Admin
10 Sep, 2020
Mathole High School bullying incident
The shocking video clip that has been circulating on social media, of a female learner degradingly, physically abusing another, who tried to shield herself from the beating, has left us repulsed. This incident, taking place between two Mathole High School learners, is yet another harrowing demonstration, this year alone, of the undesirable culture of bullying in our schools and in our broader society. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) commends the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department’s suspension of two Mathole High School learners in relation to the incident, although we would like to understand why the second learner was suspended. We are also happy to hear that the victim, in particular, will receive counselling, that she has been advised of her rights and that she will be assisted in opening a case with the police. Bullying is an increasingly prevalent problem in schools and the degree of violence is arguably escalating. Not only does bullying directly affect academic performance, but it also has long-term damaging effects on a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Consequently, bullying extends far beyond the academic scope as learners can also develop anger issues and are far too often driven to suicide. It is for this reason that we call on the Department of Basic Education to take a long-term view in addressing all types of bullying in schools. An inclusive solution should include the implementation of a standardised anti-bullying policy for all schools and increased awareness campaigns, to teach learners, teachers and school governing bodies about bullying and its serious consequences. The UDM Youth Vanguard denounces physical, emotional, verbal, cyber, sexual and prejudicial bullying and we stand with those who say that this undesirable culture has no place in our institutions of learning. Schools, universities, colleges and other places of learning should not be palaces of terror, but temples of learning where our youth are safe to fulfil one mission and that is to learn. Moreover, we urge every young South African to speak up against bullying and to never be part of the problem, but to be part of the solution. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDM Youth Vanguard
Admin
22 Jan, 2020
A weird way of Employing teachers in KZN!
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KZN, appeals to the Department of Education in the province, to be cognisant of the ‘transparency’ element in the ‘Batho Pele’ principle when it comes to employment of teachers. The Department has since taken upon itself in employing teachers instead of them being appointed at their respective districts due to “alleged corruption which involved nepotism and bribery”, among other reasons. All teachers seeking positions are required to enter their details on the provincial database, online. The unfortunate part is that nothing gets sent to the applicant which serves as a confirmation of successful registration on the database, other than the pop-up on the screen after a successful registration. Against the fact that, as the UDM, we have spoken to quite a few teachers who are still waiting for more than a year for placements, the UDM registers a concern that in December 2019, there was a facebook notification which was later made a whatsapp message that was circulated, calling for the qualified teachers to present themselves to a private lawyers premises in Pietermaritzburg, whereby the teachers were appointed on the spot. The UDM visited these premises on 14 January 2020 and confirmation was made that teachers were interviewed from those premises and were appointed on the spot. Therefore, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KZN, calls for the Department of Education in the province to explain the purpose and use of the database whereas it uses some private persons to randomly hire teachers from their private premises on its behalf, disregarding the database system that it put in place. The employment system must be transparent. Ends. Statement issued by: Boysey Gumede UDM-KZN Interim Provincial Secretary
Admin
18 Sep, 2019
University of Zululand : Vulnerability of Students
The United Democratic Movement notes with concern the vulnerability of students who resides in private accommodations that are not part of the university’s residences and it supports the initiative of students for embarking on a protest demonstration. The students opt to lodge or stay at private accommodation because the university is failing to provide with them adequate accommodation in its residences. They do not have a choice but for them to be near the campus, they have to look for accommodation where ever they can find refuge. In most cases, this scenario compromises their safety. What is more disturbing, these attacks to students by thugs have been going on for decades now, yet, the University has failed to come up with a lasting solution. Other than being attacked, students are being robbed of their belongings while attending lectures at day broad light. The UDM is of the view that the University must come closer to the owners of these properties which are being used by the students and form partnership with them which will among other things ensure that students are always in a safe environment. The University must take full responsibility of the safety of the students irrespective whether they stay inside or outside campus. One of the options that the university may be required to do, is to assess and check whether these properties are fit for habitation of the students. The Management of the University of Zululand cannot abdicate from its obligation of taking care of the welfare of the students. The UDM calls on Vice Chancellor Mrs Xoliswa Mtose to attend to this matter promptly. Parents are sending their children to school for a better future, only to return home heartbroken or dead. Issued By: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
28 Aug, 2019
UDM statement on the IFP’s newly elected leadership
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to congratulate the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) on its successful National Elective Congress held from the 23rd to the 25th of August, 2019. It is heartening that this National Elective Congress was able to elect a new leadership without any issues. The UDM would like to also commend the retired Party President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi for leading the Organisation for the past 44 years. He had to steady and steer the ship during hard times and the IFP became a force to be reckoned with under his leadership. His contribution to the politics of the Republic of South Africa, Africa and the world cannot be denied. The UDM also wishes the newly elected IFP President, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, and his executive the warmest congratulations. The Party offers the IFP President most sincere wishes for a successful term as the leader of a political party that has played a pivotal role in shaping the politics of the Country. We as an organisation take this opportunity to reaffirm our unequivocal commitment in strengthening democracy in our beloved country. In conclusion, the UDM looks forward to a cordial working relationship with the IFP in advancing our common objective of building our country into a Winning Nation.
