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30 Jun, 2020
Loss of used Covid-19 test kits near Mdantsane is proof of an uncaring ANC government
Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba and the entire Eastern Cape African National Congress (ANC) leadership simply do not care about the lives of the poor and its nauseating. The only time they pretend to care for the people they claim to represent is when they need their votes, thereafter the people are left to their own devices. The fact that, yesterday, hundreds of used Covid-19 test kits were found lying in the veld near Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, is shocking beyond belief. Anything could have happened if not for an informed Good Samaritan who noticed the used test kits scattered next to the N2 highway. What if this is not the only place were these kits were lost? What if children pick them up and play with them? Besides that, if what reports say are true, they represent at least 500 people who are awaiting their Covid-19 test results, but they will have to be redone as these kits have now been environmentally compromised. Worse still, who is to say that all the kits that were indeed found, comprises the entire load that was seemingly on route to Port Elizabeth? How exactly did the kits get inside the veld? They surely would have been lying shattered on the tarmac if this was indeed an honest mistake. UDEMWO calls on the Eastern Cape Health Department to immediately launch an investigation into how those test kits were lost in the first instance and more importantly, put measures in place to prevent this kind of thing from ever happening again. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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06 Apr, 2019
#ShutAlexandraDown civil protests is the ANC’s legacy
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted the volatile situation in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Much of this unhappiness stems from the African National Congress’ (ANC) misuse of billions of Rands allocated to the Alexandra renewal project during the era of former President Thabo Mbeki. RDP houses in Alexandra Extension 7, were apparently sold to non-South Africans and this explosive situation has the potential to spill over to xenophobic attacks. In addition, the ANC had relegated hundreds of families to live in shacks in the informal settlements, depriving them from living a life of dignity and prosperity. The irony is that the ANC is leading this protest, using it for electioneering at the expense of the poor residents. The ruling party has done this country immeasurable damage with its don’t care attitude. Come 8 May 2019, the electorate must make an enlightened decision and should not vote for it. Issued by: Cllr Thandi Nontenja UDM Councillor in the City of Johannesburg
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12 May, 2017
ANC hypocrisy too thick to swallow; Molefe “re-redeployment”
If it was not for the serious implications of the ruling party deployment agency; one might be tempted to laugh at the situation around the reinstatement of Mr Brian Molefe as the Eskom Chief Executive (CE). Exasperated opinions by, or on, Mr Molefe, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Browne, the ruling party and the Eskom Board falls from the sky like hail stones on a tin roof. According to the ruling party, Mr Molefe’s reinstatement “…is reckless and feeds into the perception that the government is lacklustre in dealing with corruption…”. What a loaded phrase and how ironic from whence it came given the South Africa post-cabinet reshuffle. The ruling party, in an official statement, said that it “… will seek an engagement with Comrade Lynne Browne, the Minister of Public Enterprises, under whose authority Eskom…”. Read between the lines that the Minister is no longer accountable to Cabinet and Parliament, but directly to the Comrades in Luthuli House. President Zuma’s foible of blurring the lines between State and Party is seemingly contagious. We also hope that it is not lost on South Africans that today the ruling party has big issues with Brian Molefe as Eskom CE, but it’s fine for him to represent it (and the people) as a Member of Parliament. Funny logic this, or is there something we are not being told? President Zuma’s midnight shuffle was the tip of the iceberg of ruling party infighting spilling over onto an unsuspecting populace. Corruption, and inefficiency has become the hallmarks of the Zuma administration. These are the facts; like it or not. Those voters who have not yet done so, it is time to open your eyes and see what is straight in front of you; Captain Zuma will doggedly salute the status quo and remain at the helm of the sinking ship of South Africa, whilst listening to the dying band as it is submersed with the rest of us. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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28 Oct, 2016
Councils disruptions: UDM condemns ANC barbaric acts
Councils disruptions: UDM condemns ANC barbaric acts The United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns in the strongest terms, the ANC’s barbaric acts in councils designed to introduce administration by the African National Congress government. This destabilization Programme is clear – ANC just cannot accept the recent elections results. So ungovernability – is their motto. ANC’s programme is clear if one were to consider that the destabilisation happened in three Metros that the ruling party lost during the local government elections that is; Greater Johannesburg, Tshwane and the Nelson Mandela Metro. This is unfortunate since the ANC is supposed to be the custodians of our democracy. We cannot allow aligned unions to the ANC to be part of the destabilisation and threat to the newly installed metro administration as we have witnessed in Tshwane yesterday. The ANC leadership must take responsibility of what has occurred in these metros and as UDM, we expect the ANC to apologise to the South Africans and such acts are putting our democracy at risk. We call for punitive actions to be taken against the ruling party’s councillors who are culprits. It time that ANC accepts the defeat and move on. Statement issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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16 Oct, 2016
ANC must take action: Zuma must go!
We have been watching one after the other Zuma-scandal hitting South Africa. The United Democratic Movement believes that the proximity of the Zuma and Gupta families is creating uncertainty – with even cabinet ministers not singing from the same hymnbook. It is clear that Mr Zuma is no longer in control and the nation is on autopilot. The African National Congress must wake up and ask Mr Zuma to step down; or they must recall him immediately. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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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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14 Aug, 2016
Towards a National Convention: a UDM proposal to Cope, EFF and UF
BACKGROUND Reference is made to our meeting held on Sunday the 7th of August this instant, in which we produced a guide for engaging other parties, in particular the ANC and the DA, on a possible coalition governments in some of the local councils. You will recall that in the guide document we proposed that there be a National Convention which, many citizens have welcomed and viewed it as an initiative to create hope for the better. It is very clear that the pressing challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and corruption can no longer be tolerated by citizens of the country. Electorate have made a clarion call for a visionary leadership of the country to emerge and be charged with the responsibility to provide a road map towards resolving these challenges. Through the ballot box, they have instructed all political parties that participated in the elections to urgently converge under one roof to provide a decisive leadership. It is the function and responsibility of political and societal leaders to ensure that the clarion call made by electorate is attended to without delay. Accordingly, a proposal towards the convening of a National Convention requires an immediate consideration and commitment by all leaders of political parties and other leaders of society. Such a proposal should constitute part of agreements to be entered into by political parties in coalition governments and be extend to all other parties. THE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION The envisaged National Convention shall be seized with the following matters, amongst others. These were identified in our guide to engage with the ANC and the DA as medium to long term priorities. • Economic Emancipation of all South Africans biased towards the historically excluded groups. • Resolution of the land question; • Property ownership; • Nationalisation; • Electoral system reforms; • Party Funding Legislation; • Strengthening of the Chapter nine institutions; and • Any other related matter of national interest. These priorities demands very tight and clear time-frame that shall bind all and be agreed to. PARTICIPANTS AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION South Africa is at cross roads as it is rudderless because of poor or lack of proper leadership. Accordingly, the participants in the National Convention must be extended to all citizens through maximum representation from, amongst others. • Political parties; • Religious bodies; • Traditional institutions; • Labour; • Non-Governmental Organisations; • Institutions of Higher Learning; • Issue based organisation; and • Other Civil Society Organisations. The South African crisis situation demands that we adopt an approach that is all inclusive and pragmatic. One of the credits to our country is our ability to resolve challenges through dialogue. Certainly, in resolving the current crisis, we need to borrow from our recent past. CODESA delivered political liberation with more still to be done on the economic front. Such more work demands that we collectively craft and adopt a binding consensus on the matters raised above and others. The intention must be to ensure that the people of South Africa are able to participate fully in determining and directing their future. In this regard, systems and methods of maximum and meaningful consultation with the communities shall have to be put in place and implemented with no fail. FACILITATION AND COORDINATION OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION For a proper and productive dialog amongst citizens in a representative forum of this magnitude, it will be important that: • That an all-inclusive National Summit be convened to develop and adopt a framework to guide all participants and role players of the National Convention. This National Summit shall precede the National Convention. Political parties both in coalition governments and outside the coalition governments shall have the right to participate in the summit including all sectors of society. • That the Office of the Chief Justice be requested to assist with personnel to facilitate and guide discussions both in the summit and the convention. This personnel may include retired jurists and other citizens of prominence with not vested interests either than being citizens of the country. This personnel shall be part of a National Convention Steering Committee that shall be appointed by the National Summit. • Although the intention is to ensure that all political parties participate, the process should resist from being held hostage by those who have no vested interest in resolving the pressing matters confronting our nation. In this regard, those who are not confident of this route, shall be persuaded through and by action. CONCLUSION The proposed National Convention must emerge with a comprehensive blue print of a road to be traversed by the country in dealing with all the matters raised above with strict time-frames and resources. A cooperation by all political parties is what South Africans have called for in these elections. Accordingly, parties that agree on the convening of the National Convention must ensure that it is convened and is a success. We must remain committed to the country and its citizens at all times and put South Africa first. Such a convention would fail it does not establish implementation committees with targets and time-frames under the guidance of the Convention Plenary. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) views this approach and process as a consolidation of a programmatic and developmental relations that should exist between and amongst all political parties, the civil society and the citizenry. It is also a mechanism to redefine ‘coalition’ as a ‘cooperation’ that is driven by a desire and commitment to contribute to the betterment of the lives of all people than just a desire to swallow or co-opt other political parties and or sectors of civil society. Bantu Holomisa UDM President
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15 Jul, 2016
UDM reacts to Zuma – ANC’s CountdownToVictory
Mr Jacob Zuma should rather look at his organisation which is currently contradicting the positive gains of our history under his leadership. Who has ever thought that a liberated South Africa would be led by a questionable character like himself who lavishly and exclusively spends taxpayers monies without having any regrets, thereby superseding the negative conduct of former Apartheid Presidents. Shockingly superseding! His organization is promoting lawlessness and politics of thuggery as we speak. Realistically, today South Africa is burning because of ANC’s infighting which he claims to be growing. What a contradiction! The ANC’s implosion has unfortunately led to both public and private property being caught in a crossfire of the ANC’s infighting. The sooner he packs his bags the better . He is an embarrassment to South Africa. It is true they fired me because they were paving way for their corrupt tendencies – from Sol Kerzner to Gupta’s capturing of the ANC. So who is fooling who? Haaaaaaa! Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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11 Jul, 2016
Condolence with the passing away of Dumisani (Mazola) Mafu
Receiving news of the untimely departure of Dumisani Mazola Mafu is with immense distress and profound sadness. His passing away robs us of one of the greatest sons of our people, a former Commander of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) in particular in the then Transkei Region, a leader and a friend to many. Mazola is the former MK soldier and commander, and he was a link between the then Transkei Defence Force and MK in Lusaka. The trust that existed between us led to the then Transkei Defence Force being requested by the highest leadership of the ANC to train MK soldiers on Conventional Warfare, in Uganda. It also resulted to MK soldiers being accommodated in the then Transkei Defence Force Institutions for advanced training. Accordingly, his leadership expertise resulted to a smooth transition in the then Transkei, towards reintegration to a new South Africa post 1994 without any blood spilling. I am personally and collectively thankful to his trust and skilful leadership. I and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses our shock on the passing on of this capable and brilliant people’s soldier and leader. I would like to pass my deepest condolences to his wife, the children, the family, the ANC, friends and comrades. Leaders are born, live and die. Mazola was one of the extraordinary leaders that had passion for the liberation struggle. He was a diligent, brilliant and focused person to a level whereby his commitment was not based on his personal beneficiation but on the total liberation of the people of South Africa. His, was for a just society. He may die but his contribution will never be forgotten. I and the people of this country, will miss his commitment and dedication. This country has lost a leader indeed. Our souls are deeply sad by his suddenly death. To his family, we want to tell you that you are not alone in this deep sad moment. I cry with you and I know that the people of this country are crying too. No one can take over the pain you feel but our Creator because HE is the one that gives and takes. It is our responsibility to take where Mazola left, take the baton and carry on. He has left a huge gap in the South African political landscape which we are challenged to fill up. To his wife and children, please find space in your heart to be strong and let him to rest. Akuhlanga lungehlanga. To the ANC and the Alliance, you have lost, we have lost and the country has lost. Please give him a heroic send off. Uhambe kakuhle mhlobo wam nabantu abaninzi, soze ulibaleke. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
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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
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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
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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
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20 Jan, 2016
ANC must refrain from violence
As the United Democratic Movement, we are disappointed by the ANC member, Bongani Mkongi, who holds a high position in the ruling party who took to social media calling upon ANC members for the burning and killing of innocent lives that were inside a block of flats where a ”Zuma Must Fall” banner was hung. This is unacceptable. His comments have shown clearly that the ruling party and its leaders do not care about the citizens but only care for their own. The UDM is calling for punitive measures against Mkongi or any person who thinks they can make statements that could possibly incite violence. This country has passed the hard times where people were killed by those in power for no reason. The South African Constitution states clearly that everyone has a right to live and we will not allow this country to be run like in the past. His apology is not enough as the damaged has been done already. If the ANC is truly against Mkongi’s irresponsible comments, it must take harsh actions against him. The nation is waiting and watching what the ruling party will do. Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Bongani Msomi
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12 Apr, 2014
Address: by the UDM President, Mr Bantu Holomisa at a UDM Elections Rally in OR Tambo Sports Centre, Khayelitsha
• Leaders of the UDM in the Western Cape • UDM Public representatives • My fellow South Africans WELCOME Welcome to this rally of the United Democratic Movement (UDM). Thank you for spending your time with us; thank you for coming to listen to what the UDM believes is needed so that we can transform South Africa into a Winning Nation. We hope that you leave this rally, equipped with the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision when you cast your vote on 7 May 2014. You are today part of an historic event. This meeting is a demonstration that it is possible for us to take charge of our country’s future, because we have the guts to take responsibility as stakeholders and investors in our country’s future. It is therefore my honour, on this day, to share this platform with a friend and comrade, Mr Mbhazima Shilowa. Welcome to the club Sam! Thank you for aligning yourself, and your followers, with the dreams and ideals of the UDM i.e. achieve an equitable society and a healthy democracy in South Africa. STATE THE NATION Every five years, South Africans meet at the voting station to choose the political party, which they think, will best govern their province and this country. The voters will reflect on the progress made over the last five years, however, corruption sticks out like a sore thumb. Corruption is one of the main reasons why South Africa is downgraded in the international ratings and this negatively impacts on direct foreign investment In the end the voters of this country must decide whether they want another five years of looting and abuse of state resources and the celebration of corruption. The most recent example of this corruption is that government spent millions-and-millions of rands to build a lodge and a “fire pool” for the president at Nkandla. What nauseates many South Africans even further is the flagrant arrogance of the president and his party. They show nothing but disdain – and did not even blink an eye when they launched the unwarranted attack on the Public Protector. President Zuma, is a deployee of the African National Congress (ANC), the people did not elect him to power. The ANC should have summarily dealt with him, as it did when it unceremoniously got rid of President Mbeki, albeit for different reasons. Right now there is much noise in support of the idea that parliament must attend to this fiasco, but – with due respect – parliament has failed to deal with corruption and this includes Nkandla. We know very well what the ANC’s stance is on the matter. Why then should we waste our time; the next Parliament must be given a fresh mandate by the people. Come 7 May, voters must decide whether they want to put their eggs in the ANC’s basket. They must decide whether they want to suffer another five years of looting of state resources. LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT: WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT? There are definite signs that the deal that was struck in 1994, to create a quasi-federal system (i.e. a central government, distinct from the individual governments of the provinces), has enforced racism and tribalism. You are likely to agree with the UDM that the various provinces are not treated the same. If you doubt this, just take a look at the skewed budget allocations and distribution of resources from one province to the next. That said, the Western Cape has a problem that sets it apart from the other eight provinces. More often than not, the provincial and national governments are at loggerheads and they each refuse to employ reason and logic. This practice of grudge politics is counterproductive. Whilst they merrily attack each other, the people wallow in the malaise of poverty, underdevelopment, whilst service delivery is at an all-time low. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the ANC spend more time slinging mud at each other, instead of focussing on finding solutions, which will have a positive impact on the lives of the Western Cape’s citizens. A side-effect, of this political grandstanding, is that the aforementioned parties are – either wilfully or unwittingly – polarising the people in this province. It is an inescapable reality that this fans the flame of tension between different communities in this province. Amidst the debris of these battles, the people of the Cape Flats still remain forgotten and live in the very same shacks they lived in since the early 80’s. Not the ANC or the DA can claim that they have made a tangible changes to the lives of these people. The only worth that is associated with the poor is that they serve as mere voting cattle. Another reality that seems to escape the powers that be, is that Premier Helen Zille and her government, are not a law unto themselves. Like any other premier, she is accountable to central government – whether she likes it or not. The UDM takes a dim view of both the central (ANC) and the provincial (DA) governments’ inability to swallow their pride, to set their difference aside, to serve the people of this province. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROBLEMS IN THE PROVINCE One of the socio-economic problems in this province (which of course is not unique) is service delivery protests. It is clear that the provincial administrations of the ANC and the DA turned a blind eye to the poor for decades. The people are so frustrated and angry that the only way in which they can elicit a reaction from government is by burning tires on the streets, blocking highways and tossing stones at innocent road users. The UDM has a strong stance against civil disobedience, but we have some understanding of the plight of these disenfranchised communities. The domino effect then sets in – service delivery protests leads to the perception that Cape Town is an unsafe travel destination. This in turn impacts negatively on much needed income that is generated through tourism. In the meantime our young people are lured into crime, drugs and the gangsterism, because of underdevelopment and lack of education in disadvantaged communities – especially in rural areas and in the townships. Yes, we agree, the South African Police Service should pull up their socks, but the sad reality is that active policing only addresses only the symptoms and not the underlying problem. The DA can hold as many marches as it likes and hand over memorandums to the police, but that solves nothing. The root cause of the problems should be addressed. A UDM government will “go back to basics” i.e. the implementation of the original agenda, which is to ensure a better life for all South Africans. In this regard, our manifesto and policies describe what the UDM will do should it be given an opportunity to govern. ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND WEALTH CREATION The Western Cape is not endowed with mineral riches, but it makes up for that in terms of income generated through tourism, the winemaking industry and other agricultural activities. The problem is that the income generated from the aforementioned sectors very rarely reaches the desperately poor. The gap between the rich and the poor is ever widening in this province. In addition, Cape Town used to be dotted with factories where clothing, shoes and other such products were produced. These factories generated many jobs because they are labour intensive. Where did all these companies disappear to… and why? . The UDM believes that enterprising South Africans should be funded through sectoral banks. In this regard we are particularly reminded of small fishery concerns and aquaculture. CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE No matter from which perspective you look at the Western Cape’s history, the fact remains that this province is endowed with a very rich cultural history. However the indigenous communities have voiced concerns that they are disenfranchised. A UDM delegation recently visited the Khoisan King. The King and his headmen conveyed their feelings that government, on national and provincial levels, have ignored them to a great extent and have undermined the role that traditional leaders play in the Western Cape. CONCLUSION The UDM members and supporters must hit the ground running. Go out there, speak to the people and spread the gospel of the UDM. We cannot afford to sit with our arms folded whilst the majority of our people live in abject poverty, for future generations will judge us harshly, because we let bad things happen on our watch. Time is running out, 7 May is around the corner! Good luck in your campaigning. I thank you
Admin
08 Apr, 2014
ANC imbedded within IEC
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Advocate Pansy Tlakula, has brought the Electoral Commission into disrepute in terms of Chapter 2, Paragraph 9 (c) of the Electoral Commission’s act (51 of 1996) which states that: “ (9) No members of the commission: (c) may, by his or her membership, association, statement, conduct or in any other manner place in jeopardy his or her perceived independence, or in any other manner harm the credibility, impartiality, independence in integrity of the commission. “ Adv Tlakula’s association with a senior leader of the African National Congress (ANC), namely the chairperson of the finances portfolio committee, has compromised the Commission’s integrity and independence. Adv Tlakula not only broke the rules when she was Chief Electoral Officer, but also in her position as the Chairperson of Electoral Commission when she flatly refused to cooperate with the forensic audit sanctioned National Treasury as endorsed by Parliament. The United Democratic Movement is not surprised that the ANC is defending Adv Tlakula’s actions, because they firmly embedded within Independent Electoral Commission – this despite two credible organisations finding that she is on the wrong side of the law.
Admin
02 Apr, 2014
Address: by the President to of the United Democratic Movement, Mr Bantu Holomisa at a meeting with Traditional and business leaders as well as Leaders of Religious Groupings, Khanyisa High School, Mthatha
• Traditional leaders • Leaders of religious organisations • Provincial Office Bearers of the UDM in the Eastern Cape • UDM Public Representatives • My fellow South Africans and Transkeians INTRODUCTION We stand at the precipice of what can be a great change in the future of our country – in your futures. We can all agree that many things have gone right in the past 20 years, but the tragedy of the South African story unfortunately lies in the things that have gone wrong. THE STATE OF THE EASTERN CAPE The Eastern Cape is the step-child of a government that does not listen to the cries for help from the people in this province. The ruling party prefers to practice ostrich politics and ignore you. It is common knowledge that the Eastern Cape is heavily under budgeted given the two homelands and townships’ infrastructure that had to be integrated into in the developed infrastructure that was inherited in 1994. This has not happened. For instance, the roads are impassable, there is a shortage of water and no fencing of graze lands and mealie fields, etc. The infrastructure of the former homelands and townships are in a shocking state of disrepair. When you reach the Transkei, the Ciskei and places like Duncan Village, Mdantsane and the townships of Port Elizabeth, it feels as if you have entered a third world. One of the main threats to the Transkei region, for example, is the short supply of water. Any businessperson, in his or her right mind, would think twice before starting any commercial endeavour in towns such as Mthatha, because water supply is either non-existent or erratic. Our buildings are run down; our streets have more holes than tarred surfaces, and they are just plain dirty. If you go down the streets of the cities and towns, the paint flakes from the walls and roofs of the buildings. It is a sad and ugly sight. No-one respects the bylaws and they are definitely not enforced. Our towns are fast becoming slums and is threatening hygiene. It becomes worse when some business persons sleep inside their shops. Our people experience this phenomenon as a cultural shock. Government buildings are in a state of disrepair and our schools and hospitals are falling apart. Who would want to invest in a city or town that bears such scars of abject neglect? We see that there is absolutely no co-ordination between the local and district municipalities, as well as the provincial and national governments. This has resulted in the breakdown of discipline, and anarchy prevails where people build where they want to. Even in the villages people build in commonage areas with not respect for the traditional institutions. Government funds, in other words every cent we pay for tax, are syphoned off to consultants that are appointed to do government’s work through corrupt tender processes. Many small companies who win tenders are ruined because the ruling party and its government do not pay them on time. As a result of this ineptitude many business are forced to close down. This once great region, that produced some of the finest minds and struggle icons in the country, have become an embarrassment to its people. The current leaders of the ruling party is not only blatantly insulting their memory, but their actions are an affront to the people. We have heard how learners in KwaZulu-Natal have benefitted from state of the art computer laboratories with broadband internet access. The question at the top of our minds is: “Why are those children more important than those in the other provinces – the Eastern Cape included?” This is pure discrimination at the expense of our children. Simple. When the ruling party came into power, they threw away the baby with the bathwater and destroyed all the good things they inherited without spending a moment of thought to the consequences. In their lack of wisdom, they took away the incentives that made it attractive for companies to build their factories closer to the people who desperately need a source of income. The policies and programmes that worked in the past were callously left by the wayside, because the ruling party did not have a future vision for the province. Here we think of the units that combatted soil erosion and eradicated alien species, as well as the numerous maintenance and agricultural projects. Lastly, the people of this province have been treated as nothing more than voting cattle. Every five years, just before an election, the ruling party honchos come around and promises heaven and earth. After the results are announced, they suffer from selective amnesia and leave you in the dust of their passing gravy train. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR THE EASTERN CAPE? The reality is that should voters reward the ANC with another five years to loot state resources, this province will sink even deeper in the quagmire of underdevelopment and corruption. The Eastern Cape will fall even further behind the rest of the provinces. As we speak they misused over R22 million that was intended to improve schools, hospitals, housing, etc. They diverted the funds to the Madiba’s memorial service, but in in real terms it was used to buy ANC election material. If I had the opportunity to influence things here in the Eastern Cape, and this I can say from experience, the future of this province will be ensured once we return to the original agenda, which is to better the lives of all South Africans – and especially those who live in the Eastern Cape. As leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), I am not interested in theories and promises. You will remember that I have successfully done this job in the past and the ethics of good governance was at the top of our list of priorities. I am only interested in practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of the people in this province. Collectively we need to speak with one voice and make it clear that the government that comes after this election must to do more and prioritise the development of this province. We need to recapture the lost ground in the area of education. This province was once the fountain of education for the whole country. We need to once more seriously interrogate the lack of discipline and the selling of drugs in our towns and villages CONCLUSION Each of you have the right to say “no” to corruption and poor service delivery. Let us make our voices heard and say: “We will not stand for the looting of state resources”. You have the power to demonstrate to our forefathers and mothers (many of whom paid the ultimate price for our freedom) that you can take charge of your futures and build on their legacy, instead of destroying it. The UDM calls on the traditional leaders, as the custodians of our country’s traditions, norms and future direction, to play a critical role in ensuring that our people’s right to dignity is restored and protected. The UDM also calls on the leaders of religious groupings, who are the moral compass of our nation, to lead their flocks on the path of morality and ethics. Take your rightful position, as you did in the Apartheid years, and remind our people that discrimination on any basis is wrong. We must stand together and fight to realise the dream of the Rainbow Nation. There is hope for South Africa and the UDM can lead real change in your lives. When you make your mark on the 7th of May, I want you to remember, that the power is in your hands. Think of our future and that of our children. I thank you
Admin
30 Mar, 2014
Speech: Welcoming former Democratic Alliance and African National Congress members into the UDM Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (Gugulethu High School, Cape Town)
• Leadership of the UDM in the Western Cape • UDM Public Representatives • The people who live in the Cape Flats and Gugulethu in particular • New members of the UDM • My fellow South Africans Welcome! I am heartened by the many faces I see before me, because we are united in the knowledge that we have a common cause i.e. we want to go back to the original agenda, which is to better the lives of all South Africans. We agree that it is time to take charge of our future and work towards making South Africa a Winning Nation. I specifically welcome the former members of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance who join the United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) ranks today. Welcome to the club! Visit to the Khoisan King This morning the senior leadership of the Party in the province accompanied me to pay respect to the Khoisan King, the Chiefs and their advisors. We thank them for the honour they bestowed upon us. We discussed the UDM’s position that, as the vanguard of our country’s traditions, norms and future direction, traditional leaders have a critical role to play to ensure our people’s right to dignity is restored and protected. The UDM reiterated its position that traditional leaders, across the country, should be the ones responsible for mobilising their subjects to express opinions and reach consensus on how development in their communities will take place and how economic initiatives will be to the benefit of those communities. We explained our view, that traditional leaders should also be afforded the respect and dignity they deserve and one of the ways of doing so is to standardise the value of perks (e.g. vehicles) across the board for ministers, deputy-ministers, directors general, mayors and traditional leaders, etc. Elections 2014 – State of the Nation We have become a frustrated, if not a jaded nation. If you pick up a paper, or tune into a radio station, you are inundated with stories of corruption, murder and rape and service delivery protest that end with the trigger happy police hurting and killing our fellow South Africans – and so the list goes on. The Comrades in Corruption at the helm of our government Would you agree that our hard-won liberties are being destroyed by corruption and government neglect? The ruling elite has turned corruption into a competitive sport. Not only do they condone each other’s behaviour, they protect their comrades in corruption and celebrate afterward with a double Johnny Walker Blue Label on ice, which they charge to the taxpayers’ tab. It is even worse that this institutionalised corruption has reached the highest office in the country and it is a fact the rest of the world measures us by our president. The story the Public Protector told the nation last Wednesday send shivers down one’s spine. The amount of money spent on the Nkandla Lodge boggles the mind. Does Mr Zuma’s ministerial guard expect South Africans to believe that the “swimming pool” is actually a “fire pool,” just in case one of the compound’s thatched roofs catches fire? If that is in fact the case, we certainly hope someone remembered to install a pump and a very long hosepipe. The ANC and their partners bluster and rant, attacking the Public Protector, hurling personal insults and swearing at her – and all the while President Zuma keeps quiet. Do you think spending R250 million on our President’s homestead is right when so many South Africans live in abject poverty? One thing is certain, the incumbent leaders of government can no longer take the moral high ground that was occupied during the time of the late President Nelson Mandela. Elections 2014 – State of the Province The Western Cape has become a mere battlefield for the powers that govern this province and those at a national level. Whilst they sling mud at each other, they forget about you whilst you sink deeper into the quagmire of poverty, joblessness and poor service delivery. The socio-economic suffering in the Western Cape is a blight that particularly affects this province. Serious issues such as organised crime, gangsterism and substance abuse have become synonymous with poor communities. A vicious cycle starts because there is no work. People, especially the vulnerable youth, resort to crime and fall for the “attractions” of the gangsters’ lifestyle of fast cars and bling. Drugs and drinking become a standard pastime and this in turn leads to more vandalism, crime, family violence and heartache. On Monday, during testimony at the Khayelitsha Commission, we heard that the Western Cape has the lowest staff complement of police in the country. This is not acceptable. The issues of gangsterism, crime (rape and murder in particular) and drug abuse in this province are as old as the mountains, and yet the South African Police Services have not responded to the threat with the necessary urgency and action. Does in not make you angry that the Democratic Alliance and the ANC have, in their efforts to thwart each other, reduced crime fighting in the province to a political football? What makes the UDM differenct? Why must you vote UDM? • The UDM is rooted in the very foundation of anti-corruption. We are relentless in the pursuit of the original agenda, which is to improve the lives of all South Africans. • We are unwavering in our stance that institutionalised corruption is one of the main contributors to unemployment, poverty, inequality and poor service delivery. • The UDM has prudent and effective leadership who work in a consultative manner. This is evidenced by our open-door approach and our efforts to meet with communities across the length and breadth of South Africa. • A UDM government will go back-to-basics and pave the way for economic emancipation for everyone. Conclusion There is hope for South Africa and the UDM can lead real change in your lives. You need to think about an alternative and the UDM is that alternative. When you make your mark on the 7th of May, I want you to remember, you have the power to change, so that we can have a better future for ourselves and our children. I thank you
Admin
27 Mar, 2014
Statement: the ANC wants to erode public confidence in the Public Protector
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is outraged at the sustained attack on the Public Protector by the various offshoots of the African National Congress (ANC). The latest outburst by the ruling party’s chief whip of parliament, Mr Stone Sizani, only exposes his ignorance of the very same laws he is entrusted to make and is consistent with the attitude of the ANC towards institutions that investigate corruption without fear, favour or prejudice. This unwarranted aggressive stance by Mr Sizani echoes that of Cosas, the ANCYL, COSATU and the SACP. The ANC and their partners are hell-bent on, and without shame or embarrassment, executing a plan that the media has reported on for days before the release of the report. We have witnessed a similar onslaught during the time before the demise of the Scorpions and the undue influence exerted in the NPA. Instead of supporting Advocate Madonsela, the only aim is to erode the confidence in her office (an organ of our constitutional democracy) and give credence to its internal and non-independent structures. The ANC and its government cannot possibly investigate their own misconduct in an impartial and neutral way. The inter-ministerial report therefore cannot be placed on a pedestal and the credible Public Protector report disregarded.
Admin
19 Mar, 2014
Nkandla: President Zuma no longer has the moral authority to lead – it’s time to go
The scathing report of the Public Protector on the so-called Nkandla “upgrades” probably marks one of the darkest moments in the history our country since the advent of democracy in 1994. The findings that President Zuma has once again violated the Executive Members Ethics Code through his failure to act in protection of state resources, that he tacitly accepted the implementation of all measures at his residence and has unduly benefited from the enormous capital investment, must be offensive to any nation that takes pride in the values espoused in its constitution. No individual can be above our nation and our laws. We agree with the Public Protector when she says, “…if government becomes lawbreaker, it breeds contempt of law”. The report, in finding guilty various ministers and departments, is an indictment of our government and the ruling party. Advocate Madonsela’s report exposes the conspicuous lack of shame of the ruling party, its ministers and its leaders. The Comrades in Corruption have a propensity to deceive the citizenry in defence of its susceptible president and each other. The ministers’ calculated deception and ex facto justification of the spend is an indication of how institutionalised corruption has rooted itself in government. The fabric of our nation’s probity has been corroded and confidence has waned in the leadership, body politic and integrity of our nation – all because of one man and what was done in his defence. The ANC’s continued disregard of the many voices of conscience, inside and outside its ranks, and failure to put South Africa first, is a clear indication that only the voters can stop them now. We therefore urge voters to send the message loud and clear: “We Can Stop Corruption”. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) also pays tribute to the late Mandy Rossouw who exposed this scandal through her courageous and diligent journalistic work. Her extraordinary work reinforces our belief that a free media remains one of the pillars of our constitutional democracy. There is no doubt that somewhere up there she looks down upon South Africa with a broad smile. In addition, we continue to be impressed with the meticulous and diligent way in which the Public Protector and her team carries out their functions. We have full confidence in the constitution and all its institutions that are meant to strengthen our democracy. After having witnessed this situation unfold, it is clear that electoral legislation in South Africa must change to allow the people to hire and fire their own president. We cannot sit; do nothing and suffer the consequences. We, as the people, must take responsibility and take charge. Now is the time for our nation to stand up against corruption. We can change what has become systemic corruption if we rise to the challenge.
Admin
28 Oct, 2008
Let’s Talk: Service delivery challenges
Perhaps it would be best to start this topic by reminding everyone that service delivery isn’t simply something that Government does – it is a constitutional imperative. The Bill of Rights guarantees certain basic freedoms and services for every South African. The quality of our freedom, and indeed the legitimacy of the entire democratic project, depends upon the fulfilment of the legitimate expectations of South Africans to be delivered certain basic services as promised in the Constitution. It is an interpretation of service delivery that has been endorsed by the Constitutional Court. As leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) I have been vocal about service delivery for these reasons. It is convenient for critics of my views – those who will blindly follow the ANC even if it runs off a cliff – to ignore the essential constitutional framework that inspires my comments. It is the UDM’s duty, just like every other stakeholder in this country, to consistently promote and protect the service delivery that underpins our democratic dispensation. This is no small matter. Often the official response to my comments is that the ANC will eventually get around to delivering services to everybody. The sheer arrogance of this type of statement always amazes me. If service delivery is to be piecemeal and ad hoc, why doesn’t the ruling party say so honestly in its election campaigns? No, come election time they promise the world. And exactly who decides which communities are ‘deserving’ of service delivery and which ones are not? Do the loudmouths in the ruling party who refuse to acknowledge well-founded criticism – who respond with insults instead of reasoned argument – really not understand the unjustness of the present service delivery failures, particularly in the townships and rural areas? Our Constitution says that all citizens are equal and free but because of patchy service delivery by the ANC Government some enjoy the fruits of our freedom whilst others do not. I know that a suburban street in Pretoria could rival in services and aesthetics any street in the most developed capital cities of the world; whereas my home community in Mqanduli has no more services than many devastated villages in Afghanistan. For all you’d know Pretoria and Mqanduli might as well be in different universes, never mind the same country. This is how the seeds for second revolutions were sown in many countries. The UDM will not stand by quietly whilst this trend is allowed to develop. It is also fashionable to accuse us of being lone alarmists who exaggerate the extent of service delivery failures in this province. The truth is that every person who reads this will know what the state of our country is. They will also know that independent commentators have come to the same conclusion as the UDM, not because there is some huge conspiracy against the ruling party, but because it is the daily reality of every person residing in this country. And spare us the misplaced references to Apartheid – nobody in this country has suddenly forgotten the devastating evil of the old regime. It is exactly because we expected better from the ANC that we are holding them to account. It’s absolute twaddle for the ANC to expect us to use the old regime as a benchmark to evaluate their performance. It is disrespectful of every person who sacrificed to attain our freedom. The benchmark is not the past, but the Constitution. Yes there have been improvements since 1994, but these are inadequate. They are less than the Constitution guarantees and they are less than the ANC has promised for nearly 15 years in Government. Allow me to highlight some of the service delivery issues, because they bear repeating – a thousand times even, as long as Government eventually listens or gets booted out of office! Service delivery has faltered due to a lack of capacity in government; a study of departmental reports reveals that large numbers of key positions in the provincial and local administrations are vacant. Perhaps the most difficult part to swallow of the situation is that those vacancies co-exist with huge unemployment numbers – for that governance failure alone I believe the ANC no longer deserves to govern this country. I have on numerous occasions highlighted the total lack of strategic planning by Government. There is a haphazard approach to maintenance of existing projects and the implementation of new ones. Thus one will regularly find housing developments erected without environmental assessment or basic water, sanitation and electric infrastructure; afterwards these areas turn into environmental nightmares not fit for human habitation. These are not opposition party fabrications – these are the daily sufferings of vast numbers of people. Again – as with skills shortages – poor planning is especially prevalent in the vital service delivery departments; namely Health, Education, Home Affairs and Social Development. For instance, when we have 37000 vacancies for nurses and doctors in this country we must realize that something has gone horribly wrong in the administration of the Health Department. Performance management and a culture of accountability have evaporated among many of the top politicians and officials at national, provincial and local government level. Service delivery has failed because the ruling politicians are not held accountable, in turn they don’t hold senior management accountable. In the end, it is all about political will. Clearly the political will to really make a difference to the lives of the people is not their first priority. It is time for the people of South Africa to use their vote to show these people the door who have had 15 years chance to fulfill their promises. The voters have an opportunity in less than nine months to usher in fresh new governments in several provinces that will deliver on the constitutional imperative of service delivery, whilst nationally reducing the power and arrogance of the ANC.
Admin
08 Oct, 2008
Let’s Talk: Politics of realignment – a possible breakaway party from the ANC
South Africans have long been calling for a realignment of the political landscape and the establishment of an alternative to the ANC; of late this topic has taken on new impetus with rumours of an eminent breakaway from the ruling party. The majority of the population have gradually come to realise the need for realignment, starting as early as 1998 when the first signs appeared that corruption and nepotism were becoming the order of the day. The strategy employed by the Tripartite Alliance was to contain the resentment of the people by using COSATU – and to some extent the SACP – who would strategically join the bandwagon to attack the policies of the ANC Government, but on the eve of every election would encourage people to vote for the ANC. That strategy worked until the 2004 election, and I dare say they might attempt to do the same in the forthcoming election. However, in the last few years the COSATU leadership has come under pressure for being more interested in politics and ANC battles, than promoting the interests of workers. There is a big debate among the workers themselves, and the public at large, about the role COSATU should play, and that debate has reached fever-pitch with COSATU’s entanglement in the ANC infighting. It has already claimed the head of COSATU AND SADTU President, Mr Madisha, and soon Mr Nondwangu, NUMSA SG may also become a victim of this. COSATU is caught in a trap of its own making and it looks like their leadership has dragged the federation into a factional battle within the ANC. A situation has now arisen where COSATU members who are also members of the ANC might receive conflicting instructions of how to behave in each organisation. The COSATU leadership seem determined to prescribe to the ANC, who has historically been the leading partner in the Tripartite Alliance. COSATU has reneged on its neutral role in the Alliance by siding with one ANC faction. The interesting question is whether the workers will heed the call to vote for the ANC and be treated like convenient voting cattle. Which brings us to the eminent establishment of a breakaway party from the ANC. Should such a party be established, the leadership of COSATU and the SACP will see in hindsight their own role in contributing to the creation of such a breakaway, because they chose sides. If such a party is established the major partners in the Tripartite Alliance who will suffer most are the ANC and COSATU, because many workers who previously tolerated COSATU’s pro-ANC stance and preoccupation will now begin to expect neutrality from the affiliate unions as well as the federation itself. It will soon lead to significant numbers of workers threatening the establishment of their own unions and federation, if COSATU does not comply. If COSATU heeds that call, both the ANC and the SACP will be weakened. It is worth remembering that this dilemma of the Tripartite Alliance was precipitated by Mr Zuma selling the soul of the ANC to its alliance partners in order to gain office and avoid prosecution. A new political party splitting from the ANC is potentially good news for democracy, because it would undermine the bad culture of centralising power in a one-party state and expecting mindless compliance from everybody. In the long run this breakaway party could play a role in realigning the political landscape and ensuring that we have a healthier balance of power. It has also already helped to confirm to many people that the ANC is not infallible. Our analysis of the changing socio–economic-political order in South Africa, indicated that from 1994 there would be discernible political shifts along interest group divides, distinguished by common concerns and aspirations. Eventually this process will move towards the crystallization of two major political streams. One that expresses the ethos of the beneficiaries of the established order, and another that expresses the aspirations of the emerging major social groupings that are marginalized at present. This will necessitate the emergence of two major political formations representing these interest groups. The focus for an emerging political formation will be to articulate the concerns and aspirations of the vast number of marginalized people of all colours and races in South Africa; thus there is a need for an economic policy which will centre on investing in enterprise development, to alleviate unemployment among others, and narrow the gap between the haves and have-nots. This breakaway party should join the current debate in the country, where people are calling for the establishment of an alternative. The time to form such an alternative by like-minded political parties before the next elections is too short, but there is no doubt that after the 2009 polls the discussions on such an alternative will be a priority. However, people will be watching whether this isn’t a Trojan Horse formed in order to capture disappointed ANC voters who are moving towards other opposition parties, only for this new party to enter into a cosy coalition with the ANC after the elections. It is up to them to demonstrate their bona fides.
