Admin
26 Sep, 2018
Public Protector to investigate allegations of corruption by Min Zweli Mkhize re PIC deals
The United Democratic Movement earlier this year wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa wherein we revealed possible corruption that involved the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Zonkizizwe Investments (which we understand to be solely owned by the ANC), some ANC heavy weights and Afric Oil. The alleged broker between the PIC and e.g. VBS Mutual Bank and the various municipalities was Minister Zweli Mkhize. We have been reliably informed that the Public Protector will be investigating the allegations with the affected individuals being subpoenaed to appear before the Public Protector on the 4th of October 2018. All those involved in syphoning money from the PIC are to explain themselves and their conduct; this includes the people who brokered any suspicious deals with the PIC. We call on the Public Protector to leave no stone unturned in teasing out who was involved and to what extent the allegations are true. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
13 Jul, 2017
Opposition parties met in Pretoria to discuss pressing issues
The following parties; ACDP, APC, COPE, DA, EFF, IFP and the UDM met today to discuss a number of burning political issues. 1. Secret Ballot or not? The 22 June Constitutional Court judgment We welcome the Constitutional Court judgement on the Speaker’s discretion to decide whether a vote on a no-confidence motion in the President of the Republic should be secret or not. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, has given the Speaker of the National Assembly wise advice in the Court’s judgement: “South Africa is a constitutional democracy – a government of the people, by the people and for the people through the instrumentality of the Constitution. It is a system of governance that “we the people” consciously and purposefully opted for to create a truly free, just and united nation. Central to this vision is the improvement of the quality of life of all citizens and the optimisation of the potential of each through good governance.” About the power of those in public office the Constitutional Court said: “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.” Some political parties in Parliament have already begun to make their submissions to the Speaker to further motivate for a secret ballot. However, we reinforce the ruling that it is within her discretion to make a determination. We hope that for once, she will be impartial and take a decision for the benefit of South Africa. We note her instructions to the ANC MPs to vote in favour of their President; the Speaker is patently biased and therefore compromised. She cannot preside over the debate. To add to this, Ms Mbete will act as President in the event of the success of the no-confidence-vote which makes her even more conflicted. 2. Activities on the day of the Motion of No-Confidence Regarding activities scheduled for the 8th of August, the date on which the vote on the no-confidence motion will take place in the National Assembly, we call all South Africans to converge in Cape Town and march to Parliament in support of a better South Africa without a incompetent President at the helm. Those who are not able to make it to Cape Town must engage in activities in their villages, townships and towns. We call on the entire civil society sector, religious institutions, traditional leaders, unions, and everybody, to stand up to a scandalous President. 3. Speaker’s worrying comments on the judiciary We are concerned about Ms Baleka Mbete’s accusations that certain judges are biased against her party. This undermines her duty to act as a liaison between Parliament as an institution and the other arms of State. This means that she still fails to separate her role as the head of the National Assembly and that of the African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson. 4. Attack on the media We, in the strongest terms, condemn the Black First Land First-led onslaught on journalists. We reaffirm our commitment to a free and independent media whose right, to keep the nation informed, is guaranteed by the Constitution. We denounce this emerging foreign culture of intolerance we witness these days. 5. The Judicial Commission of Inquiry on State Capture We call on President Zuma to demonstrate, for once, that he is true to his words; telling the National Assembly that he is about to announce a Commission Inquiry on State Capture. He should with immediate effect withdraw his court challenge on the Public Protector’s State Capture Report and announce the Commission as per the remedial actions of the Public Protector. 6. The racially divisive Bell Pottinger’s agenda We reject the so-called apology by a racist prone Bell Pottinger. The ANC and its Gupta sponsors must explain why they allowed such rampant racism to divide the Nation, using resources which should have been dedicated to bettering the lives of all South Africans. The ANC and its government must come clean and explain how they ended up in the pockets of this racist company. 7. Public Protector We condemn the conduct of the Public Protector in terms of the remedial actions affecting the Reserve Bank. Her flip-flops on the matter does not paint a picture of an incontrovertible Public Protector. We call on Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane to unequivocally apologise to the Nation and that she immediately stops turning this office into a political side show that serves the interests of a destructive faction within the ruling party. We also call on the National Assembly Justice Portfolio Committee to summon Advocate Mkhwebane to account for her actions, in this regard. 8. The work of the Independent Electoral Commission With a view to improve the freeness and fairness of the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, opposition party leaders wish to soon meet with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to again discuss our perennial concerns; what their interventions are on that score; and also brief us on their state of readiness for 2019. 9. Party funding Public funding of political parties is a critical tool to foster a healthy multi-party democracy. We are however worried about the intentions of the ruling party; in particular after their losing some metropolitan municipalities in 2016 and with them facing a strong possibility of losing the majority in 2019 National and Provincial Elections. Our position is that we must ensure equitable allocation of resources to all political parties in terms of the current legislation. We must first establish a common interpretation and application of the existing legislation and once that is done, we can think about further funding, if necessary. 10. Security of leaders of political parties The issue of the privacy and safety of political leaders has recently come to the fore. Over the past few months many reports have surfaced of an alleged rogue intelligence unit spying on leaders. Most recently, the emails and documents obtained through the #GuptaLeaksshowed how the family spied on prominent South Africans. We have resolved to ask the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to request a briefing from the State security apparatus on the media reports; especially in cases where some leaders have apparently been targeted for assassination. Thank you By Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP On behalf of Opposition Parties represented in the National Assembly. Burgers Park Hotel, Pretoria on 13 July 2017
Admin
07 Mar, 2017
Integrity in the Public Sphere – address by Mr B Holomisa, MP (UDM President)
• Dr Marianne Camerer, chair of this panel discussion • My co-panellist, Judge Albie Sachs • Colleagues and Emerging African Leaders 1. Learning integrity throughout my life I started my journey with integrity when I first learnt of trust, and accepting personal responsibility, as a herd-boy. Without these values, the cattle were not properly tended to and brought home safe in the evenings. In the early Seventies, I attended the Jongilizwe College for the Sons of Chiefs and Headmen. Here, teachers like Dumisa Ntsebeza (who in 1995 emerged as a Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)), taught us to be informed citizens. And, in the Mqanduli congregation of the late Anglican Reverend Bacon, I was taught duty and the social value of disciplined personal conduct. I was lucky to have had sound people in my life who taught me the value of integrity in personal life. The basics was therefore in place and applying these principles in my public life was a natural extension. I would be remis if I don’t give thanks for Madiba’s role in my life. He made such great sacrifices for his convictions. His endeavoured to live a life of integrity. I am not saying that he was infallible – he was but a man after all – but I learnt from his courage and perseverance. 2. Living integrity: the Transkei years My career in the military is a matter of public record. But please understand that it was the principles of integrity and having the courage of one’s convictions, that guided me in the decisions we took in 1987, which led to the Transkei being ran by Military Council. It was these values that steered us to unban 33 liberation organisations in the late Eighties and the release of all political prisoners. We did our best to “do the right thing”. But also, understand that those years were not easy and to stick to one’s proverbial guns meant that my life had been under threat many times. During these turbulent times, I remained conscious of the principles and standards of personal conduct instilled me by my childhood protagonists. 3. Political life in the New South Africa In 1994 I was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee and was the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism under Madiba’s leadership. But, after testifying at the TRC, I was expelled in September 1996. Once again, my principles landed me in hot water. I was in essence expelled after the ANC’s national disciplinary committee found me guilty of bringing the party into disrepute, because I had made reference to an historical event of corruption in the Transkei government era whilst I was justifying to the TRC why the families of deceased soldiers, who had been killed in a 1990 Pretoria-sponsored abortive coup, had to be compensated. In late 1996, I started on the road to the formation of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) when we consulted South Africans on the need for a new political party. Our National Consultative Forum met with Roelf Meyer’s New Movement Process, and the rest is history. Amongst the aims and objectives listed in the UDM Constitution is: “The Party shall fight corruption and restore the confidence of the people in all Government structures”. We have batted on this wicket since 1997 and, what it means is that, integrity in public life is at the core of our work. 4. South Africa today: the lack of integrity in government leaders The drafters of our country’s Constitution had the founding father of our democracy, Tata Mandela, firmly in their minds when they finalised their work. They made the reasonable assumption that all future presidents would always put South Africa first; respect the rule of law and uphold the Constitution. Thus, keeping the integrity of public office in good standing. Recent events (some-of-which were confirmed by the Constitutional Court regarding the need to preserve and protect the integrity of the public office and in particular by the Head of State) have proven the contrary. In the context of Chapter 5 of the Constitution, and other relevant legislation, there is a remarkable concentration of the President’s power of appointment – in particular that the President does so with his exclusive discretion. This observation is important. We know that both the Public Protector, and our courts, had to be invited to adjudicate in the rationality of several of the President’s appointments. Ministers have been found wanting when it comes to the keeping their offices in good esteem. The Minister of Social Development, who presides over a sensitive portfolio, does so without integrity. She is a self-confessed fraudster who misused flight tickets to a value more than R200 000. Maybe the system we use to appoint public office bearers, like ministers, needs review? Firstly, our electoral regime must give power to citizens to directly elect their head of state and public representatives. Secondly, we may need to introduce a system akin to other countries, where ministers are subjected to scrutiny by a multi-party forum before they are appointed. Generally, it seems as if the moral fibre of our society is in dire straits. The cancer of deceit and scandal has permeated to all sectors of society. In schools, we see male teachers harassing girls instead of imparting knowledge and teaching them responsibility. In religious communities, we see strange things where people are sprayed with Doom and fed snakes instead of being taught the values of trustworthiness, integrity and honesty. Politicians and public officials are misusing public money and they are awarded public money to defend their wrongs, even when the issues at hand are personal rather than departmental. 5. Accepting the role we play as leaders: living by example If you know something to be wrong and you accept personal responsibility for your conduct, what remains of your integrity if you go ahead and do that wrong thing? On the other hand, what remains when you know the right thing to do and you don’t do it? When confronted by such clear and gross wrongs as I was in Transkei and later in the ANC, I was incapable of acting contrary to my very deep convictions – and never will be. Of course you have to survive in life and especially in political life. You need to be flexible where flexibility is required, when it is possible. But the ultimate test for survival in human terms is whether you can live with your conscience. So far, I have managed to survive. I hope, when looking at my life as an example, you will feel inspired and have the courage to try to do what is good and what is right. I thank you Delivered at the Building Bridges Leading in Public Life – Emerging African Leaders Programme 2017 UCT Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice 5th – 17th March, Cape Milner Hotel Cape Town
Admin
11 Nov, 2016
UDM on resignation of Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe
Statement by President Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement, noted the reported resignation of Mr. Brian Molefe, the Chief Executive Officer of Eskom. The damning revelations in the report of the Public Protector on the State of Capture and the subsequent remedial actions therein, are unbearable. Whilst, his office has informed the nation, that his resignation is not an admission of wrong doing; the UDM is of the firm view that Eskom in general and Mr. Molefe in particular featured extensively in the report of the State of Capture. We hope that many others, like him, who are implicated by the report will do the right thing, and go home. Mr. Zuma must lead by example in this regard, and resign. However, resignation should not exonerate anyone from accounting and taking full responsibility for their actions during their time in office. Whilst we welcome his departure, we strongly believe that his institutional knowledge and memory, will assist the judicial inquiry into the State of Capture. Accordingly, we hope that he will fully cooperate with the Independent Judicial Commission to be instituted by the President as determined by the Public Protector. End
Admin
24 May, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Public Protector regarding alleged abuse by CETA CEO
Dear Advocate Madonsela ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE REQUESTED INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER CONDUCT/MALADMINISTRATION AND ABUSE OF OFFICE BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION AND TRAINING AUTHORITY (CETA): FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REPORT My letter dated 9 February 2016, sent to your good office on the same day has reference. Subsequently, I wish to bring to your attention that a forensic investigation by CETA has been concluded and that a report was presented to the board on the 9th of May 2016. In this regard, your office is humbly advised to demand access to the forensic investigation report referred to above. In order to get a full picture, your office is also advised to request the relevant court papers, minutes of the board meeting as well as the reports the CEO presented to the relevant parliamentary portfolio committee, in which she has been found to have misled all those bodies. Geldenhys – Malatji firm, which conducted the forensic investigation referred to above, at CETA, has confirmed that in their investigation there was an adverse finding against Mr George Peta and that the CETA should never have done business with him and his company, called Canton Trading. They further reaffirmed that the CETA Forensic Investigations, prior to Mr George Peta’s resignation and subsequent business dealings with the CETA had made serious adverse findings against Mr Peta and emphasised that CETA should not have done business with him. Given the additional information, herein shared with your office, we humbly request that the Public Protector ask the following, directly to the Minster as part of the investigation requested. The Minister is in possession of the Forensic Report which has found that the CEO has lied, what steps he is taking, if any, with regard to such gross miss-conduct. The country needs to know what was the benefit of spending R60million on George Peta’s Company and whether how such public expenditure has changed the lives of the intended beneficiaries, the poor students and how many, if any. The minister is also aware that the CETA did business to the tune of R60 million with Mr Peta, a person the minister’s investigators said we should never have done a business with – what actions, if any, has the minister taken against: · The CEO; · The Board; and · The Procurement Officials (Africa Wide Consulting Services) Given the fact that the whistle-blowers have been vindicated by the findings in the Geldenhys – Malatji Investigation, why do they remain suspended and dismissed whilst the person proved to have misled the EXCO, the Board, the Portfolio Committee and the court, remains in the office and in charge of a billion rand operation. It is common cause that the CEO’s salary was mysteriously increased to the tune of R2.7 million, however, the Minister has to explain how was this done and what were the reasons. Given the findings of the forensic investigation on the conduct of the CEO, what is the Minister intending to do with regards to what could be viewed as fruitless and wasteful expenditure in paying the dubious CEO such amounts. Your office is further request that it demand the evidence presented in the Geldenhys – Malatji’s Investigation which has directed the investigation to arrive at these critical findings. Attached herein are relevant documents that would make it easy to proceed with the investigation I look forward to your excellent investigative work on this matter. Kind regards, Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
10 Jul, 2015
UDM President Bantu Holomisa requests an investigation by Public Protector into the Department of Transport – Eastern Cape Province
Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR AN INVESTIGATION: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT – EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE – SCHOLAR TRANSPORT. I take this opportunity to table the following matter with you, so that you may please investigate it appropriately for the benefit of the South African public. I have anonymously received the attached information alleging maladministration within the Eastern Cape Department of Transport with regard to the scholar transport. Most importantly is not how it landed on my desk but its contents which we kindly request your office to investigate. The amounts involved here exceeds R15m of public money as well as a list of people whose employment is allegedly not transparent and not according to procedure. I look forward to your excellent investigative work on this matter, and these are the only things I could identify, however, the attached documents will help you to identify relevant offices to be approached for further information which may possibly bring up many more discrepancies that would need to be exposed. Kind regards Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
08 Sep, 2014
Distasteful Claims that Madonsela is a CIA plant
Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General The barrage of attacks, both on the person and office, of the Public Protector are becoming more and more creative. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted the claims that she is on the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) payroll and we find it distasteful. The sounds coming from the peanut gallery are a desperate attempt at discrediting a constitutional body that is doing its job properly. These statements, such as what Deputy-Minister Kebby Maphatsoe made at the weekend, is a clumsy attempt to protect President Zuma at all cost – even at the expense of our august Parliament and the credibility of the ruling party. For a Cabinet Minister to make such a statement is unbecoming. The UDM would ask the Deputy-Minister, should he have irrefutable truth that indeed Advocate Madonsela is on the CIA’s payroll, he should share that with the public. The UDM also noted that the ruling party had stopped at nothing to defend former Electoral Commission Chairperson Pansy Tlakula. The fact President Zuma’s office and his party has said nothing in defence of the Public Protector is extremely ironic.
Admin
26 Aug, 2014
Attack of the public protector and her office
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) congratulates the public protector for her sterling work in defence of the constitution – its institutions and the rule of law – against those who are devoted to promote corruption and who blatantly refuse to account to the people. The ruling party’s recent attacks on the office of the public protector and her person are nothing but a desperate attempt to dodge accountability. President Zuma must man-up, stop avoiding questions and uphold his oath of office. It is clear, from the ruling party and its travellers’ statements that they wish to use the parliamentary ad hoc committee on Nkandla as another escape route to sidestep the requirement that the president is accountable to ordinary citizens. In the same vein and it appears that a dictatorship is developing in our country where the entire people of South Africa will have to defend their hard won democracy and reject abuse in the name of the majority. The UDM advises Advocate Madonsela to consider court action to defend her office against the unwarranted and arrogant attempts to defend the president.
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
02 Apr, 2014
UDM outrage at R10m tender scam in Buffalo City and asks the Public Protector to investigate
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is outraged at the blatant attempt by the Buffalo City Municipality to sweep under the carpet the R10 million housing scandal implicating a senior African National Congress (ANC) official. Also, it was widely reported that Koko Godlo, whose company was awarded the tender, was appointed by the ANC to head its elections campaign for 2014. The link to the ruling party is clear. It is no wonder that he was just given the R10 million tender without the proper processes being followed. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector in the Eastern Cape and requested an investigation into the matter. The council’s official response to media enquiries shows disdain of public accountability and press freedom. This attitude of the ANC-led municipality confirms our firm view that the people of South Africa, and particularly those in Buffalo City, must use the forthcoming elections to reclaim their freedom. Almost every day the poor citizens of Buffalo City are presented with a range scandals of gross misuse of the people’s money (imali yabahlali) which undermine their freedom yet rates and taxes continue to rocket. The UDM calls on the Mayor to table the report at an urgent council meeting whilst also suspending the fat cats of Buffalo City. It was reported that city officials had salary increases and yet their capacity to deliver is far below average – if it even exists. Each of voter in Buffalo City has the right to say “no” to corruption and poor service delivery. Make your voices heard and say: “We will not stand for the looting of state resources”. There is hope for South Africa and the UDM can lead real change in your lives. Voters need to think about an alternative because the incumbent government has failed our people in the worst way. The UDM is that alternative.
Admin
31 Mar, 2014
President Zuma response to the Public Protector’s report further confirms his ethical clumsiness
President Jacob Zuma’s latest outburst, in response to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s findings on Nkandla, is yet another demonstration that he is not a moral agent and unfit to lead South Africa. Firstly, Mr Zuma – as the chief executive of the country – ought to have known everything that related to government spending at his private residence. Particularly given the amount of public money involved. His continued posture, playing ignorant, does not only expose his ineptitude, but also his moral incompetence. Secondly, whether or not he was aware, this gross maladministration and corruption literally happened right under his nose – in his own backyard – upon the instruction and under the supervision of the ministers he had appointed. Thirdly, there is enough evidence that shows President Zuma’s intimate involvement in the project, which is in direct contrast to what he said in public. The Public Protector’s report states that: “It is my considered view that the president tacitly accepted the implementation of all measures at his residence and has unduly benefited from the enormous capital investment“. Fourthly, Mr Zuma’s personal architect, Mr Makhanya, who seemed to have his own interests at heart, is implicated in wrong-doing and possible criminal acts. Surely, the president is morally responsible for the acts and/or omissions of his personal architect. Mr Zuma continuously claims to be unaware of everything; from the Waterkloof scandal to the billions of dollars reportedly cached in South Africa by former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Clearly the president cannot be entrusted with the stewardship of South Africa. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has no doubt that the president was fully aware of the project, progress and undue benefits. The UDM agrees with African National Congress Member of Parliament, Mr Pallo Jordan, that Mr Zuma’s administration is littered with scandals and that he must have the moral courage to take responsibility. The president and his government cannot be allowed to lie to the public forever. The citizens must take charge. This is our country.
Admin
27 Mar, 2014
Statement: the ANC wants to erode public confidence in the Public Protector
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is outraged at the sustained attack on the Public Protector by the various offshoots of the African National Congress (ANC). The latest outburst by the ruling party’s chief whip of parliament, Mr Stone Sizani, only exposes his ignorance of the very same laws he is entrusted to make and is consistent with the attitude of the ANC towards institutions that investigate corruption without fear, favour or prejudice. This unwarranted aggressive stance by Mr Sizani echoes that of Cosas, the ANCYL, COSATU and the SACP. The ANC and their partners are hell-bent on, and without shame or embarrassment, executing a plan that the media has reported on for days before the release of the report. We have witnessed a similar onslaught during the time before the demise of the Scorpions and the undue influence exerted in the NPA. Instead of supporting Advocate Madonsela, the only aim is to erode the confidence in her office (an organ of our constitutional democracy) and give credence to its internal and non-independent structures. The ANC and its government cannot possibly investigate their own misconduct in an impartial and neutral way. The inter-ministerial report therefore cannot be placed on a pedestal and the credible Public Protector report disregarded.
Admin
19 Mar, 2014
Nkandla: President Zuma no longer has the moral authority to lead – it’s time to go
The scathing report of the Public Protector on the so-called Nkandla “upgrades” probably marks one of the darkest moments in the history our country since the advent of democracy in 1994. The findings that President Zuma has once again violated the Executive Members Ethics Code through his failure to act in protection of state resources, that he tacitly accepted the implementation of all measures at his residence and has unduly benefited from the enormous capital investment, must be offensive to any nation that takes pride in the values espoused in its constitution. No individual can be above our nation and our laws. We agree with the Public Protector when she says, “…if government becomes lawbreaker, it breeds contempt of law”. The report, in finding guilty various ministers and departments, is an indictment of our government and the ruling party. Advocate Madonsela’s report exposes the conspicuous lack of shame of the ruling party, its ministers and its leaders. The Comrades in Corruption have a propensity to deceive the citizenry in defence of its susceptible president and each other. The ministers’ calculated deception and ex facto justification of the spend is an indication of how institutionalised corruption has rooted itself in government. The fabric of our nation’s probity has been corroded and confidence has waned in the leadership, body politic and integrity of our nation – all because of one man and what was done in his defence. The ANC’s continued disregard of the many voices of conscience, inside and outside its ranks, and failure to put South Africa first, is a clear indication that only the voters can stop them now. We therefore urge voters to send the message loud and clear: “We Can Stop Corruption”. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) also pays tribute to the late Mandy Rossouw who exposed this scandal through her courageous and diligent journalistic work. Her extraordinary work reinforces our belief that a free media remains one of the pillars of our constitutional democracy. There is no doubt that somewhere up there she looks down upon South Africa with a broad smile. In addition, we continue to be impressed with the meticulous and diligent way in which the Public Protector and her team carries out their functions. We have full confidence in the constitution and all its institutions that are meant to strengthen our democracy. After having witnessed this situation unfold, it is clear that electoral legislation in South Africa must change to allow the people to hire and fire their own president. We cannot sit; do nothing and suffer the consequences. We, as the people, must take responsibility and take charge. Now is the time for our nation to stand up against corruption. We can change what has become systemic corruption if we rise to the challenge.
Admin
17 Oct, 2013
Public Protector report on IEC lease agreement scandal to be considered Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee
Open memo to the Speaker and Whip’s Forum re: Public Protector report on IEC lease agreement scandal to be considered Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee from Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) on 11 September 2013 The United Democratic Movement (UDM) demands a review of a decision to establish an Ad-hoc Committee to consider the report of the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, on the investigation into allegations of maladministration and corruption in the procurement of premises to accommodate the head office of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The proposal of the Majority Whip limits the participation of other political parties, yet we are all stakeholders of the IEC. There is no logic in the way in which the Ad-hoc Committee was constituted – instead the Portfolio Committee for Home Affairs should consider this matter. According to this draft, the ANC has 7 representatives, the DA 2, Cope 1, IFP 1 and remaining 8 parties is to be represented by 1 person. This smacks of manipulation to ensure a premeditated outcome. The principle of proportional representation has been completely violated, for instance how is it possible that the IFP and Cope to be allocated 1 representative each, yet Cope has more seats than the IFP in Parliament. The same applies to the parties who have 4 seats each in Parliament (UDM, ID, ACDP and FF+) and the rest with 1 seat each (namely the APC, MF, PAC and Azapo,) – they are told that they must have 1 person to represent all these stakeholders. It should be noted that each of these parties do not necessarily argue from the same point of view and their colleague in another party cannot hope to represent them fairly and accurately. In terms of the Electoral Act, the Electoral Court would have to, in one way or another, to play a role in this matter. We are therefore wondering whether it is not premature for the so-called Ad-Hoc Committee to even start deliberating the matter, instead of Parliament referring it to the Electoral Court. Parliament can then discuss the Court’s decision. Sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
25 Nov, 1997
Zuma’s final straw
Statement by Bantu Holomisa The finding by the Public Protector that Minister Zuma had made some misleading or exaggerated claims about the cost of medicines in South Africa in an apparent bid to justify her medicines bills, is a further infringement by a minister that is now really overstaying her welcome. With this, Minister Zuma has misled Parliament and the population at large. Under the circumstances, signing of the Bills by the President should be delayed until the Public Protector has conducted further investigations. The Public Protector has proved himself to be a worthwhile, independent watchdog of Government. We now trust that Government will also respect the authority of the Public Protector and not allow him to be targeted as had happened to the Auditor General. Two things are now required: Firstly, the urgent need exists to investigate the applicable international conventions in order to determine which are beneficial to South Africa. A clear policy is needed regarding our official stand towards international copyright conventions and the right of intellectual property. Secondly, the Minister of Health has now certainly crossed a bridge too far. This matter is a classical case of abuse of power by the minister concerned. Notwithstanding the good work she has done, her disregard for accuracy and correctness, brusque and undiplomatic treatment of involved parties in the health field and her ham-handed handling of her ministry has made her a liability. By allowing her to stay on as minister, Government will send a clear message that it condones a ministry where the only principle apparently is that the end justifies the means. Zuma should go.
