Admin
15 Apr, 2014
Department of Labour Compensation Fund: corruption and wasteful expenditure
To: The Public Protector – Ms Thuli Madonsela Copy: The President of the Republic – Mr Jacob Zuma The Auditor General – Mr Thembekile Makwethu From: The UDM President – Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP subject: Department of Labour Compensation Fund: corruption and wasteful expenditure Dear Ms Madonsela The above mentioned matter has reference. R2,5 billion Compensation Fund investments misuse The UDM understands that the main purpose of this fund is to compensate for occupational injuries and diseases. Reserved funds normally are invested with the public investment cooperation for unforeseen mass occupational injuries that might occur in future and to cater for increases on injury on duty, monthly pensions for employees and dependents. Payment of advances to private companies – R546 million There are serious allegations which fingers the Compensation Commissioner who has paid some companies in advance to the tune of R546 million. He is alleged to have undertaken a very risky action by paying advances to these companies without any invoices to reconcile the payments. Debtor’s book has increased: R3,3 billion in 2010 to 8,9 billion in 2013 The Compensation Commissioner appointed a debt collector by the name of NICS since 2010 that has already been paid about R160m. In contrast, the debtors’ book has increased from to R3.3billion in 2010 when they took over from internal staff to R8.9 billion in 2013. This is evidence that NICS is not effective at all but is collecting on the efforts made by internal staff by charging 10% of collection. The contract was deliberately manipulated and changed by the Compensation Commissioner to deviate from the initial tender specification whereby NICS was supposed to collect on older debts beyond 180 days. NICS collects on simpler cases to make quick cash while internal staff is also pursuing the same cases. The Commissioner has flatly refused the legal advice by the Senior Council that the contract should have been terminated on grounds of poor performance. We therefore appeal to your good office, President’s office and the Auditor General to speedily attend to this seemingly looting spree taking place at the Compensation Fund. As you will be reading this document, especially Mr President, you will find that the Minister of Labour Ms Mildred Oliphant is being accused of conflict of interest with the Accenture IT Company, where her close relative is a director. As a result of this apparent corrupt relationship, Accenture was procured to a closed tender and the Minister did not declare her relationship to Accenture. Kindly advise. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
22 Jan, 2014
Corruption and maladministration at USAASA: victimisation of whistleblowers
TO: His Excellency, Mr Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic South Africa FROM: Bantu Holomisa, MP The abovementioned matter had reference. I also refer to an: email from Mr Gcina Ntsaluba of Corruption Watch, dated 20 January 2014, as well as Adv. Sithembiso Nkatha, Chief Director, Legal Services of the Department of Communications’ “Analysis on the forensic report of Gobodo on the appointment of the chief executive officer (“CEO”) for the Universal Service and Access Agency (“USAASA”) and whether any impropriety pursuant to the previous employment relationship between CEO and board chairperson, and cell c proposal for 100% subsidy by USAASA and whether payment and appointment of service providers met the legal requirements:” dated 5 September 2013. We wish to thank you because after we wrote to you on the 7th of June 2013, some action was taken as proven by the aforementioned analysis by the Chief Director. We however wish to raise serious concern, regarding the information supplied by Mr Gcina Ntsaluba in his aforementioned email that the whistleblowers have all been fired for allegedly “leaking confidential information”. The fear that we expressed in our 7 June letter had realised: we then warned that: “…the Morudu’s of this world will be removed to ensure that the CEO’s directive comes to fruition and thereby satisfying the leadership of the Department of Communication and USAASA.” He was indeed victimised and fired along with two other colleagues who were accused of the similar conduct. The truth is that if it had not been for Mr Mmatlou Morudu’s refusal to implement the project half a billion Rand would have been released to Cell C. We appeal to your office to intervene and: ? Firstly, ensure that the Minister of Communications takes the appropriate action. He has been sitting on the report since September last year and if he had made the effort to adequately address the problems, the personnel who were fired would still be employed at Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA). What was the point of spending taxpayers’ money to appoint auditors to investigate the matter, if the Minister does not have the will to act on the auditors findings? Secondly, we ask that you ensure that those workers, who were fired, are reinstated with immediate effect pending the outcome of this entire mess. Kind regards Copied to: Mr Gcina Ntsaluba of Corruption Watch
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
President Zuma’s office responded to complaints regarding service delivery in Limpopo
President Zuma’s office responded to complaints regarding service delivery in Limpopo (Presidency’s Response + Memorandum + List of Complaints) and Eastern Cape (Presidency’s Response + Memorandum + List of Complaints)(OR Tambo and Chris Hani Regions). We will follow-up on some areas that have not been covered e.g. roads in Lusikisiki, Flagstaff and Bizana in particular.
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Mining talks need transparency and proper commitment from Government
Mr KP Motlanthe Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Union Buildings Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001 Dear Sir MINING TALKS NEED TRANSPARENCY AND PROPER COMMITMENT FROM GOVERNMENT AMCU’S DEMANDS Your efforts to engage with mining houses and trade unions to resolve issues negatively affecting the mining sector in South Africa are well documented; this includes your attempt to broker a peace pact between the various role-players. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) have however abstained from signing the agreement until their demands which, we understand to include the below, are met: Reinstatement of dismissed workers. Retraction of Minister Blade Nzimande’ statement in which he called Amcu a vigilante union; and Dropping of a labour court case by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in which it seeks a reversal of Lonmin’s decision to recognise Amcu as the majority union. These demands do not appear to be unreasonable or impossible to meet, and it begs the question: why is the negotiating team dragging their feet? All role-players must engage in these kinds of negotiations in the most transparent manner possible and they must have both their hands open to show that nothing is hidden behind their backs. In order for any mediator to gain the trust of all the role-players; you cannot have your union background or affiliation colour your views and thus compromise your peace-making efforts. If your negotiation team refuses to, or claims that it is unable to, meet Amcu’s demands, one is tempted to believe that you are using the old Trojan Horse tactic to influence the outcome of the negotiations in favour a certain role-players. FAILURE OF MINISTERS ON YOUR TEAM TO ADDRESS BURNING ISSUES If you are indeed serious about finding a sustainable solution to the challenges facing the mining industry, we advise that you visit the compounds of Anglo-Gold Mines at Vaal Reef where dismissed workers are made to live. The conditions under which they are accommodated are inhumane. Their compound is barricaded with barbed wire as danger-zones and all the kitchen equipment, such as stoves, have been removed by the company. This situation was reported, in a 14 June 2013 letter (attached for your ease of reference), to some of the Cabinet Ministers who form part of your negotiating team and they have up to date not acted. How can Government engage in good faith in these mining talks if it treats issues such as human rights abuses by simply ignoring the worker’s expressed concerns? Yours sincerely Bantu Holomisa UDM President Copied to: Advocate ML Mushwana – Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Inspection of appalling conditions where workers of Anglo Gold Mine at Vaal Reefs are kept
Open letter to three Ministers from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President), regarding: in loco inspection of appalling conditions where workers of Anglo Gold Mine at Vaal Reefs are kept (14 June 2013) To: Minister of Energy and Minerals Ms Elizabeth Dipuo Peters Private Bag X96, Pretoria, 0001 To: Minister of Mineral Resources Ms Susan Shabangu Private Bag X59, Arcadia, 0007 To: Minister of Labour Ms Mildred Nelisiwe Oliphant Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001 Dear Honourable Ministers CALLING THE MINISTER OF MINERALS, MINERAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY AND OF LABOUR TO CONDUCT AN INSPECTION IN LOCO AS A RESULT OF THE APPALLING CONDITIONS WHERE WORKERS OF ANGLO GOLD MINE AT VAAL REEFS ARE KEPT The leadership of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) visited the compounds of Anglo-Gold Mines at Vaal Reef where the allegedly dismissed workers are kept until the matter is decided upon by the Labour Court. The conditions under which these workers are accommodated is inhuman as their compound is barricaded as a danger zone by barbed wire and all the kitchen material such as stoves have been taken away by the company. These workers are not being paid nor being given food rations. They are placed there to starve to death. This fuels a variety of concerns which need to be addressed. These are human beings and deserve to be treated as such. The UDM is making a call to the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Elizabeth Peters, Minister of Mineral Resources, Ms Susan Shabangu and of Labour Ms Mildred Oliphant to do an inspection in loco of the compound. The UDM finds it disturbing that at this day and age, there is an existence of companies which treat their workers as animals. This is not acceptable. The relevant ministry should take a bold step against the company. Yours sincerely Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President Copied to: Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Advocate Mabedle Lawrence Mushwana
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Outstanding land claim payments for Gqogqorha Administrative Area
Open letter to President Zuma from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President), regarding: outstanding land claim payments for Gqogqorha Administrative Area On the 04th of February 2011 you, Sir, and senior officials from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform visited Gqogqorha administrative area to resolve the land claims in the area. According to Gqogqorha residents, during this visit cheques ranging from R 31 000 to R 39 000 were written out and given to residents in payment for what they described as “rental money”. This community claims that this was the first of two payments that were due to them from government. Apparently, government was to come back a year later to settle the second part of the payment which was for “removals”. The deadline for this payment was duly set for June 2012. However, when June came the deadline was extended to September 2012. When September came the deadline was first shifted to November 2012 and then January this year. However, almost five months into the year nothing has happened. This year Gqogqorha residents followed-up with their contact person at the Eastern Provincial Government, Ms Amanda Buso to establish when they should expect to receive payment. To their surprise, Ms Buso’s who has been willy-nilly extending deadlines started sending them from pillar to post. When they make contact with her now, she refers them to a Mr Pityi, as she claims that she no longer works for Land Claims section. The Gqogqorha residents are understandably upset and frustrated with this. I call on your Office to look into this matter and ensure its speedy resolution. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Social conditions at South African mines; miners’ monies invested, but they see no dividends
Open letter to the Farlam Commission regarding: “Social conditions at South African mines; miners’ monies invested, but they see no dividends” from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (30 April 2013) Dear Sir The United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the tragic incident at the Marikana Mine would not be complete if the Commission does not look at the social conditions of the miners and the communities that surround mining activities. Part of the unhappiness that led to the strikes we have seen in the mining industry is caused by the exploitation of mineworkers by both the employers and the unions who claim to represent their best interests. In particular, unions take their members’ monies and tell them it will be invested in schemes such as provident funds and other investment opportunities. Although union members diligently contribute to these schemes, of the investment arms of the trade unions, they never receive the dividends. This worrying trend is witnessed when we talk to ex-mineworkers who say they have never benefited from these schemes and are unlikely to. The organisations that represent these ex-mineworkers have been sent from pillar to post by the Departments of Labour and Health in their search for their monies. They have approached Parliament and the Office of the President for assistance, to no avail. For the Commission to find a sustainable solution, and to avoid a repetition of the Marikana tragedy, we advise that you solicit information about these provident funds and so-called investments arms of the unions. The Commission could summon the South African Chamber of Mines, the National Union of Mineworkers, the Department of Labour and the Department of Health to explain where the mineworkers’ monies are. If the Commission winds up without attending to these deep-seated worries of the miners, there will be no end in sight to the wildcat strikes we see in the mining industry. With the issues affecting the miners and their families, and their highly emotive nature, each strike we see in future has the potential to escalate into tragedy. If the Commission investigates the matter of the investment of mineworkers’ monies, show them the truth and give them the answers they need, it has a unique opportunity to address one of the root causes of miners’ complaints once and for all. Kindly advise Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Defence regarding SA presence in the CAR
Open letter to Chairperson of Standing Committee on Defence regarding SA presence in the CAR from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (3 April 2013) The aforementioned matter has reference. The history of what occurred since that fateful weekend in Bangui, in the Central African Republic (CAR), where 13 South African servicemen lost their lives and another 27 were injured, is well documented. We however keep hearing conflicting reports of South Africa exiting this area and that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has actually deployed more troops, and fighter and transport planes to the region. Allegations of Chad and France’s involvement in the military action compound matters. In addition there are still questions about who gave the rebels safe passage, and also access to the capital and South Africa’s base. Who equipped and funded their mission? The leader of the rebels, and the new CAR President, Michel Djotodia, has indicated that he will ask France and the United States to help retrain CAR’s “ill-disciplined” army that was “so easily overrun” by the rebels and they will review “resource deals”. It is reported that French troops patrol Bangui’s streets ostensibly to protect French citizens, assets and diplomatic installations. In addition to their national interests, we hear that France was or is protecting our remaining troops confined at the Bangui airport. On what grounds? If this is genuine protection by the French troops, why are there pictures of Seleka rebels driving around in South African vehicles? At first glance our soldiers were caught in a political crossfire and it appears as if France did not take kindly to former President Bozizé giving mineral rights to South Africa and China. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) recommends that after this humiliation of our Defence Force, our foreign policy and our country, it would be better to make an immediate tactical withdrawal. Should South Africa have a desire to re-enter this stage, it must be a sanctioned resolution of the African Union or the United Nations, especially since the bilateral agreement with our former “friend” is defunct because he is no longer in power. The UDM suggests that South Africa swallows its pride, come home to lick our wounds and start afresh. Parliament would have failed its oversight duty if it does not endorse a need to establish a commission inquiry to ascertain, amongst other things, exactly which South African assets, as mentioned by the Minister of Defence, needed the protection of the SANDF. Such an inquiry would clarify the confusion that was created when the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (Deputy-Minister Ebrahim) said that the SANDF was deployed to protect the former CAR president (Operation Morero) versus what the Minister of Defence and the Presidency said about training operations only, with no mention of the protection of the former president. The Inquiry will also help to verify whether there had in fact been any training conducted by the SANDF in that Country over the last two years. Yours sincerely, Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Investigation needed: the protection of South African national assets
Open letter to Secretary General of the United Nations regarding international investigation needed: South Africa’s relationship with the Central African Republic and the protection of South African national assets from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (28 March 2013) Dear Sir The abovementioned matter has reference. I write on behalf of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), an opposition party in the parliament of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) (www.udm.org.za). The current situation with South Africa’s military presence in the Central African Republic (CAR) has caused some embarrassment for our country, when a number of our military personnel lost their lives to protect so-called South African assets, amongst others. The South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) presence in the CAR was justified by our government saying that it was honouring an agreement, reached in 2007, to protect President François Bozizé, and to train military personnel in that country. What has now come to light, after this tragic loss of life, is that South Africa’s presence in the CAR was not only to protect President Bozizé and to train personnel. In fact, there seems to be a generally corrupt relationship emerging between South Africa and President Bozizé’s regime. South Africans were deceived about the nature of this relationship and the reason for our troops being sent to the CAR. To this day, our government refuses to take the nation in confidence and explain in unambiguous terms what the nature of this relationship is and which South African assets were to be protected. Today’s Mail & Guardian, a South African newspaper, has revealed that (as early as April 2006) a co-operation agreement was signed between the RSA and the CAR in the defence, minerals and energy sectors (http://mg.co.za/article/2013-03-28-00-central-african-republic-is-this-what-our-soldiers-died-for). Given that South Africa is a member of the UN and as such, there is the potential that this situation will negatively affect our future participation in peacekeeping missions, we appeal to the UN to institute a commission of inquiry. We suggest that such an inquiry should have wide terms of reference, where all countries involved must explain what the true state of affairs is. The pertinent questions: a. What were the reasons for South Africa to enter into a cooperation agreement with the CAR in 2006/7? b. What were the reasons for the five-year extension of the agreement in December 2012? c. What are the details of the South African assets that needed protection? d. Are there any documents conferring mineral rights to South Africa and its businesspersons? e. Does South Africa still own those mineral rights and if not, to whom were they sold and for how much? f. Who benefitted from the proceeds of such transactions if any i.e. South African National Treasury, individuals and/or political parties? g. Was there any collaboration between South Africa, the UN and the African Union with this mission? h. Was there an entry-and-exit strategy for the South African troops? i. Were South Africans only there to train, refurbish bases or to stand guard as alleged by the troops themselves? j. Who exactly was involved in the contact i.e. CAR government troops, and/or RSA troops and/or the Séléka rebel alliance and what are the details? k. Who resourced and trained the Séléka rebel alliance and with what motive? This request to intervene is necessitated by the fact that our government’s leadership has been compromised. It is reported that the ruling party, its senior leaders and its business investment arms are involved in pillaging the resources of the CAR. Of interest to the people of South Africa is which assets were so important to protect that justified the spending of billions of Rands of State funds and the careless loss of our soldier’s lives. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Condolences to the Sigcau Family and the Pondo Nation with the passing of King Thandizulu Sigcau
Letter of condolences to the Sigcau Family and the Pondo Nation with the passing of King Thandizulu Sigcau from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (27 March 2013) It is with sadness that we have learnt of the passing of His Majesty, King Thandizulu Sigcau. But given his struggle with his health in the past few years, he will at least now be free of pain and discomfort. I had the privilege of working with His Majesty during our time in the former Transkei. Then, and after that period, King Sigcau was a keen campaigner for the development of his people and his kingdom. He worked hard to protect the dignity of traditional leadership in the Eastern Cape and the heritage of the AmaMpondo. We know that his passing came at a time where the AmaMpondo is grappling with difficult issues and he will be missed in finding solutions that the benefit the entire Pondo Nation. To his wife, children and grandchild, we think of you in this time of sorrow and will keep you in our hearts and minds. Bon voyage Faku. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement (UDM)
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Which South African ‘assets’ needs protection in the Central African Republic
Open letter to Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Defence and Military Veterans of Intelligence of International Relations and Cooperation about “Which South African ‘assets’ needs protection in the Central African Republic” from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (26 March 2013) Given the seriousness of the tragic death of our soldiers in the Central African Republic, (CAR) and that this is a matter of public interest, I would suggest that the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees of Defence and International Relations and Cooperation have a urgent joint session to get to the bottom of why the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed in the CAR. There has been conflicting reports from the Presidency, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Defence and Military Veterans on the reasons for South Africa to have a military presence in the CAR. We first heard that there had been an agreement between our two countries entered into in 2007 for Operations Morero and Vimbesela. The former, we were told, was for a unit of the SANDF Special Forces to be deployed in the CAR to provide VIP protection to President Bozizé. Operation Vimbesela involved the refurbishment of the military bases and the training of military personnel of that country. After this weekend’s tragedy, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, denied that our troops were in the CAR to protect President Bozizé. She did however admit that they were there to “protect South African assets”. If nothing else is clear, it is that our Government is speaking from different mouths and no-one really knows what is going on. Or, between the Presidency and the relevant ministers no one is telling us what the real reasons are. The only way to find out the truth is for the Portfolio Committees of International Relations and Defence to urgently have a joint sitting and demand that the Presidency and the relevant ministers come to sort out the confusion. In preparing for this meeting, these Departments must give: a) Background on the reasons for entering into a cooperation agreement with the CAR in 2007. b) Reasons for the five-year extension of the agreement in December 2012. c) Details on which assets the SANDF were to protect. d) Any documents conferring mineral rights to South Africa. e) Information on whether South Africa still owns those mineral rights and if not, to whom they were sold and for how much. f) Information on to whom the proceeds of these transactions were paid i.e. Treasury, individuals and/or political parties. The Department of Defence should also give information regarding the state of readiness of our troops deployed in the CAR. Reports suggest that intelligence showed early this year that the rebels were ready to advance on the capital, Bangui, but the tragedy that played out over the weekend suggests that the SANDF was unprepared for this scenario. The Nation was told, in January, that 400 troops were to be sent to the CAR to protect the SANDF instructors; the question is why was half of that held back? It is incumbent upon Parliament, and the relevant Portfolio Committees, to play its oversight role and expose the truth. This matter is urgent; we cannot accept the current explanations of what is going on. South Africans are in the dark about what circumstances led to the deployment of our service men and women in the CAR. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
The questionable conduct of the intelligence services: IEC lease agreements
Open letter to Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of Intelligence about the questionable conduct of the intelligence services: IEC lease agreements from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (8 March 2013) The above mentioned matter has reference. On the 3rd of October 2011, I wrote a letter to the office of the Public Protector requesting it to investigate suspected irregularities in the lease agreements of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Afterwards I had a few meetings with the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela to discuss progress. She sensitised us about her workload, but undertook to expedite the process. While still awaiting feedback from the Public Protector’s office, on the 27th of November 2012, I received an unclassified letter from Ms N.G. Bam, the Acting Director of the Domestic Branch of the State Security Agency of South Africa stating that: “Pursuant to media reports regarding alleged irregularities at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the state Security Agency (SSA) hereby requests a meeting with you to further discuss the matter at your earliest convenience. The State Security Agency views media reports surrounding the IEC in a serious light hence we request to engage with you.” I did not respond to Ms Bam’s letter due to reasons outlined below. Yesterday two officials from your Department, Mr Sello Motaung and Mr Mphuthumi Jekem, visited my office in Pretoria and asked for feedback on Ms Bam’s letter. Unfortunately, I was busy with Parliamentary work at the time of their visit. This morning I phoned Mr Jekem to follow-up on their visit. He told me that they had discussions with IEC Chairperson, Advocate Pansy Tlakula about my complaint to the Public Protector and are now interested to hear my side of the story. I refused to discuss the matter with him because it is still under investigation. There is something about this meeting request that does not sit well with me. Firstly, on what basis does your Department want conduct a parallel investigation? Secondly, if you “view matters surrounding the IEC on a serious light”, why do you not approach the institution that is busy investigating the matter for information? I am wondering whether this is not a precursor of how Government is going to operate once the Information Bill becomes law. I therefore call on your office to investigate this questionable conduct. Yours sincerely, Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Follow-up letter on suspected irregularities: IEC lease agreements
Open letter to the Public Protector, Adv T Madonsela, from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President), regarding: Follow-up letter on suspected irregularities: IEC lease agreements (21 February 2012) Dear Advocate Madonsela The abovementioned matter has reference. On the 3rd of October 2011, I wrote a letter requesting the office of the Public Protector to investigate suspected irregularities in the lease agreements of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). I again wrote on 14 March 2012, almost a year ago, to make follow on the request. Some time thereafter we met at your offices in Pretoria, on 9 July 2012, to discuss progress. You sensitised us about your workload, but had undertaken to expedite the process. On 8 October 2012 you wrote to explain that your investigation team had been in the process of verifying information and investigating matters with other relevant role-players. The report was not ready. The delays in finalising this investigation raises concern; as it stands the matter has been with the Public Protector’s office for more than a year. Would you please give an indication of when you expect to finalise this investigation and publish your report. Yours sincerely Banmtu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Lonmin Mine’s September 2012 salary increase agreement
Open letter to Mr Simon Scott, CEO of Lonmin Mine about Lonmin Mine’s September 2012 salary increase agreement from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (4 February 2013) The abovementioned matter has reference. In September last year the Management of Lonmin’s Marikana mine reportedly promises a pay rise offer of 22% to its mineworkers, ending six weeks of violent labour unrest that had devastating effects on the South African economy. However, nearly four months since this agreement was reached, I am inundated with calls from the mineworkers complaining about the fact the 22% salary increase is yet to reflect on their payslips. Mineworkers claim that they are still paid in accordance with the old salary agreement. It is common knowledge that respecting contractual agreements brings about trust and mutual respect in the workplace. However, the fact that the mineworkers already feel that the Management of Lonmin Mine does not respect their agreement increases the danger that the mineworkers could go on another wildcat strike, which would be more difficult to resolve because trust between the two parties would have broken down irrevocably. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore calls on the Management of Lonmin Mine to look into and address the concerns of the mineworkers at its Marikana mine. Regards, Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
Calling on the SACC to intervene in the looming mining sector crisis
Open letter to Reverend Mautjie Pataki Secretary of the South African Council of churches (SACC) calling on the SACC to intervene in the looming mining sector crisis from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (17 January 2013) I write this letter to ask for the South African Council of Churches’s (SACC’s) intervention in Anglo American’s plan to restructure its platinum mines, which will result in the retrenchment of thousands of mineworkers. I have over the past few days said that this will have devastating consequences for our people and the South African economy at large. There is widespread belief that these retrenchments are nothing other than a calculated strategy to get rid of the mineworkers who were involved in the wildcat strikes in the mining sector last year. There is also belief that this is an attempt to purge all the workers who have left the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) for rival unions. Apparently, this is to reward NUM for its docility and pliant conduct by protecting its status as the biggest union in the mining sector. The South African Council of Churches played a leading role in the resolution of the industrial dispute in the mining sector last year. We are therefore calling on the SACC to again intervene in the looming retrenchments in the platinum sector We further call on you to request a meeting with President Zuma to ask him to put an end to the crisis in the mining sector, as the threats of mineworker retrenchments were brought to the attention of Government as early as last year. The SACC should request the South African Chamber of Mines to share with the public the extent of the losses the mines incurred during the wildcat strikes. A committee of experts should then be tasked to scrutinise and verify the figures for the public in order to dispel any suspicion of hidden agendas. In the event that the mines incurred losses during the period in question, we should propose that Government gives bailout packages to the sector. However, the sector should be expected to pay back these packages as soon as its financial position improves. Kind Regards, Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
17 Apr, 2013
Memo to Premier of the Eastern Cape to accept 17 April marchers’ petition
Open memo to Premier of the Eastern Cape to request her office to make a representative available to accept 17 April marchers’ petition from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP On Wednesday, 17 April 2013, there will be a peaceful march in Mthatha by the people of the OR Tambo Region to express their disappointment and frustration with the poor state of infrastructure and lack of development in their cities and towns. Although the United Democratic Movement is facilitating the event on behalf of the people, this is a march of South Africans from across the OR Tambo Region who wish to express their dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in their area. The necessary permits and permissions have been obtained from the King Sabata Dalindyebo traffic police and the South African Police Services. We kindly request that your office sends a representative to receive the list of complaints at 12:00 at the Botha Sigcau Building in Mthatha. Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
