
Honourable Minister F Muthambi, The Chairperson of the SABC Board, The Provincial Manager of Umhlobo Wenene ANC HIJACKING OF THE SABC – UMHLOBO WENENE IMVUSELELO PROGRAMME The above matter has reference. I am an ardent follower of the Imvuselelo Programme broadcasted by SABC by Umhlobo Wenene Radio Station. Every Sunday evening, I invest time to listen to this spiritually building programme since the time of the late Reverend Lufafa from the then Radio Transkei. When it was integrated into the programmes of Umhlobo Wenene, I continued following it. In the past the programme was purely religious in every aspect. Today, the African National Congress (ANC) Government has hijacked the programme with Members of the Executive Council and Mayors using public money. It has been captured by an unethical ruling party and turned it to be its campaigning platform. After the elections of 2014 it raised eyebrows when this programme went to Bhisho to wash the premier’s feet, even though it was known that he was under investigation, because an amount of R200 000 from monies earmarked for former President Mandela’s funeral ended up in his personal account. Every time the programme airs, you find these Executive Members at centre stage of the church and are given a podium to campaign for their political party. I attended one of these services in Mthatha and it was most repulsive to see the ANC Women’s League Members wearing their uniforms. I was told that when this programme was recently broadcasted from Sterkspruit and Mancam Village in Mqanduli that one would not be amiss to think that it was an ANC gathering. ANC flags and other campaign material were paraded during what is supposed to be a religious gathering for all citizens irrespective of their political affiliation. If you were to listen to the recording of the service in Mancam, the MEC of Social Development made no bones of praising her party and bringing service delivery to the people. She went on praising the role of ANC stalwarts. You tell me if that is not political campaigning. Writing this letter, I also consulted some party leaders who informed me that the same abuse is true of a religious programme on Radio Lesedi called Mafulong a Matala. I fail to understand why the SABC, as the public broadcaster, would allow itself to be used for political gain by a ruling party. If public funds are used for the benefit of the public, the SABC should extend participation to all political parties represented in the area where the programme is held to air views on a specific issue affecting all citizens. It would be important that the SABC goes back to basics and run this programme using its own budget. Programmes like Imvuselelo should not be funded through provincial and/or local fiscus as such will come with conditions that will undermine the independence of the SABC. After all this money they are using is to bring services to the poor, such as roads, water and electricity and not to brainwash them with ANC propaganda. If the SABC charges the Guptas for the breakfast show on SABC TV2 from monies they receive from SEOs, such as Eskom, Transnet, etc. they certainly could afford this expense. SABC should refuse to be used as a mobilising vehicle of the ruling party using the platforms created to develop citizens spiritually. It is a public broadcaster and should be above party politics, at best it should create a separate programme for all political parties to use the public space equally. Should the SABC not stop this blatant bias in Imvuselelo, we shall be forced to instruct our members to attend these services in full party regalia, carrying party material, and insist that they on, the spot, be given a platform – as they do for the ANC – to address any topic they choose. I am sure other political parties would also welcome this opportunity, especially since talk-shows have been suspended by the SABC. Whilst you are pondering our demands in the meantime, could you please forward the schedule of these programmes so that we can tell our members to attend these services. I will always support Imvuselelo in the form that it was originally intended. I however outright reject the fact that the ANC has hijacked religious programmes for their own nefarious objectives. Our message is clear; the ANC must be stopped from hijacking SABC religious programmes. I hope this will be attended to urgently Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President Copied to: Secretary of the South African Council of Churches Party Political Leaders
Admin
20 Jan, 2016
Public Protector must investigate Public Investment Corporation (PIC)
Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR AN URGENT INVESTIGATION: Public Investment Corporation (PIC). I take this opportunity to welcome and wish you and your office, a very successful year in the service of the nation, in 2016. In this regard, I wish to table the following matter with you, so that you may investigate it appropriately for the benefit of the South African public. I have anonymously received serious allegations with regard to the possible corruption in the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) fund. It looks like the institutionalised corruption, which has resulted to South Africa being downgraded by various global grading bodies, has extended its vicious arm to the pensions of government employees, Judges, Members of Parliament and others who are paid from the public purse. It is alleged that, during the second week of December 2015, an amount of R40m was transferred from the PIC account to a company whose name is attached herein. This company is known for handling the PIC and government transactions. It is further alleged that this R40m was meant to fund salaries of the ANC staff members and its Birthday Anniversary Celebrations held on the 8th of January 2016. Another allegation is that, in January 2016, an amount of R2m was transferred from the PIC account to a company whose name is also attached, for the benefit of the ruling party. You are further requested to investigate another allegation that the PIC is about to fund a company whose name is attached herein, with an amount of R1.5bn, in order for this company to purchase a 25% stake from another person who holds this stake with TOTAL Oil Company. I request you to investigate whether due diligence of this transaction was conducted and whether it is in accordance with the relevant laws governing the PIC. Given the specific allegations above, it is clear that there is a need for a thorough and comprehensive investigation of how the PIC is managing all the monies entrusted with them. A judicial commission of enquiry may be relevant in order to ensure that these monies are not vulnerable to the whims of the political elite. I look forward to your excellent investigative work on this matter. Kind regards Bantu Holomisa President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
23 Oct, 2015
PE Ward 30 service delivery challenges
LETTER TO PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA, MINISTER PRAVIN GORDHAN AND MAYOR DANNY JORDAAN BY UDM PRESIDENT BANTU HOLOMISA Honourable Mr D Jordaan Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality First Floor City Hall Vuyisile Mini Square Port Elizabeth Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Republic of South Africa 120 Plein Street, Floor 11 Room 1110 Cape Town 8000 Honourable Mr JG Zuma President of the Republic of South Africa Tuynhuys Private Bag X1000, Cape Town 8000 Dear All SERVICE DELIVERY CHALLENGES IN WARD 30 NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY The above matter has reference. On the 13 of September 2015, I visited ward 30 of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Port Elizabeth and conducted a walk about at the ward and had a dialogue with residents, in the company of the newly elected United Democratic Movement (UDM) Ward Councillor, Mr Mandla Lous Faltein. The ward mainly covers two settlements, Kwamagxaki and Veeplaas. During our interaction with residents of both settlements, and the subsequent engagements with the ward councillor, the residents raised the following issues for urgent consideration by authorities. The Kwamagxaki residents raised the following issues, in no order of priority: • Leaking water pipes and meters; • Roads with potholes and some untarred; • Water fountains which are reducing the durability of their houses; • Inaccurate municipal electricity and rates billing system; • Delays in the issuing out of title deeds to deserving people; • Lack of clarity on the substance and implementation of the indigent policy as some households are headed by children and or unemployed persons; • The long turn-around time of the community services department, resulting to unhealthy environment and the mushrooming of illegal dumping sites; and • Daily increasing levels of crime. The Veeplaas residents raised the following issues, in no order of priority: • High rate of unemployment and lack of opportunities thereof; • Lack of or poor street lighting and playing grounds; • Slow pace of houses delivery resulting to unending mushrooming of shacks; • Overcrowded and poor state of the clinic; • Road with pothole and some untarred; • Sewerage spilling over the street due to poor maintenance; • No legally agreed to, occupation of the official buildings (incubator) by political parties in the ward; • Lack of communication between the ward councillor and municipal officials with regard to show houses; and • Lack of support for local initiatives like the carwash, cleaning of the Chetty River, fencing of cemeteries which initiatives may result to job opportunities. Although the two communities may not share exactly the same socio-economic circumstances, their service delivery issues raised above, are similar and related. This reality presents an opportunity for the municipality to consider implementing ward-based service delivery and development approach as an intervention method. The ward based planning and implementation approach to service delivery, which is central in the Back to Basics Campaign championed by the Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Pravin Gordhan, is the way to go. This approach may be piloted in this ward and be implemented to all other 59 wards of the municipality. This will also provide an opportunity for residents to be at the centre of planning and implementing their own developmental programmes, thus owning up to their responsibilities and rights. I urge your respective offices, to seriously consider the suggested intervention and be in contact with the ward councillor and residents of these communities as a matter of outmost urgency. Your prompt and decisive intervention is awaited and appreciated. Yours in service, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
30 Sep, 2015
Diverting ratepayers’ funds in Beacon Bay, Buffalo City
Honourable Mr JG Zuma President of the Republic of South Africa Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dear Mr President and Minister DIVERTING RATEPAYERS FUNDS IN BEACON BAY, BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY The above matter has reference. A group of ratepayers residing in Beacon Bay, Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape have for period of three to four years, decided to divert their rates to a separate bank account held with PSG, a registered financial institution. This is a civil protest by these residents based on a range of allegations against the municipality. Amongst these is the claim that the municipality has no valid by-law empowering them to force ratepayers to pay rates and that the municipal accounts are not consolidated as required by the Municipal Systems Act. They further allege that the municipality has elected to close ears, and rather threaten them with disconnections whilst they also threaten the municipality with legal action as and when they need information in terms of Promotion of Access to Information Act. The immediate and long term victim of all this is the economy of the area and its poor citizens. If the rates are not paid, the revenue base of the municipality is compromised and service delivery impossible. It is my firm belief that this matter can be resolved without having to go through the straining process of litigation which on its own will have to be funded by citizens. Accordingly, I request your office to make a decisive intervention on this matter to ensure that it is resolved as quickly as possible and in the interest of service delivery. For further information, I am happy to refer you to their spokesperson who contacted me. His name is Mr. Johan Koekemoer Pr Eng whose contact details are: Your prompt and decisive action is awaited. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
