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11 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA regarding meeting with Presiding Officers
Dear Honourable Speaker NOTICE OF A MEETING WITH PRESIDING OFFICERS – 13 APRIL 2016. The above matter has reference. Your notice of a meeting between the Presiding Officers and Leaders of Political Parties in Parliament is confirmed. On the 18th of February 2016, I wrote to you requesting that your office direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings on what I referred to, as; “The threat presented by the Gupta family to the security of the country’s resources”. I have not received a response to this letter either than a request for a signed version, which was delivered to your office. On the 7th of April 2016, I wrote to you requesting for a disciplinary enquiry against President Zuma. Again I have not received a response to this letter either than an acknowledgement. Given the above, I confirm that I will attend the meeting with Presiding Officers, only on condition that your office replies to the contents of the two letters referred to above. Kind regards, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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07 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to Speaker of the NA regarding disciplinary inquiry: President Zuma
Dear Honourable Speaker REQUEST FOR A DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY AGAINST PRESIDENT ZUMA The above matter has reference. Following the scathing Constitutional Court judgment delivered on the 31st of March instant, and found amongst others: “Consistent with this constitutional injunction, an order will thus be made that the President’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Public Protector is inconsistent with his obligation to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic; to comply with the remedial action taken by the Public Protector; and the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness”. A barrage of vicious attacks was meted against the office of the Public Protector and the Public Protector, by amongst others, members of the National Assembly; to a point of accusing her of misleading the nation. This grave misconduct has adversely affected the operations, performance and effectiveness of the Public Protector. Notwithstanding the clarity given by the Constitutional Court, the President, in his public half-hearted apology, failed to express himself on this matter of national interest. In July, justice portfolio committee chairperson Dr. Mathole Motshekga told the Nkandla ad hoc committee: “We should not, and cannot, apologise when we say the report of the public protector is misleading and has misled the nation.” The National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, led by the chairperson, Dr. Mathole Motshekga and Ms Thandiswa Mahambehlala brutally attacked the person of the public protector. This may have led to the economic embargo against the office of the Public Protector. News 24 reported on the 3rd of April 2016; attribute the following to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete; “Now I don’t know who owes the public protector an apology about what because as far as Parliament is concerned, the situation has been explained,” she said. It is my considered view, that the National Assembly has a Constitutional obligation to hold the President accountable on this matter. He has the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness. Further, the Constitutional Court found, against the President: “Consistent with this constitutional injunction, an order will thus be made that the President’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Public Protector is inconsistent with his obligation to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic; to comply with the remedial action taken by the Public Protector; and the duty to assist and protect the office of the Public Protector to ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness”. Schedule 2 of the Constitution under Oath or solemn affirmation of President and Acting President provides: “The President of Acting President, before the Chief Justice, or another judge designated by the Chief Justice, must swear/affirm as follows: In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President/Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, I, A, B., swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always – promote all that will advance the Republic, and oppose all that may harm it; protect and promote the rights of all South Africans; discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience; do justice to all; and devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all of its people”. The President has on numerous occasions, and with regard to the report of the Public Protector and the security upgrades at his private homestead; made statements in the National Assembly, which were not accurate and may be bordering on perjury. To date, the nation as has not seen, the size and colour of a piece of paper purporting to be a bond that the President told the National Assembly funded his private home. Access to this document was never granted to the Public Protector as reported. Above all, the President had the audacity to come to the National Assembly and made mockery on a matter affecting the whole nation. We can all remember him infamously saying “…Nkandla – Nkandla! Owu Thixo – wa-se – George – Goch!” Accordingly, it is my considered view that the National Assembly is enjoined to institute a disciplinary enquiry against the President, in order to ascertain the gravity and the seriousness of the conduct of the President, as determined by the highest court of the land. In this regard, I propose: That a disciplinary enquiry be instituted against the President to: 1.1. Investigate whether the President has not misled the National Assembly with regard to his pronouncement on the security upgrades in his private homestead as well as the report of the Public Protector; and 1.2. Investigate the gravity and seriousness of the conduct of the President as determined by Constitutional Court on the 31st of March 2016, and in line with section 89 (1) of the Constitution. That the composition of the disciplinary enquiry be made up of three retired judges given that the National Assembly is conflicted, and that its findings should only be subjected to a review by a court of law where necessary. That a Multi-Party Committee be established to conduct a review of the current legislation governing security upgrades for public representatives in order to avoid further occurrence. That the National Assembly, set up a process that will immediately address the economic embargo meted against the office of the Public Protector and ensure that it is sufficiently resourced to be able to discharge its Constitutional obligations independently, impartially, effective and with dignity. Finally, the National Assembly has no choice but to hold the President accountable. Failure to do so, will send an unfortunate message to many other entities, that since the President was never held accountable, no one will have consequences for misleading the National Assembly under oath. Kind regards Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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05 Apr, 2016
Debate on the Removal of President in terms of section 89(1)(a) of the Constitution
Debate on the Removal of President in terms of section 89(1)(a) of the Constitution ADDRESS BY Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Fellow South Africans, The fact is, the Constitutional Court has found Mr Zuma and the National Assembly to have failed to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution. Today South Africa finds itself with two organs of state that have lost the moral authority to be representatives of the people of South Africa. Mr Zuma’s unlawful actions, have sunk the Executive, the National Assembly, the nation and his political party and have put the country is at crossroads. The responses from Mr Zuma and Ms Mbete together with their accomplices to this constitutional crisis, have displayed a serious contempt of court. The key question that faces the nation is – what is to be done? The United Democratic Movement recommends that: 1. South Africans from all sectors of society should urgently meet and reclaim their freedom by developing and adopting a Programme of Action which will, amongst others, include. 1.1. An immediate resignation of Mr Zuma – failing which the citizens must cause him to be criminally charged; 1.2. An immediate dissolution of parliament; 1.3. An immediate establishment of an Interim National Government; 1.4. The reform of the Electoral Act; 1.5. A fair and transparent party funding legislation; and 1.6. The holding of National General Elections within six to eighteen month time; Consultation with the citizens must produce an electoral system that creates: 1. A balance between the constituency and proportional elected representation systems; 2. A direct election of the State President by the electorate; 3. A vetting of candidates for cabinet positions; 4. An appointment of an independent Speaker of Parliament from outside of party politics. Let the voice of the people be heard. I thank you
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04 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to Thuli Mandonsela with request for an addendum of costs for Nkandla
Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR AN ADDENDUM TO THE COSTS OF NKANDLA New details have emerged of how state funds were used to buy fittings, fixtures and building materials for private residence of the President. I am aware that your office was not granted access to this information, however, it is now in the public domain. The former Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Works, Rachard Samuel, is reported to have compiled a dossier revealing the following as costs that were paid by the department towards the private renovations of the private residence of the President. According to the Sunday Times report of the 27 March 2016, Rachard Samuel listed costs, totalling to a whopping R4, 6 million which is broken down as follows: 1. R1.5-million for air-conditioning at two private houses, a guesthouse and a guardhouse. This is apart from the R5-million for air-conditioning detailed in your report and that of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU); 2. R311, 932 for covered walkways between private residences; 3. R54,721.20 for six meranti doors and 26 meranti window frames; 4. R11,850 for hinges and bolts, doorstops, stainless steel hat-and-coat hooks, and six doormats that cost R1500 each; 5. R34,834.80 for aluminium sliding doors – without bulletproof glass – and other aluminium installations; 6. R38,517 for bulletproof sliding doors; 7. R63,215 for plastering materials, R23,300 for tiling and R41,406 for painting internal and external walls; 8. R271, 796 for carpentry and joinery, including roof construction; and 9. R2.4 million for “extras”. I believe, that your office has the authority to summon this information, and approach the Office of the Chief Justice for a proper guidance on how to deal with the new exposé. If this information is true as I believe, then it should help the National Treasury in making a proper determination of the costs to be personally paid by the President. I look forward to a favourable consideration of this request. Kind regards, Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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17 Mar, 2016
UDM reacts on President Zuma’s answers to question on Gupta’s Role in the appointment of Ministers
Media Statement by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP This afternoon the President had an opportunity to take the country into his confidence and either confirm or deny the revelations made by the Deputy Minister of Finance, yesterday. Alas, he chose utter arrogance and maximum denialism in defense of his travelers, the Guptas family and his own. His attitude in dealing with this issues of national importance, confirms that once again, he has neglected the country in favour of these two families. It further suggests that he has, together with Guptas ganged against his own Deputy Minister. The President, even had the audacity to say he has nothing to do with the revelations made by his Deputy Minister. He says there is nothing to investigate in order to verify the authenticity or otherwise of the revelations, as suggested by UDM. This is absurd to say the least: here is a Deputy Minister saying he was offered a position in your cabinet by someone else either than the President as provided for in the Constitution and you say you have nothing to do with that… but he continue to quote the Constitution…! The country has no basis to have hope anymore. As his answer confirms that another hour, a day with him in office, the country is going down in a high speed and by the time he leaves office, this country will be shadow of itself. It is now firmly in the hands of the ANC, the party that gave the nation a President who in turn neglected both his party and the country and chose his family and Guptas. We can now put it back to the ANC to do something or allow the electorate to punish them severely. End
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18 Feb, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA re Gupta Family
• Mining Minister’s Gupta Trip • Name: Van Rooyen’s two Gupta ‘advisers’ who almost hijacked SA Treasury • Duarte denies abuse of office • Why the Gupta family’s alleged deal with Denel is dubious • Denel and Gupta venture ‘illegal’ • Gupta-Zuma Firm gets 10th of Richards Bay Coal Export Rights • Nuclear energy: Gupta’ power play (Shive Uranium) Dear Honourable Speaker THE THREAT PRESENTED BY THE GUPTA FAMILY TO THE SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY’S RESOURCES. The widely reported proximity between our head of state and the Gupta Family has reached unprecedented proportions and therefore demands an immediate intervention by an appropriate national legislative body. The reported transactions, some of which are attached, exposes that critical and strategic industries are targeted for influence and capture by this family and its associates, chiefly amongst others being the son of the President. Further disturbing reports are that, the cabinet seem to have been co-opted to an extent that they are obliged to be paraded during breakfast shows of SABC 2, organised by the New Age of the same family. These breakfast shows are directly funded by State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) yet our public broadcaster (SABC) gets zero and all the millions go to the Gupta family. The capture and control of the cabinet by this family has since gone beyond the breakfast shows, today the nation knows that, recently, the Minister of Mineral Resources accompanied this family to Switzerland to help snatch yet another coal mining deal. Already, some of the members of the cabinet are publicly undermined and embarrassed; as witnessed in the recent illegal joint venture with a State Owned Enterprise, Denel without the knowledge of the minister and compliance with the relevant regulatory framework, (PFMA) of our country. We are now told that the same family is snatching another coal exports rights through Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Once again, a direct family member of the President is part of this, we read. During the turmoil in our National Treasury caused by an abrupt and most devastating decision to unceremoniously remove a performing minister; the one-week minister came carrying as his hand bag, two so-called advisers, with highly questionable academic qualification, and not only allegedly linked to the same family, but one being a son in law of the Deputy Secretary General of the ruling party. These disturbing reports are a source of discomfort and threat to the already devastated economy of the country. They further undermine, the confidence of both local and outside investors. There is no reasonable and mindful business person who would be encouraged to invest his or her wealth in a country whose economy is run by a family. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement, request the Office of the Speaker to direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings based on amongst others, these serious reports and allegations which are already undermining our economy and the country’s security. Kindly find attached reference articles listed above. Kindly advise Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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01 Jun, 2015
Message from the UDM President at the 41st Anniversary of the Inkatha Freedom Party
Address by UDM President, Mr BH Holomisa- MP Master of ceremonies, President of the IFP, Mr Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the leadership of the party, members and supporters Indeed, none amongst South Africans, people of the continent and the world over, can deny the immerse contribution that this wonderful party has made in the fight for freedom in our life time. You have made a great contribution to bring the kind of South Africa we all celebrate today, notwithstanding the fact that we still have a long way to go, collectively. Off cause the freedom you fought for is not yet felt and enjoyed by all citizens of the country including the members and supporters of IFP. The period between 1990 and 1994 was not well managed. Many role players in the fight against apartheid were not given the full role to play. The relationship between the current ruling party and the IFP was not good and this has robbed South Africans of a contribution that would have been made in crafting the developmental programme for the country. We went into 1994 as divided political parties in our isolated corners and could not learn from those with experience. However, we are happy that your contribution cannot be forgotten. President Mangosuthu, your decision to form and continue to guide the development and growth of this party was and remains one of the most important ones in the political history of this country. For that, we salute you. IFP, under your stewardship, has grown significantly and made numerous important contributions in shaping the political direction of our country. Your policy proposals cannot go unnoticed and in many circumstances has helped the country to sustain its democracy over the last 21 years. Your fatherly and high moral guidance in Parliament is a source of inspiration, continue to do it. The United Democratic Movement wishes you, your party, members and supporters a great evening and many more years to come. Thank you very much for allowing us to be part of history making. Thanks End
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26 May, 2015
2015 Debate on Budget Vote 1: Presidency address by Bantu Holomisa, MP
Hon Speaker and Members The United Democratic Movement supports this budget vote. Mr President, during the State of the Nation Address you declared the year 2015 as the “… year of unity in Action to Advance Economic Freedom”. However, what is not clear, is a common and simple programme that binds the entire society behind this vision. For instance, the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Committee’s work is not known by all citizens. We need a clearer road map of infrastructure development with more achievable targets, timelines and clear monitoring tools. To make matters worse, even the most celebrated National Development Plan does not enjoy the support of the ruling party’s main ally Cosatu. This sometimes causes unnecessary tensions between Labour and Business. Mr President, there is a growing culture of lawlessness that is increasingly characterising us as an unruly Nation that lacks discipline. Every day we witness citizens building homes in places not designed for human settlement, thus leading to multiple social and economic crises. Spatial development for both urban and rural areas requires proper coordination with the involvement of citizens to avoid cost of correcting uncoordinated development post effect. The UDM suggest that a Presidential Council on Sustainable Development with direct participation of the broader civil society be created. This approach will place citizens of the country at the centre of their own development as they seek to realise the vision of the country and promote a culture of ownership of its development direction. Central to the task of the council would be to consolidate and deploy the resources of the country towards an agreed to, development path. Many countries that have practiced this model have benefited significantly. It may be helpful to look again at the experiences of those countries like Canada. The current IDP system lacks aggressive people’s participation. Mr President, we have noted your response in this House about the release of the Marikana report. However, the UDM notes the pressure you find yourself in, given that your highest officials, right from the Deputy President and some Ministers were subject of the work of the commission. It is in the interest of all citizens of this country that you release the report without further delay. Its publication will not deter you from considering its findings. I thank you
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17 Apr, 2015
Address By Mr Bh Holomisa Mp: Statement By The President Jacob Zuma On Violence In Kzn
Hon Speaker and members A country with high levels of poverty, high unemployment rate, high levels of inequality, blended with leadership whose attention is on filling their pockets through corrupt activities, breeds all social evils including criminality. Compounding the situation is that the African Agenda we were once known to be its champions, has taken a back seat. We must agree that, indeed the violence we see today in KZN with a potential to spread to other provinces can be best described as recklessness, inhumane, barbaric and criminal. This debate must immensely contribute to the stoppage of this inhumanity in the history of our democracy. We must also acknowledge that the levels of lawlessness in this country are increasing daily, this has to come to a stop, if we are to redeem our image and attract investors as a country. To respond and address this situation a number of things needs to be done immediately; amongst are the following: • An immediate Presidential visit to the Kingdom of the Zulu nation has to done immediately after this house concludes this debate to share with the King the spirit of the house on this important matter. (Nxamalala ndikulungele ukuhamba nawe siyo Phunga ne Silo Samabandla) • We must contain the current situation in KZN by amongst others enforce the law to the fullest. Such a step must communicate to all, that South Africa is not a lawless society. • The state of our intelligence services requires urgent attention because these activities should have been detected before their occurrence. • Special police units as well as special courts to deal with incidents of sporadic lawlessness must be established nationally. • A comprehensive audit must be conducted on foreigners already in our country, what are they doing where, how and with whom are they engage in those activities. This will help to expose those who are in the country for wrong reasons like corrupt activities including drug and human trafficking. • The poor and slack labour relations regime with regard to foreigners within our labour market needs and urgent review. Included to this is to ensure that those who trade, do so in accordance with the applicable laws of the country. • Aggressively reduce unemployment by amongst others, create more entrepreneurs on soft skills to run small business in the township, salons, small shops, car washes and others. Target young people in particular, train them in these areas and providing seed funding and support to run sustainable business. • Build a sense of responsibility and collectivism amongst the people, motivate them to move away from hand out syndrome into action for their livelihood. • Implement a civic education programme on Africanism targeting young people in-particular to change attitudes towards other Africans and citizens of the world. • We must revisit our policies on people entering and leaving South Africa to ensure full control of our borders. In the words of Kwame Krumah, “Africa must Unite”. I thank you
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16 Mar, 2015
Condolence With The Passing Away Of Minister Collins Chabane
Receiving news of the departure of Minister Collins Chabane is with immense distress and profound sadness. His passing away robs us of one of the greatest sons of our people, esteemed administrator and polished politician. ISSUED BY MR BANTU HOLOMISA – UDM PRESIDENT The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses its shock by the passing on of Minister Chabane. We would like to pass our deepest condolences to his family, the ANC, friends and comrades. Leaders are born, live and die. Minister Chabane was one of the extraordinary leaders that had passion, constructive criticism and vision. He was a diligent, eloquent and focused person to a level whereby his articulations in the house were not based on personalities and political allegiances but on practical socio-economic conditions confronting in particular the poor people of South Africa. His, was for a just society. He may die but his contribution ever since he became a member of parliament and a minister will never be forgotten. We as UDM and the people of this country we will miss that bold fast persuasive voice, a voice when he spoke no one could talk while was speaking. 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. UDM cries with you and we know that 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 give and take. Our legislative house, and the country has lost an extraordinary leader. It is our responsibility to take where Minister Chabane 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. May the peace of almighty gracious God be with his family, this will also pass. To the leader of the Cabinet, the President, please find space in your heart to be strong and let him to rest. Akuhlanga lungehlanga. To the South African Parliament, the ANC and his constituency at large, you have lost, we have lost and the country has lost. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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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.
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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
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08 Mar, 2014
Holomisa on Amcu strike: Call for both parties to give face-to-face negotiations another try
With Implats’ announcement that it would consider abandoning its new R11bn Leeuwkop platinum mine, unless it could redesign it as a mechanised mine, is bad news for South Africans who are desperate for work, especially from nearby communities. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is of the view that “go-betweens” are not the way to go. As former members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) – still smarting from the loss of NUM’s status as the strongest union – they have a petty interest in ensuring that this dispute is never resolved. There is also an element of the ruling party elite, as BEE deployees, who are hindering progress. The strike has gone on for too long and inevitable retrenchments are looming. With a clear understanding of the plight of mineworkers, the UDM urges the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the management of Implats, Anglo Platinum and Lonmin to give face-to-face negotiations another try.
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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.
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11 Mar, 2014
Speech: Consideration of fiscal framework and revenue proposals (Mr N Kwankwa, MP)
Address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly Debate: Consideration of Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals Mister Speaker, Deputy President and Honourable Members, Economies around the world, including ours, have since the financial crisis in 2008 struggled to return back to pre-subprime crisis economic performance levels. This decline in business activity has resulted in massive job losses, business closures and in many families finding it difficult to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, good strides in economic and social development have been made to boost the economy, create jobs and reduce poverty. Mister Speaker, One of the good things the Minister and the Department have done well over the past few months is that they have heeded the call to reduce costs by keeping an eye on and actively seeking ways to moderate the public sector wage bill. It has also introduced a wide range of cost cutting measures. We also commend Government for ensuring that the consolidated budget deficit came down from the 4.2 per cent forecast in October last year to 4 per cent. However, while it makes sense to, in light of the current general economic decline, run a budget deficit of 4 per cent in the medium-term to support our developmental objectives, the budget deficit viewed together with the rising public debt, which stands at just over 40 per cent of GDP, gives an impression that Government is struggling to embark on a fiscal consolidation programme. Yes, we are aware that rising global interest rates have been a major contributor to the rise in debt service costs for Government. We are also cognisant of the fact that significant steps have been taken to improve the management of public debt and that currently only about 10 per cent of public debt is in foreign currency. However, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that more needs to done to improve efficiency in Government. This is essential in reducing and bringing South Africa’s debt to sustainable levels. Mr Speaker, Labour unrest is hurting the South African economy and results in the loss of our country’s competitiveness. Nowhere is this loss of competitiveness more evident than in the current account deficit of approximately 6 per cent and the fact South Africa’s net portfolio investments declined to R24.3 billion in 2013 from R88.8 billion in 2012. Mister Minister, it concerns us that South Africa’s large current-account and budget deficits are beginning to attract the attention of rating Agencies, which already have a negative outlook on South Africa. The UDM calls on Government to take steps to improve the depressing investment climate in South Africa in order to ensure private investment – both portfolio and in particular foreign direct investment – is rekindled. This is one of the most essential ways to achieve economic growth rates that are necessary to arrest poverty. Mister Speaker, It makes us uneasy to see that Government’s debt and deficit reduction programme seems to principally depend on optimistic economic growth forecasts. Output growth in South Africa has been sluggish for quite some time and judging by Government’s failure to achieve past targets, we are not convinced that the new targets will be achieved. The UDM believes that output growth forecasts should be realistic so that we can begin the process of setting the country’s finances on a path to fiscal consolidation. The UDM supports the Consideration of Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals. I thank you.
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24 Feb, 2014
Joint Statement by Mbhazima Shilowa and Bantu Holomisa
Today marks yet another milestone in our journey towards political realignment. Our announcement takes forward the discussions which started after the 2009 elections when it became apparent that South Africans yearned for a viable alternative. This process had stalled, in part, as the Independent Democrats (ID) joined the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the internal ructions with the Congress of the People (COPE). Recently, more than 800 delegates representing COPE branches from eight provinces that were left out of COPE’s recent National Congress held a summit in Bloemfontein to map the way forward. The summit mandated Mr Mbhazima Shilowa to engage with the United Democratic Movement (UDM) to take the realignment debate forward. The result of the talks between the two delegations was that these branches will support and mobilise for the UDM in the forthcoming general elections. The process of integration and preparing an effective elections machinery across the country is currently under way with joint meetings at provincial levels. A national structure to oversee this process has been put in place. The long-term plan is to work for political realignment and this entails that we will work with other progressive formations in the future. No party in South Africa can ever win an election unless it appeals to the vast majority, especially the poor and unemployed who do have not access to basic services. As outlined in the UDM’s manifesto it is imperative that we focus on the following issues: • Good governance. • Economy • Quality education • Feeding SA – food securing and rural development • Quality health care • Safety and security • Protecting the environment and • Election reform We call on all South Africans, especially those who voted COPE in the last elections, to rally behind the UDM in the forthcoming elections. While Mr Shilowa will not be party to such integration for personal reasons, he supports the process and will actively work for its success in the short, medium and long term. This is our country let’s take charge and not allow corruption to destroy the gains of our freedom. Thank you Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP Mr Mbhazima Shilowa
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18 Feb, 2014
Speech: Debate on State of the Nation Address by Bantu Holomisa
Mister Speaker, Mister President, Deputy President and Honourable Members, State of the Nation Address debates give South Africans an opportunity to participate in discussions about issues that affect our country. We should therefore not underestimate the value of this important democratic practice in strengthening our democracy. Elsewhere in the world such opportunities do not exist. Mister President, allow me to apologise in advance for not being able to stay for the entire duration of this debate. I have to go to Pretoria to finalise the submission of the Defence Force Service Commission (DFSC) to the Portfolio Committee on Defence. I also need to prepare for my trip to Bloemfontein to attend the National Defence Force Day celebrations. I hope you understand Sir, because you assigned me this task. Mister Speaker, The 2014 State of the Nation Address debate takes place at a time when South Africa marks 20 years of freedom. This gives us an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges facing South Africa today. We acknowledge the good strides made since the attainment of our freedom. We also fully concur with you, Mister President, that South Africa is a better place to live in today than it was before 1994. However, contrary to popular belief, many South Africans do not have a good story to tell about our twenty years of freedom. Millions of South Africans in townships, rural and peri-urban areas still do not have access to land, houses, water and sanitation. Even in instances where services have been delivered the quality of the final product leaves much to be desired. As we speak, Government has to demolish and rebuild thousands of poorly built RDP houses around the country. There is also a general lack of maintenance of the existing infrastructure in many previously disadvantaged communities, which negatively affects the delivery of water and electricity. The real State of the Nation While the UDM acknowledges the impact of colonial and apartheid legacy on the South African economy, twenty years into our democracy there is clear evidence that poor economic policy choices, economic mismanagement and corruption have negatively affected our economy. Furthermore, over the last twenty years we have witnessed growing levels of tension and mistrust amongst the three main role players: government, labour and business. On the one hand, this mistrust has discouraged big business from investing billions of available cash in our economy. On the other hand, it has often resulted in illegal and violent strikes, which negatively affect the economy, depress the currency and investor sentiment. These strained and often volatile industrial relations have resulted in high unemployment rates. Millions of South Africans are unemployed – the majority of which are youth, while others live in abject poverty. Rising food prices and fuel costs have added to the misery by making it difficult for many South Africans to make ends meet. What adds insult to injury is that our education system fails to give our children the basic education they need to be economically active. In the meantime, levels of inequality increase at an alarming rate. The high levels of inequality are a direct result of corruption and policies that allow the rich to accumulate obscene wealth at the expense of the poor and marginalised. The most painful irony however is that of a former liberation movement that espoused egalitarian principles during the struggle years only to preside over the most grotesque and ever-worsening levels of inequality. Mister Speaker, Government has over the past 20 years taken decisions that have caused the country much embarrassment. Some of these decisions and transactions, which were laced with corruption include, but are not limited to, Sarafina II, the Arms Deal, Hitachi/Chancellor House/Eskom deal, the Dina Pule saga, the IEC and the South African Police Services’ (SAPS) lease agreement scandals, Nkandlagate scandal and so on. While talking about the Nkandlagate scandal, Mister President, we have noted your media comments over the past weekend regarding government’s spending of millions of taxpayer’s money on your private property. There is no doubt that this scandal has brought the country into disrepute. You keep telling us that you had no knowledge of these improvements, but you never tell us what steps you have taken to solve this fiasco. Mister President, had it not been for the media that exposed this scandal, there would have been no Public Works and Public Protector Investigations. We are concerned that in cases where senior ruling party leaders are caught with their hands in the cookie jar junior officials are made to take the blame. Even former President Nelson Mandela admitted to the widespread existence of corruption in the ruling party when he said in August 1998 that: “We have learnt now that even those people with whom we fought the struggle against apartheid’s corruption can themselves be corrupted.” Mister President, it seems other South Africans have a different story to tell. No one can dispute that: “Corruption destroys the gains of our freedom!” It also chases away the investors. Bearing this in mind, Government needs to take active steps to promote and entrench a culture of good governance. To root out corruption, the UDM believes that Government should introduce courts that are dedicated to handle corruption cases. Government should restore the powers of the accounting officers and ensure that there is no political interference. The role of political heads should be confined to that of oversight. The bleak picture I have sketched above about the strong prevalence of institutionalised corruption, reminds South Africans to never again put their eggs in one basket. Fellow South Africans, Over the past few years South Africa has been shaken by violent service delivery protests. People protest to register their dissatisfaction with Government’s dismal service delivery record. In most protests, lawlessness is regrettably celebrated, as both private and public properties are destroyed. What adds fuel to the fire is that the political leadership both at national and provincial levels does not make time to engage communities during protests. They instead rely on councillors and the police to extinguish the fire. We therefore join you, Mister President, in condemning the use of violence by all parties during protests. We will meet again when the new administration delivers its State of the Nation Address and its programme of action for 2014. Thank you.
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02 Feb, 2014
2014 Manifesto Launch address by Bantu Holomisa at Nasrec
The National Chairperson of the UDM, Mr Zolisa Lavisa ,• UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi • The Members the UDM National Executive Committee Officer, • UDM PEC Members, • UDM Members of Parliament, Legislature and Councillors, • UDM REC Members, • Traditional Leaders, • Honoured Guests, • Members of the Media, • UDM Members, • Fellow South Africans: WELCOME I am pleased to welcome you to the United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) Manifesto Launch for the 2014 elections. On behalf of the UDM I thank you for taking time to share this important day with us. Before I deliver my address, I would like to request that we all stand and pay our last respects to the late UDM Deputy-President, Mr Ntopile Kganyago and our late global icon and former President, Mr Nelson Mandela. My fellow South Africans who are seated in this hall, as well as those who are watching and listening from all corners in Africa. FREEDOM AT LAST – THE RIGHT VOTE 2014 is an auspicious year when South Africa marks twenty years of freedom and democracy. We should be proud of the fact that our people have been empowered to cast their vote to choose a government of their liking. In many countries on the Continent, true democracy is a pipe dream and more often than not governments are changed at the barrel of the gun. In that regard we have made much progress after the Apartheid ended. I am sure that you, my fellow South Africans, will agree that in spite of our wonderful Constitution, and specifically the Bill of Rights, we have not yet reached the goal of transforming our Country into a Winning Nation. BRIEF STATE OF THE NATION Today, we are meeting at a time when the tensions between the police and members of the public are at an all-time high due to service delivery protests that are often characterised by anger and violence. The growing service delivery protests and labour unrests are an irrefutable indication of a growing crisis with the state relying more and more on violence and brute force as the infamous Marikana massacre and many other communities in the Northwest and Limpopo province have shown. During protests the ruling party sadly sends in the police to brutalise the public, instead of dispatching senior government officials to attend to the people’s concerns and complaints. In addition, councillors have become convenient scapegoats for the ruling party for service delivery failures. The situation is made worse by the fact that the ruling party, which is supposed to provide leadership, is imploding. This infighting has even spilled over to the local government level. Local government in South Africa is in shambles. Councillors have usurped the powers of the administrators and they often fail to distinguish between the party and the state. In many municipalities, councillors decide who should get which tenders and why and state resources are used for party political programmes. Another area of concern at local government level is that the institution of traditional leaders has been side-lined in rural development programmes. The UDM is of the view that the local government system should be overhauled as a matter of urgency. Talking of traditional leaders, the UDM believes that the institution of traditional leaders should be given the respect it deserves. The UDM commits itself to ensure that the decisions made by the traditional houses are referred the relevant bodies, such as the National Assembly and the National Council of Province for action. The UDM commits itself to capacitate traditional leaders to take a leading role in rural development and the colleges for the children of traditional leaders will be reopened. The UDM commits itself to standardise the packages of the traditional leaders of the various tribes. Travelling the lengths and breadths of our country during our party programmes revealed once more that our people are yearning for a strong political alternative. This compelled the opposition parties to engage in a series of discussions to explore possible models of cooperation. It is however important to highlight that political realignment is a process, not an event. Finding ideological and programmatic compatibility among different political parties is not an easy process. It requires proper sequencing and pacing due to the number of people and processes it involves. In 2010, the UDM National Congress gave us the mandate to actively find ways in which we can work and cooperate with sister opposition parties before and after the 2014 elections. But let me ask you a few questions… 1. Do you think that rich people are getting more and more money, and that poor just sink deeper into poverty? 1.1 Problem statement South Africa today has earned the dubious title of being one of the most unequal societies in the world. This badge of dishonour is a direct consequence of corruption and policies that allow the rich to accumulate obscene wealth in a vast ocean of poverty. This situation is made worse by the ruling party’s abuse of otherwise well-intended policies of empowerment such as BEE and state tender policies which are twisted to enrich the politically connected few. Even in the face of global and local economic and financial crises they insist on parasitic preservation of their lifestyle through taxpayers’ money. The most painful irony is that of a former liberation movement that espoused egalitarian principles during the struggle years, that presides over the most sophisticated form of institutionalised corruption, which worsens inequality. Do you agree with the UDM that: Corruption destroys the gains of our freedom? 1.2. Some of the UDM’s solutions are to: 1.2.1. root out this culture of corruption being celebrated and condoned – this can be done by applying the rule of law across the board irrespective of one’s social standing. 1.2.2. promote a culture of good governance. 1.2.3. Instil respect for the separation of powers of government, legislatures and the judiciary. 1.2.4. restore the powers of the accounting officers and ensure that there is no political interference. 1.2.5. introduce special courts dedicated to handle cases of corruption, as was done during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, to swiftly deal with cases of corruption. 1.2.6. conduct a skills audit to find out if the right people are employed in the right posts and at the right levels. Intensify training of civil servants. 1.2.7. review the current tender system that currently makes it possible for bribery and corruption to flourish. 2. Have you successfully completed your matric and/or degree, only to find that there are no job opportunities for you? 2.1 Problem statement The reality is that 7 million South Africans do not have jobs. What is however most disturbing is that 7 out of 10 young people can’t find word. What is going on here? The ruling party first tried to convince us that RDP was the answer; then GEAR and ASGISA; after that the New Growth Path. At the moment they are fighting about the whether the National Development Plan is a vision or a policy. 2.2. Some of the UDM’s solutions are to: 2.2.1. initiate job creation and opportunities for young South Africans; e.g. radically reduce the red-tape that stifles entrepreneurship, and introduce targeted incentives and support programmes for small businesses started by young people. 2.2.2. employ semi-skilled youth as “green battalions” in projects to remove alien species, combat soil erosion, afforestation and sustainable subsistence farming. 2.2.3. arrange youth mentorship and exchange programmes through bilateral agreements with other countries. 2.2.4. empower young South Africans to develop micro-businesses, where they for instance recycling and maintaining schoolyards, parks, cemeteries, sporting facilities, etc. 2.2.5. ensure participation of women in the development processes, sustained investment in human capacity through education, health and nutrition programmes. 2.2.6. eliminate all obstacles that still limit the access of women to decision-making, education, health care services and productive employment. 2.2.7. reverse the trend of shrinking numbers of South Africans in the retail sector which is gradually being taken over by foreign nationals with little, if any, assistance for South Africans to compete effectively in this sector. It is a hard fact that jobs are shed, because of this practise when South African workers are replace with family members of foreign business owner. 2.3. Whilst on the subject of job creation, let’s talk about South Africa’s industrial policy: In 1995, the South African government embarked on a massive trade liberalization programme that dramatically reduced trade tariffs in a wide range of labour intensive sectors, such as textile, agriculture, and mining, etc. This resulted in massive job losses because our country’s core industries and labour intensive sectors had to compete with countries whose labour intensive industries are heavily subsidised by their governments. Even worse, key strategic industries such as the steel industry (ISCOR) were unbundled and sold to the private sector which is now selling the same product for infrastructure development at very high costs. The governments of the most powerful economies in the world, such as the United States of America, China and India as well as various countries in Europe recognise the responsibility they have towards their citizens. These governments do not hesitate to intervene in their economies by protecting local jobs and businesses. A government that proposes anything less does not care, and is not willing to accept responsibility for the welfare and prosperity of their people. If you drive around Ekurhuleni, which used to be a hub of the steel industry, it now bears the scars of neglect and disuse, because it could not compete with subsidised industries in other parts of the world. 2.4. Some of the UDM’s solutions are to: 2.4.1. create an environment that is conducive for the manufacturing sector and industry to flourish. 2.4.2. reduce the red tape that stifles the ability of domestic companies to export their products to the rest of the world. 2.4.3. develop support programmes for the labour intensive sectors and give special attention to those that create job opportunities for all South Africans. 3. Now, let’s talk about infrastructure development: 3.1. Problem Statement Well-targeted and strategic infrastructure development is critical for the proper functioning of the economy. It is the cornerstone of sustainable social and economic development. The ruling party’s infrastructure development programme is not planned properly and fails to address past imbalances and backlogs. For instance, while government has budgeted and approved more than R800 billion over the next few years for infrastructure development, very little of this goes to rural areas and other previously disadvantaged communities in the townships, informal settlements and peri-urban areas. As a result, the infrastructure in these areas is in a state of disrepair. Even as new infrastructure is being put in place there is a decay of the old infrastructure due to the lack of maintenance plans. 3.2. A UDM Government commits itself to: 3.2.1. Produce a “map of infrastructure development”, with emphasis on transparency and closer cooperation between government, state-cooperation and the people. 3.2.2. invest in the economy through a properly planned infrastructure development programme and other large scale, government funded programmes that are community-driven and applies good environmental practices. 3.2.3. ensure that South Africans have access to passable roads, electricity, water irrigation and reticulation and an efficient rail network. 4. Creating consensus with hosting Economic Indaba 4.1. Problem Statement As I conclude my discussion on the South African economy, it is clear that we cannot longer allow a few powerful individuals to unilaterally decide what our economic policies should be. We have seen the negative effects of this model of policy formulation. Over the last twenty years we have witnessed growing levels of tension and mistrust amongst the three main role players: government, labour and business. On the one hand, this mistrust has discouraged big business from investing billions of available cash in our economy. On the other hand, it has often resulted in illegal and violent strikes, which negatively affect the economy, depress the currency and investor sentiment. It is clear that after nearly twenty years of economic experimentation that the ruling party has run out of ideas. It is merely tinkering with policy in the blind hope that it will somehow stumble upon a solution. 4.2. A UDM Government commit itself to: 4.2.1. Call a National Economic Indaba along the lines of the CODESA negotiations to discuss an economic policy that will help to eradicate poverty, reduce unemployment and lessen inequality in South Africa. 4.2.2. Use the Indaba to propose the development of a social pact between business and labour in order to improve industrial relations. 4.2.3. Propose that challenges pertaining to land and property ownership be high on the agenda as some are the direct result of the current sunset clauses. 4.2.4. Recommend a discussion topic on mining in South Africa – some of the matters to be discussed are: o Land and mine ownership, o The allocation of mining rights to the ruling elite and its implications o Socio-economic conditions of the workers and the communities. o The controversial issue mineworkers’ access, or lack thereof, to a provident fund worth billions. o The unions’ investment arms and dividend pay-outs to those workers who have contributed to the fund. o Appointment of an independent commission inquiry to investigate how these workers’ monies were invested, especially in cases where the workers were retrenched or had retired or passed away. 5. The future of our children the quality of education they receive. 5.1. Problem Statement 5.1.1. Although South Africa invests a significant amount of resources into our education system, the quality of the education our children receive leaves much to be desired. Learners leave the school system ill-equipped to find employment. 5.1.2. Another factor that puts our learners and teachers at a disadvantage is the chopping and changing of education policy with the appointment of each new minister. Just when the teachers master a new curriculum, they have to start from scratch and in turn the learners suffer. 5.2 A UDM Government commits itself to: 5.2.1. translate the large education budget into quality education by developing and maintaining an education system that produces school-leavers and graduates that are equipped with job-related and life-skills. 5.2.2. Career-orientated advice and education will be enhanced to ensure that children can determine their future careers timeously and can attain the various goals on the way towards their employment. 5.2.3. Curriculum development will also be an inclusive process involving all the relevant stakeholders. It will be designed in such a way that it adapts to changing needs of society. It is important that the vital pillars of our education policy do not depend on the whims of one party Minister, but are agreed to by all. 5.3.4. improve the quality of the educational infrastructure, such as the physical infrastructure, teaching material and human resources. The will increase spending on the development, maintenance and provision of school buildings, water, sanitation and electricity. Thank you
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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
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31 Dec, 2013
Tribute to the late Lieutenant General (Ret) Lambert Moloi
Tribute to the late Lieutenant General (Ret) Lambert Moloi by Major General (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, MP, Deputy Chairperson National Defence Force Service Commission We mourn the loss of the late Lieutenant General (Ret) Lambert Moloi; a former commander of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) – an outstanding man and a disciplined soldier. As an MK Commander, General Moloi worked closely with then Transkei Defence Force (TDF) officers and as a result he was assigned “Comrade A” as his code and nickname. We worked with General Moloi for many years; first when he was an MK Commander during the struggle. He and I again crossed paths in September 2009 when the South African Ministry of Defence established the interim National Defence Force Service Commission (NDFSC). Our work in the interim NDFSC was to, amongst others, advise on the remuneration and service conditions of the members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). When the Commission started its work, General Moloi campaigned hard for the improvement of the conditions of service of the SANDF personnel. His military background, together with the crucial role he played in overseeing the integration of the different armed forces in 1994 enabled him to anticipate and understand the needs of the SANDF members. General Moloi’s institutional memory contributed immensely towards the realisation of the Commission’s objectives. This quality came in very handy when the Commission conducted benchmarking studies in various countries around the world. He was a man who paid attention to detail and could at times be extremely pedantic and he interrogated all the recommendations of the Commission. No tribute to General Moloi is complete without acknowledging his monumental contribution to the struggle for liberation. We successfully handled many operations with him long before former President FW de Klerk unbanned the liberation movements. Comrade A therefore was a frequent visitor to our shores and he demonstrated a great deal of humility and empathy – he would take the time to engage TDF officers about every issue under the sun. He organised and oversaw many training projects, including the training of MK cadres, by the TDF, in Transkei and Uganda with a specific focus on conventional warfare. TDF General Mandela managed this project and it was a great success. During our joint operations he proved to be a very disciplined and focused individual who prized the liberation of our people above all else. These events and programmes culminated in a strong relationship and mutual trust between the ANC, its military and the Transkei Military Government. It was against this backdrop that the Transkei Military Government embraced change long before 1994 and agreed to be integrated into the new South Africa without resistance, unlike other homelands. The other rarely mentioned benefit of this relationship was that, by the time the senior MK commanders came back from exile, Comrade A’s relationship with TDF had laid a solid foundation for the relatively smooth integration of these two armed forces into a single national defence force. I express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lieutenant General (Ret) Moloi. It is never easy to get used to the passing of a loved one especially that of a person of his calibre. He will be sorely missed. May His Soul Rest in Peace.
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24 Oct, 2013
Speech: Annual Black Management Forum conference Debate: Can Good Governance increase trust amongst Government, Civil Society, Labour and Business?
by Mr Bantu Holomisa at Gallagher Convention Centre Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for the opportunity to interact with you today; I’m honoured to address this forum on the importance of good governance in engendering trust among the various stakeholders in society. Let me state from the outset that the answer to this question is an emphatic YES! Yesterday the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela in this conference gave a candid and concise assessment of poor state of governance in the public sector in South Africa. She called on people to refrain from using their connections as a means to access tenders. Even though much has been said and written about corruption in South Africa and many laws have been passed to fight corruption, corruption remains a serious problem in our country. Far too often, many top government officials and politicians have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. In addition, when allegations of corruption engulf once revered institutions, such as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Presidency, they weaken our ability to successfully crackdown on corruption. In the process they affect our international ratings. It would, however, be mischievous and dishonest to suggest that corruption in government only started during the Zuma regime. Many of you will recall that some of the most devastating corruption scandals go back as far as the Sarafina-2, Arms Deal, Oil Gate, Travel Gate, Chancellor House/Hitachi and Eskom Deal. The latter deal being a classical example of an institutionalised corruption. Efforts have been made to determine the possible causes of corruption in South Africa. While we admit that there are many possible causes of corruption, we believe that at the heart of the problem is the tender system. In particular, it is the usurpation of the powers of accounting officers by politicians in this system. Since the advent of democracy we have seen an increasing number of political directives given to accounting officers on how to allocate tenders and to whom. To make matters worse, in many instances tenders are awarded to incompetent people, who either do shoddy work or leave it unfinished. A case in point, not long ago former Human Settlements Minister, Tokyo Sexwale stated publicly that his Department was planning to demolish thousands of RDP houses that were not built properly and are a health hazard. The Medupi tender was awarded to the ruling party investment arm without being subjected to an open to tender system. This means that in this deal the ruling party became both player and referee. After this scandal was revealed they had the nerve to tell the public that they have a right to do this. These occur despite people being aware that they go against the principles of good governance. We need to reverse this trend, Ladies and Gentlemen. We need to restore the power to make administrative decisions back to the accounting officers, and that politicians should confine themselves to do oversight work. What is also of grave concern is that when the media and the Public Protector expose incidents of corruption, nothing serious is done about it. Instead, the culprits get rewarded with redeployments and or promotions, which firmly entrenches the culture of corruption and impunity. For examples one has to look no further than former Minister of Communications, Dina Pule and those who were found guilty in the Travel Gate scandal. This altogether necessitates a review of the programs and some of the governance systems we have been using. Put more accurately, we need to change the software. We need to move towards a mixed electoral system that draws from the strengths of both the proportional and constituency based electoral systems. In addition, our people should be allowed to directly elect their president. In addition the cabinet which has been nominated by that president should be a subject of scrutiny by the Parliament’s Ethics Committee before they are sworn in. Such a system will among other things make sure that the cabinet represents the population or at least the geographical spread of South Africa and that such individuals understand the field they are to enter. A directly elected president would have no motivation to fill the cabinet with people from his/her home province, as is currently the case. This is a recipe for prompting ethnicity and unfair distribution of resources. These steps would, among others, help improve accountability. If the civil society and the public in general is going to fold their arms while these hyenas and predators continue to loot this country’s resources with impunity, they must know that our children will inherit an empty shell in the future. I thank you.
