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09 Feb, 2018
President Zuma’s alleged demands of ANC Top Six is ridiculous: why are you even negotiating?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) hears that the African National Congress (ANC) Top Six is considering President Zuma’s alleged demands that he will only bow out if his forthcoming legal fees are waived and the safety of his family is guaranteed. Who will foot this bill? Surely not the tax paying South African? One wonders how many people will qualify to be Zuma-family members? Why must we pay for Mr Zuma’s legal fees? Seemingly the soon to be former president is a suspect of a different kind… why must he be treated any differently from any other suspected criminal and get special treatment? How can the ANC conduct these backdoor negotiations on behalf of the South African taxpayer? This is not your territory; it’s not your money to commit or spend! ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, you and your colleagues must stop this nonsense and these backdoor negotiations must be dropped; the Country can no longer be held at ransom. The ANC deployed Mr Zuma and you should “redeploy” him with the same ease! Let’s go ahead with the Motion of No-Confidence so that we can say goodbye to Mr Zuma and continue with the business of Parliament and Government’s work. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
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25 Jan, 2018
President Zuma signs state capture commission TOR; but what will it uncover?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes, and of course welcomes, that President Zuma at last, on the 23rd of January, signed the terms of reference (TOR) for the judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector, including organs of state. We hope that the six months, it will take Deputy Chief Justice Zondo and his Commission to conduct the inquiry will kick off as soon as possible and no time is wasted, or the process further delayed. Time is of the essence and South Africa must lance this boil and get to the bottom of the question of state capture. Although the TOR seems quite inclusive, in terms of whom and which entities should be investigated, the UDM wonders who else will go down on the sinking Zupta ship? Who also had their hands in the cookie jar? The Nation might be in for a rude awakening. Let’s hope for the best. The UDM wishes the Deputy Chief Justice Zondo and his Commission the best of luck in timeously completing this onerous task; the country’s future rides on your shoulders and if we are to clean-up our government, you will have to leave no stone unturned. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
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31 Jan, 2018
#StateCapture: does the rot stop with the President? Let the mother of inquiries commence!
South Africa is facing the real and present danger of political, economic, social and administrative collapse from unbridled corruption and state capture. President Jacob Zuma consistently appeals every court judgement where he is involved… the Nation might even give him a new nickname! He even seeks to appeal against the decision by Judge Dunstan Mlambo that Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng chooses the judge to head up the commission of inquiry into state capture. Why? What is going on behind the curtains of the President’s continuous counter actions in the various courts? Why this dogged reaction and, we hear in this case, accusing the court of erring in law sixteen times? Why not just lance the boil and get it over and done with? Should this inquiry go ahead unhindered, and there is a forensic auditing component, might it be that some folks are fearing where the breadcrumbs might lead? The next question could therefore be: is there, maybe, a deal in the wind between the President Zuma and his party – or at least some individuals in the African National Congress (ANC), or maybe even a few cabinet ministers? Which leads to these inescapable questions: who (really) is being protected by whom, and why? Is President Zuma in fact acting as a lightning conductor to delay matters, as far as he is able, to avoid an enormous scandal before 2019? Maybe there are too many individual hands in the proverbial cookie jar of the past ten years; or did Luthuli House itself benefit from state capture? Not only does this inquiry potentially threaten political bigwigs, but one wonders which big businesses and/or business people might also have to come clean. If there is any truth (even just a wisp) in this line of thinking, it could be the ANC’s death knell just before a major election that stands to have the political course of South Africa – and the fortunes of some individuals – changed. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore calls upon all South Africans to unite against corruption and state capture on the widest and most complete front which includes assumptive political posturing. We call on you to turn to political leadership dedicated to the establishment and management of successful coalitions for the benefit of all and not in service of personal and party-political power and positioning. Let us exert pressure from every corner to have this inquiry take place long before 2019; the Nation requires the truth about the people who they’ve elected into power. If these leaders are innocent, they can stand proudly after being tested in the inquiry… but, if they are guilty, they must go to jail. The UDM will continue to promote, and to build, and to support cohesive and sustainable coalitions where baasskap and bullying, and both personal and party self-interest are eliminated to empower governments for service delivery. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
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29 Dec, 2017
#ZumaImpeachment: ConCourt tells National Assembly to do its work
The longsuffering people of South Africa, and indeed all people trusting our country will be in the presence of good governance, have been waiting since early September – after hours and hours of argument before the Constitutional Court – to hear if the end of the disastrous Zuma-era may be quickened. The Constitutional Court today, in its continuing affirmation of the Constitution, provided for this quickening. The ball is now in the Speaker’s and the Parliamentary Rules Committee’s court to make rules, in the National Assembly, regulating removal of a president in terms of Section 89, Sub 1 of the Constitution. The ruling party’s elective conference has come and gone, and South African’s will be watching the “new African National Congress” like hawks in 2018; especially in Parliament. Even if the ruling party’s new president represents a distinct and expectant power shift, the proof will be in the pudding. Strengthened by today’s CC ruling our urgent and continuing battle to have Zuma removed will be accelerated. The United Democratic Movement, in tandem with any and all parties unified by a honest desire for the very best for our country, will redouble its efforts to rid government of the single most destructive occupation since our hard-fought freedom, and perhaps, even ever. To modify one of Churchill’s famous lines… this is not the end. It is, however, perhaps, more than simply the end of the beginning. And it may well be the beginning of the end. South Africans shall overcome. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
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08 Aug, 2017
Subject for discussion: vote of no confidence in President Zuma – address by Mr B Holomisa, MP (UDM President) in the national assembly of the Republic of South Africa
Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members, Fellow South Africans. Following the success of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), by creating a safety net for all members of parliament, through voting by secret ballot, we have to seize the opportunity to put the people and the country first. In this regard, let us vote against the abuse of power, the infamous bogus intelligence report, and the abuse of the resources of our people. Let us vote against the threats to our sovereignty, and the Constitutional order. Let us vote against Mr Zuma, the Chief Architect of State Capture. As if that is not enough, Mr Zuma had a courage to mislead the house, about a bond to his private house. Later on, he goes to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), to mislead that house too. He said the Public Protector never gave him a fair chance respond to allegation against him yet he was given no less than 4 hours. In years to come, the history we are writing today, shall not only be read and taught, but it will also determine the socio-economic and political future of our country. Whatever we do this afternoon, it must be for and about South Africa. The electorate has bestowed upon us a responsibility to collectively stay true to the vision, the mission and the goals of our country, as espoused in our Constitution. We are also called upon, to live up to the values and ideals of those who came before us and founded the Constitutional Democracy, we now enjoy and must defend at all costs. Accordingly, these challenges must propel us to do everything within the confines of the law, and redirect the downward trajectory that has visited our country under the leadership of Mr Zuma, into an opportunity to recapture the historic mission of our nation and the constitution. In order to succeed, we need an unwavering loyalty and allegiance to the collective people of South Africa who by numbers, far exceed the collective totality of our party membership. Fellow South Africans, the urgent task of defeating poverty, unemployment, inequality and corruption, cannot be achieved under the conditions of perpetual thievery and lawlessness that continue to characterise the leadership of Mr Zuma. Today, I repeat, is not about regime change but restoration of hope that our country can still be saved from the brink of collapse. We must inspire this hope to all South Africans who as we debate, are in front of this parliament, in streets of our country and some watching at their homes. Let South Africa be a winner. I thank you.
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14 Jul, 2017
Inappropriateness of Ms B Mbete presiding over the debate on the motion of no confidence in President Zuma
Honourable Ms Baleka Mbete, MP Speaker of the National Assembly PO Box 15 Cape Town 8000 Dear Madam Speaker Inappropriateness of your presiding over the debate on the motion of no confidence in President Zuma The above matter has reference. I write on behalf of the leaders of the African Christian Democratic Party, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement. We met on 13 July, this instant, and resolved that it would not be proper for you, as Speaker of the National Assembly, to preside over the debate on the vote of no-confidence in President Zuma. We base our argument on the following grounds: You are on record instructing African National Congress (ANC) Members of Parliament in the National Assembly to vote in favour of their President; In the event of the success of the motion, you are enjoined by the Constitution to act as President; and You are also in the running for ANC President and by extension the President of the Country. Making matters worse is your recent attack on the judiciary. You have said that certain judges are biased against your party. Your action undermines your duty to act as liaison between Parliament, as an institution, and the other arms of State. It means that you still fail to separate your role as the head of the National Assembly and that of ANC Chairperson. All of the aforementioned demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are patently biased and therefore conflicted and compromised. We also wish to remind you of the wise advice given by the Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, in the 22 June Constitutional Court’s judgement, He said the following about the power of those in public office: “They are therefore not to be used for the advancement of personal or sectarian interests. Amandla awethu, mannda ndiashu, maatla ke a rona or matimba ya hina (power belongs to us) and mayibuye iAfrika (restore Africa and its wealth) are much more than mere excitement-generating slogans.” We hope that you will to do the right thing in the interest of the Nation and recuse yourself from presiding over this debate. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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03 Apr, 2017
UDM Chief Whip asks the NA Speaker for urgent debate on President Zuma motion of no confidence
Dear Madam Speaker MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC IN TERMS OF SECTION 102 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA AND SECTION 129 OF THE RULES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY With his unexplained, and seemingly unilateral, cabinet reshuffle the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr JG Zuma, has effectively relegated the South African economy to junk status. Whether he considered the consequences his decision seems doubtful. South Africans will soon feel the pinch – but ultimately the poorest of the poor will be hardest hit when food, transport and other necessities become unaffordable. The United Democratic Movement adds its voice to that of our colleagues in other parties, and I herewith lodge a motion of no confidence in the President in terms of Section 102 of the Republic’s Constitution, as well as Section 129 of the rules of the National Assembly. Yours sincerely Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Chief Whip
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31 Mar, 2017
April Fool’s joke? Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle
The United Democratic Movement has noted President Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle. The appointment of Malusi Gigaba as the new minister of finance is disconcerting, because of his clear association with the Gupta family. President Zuma is strengthening his hold on cabinet with the appointment of Sfiso Buthelezi as Gigaba’s deputy and it won’t be surprising if people start dismissing these two as indunas from the palace whose main objective would be to facilitate the further looting of resources. The fact that the Rand tanked yesterday evening, even before President Zuma made any announcement, is a sign that South Africa is in for a rough ride in the next few days up until it is clear what the new minister of finance plans to do. The “sideways promotion” of Faith Muthambi, Nkosinathi Nhleko and Bathabile Dlamini is disappointing, because they have failed in their previous portfolios. Instead of punishing them for their failures, they have been rewarded for showing loyalty to the President. Politically speaking, many of the ministers, who have been removed, still hold position within the African National Congress and, given the noise made by the Communist Party today, it would be interesting to see how the Communist Party ministers will react.
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23 Nov, 2016
President Zuma is considering a judicial inquiry into South African major banks in favour of the Gupta Family
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is appalled to learn that President Zuma is considering establishing a judicial inquiry into the closure of the bank accounts of the Guptas’ Oakbay Investments. The President confirmed this after being asked the following straight-forward question during the oral question session in Parliament on 23 November 2016: “Mr. President, on the 2nd September 2016, you told the nation that the statement made by Minister Zwane was not representing presidency, cabinet or government and is unfortunate. However, five days later, on the 7 September, Minister Zwane said in this House “the inter-ministerial committee made five recommendations to cabinet. Four of the recommendations were approved … and one was referred to the president for further consideration as it was not within the purview of cabinet to take a decision on the matter”, now my question is, what is the status of this recommendation as it cannot be left hanging forever?” To my astonishment, the President replied that… “the recommendation in being considered”. This is answer by the President is disturbing because: Firstly, this consideration is confirmed on the eve of the arrival of the rating agencies on out doorstep and at a time when our economy is struggling to breathe. Secondly, this is a direct departure of not contradicting his statement of the 2 September. The President further said, that the “the unfortunate contents of the statement and the inconvenience and confusion caused by the issuing thereof, are deeply regretted”. Thirdly, and notwithstanding the serious allegations filed in court by the Minister of Finance, the President deems it necessary to continue considering a judicial inquiry. Amongst these, is an allegation that the Minister is doing favours for the Gupta family, and that his department has withheld information related to its approval of a transfer of R1.5 billion from a trust account held with Standard Bank to the Bank of Baroda in India. We would have thought that the President would be consistent with his 2 September statement to dismiss the recommendation and allow the private relationship that exists between banks and their clients. This is so because any bank customer, who has a complaint about his or her bank, may approach the Ombudsman for Banking Service (OBS). This action by the President makes him an ombudsman of the Gupta family.
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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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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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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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17 Jul, 2015
President Zuma to look into issues raised by Bantu Holomisa: Moretele Local Municipality
Issued by the Office of the Presidency President Jacob Zuma has assigned the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) to look into the issues raised by United Democratic Movement leader and Member of Parliament, Gen. Bantu Holomisa on the challenges facing Moretele Local Municipality, in the North West Province. General Holomisa has written to the President raising concerns about service delivery matters such as water and sanitation, roads infrastructure, public works programmes and general management of the municipality. The DPME will liaise with the province and other affected Departments. Enquiries: Harold Maloka – Maloka.harold@gmail.com or Harold@presidency.gov.za
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13 Sep, 2014
Holomisa: “Cut a deal! Go Home” President Zuma
Holomisa: “Cut a deal! Go Home” President Zuma Instead of a nation preoccupied with the scandals surrounding President Zuma, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) advises that we should rather deliberate his exit strategy. Since the advent of democracy, we have never been faced with a crisis of this magnitude i.e. allegations of corruption at the highest level. The African National Congress (ANC) has completely misinterpreted their mandate. They are clearly using their majority to do their utmost to protect President Zuma at all cost. People must understand that the president and his executive are not subject to the Labour Relations Act. It is therefore not necessary to prove his culpability beyond reasonable doubt, but the balance of probability shows that President Zuma must be relieved of his duties. We cannot allow a person to perpetually spend taxpayers’ millions and in the process flout the rule of law with impunity. It is clear that our system is flawed and the holes must be stoppered. We are at a stalemate; to name but two, the image of the country is dented and our economy is in shambles. Under Zuma’s leadership, there is an unrelenting charge against any body doing their work and maintains the rule of law. Politicians in the ruling party and some of their political partners, ministers and deputy ministers downward, protect President Zuma. They do not care how much damage they inflict. The UDM believes that South Africans cannot take lightly the unrelenting onslaught on public institutions, like the public protector, or quashing of any attempt to point out Zuma’s mistakes. With all the noise generated in his defence, Zuma keeps silent and yet he is the accounting officer of this country. The UDM suggests that we, as a people, must find an amicable way to relieve Mr Zuma of his duties. However such a package must be conditional so that we do not have another Zuma disguised in the system. He must go home and we will exonerate him, however such a package should include three things: A change in the Electoral Act that allows South Africans to directly elect their president in the 2019 elections. In terms of the executive, candidates for cabinet must first be vetted in public hearings to ascertain whether they are fit for office. In addition, the speaker, as the presiding officer of parliament, must come from outside politics and be a career professional. With the storm around the President, as well as the controversy around Belaka Mbete, regarding the R25 million stake she received from the granting of a licence to Goldfields mining company which constituted a bribe, is a toxic combination. Unfortunately South Africans gave the ANC the green light in the 2014 election thus endorsing this corruption. Something has to change, and it must happen soon. We remind South Africans of the history and controversy surrounding President Zuma. ARMS DEAL SCANDAL – SCHABIR SHAIK AND TONY YENGENI President Zuma fought a long legal battle over allegations of racketeering and corruption, resulting from his financial advisor Schabir Shaik’s conviction for corruption and fraud. Bulelani Ngcuka, the national director of Public Prosecutions at the time, investigated both President Zuma and the Mr Tony Yengeni after allegations of abuse of power. While Yengeni was found guilty, the case was dropped against Zuma, with Ngcuka stating, “…that there was prima facie evidence of corruption, but insufficient to win the case in court”. When Judge Squires delivering his verdict, Shaik was found guilty on two counts of corruption and one count of fraud. Judge Squires stated that there had been “overwhelming” evidence of a corrupt relationship between Shaik and Zuma. 2005: THE SUCCESSION BATTLE WITH FORMER PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI In June 2005, former President Thabo Mbeki removed Zuma from his post as Deputy President due to allegations of corruption and fraud related to the $5-billion weapons acquisition deal in 1999. 2005: ALLEGATIONS OF RAPE AND THE INFAMOUS SHOWER COMMENT In 2005 Zuma was charged for rape, but was acquitted. The trial generated political controversy when he, as head of the National AIDS Council, admitted that he had not used a condom when having sex with the woman who had him accuses him of rape. He did this, despite knowing that she was HIV-positive and said in court that he took a shower afterwards to “cut the risk of contracting HIV”. 2007: ARMS DEAL SCANDAL CONTINUED: THE NATIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITY INDICT PRESIDENT ZUMA In late 2007, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) indicted Zuma to stand trial on various counts of racketeering, money laundering, corruption and fraud. A conviction and sentence to a term of imprisonment of more than 1-year would have rendered Zuma ineligible for election to parliament and consequently would not have been eligible to serve as president. In 2008, Judge Nicholson held that Zuma’s corruption charges were unlawful on procedural grounds in that the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions did not give Zuma a chance to make representations before deciding to charge him, a requirement of the Constitution, and directed the state to pay legal costs. In 2009, the NPA dropped all charges against Zuma and co-accused French arms company Thint in light of new revelations about serious flaws in the prosecution. 2013 – SOUTH AFRICA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Central African Republic dictator François Bozizé, sent his son Jean Francis Bozizé, then the CAR’s defence minister, to Pretoria to cut a deal with Zuma to send enough South African troops and weapons to halt the Seleka rebel advance on the capital, Bangui – but far fewer than promised arrived. Long frantic talks were held with Zuma, just three days before Bangui fell, to remind the the president to honour a back-room deal. 2013 – GUPTAGATE President Zuma was reportedly directly implicated in the so-called Guptagate scandal, but he denied having prior knowledge or involvement in the landing of the Gupta wedding jet at the Waterkloof Air Force Base. 2013 –NKANDLA… SECURITY OF THE PRESIDENT President Zuma was accused of having used taxpayer funds to make improvements to his private home in Nkandla. He was accused of deceiving parliament about the use of funds for his security, instead of using them largely for personal expenses. Zuma and his cabinet protested the allegations, claiming that the expenditures were for necessary security facilities of the head of state. 2014 – THE “SPY TAPES” – ARMS DEAL DEBACLE WILL NOT GO AWAY Speculation flourished that the Zuma team resisted releasing the so-called “spy tapes” at every turn, when supposedly the contents show the more than 700 corruption charges against him were part of a plot to nip his presidential ambitions in the bud. Yet, in announcing his decision to drop the charges in 2009, then-acting National Director of Public Prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe made it plain that there was nothing on the tapes that would have fatally damaged the prosecution’s case. Instead, Mpshe argued there had been an abuse of process. The timing of the charges had been manipulated for ends other than the legitimate purpose of a prosecution, which was to secure a conviction. He alleged the former head of the Scorpions, Leonard McCarthy, and his NPA counterpart, Bulelani Ngcuka, had discussed when to charge Zuma with the aim of maximising damage to his campaign for leadership of the ANC. President Zuma and his protectors milked the delay in handing over of the “spy- tapes”. It was never Zuma’s intention to produce the spy-tapes. Instead he opted to use public funds to fight a legal battle from start to finish. THE BLURRED LINE BETWEEN STATE AND PARTY There is a disturbing trend that reared its ugly head over the past years. The ANC will stop at nothing to protect President Zuma. They disrespect the judiciary and laws of this country. They hurl insults at the public protector tha has done a proper job of making transgressors face the music. THE ANC OF YESTER YEAR AND THAT OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS. There is marked difference between the style of late former president Nelson Mandela and that of former president Thabo Mbeki, versus that of President Zuma. In fact, Zuma has forgotten what the ANC values yesteryear were . The best way of putting it, is to say that his actions are un-Mandela, un-Mbeki and un-ANC. TO THE DETRIMENT OF SOUTH AFRICANS One cannot help but think that President Jacob Zuma is the proverbial cat with nine lives. The past five years have exposed that the Zuma-regime is not serious about alleviating poverty. The millions of rands spent on President Zuma’s legal fees is an insult to South Africans who are forced to pay for his ever-increasing legal bill. President Zuma is using the public purse as a slush fund to protect him and his family. One wonders how much money slipped into Mr Michael Hulley, President Zuma’s attorney, own pocket. He is after all a business partner of the Zuma family. Maybe President Zuma’s style is not that far from quiet diplomacy. However his idea of quiet diplomacy is literally staying mum, or he pleading that he did not know. It is time for the president to stop wasting taxpayers’ time and money and face the music especially amidst the noises about his health.
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21 Aug, 2014
Question to the President: Nkandla saga
Question to the President: Nkandla saga by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President Honourable Speaker Mr President and Mr Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers Honourable Members Mr President, in the context of your report to the Speaker of the National Assembly, your posture, your claim of innocence and your commitment to correcting any wrongs that have been found and reported to by the various investigations into the Nkandla saga; Do you think you can, as head of state, make the work of the Ad hoc Committee easier by voluntarily presenting yourself to the committee and present your report in person? Thank you
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20 Aug, 2014
UDM Letter to President Zuma about political parties’ participation in national events: Women’s Day 2014
By Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP I refer to the Department of Arts and Culture, the Department of Women, and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s hosting of the National Women’s Day celebrations at ABSA Stadium on 9 August 2014 at the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality which was later changed to King Zwelithini Stadium. The United Democratic Movement (UDM), however with regret notes that the representatives of other political parties were treated as mere window dressing. The provisions of the policy in this regard, where representatives of other political parties participate in the programme, were undermined during this state function. A clear bias was shown with only the ruling party that was acknowledged and was allowed to address the gathering. We saw women in full ruling party’s women’s league regalia, it was like and ANC Women’s League rally. Since the adoption of the relevant policy, this was anomalous. This speaks to a matter that the UDM has raised time and again i.e. that there must be clear distinction between state and party. This situation makes us wonder why we should continue to honour and respect national events organised by government if the very regulatory framework governing such events are not respected by government. The UDM believes that unless this situation is corrected there will be no reason for it to be associated with abuse of public funds by the ruling party in the name of official state events. In conclusion, the UDM proposes that you conduct an urgent investigation into this matter, and pronounce on whether government policy has changed or there are other policies by the ministers. In the event the policy you pronounced remains in force, do indicate what actions are to be taken to rectify the situation before the next event. We await your kind response.
Admin
18 Jun, 2014
SONA 2014 – Bantu Holomisa reacts on behalf of UDM
Address by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP in the National Assembly during the State of the Nation debate (SONA 2014) Chairperson of the NCOP, Mister President and Deputy President, Honourable Members; I wish to thank all the people, who gave us the mandate to once more contribute in building a better South Africa. We will do our best to serve you. Chairperson of the NCOP, To achieve meaningful socio-economic transformation, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that South Africans of all races should engage in a structured debate about our policy direction and priorities. This debate would, in addition to other issues, discuss the need to review the current over reliance on population size as a major determining factor in the allocation of resources. We believe that when allocating resources more emphasis should be placed on the developmental needs and economic disparities of each Province. This will go a long way towards addressing past imbalances and backlogs. Given the increased role the state now plays in the economy, it is important for us to reach some form of consensus about the macroeconomic blue print that will help take the country forward. We call for this because we are of the view that State intervention that results in higher public debt, high inflation and more inefficiency defeats the purpose of the exercise. A discussion on how best Government should pursue our developmental needs and objectives through state intervention would help locate the National Development Plan (NDP) in the right context. It would also ensure that steps are taken to provide the essential policy details necessary for the implementation of the NDP. The recently approved Defence Force Review should also form part of this broader discussion as it together with peacekeeping missions has cost implications for the country. Mister President, We welcome steps Government has taken to ensure sustainable mining and to improve the socio-economic conditions of the mine-workers. We however believe that they do not go far enough. To deal decisively with mining, the UDM calls on Government to set up a Commission on mining to, among others, investigate and advise on the following: a. the socio-economic conditions of the workers and surrounding communities. b. mine-workers’ access, or lack thereof, to a provident fund worth billions of Rands. c. how the workers’ money has been invested, especially in cases where the workers were retrenched, or have retired or passed away. d. the ownership of mines and mineral wealth, the allocation of mining rights, as well as who benefits from these mines and, e. the much talked about beneficiation programme. Finally, to turn around the local government, we believe that Minister Gordhan needs to conduct a proper skills audit to ensure that the right people are employed in the right places. We further call on Minister Gordhan to ensure that politicians are not involved in the awarding of tenders. Nxamalala, we look forward to join you in your cleanup campaign for our environment during Nelson Mandela Day. Thank you.
Admin
02 Apr, 2014
Nkandla: President Zuma sidesteps the issue
The United Democratic Movement is disappointed, but not surprised, that President Zuma has once again side-stepped the issue of Nkandla in a desperate attempt to kick for touch. His response, as articulated by his spokesperson Mr Mac Maharaj, is inadequate and almost contemptuous of the Public Protector’s office. It is an indication of how little respect they have for the Public Protector as an institution that derives its power and legitimacy from our constitution. The President, consistent with his party and his government’s views, continues to put the inter-ministerial report, and now the police and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), at the same level as the office of the Public Protect or. The inter-ministerial report places the president and government as a judge in their own case. This is unacceptable. No other intuitions can be considered more credible than the office of the Public Protector. The president must not hide behind the SIU, whose work and credibility cannot be equated with that of the Public Protector. We will rally all opposition parties to respond adequately to these delaying tactics of the president.
Admin
18 Oct, 2013
President Zuma’s office responded to complaints regarding service delivery in Limpopo
President Zuma’s office responded to complaints regarding service delivery in Limpopo (Presidency’s Response + Memorandum + List of Complaints) and Eastern Cape (Presidency’s Response + Memorandum + List of Complaints)(OR Tambo and Chris Hani Regions). We will follow-up on some areas that have not been covered e.g. roads in Lusikisiki, Flagstaff and Bizana in particular.
