Admin
10 Nov, 2025
No leader above the law: UDM KwaZulu-Natal condemns Councillor Ndlovu’s alleged sexual assault of young girl
Statement by Remington Mazibuko, Councillor in the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality and UDM KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chairperson The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal is shocked and dismayed by reports that an Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor from Ward 14 in Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality, Cllr Ndlovu, allegedly sexually assaulted a young girl and later attempted to bribe the child’s mother with R10,000 to conceal the incident. The details of this case reveal a painful abuse of power and a failure of conscience. Those chosen to serve must protect the dignity of every person, especially the young and vulnerable. Anything less undermines the values on which our democracy stands. The UDM calls on the IFP to immediately suspend Cllr Ndlovu from office pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. Failure to do so will raise serious questions about the IFP’s commitment to ethical leadership and the protection of vulnerable citizens. The Party further calls for a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into this case. Law enforcement must act decisively to ensure that justice is served, and no political affiliation or public office should be allowed to shield anyone from accountability. We also call for immediate support and protection for the victim and her family. The South African Police Service and the Department of Social Development must ensure that the child receives proper psychosocial care and that her safety is guaranteed throughout the legal process. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide are symptoms of a leadership crisis that has allowed impunity to thrive. Until those in positions of authority lead by example and enforce accountability, our communities will continue to suffer the pain of fear and loss. The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal believes that leadership means protecting the most vulnerable, not preying on them. We expect every public representative to embody the values of honesty, accountability, and respect for human dignity. Those who violate these principles should have no place in public life.
Admin
11 Sep, 2025
Alleged rape of 8 Soweto boys at gunpoint; are our children safe at school?
Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) notes with deep concern reports that eight boys from Khomani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, were allegedly drugged by a fellow grade 7 learner and subsequently raped at gunpoint by an adult. We are shocked, outraged and devastated by this heinous act. This tragedy highlights how sexual violence against learners is escalating; this is an unacceptable and recurring crisis in South Africa’s education system. This case is a painful reminder that boys too are vulnerable to sexual abuse, and that our fight against gender-based violence must recognise the suffering of all children. It is deeply disturbing that a learner was seemingly coerced into participating in this appalling act, which speaks to the urgent need for greater vigilance, education, and support as no child should ever suffer such violence in or near a school. UDEMWO welcomes the quick arrest of a suspect in this matter and calls for a thorough, transparent investigation to make sure every detail is uncovered. The perpetrator must face the full might of the law, and no leniency should be shown for crimes of such brutality against children. We further call on authorities to strengthen protective measures in schools, to prioritise psychosocial support for survivors and to ensure that communities are mobilised to create safe and nurturing environments for all learners. Anything less than justice for the victims would send a dangerous message that our children’s lives and dignity are negotiable.
