Admin
11 Oct, 2016
UDEMWO saddened by Khwezi’s death
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) would like to convey a message of condolences to the family and friends of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo better known as Khwezi. We as UDEMWO are saddened by her sudden departure. Khwezi fought a good fight and she displayed a true example of imbokodo especially during her dark hour when those she trusted took advantage of her. She was amongst the few fearless women of our time. Her sudden passing leaves us with many questions than answers. As UDEMWO, we feel that Khwezi has not been celebrated and the hand of justice has failed her dismally during her rape trial against President Jacob Zuma. UDEMWO is surprised by the contradictory conduct shown by the ANC Women’s League towards Khwezi that is now calling her a hero. The treatment and the abuse she endured are beyond imagination but she pressed on. The treatment against Khwezi gives a clear indication that women in this country are taken for granted and it saddens us as women. We hope that her courage will be an example to other women. She may have passed on but her spirit leaves on. Statement issued by Mrs Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
13 Jul, 2016
UDEMWO condemns reckless drivers on the roads
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) would like to convey a message of condolences to the families and friends of the Eastern Cape nurses who were killed on their way to the graduation ceremony in Alice while others were seriously injured. This is such a sad time for the health fraternity, not only in the Eastern Cape but to all health workers and South Africans. The whole country is in mourning during this unbearable time. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who are still in hospital. As UDEMWO, we are concerned by the fatalities that continue claiming the innocent lives on R63. We are calling upon drivers to be more cautious and refrain from the reckless driving on the roads. The Department of Transport, Road Traffic Management Corporation and law enforcement officials must investigate the root cause of these fatalities and come up with ways to curb them. We cannot continue losing lives every time because of silly behaviour of the drivers. One life lost is too many. Statement issued by Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
16 Mar, 2016
UDEMWO calls for swift intervention by government on WC women killings
Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is saddened and concerned by the growing numbers of women and children who have fallen victims of rape and murder in the Western Cape since the beginning of the year. What is more distressing is to know that these women and children are victims of crime in the hands of those close to them or someone they know. The time has come for the communities at large to come together and put an end to these horrendous crimes. We cannot continue living in fear as women in our very own space. It is time that men come to senses and do the role of protecting us. Abuse of women; children or anybody who is a victim must not be a norm. South Africans can win this battle if we come together. As for the Department for Women, the silence in relations to issues affecting women is too deafening. Why is Minister Suzan Shabangu not saying or condemning these crimes. How many women and children must fall victim before more could be done. The government must acknowledge that the country is in crisis and more needs to be done. The government must take the nation into confidence regarding a strategy to combat the killing of women in the Western Cape. The recent killing of Sizeka Batala from Mfuleni, Sinoxolo Mafevuka, Franziska Blöchliger, Shamonique Claasen from Paarl and all those who were not on the news has raised so much concern and government must make a swift intervention. End
Admin
11 Mar, 2016
UDEMWO calls for action to arrest Mafevuka’s killers
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we welcome the arrest of the suspects in the murder case of the 16 year old teenage girl, Franziska Blochliger in Tokai early this week. We commend the police and everyone who made the arrest possible and we hope that the case will not drag long before the alleged perpetrators are brought to book for their horrendous action. In comparison, it is saddening to learn that not much has been done regarding the investigation into the murder of the 19 year old Sinoxolo Mafevuka who was raped and murdered in Khayelitsha almost two weeks ago. To us this is a matter of concern. It leaves us with many questions of whether is it a matter of the other family having means to hire investigators to dig deep in order for things to happens or is it the law enforcement that is dragging feet. The South African Police Service never ceases to let women and the country down. As UDEMWO, we are calling on police to do more and make sure that the perpetrators are brought to book. We would be pleased to see the very same energy used in Tokai arrest being used for Mafevuka family. Statement issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
26 Jan, 2016
UDEMWO has no confidence in police
University of Cape Town. As women we are left with a question of how many innocent women must fall victim of this horrendous crime before swift actions can be taken to put an end to this and protect them. We are even more disappointed by the South African Police Service officials who are dragging their feet to arrest the perpetrators. If our government and all other stakeholders involved have money to pay for security during student protests, we strongly believe that they have the money to hire security companies at the institutions for the protection of women. UDEMWO is calling for stringent security measures at the university and all other higher learning institutions throughout the country. It is sad to know that the very places that are supposed to be safe are the most vulnerable to acts of crime. End
Admin
03 Dec, 2015
UDEMWO pleased by SCA verdict: Oscar Pistorius
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is delighted by the new ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal that has found Oscar Pistorius guilty of murder of Reeva Steenkamp. As UDEMWO, we welcome this verdict. The overturning of the court judgement brings hope in the justice system and to women and children that are victims of crime. We hope that the justice system will continue to deal with lawbreakers and not be lenient against them. As the case is going back to the High Court and Judge Thokozile Masipa will once again preside, we hope that it will not drag for a very long time as we feel this is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Admin
23 Nov, 2015
UDEMWO calls for swift action by MEC Qedani Mahlangu
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the news of a possible risk of babies going blind due to power outage at one of the biggest hospitals in Africa, Chris Hani Baragwanath. It is with great sadness that such an unfortunate event is not taken serious by the health authorities instead the Department of Health in Gauteng is busy playing hide and seek while the health of those innocent babies is at risk of being permanently blind. The power outage could have been avoided. Government has the money for all the lavish lifestyle for the leaders but the important and basic things as health are being taken for granted. Millions of rands are wasted in building and upgrading Nkandla, funding private jet for president while the masses are suffering. UDEMWO is calling upon Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu to a make swift intervention on this problem and other challenges that Gauteng hospitals are faced with. This unfortunate incident adds up to all the misery in health facilities in that province. It has been forever since the Department Of Health was confronted with issues of health such as community members sleeping on the floors at health facilities while others lost lives. What is even sad to this is the fact that the Department of Health in Gauteng is denying the problem to ever exist in that hospital. As UDEMWO, we say more could be done to curb this problem and other problems that hospitals are facing. An immediate action must be made by Health authorities to save these innocent babies. End
Admin
28 Oct, 2015
ANCWL march insult to women
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja :UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are overwhelmed at the stunt by the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) to take into the streets in defence of President Jacob Zuma. Their march shows clearly that Women’s League does not care about societal matters but their main objective is covering each other’s backs rather than the masses. This is an insult to women of this country that the ANCWL decides to stand by Zuma the very same thing they did when he was facing rape case and other cases. The current ANCWL President Bathabile Dlamini was at the forefront during that case against another woman. To us as UDEMWO, it appears clearly that their interest lies only in self-serving. The nation is currently faced with burning issues and we have never heard from the Women’s League and now they have courage to march protecting one man. The country would be a better place if they would use the same energy and heroism in matters that will benefit us all, specifically women. Instead of addressing the symptoms of Zuma’s blunders the ANCWL should find the root causes of him being ridiculed. They must look around to see which other Presidents were ever ridiculed more than him. The answer lies within the ANC. ANCWL must also remember that the President they are defending was elected by people and he must account to the citizens. End
Admin
19 Oct, 2015
UDEMWO condemns Kensington attack
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) condemns the ruthless and inhumane incident that took place over the weekend where a young woman was gang raped by 12 men in front of their partners while the other woman managed to escape. Their partners were then tied up and drowned in a dam in Kensington, Johannesburg. This is such a disgusting and dreadful attack that cannot be overlooked. The law enforcement officials must hunt those involved and bring them to book for the terrible attack they have committed. At times like this, we find ourselves calling for the return of death sentence towards the criminals because of such incidents. It is such a horrific society we live in. Humans have turned into monsters towards their very own. UDEMWO would also like to convey a message of condolence to the deceased families and wishes a speedy recovery to the affected women. The quietness of the Women’s Ministry is deafening.
Admin
07 Oct, 2015
Harsh measures against “baby dumpers”
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General In the wake of new born babies being abandoned and deserted throughout the country, the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is calling for harsh actions against those responsible for these inhumane acts. The abandonment of babies has become a norm and it is not acceptable at all. This is a problem that has gotten out hand. A lot must be done by government with society to deal with this problem. Campaigns must be in place in educating young women and make sure that this does not continue as it does now. A number of new born babies were reported to be found abandoned in different places in the country this week even though women have options of taking their babies into places of safety. This shows clearly that there is a serious problem with our society. It is high time that we as communities stop looking the other side while the moral fibre of our societies is being dehumanized. Communities need to speak out on such incidents happening in their neighbourhoods. It is high time we go back to the spirit of Ubuntu. There is absolutely no justification into why someone would dump or kill a child in this day of access to clinics and other non-governmental institutions that offer help. UDEMWO calls for punitive measures to those who abandon or kill babies. They have a right to life too. End
Admin
07 Sep, 2015
UDEMWO reiterates call for the review of the parole system
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is calling for denial of parole to a man who shot and injured his ex-wife Precious Eland and while on bail he shot and killed his lover, Mabel Kobe. As UDEMWO, we have been calling for the reviewal of the parole system as we believe that it is not being applied appropriately. Once more, the justice system has failed to protect women in this country. How does one get a bail out for serious cases as murder and attempted murder? How many women must die, killed by this monster before justice is served? This man has shown that he has no respect for women and for law and it is disgusting. Eland has complained to the authorities about getting threatening calls from the man who shot her 17 times leaving her for dead. The very same man who killed his lover and a known killer is about to walk free while the victim is living a life of fear. Justice must prevail; he must rot behind bars and suffer for his actions. As UDEMWO, we are calling for the denial of parole of this man and for protection of victim. We are disappointed by government together with the Justice Department. This has proved without doubt that women in this country are not protected even by government. Once more, UDEMWO is calling for the reviewal of the parole system and will continue with the call until justice is served. End
Admin
12 Aug, 2015
UDEMWO calls for the protection of rape victims
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are saddened to witness growing numbers of abuse towards women while we are still celebrating the women’s month in South Africa. The rape of the 23 year old woman in Nkanini – Khayelitsha while her boyfriend was shot and killed trying to protect her is really inhumane that is why we are calling upon the South African Police Service officials to make swift actions in arresting those involved in this ruthless incident. Once the culprit is arrested, the Department of Justice must make sure that the culprit does not get to see the sun again and must rot in jail without bail mean while the Correctional Service must make sure that culprits are not being considered for parole. Once you violate one’s right you must forfeit yours. We are also calling upon the Social Development MEC in Western Cape, Albert Fritz to make sure that the victim gets all the support and protection she needs as she is at high risk because she knows her attacker. What is sadder is the fact that those involved in the crime are from our very communities. We also urge members of community to hold hands in protection of women and children. We cannot afford to see women and children being victims of crime and as UDEMWO, we feel that government has not done much in making sure that women and children’s rights are protected and that is why as UDEMWO, we demand that government come up with a clear strategy in curbing violence against women and children. There are so many campaigns in relations to this by non-governmental Organisations and other interest groups however, the role of government is the missing link in this dire situation. End
Admin
16 Jul, 2015
UDEMWO is devastated by the recent horrific attack against a 14 year old girl in Grabouw
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) we are devastated by the recent attack on the 14 year old girl in Grabouw, Western Cape. We would like to convey our message of support and wish her a speedy recovery from this horrific attack. This young girl has shown bravery after her brutal attack and was able to name the culprit. This incident is taking us back and reminding us of what happened to Anene Boysen who was also brave enough to name her attackers and the justice system failed her and many women of this country by letting one of the attackers walk free because of lack of evidence. We hope this time the hand of justice will do the right thing and be for the victim other than the perpetrator. Such individuals who abuse women and children in any how do not deserve to be part of our communities and that is why we want him to rot in jail for the horrendous act he has committed. We hope that the sentencing will be a lesson to other perpetrators out there. The abuse of women and children is growing everyday in this country and we cannot fold arms and watch, something needs to be done to curb this problem in this country. As UDEMWO, we are calling upon the Department of Social Development to make sure that women and children are protected. End
Admin
12 Jun, 2015
UDEMWO is pleased by the court’s decision to deny bail against Christopher Panayiotou
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased with the way National Prosecuting Authority has so far handled the Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused case of murdering the innocent Jayde Panayiotou. Panayiotou and the men accused of killing this young woman do not deserve to be back in our communities as they pose a danger not only to the community but to those close to them. They have displayed clearly that they are not human beings with their behaviour. NPA denying bail for these cruel culprits brings hope to women and children in this country. It also sends a strong message to criminals as we are not safe in our own communities because of such inhumane individuals who abuse and murder us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. As much as we appreciate this denial of bail against the men but we would like to see the hand of justice being served. As UDEMWO, we would like to see synergy amongst the government departments i.e. South African Police Service, Department of Justice and Correctional Service as these departments play an vital role and they should complement one another in making sure that the rights of women and children are protected. UDEMWO is once again calling upon the Department of Correctional Service to review the parole system as we feel that it is not applied appropriately. It favours the culprits more the victims of crime. Remember, when you violate someone’s rights you should forfeit yours. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
12 May, 2015
Dr Ruth Mompati Was A True Example Of Imbokodo
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and saddened by the death of the struggle veteran Dr Ruth Mompati. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mam’ Ruth. She was a true representation of Imbokodo and as women in South Africa, we are forever grateful. She gave and served the country tirelessly when South Africa was experiencing hardships. Mam Ruth was one of the brave women who took to the streets heading to the Union Building in 1956 marching against the carrying of passes and permits by women. She paved a way for the significant change of women in leadership we see today in the country. She was one of the inspirational women leaders who we all looked up to irrespective of political affiliation one belonged to. May her soul rest in peace. End
Admin
07 May, 2015
UDEMWO Calls For Reviewal Of The Parole System
Statement by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation condemns the gruesome killings of women throughout the country. We are also calling on the Department of Correctional Service to explain how the parole system works. One of the accused in the recent murder case of the young teacher, Jayde Panayiotou in Eastern Cape has been in and out of prison for serious cases which include robbery and possession of illegal firearm which we view under serious charge and we are asking ourselves how was he able to be given parole. Three (3) months of being a parolee he is now facing a murder case, what does this say about the justice system of this country. It is even saddening to learn that Jayde’s husband is also in custody for his involvement in the murder of his own wife. This shows clearly that women in this country are not safe and always living in fear of not knowing what is going to happen to them. Everyday we are being abused and killed by those who supposed to love and protect us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. Men have forgotten and abandoned their role as protectors and builders of the nation. South Africa is known for the Spirit of Ubuntu but that is fading by day. As women we are not safe at all even in our homes. We are victims of crime everyday without protection and that is why we are calling for the hand of justice to prevail and not grant bail for those involved in the murder. We are also calling upon the Department of Correctional Services to view their parole system as we feel that somehow it is not applied appropriately. End
Admin
14 May, 2015
UDEMWO is calling on parents to keep an eye on children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is worried about the growing number of children missing throughout the country. Everyday we hear of these missing children and most of them go missing while playing around their communities. This shows clearly that our children are no longer safe in their own communities. We are calling on parents to keep a closer look on their children and members of the community can play a big role in making sure that our areas are safe for the upcoming generation. Let us go back to Ubuntu where your child is my child. According to Missing Children SA, a child disappears every six (6) hours in the country and most of them are not found or found dead. We cannot fold arms and watch while we are losing these precious souls in their own space. We are calling on South Africans to hold hands and protect our little ones. Reasons behind these disappearances are not clear but they continue taking place and we cannot allow this. We are also calling on government to tighten up the laws relating to protection of children. Those who are involved in cases relating to children must rot in jail. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
30 Mar, 2015
UDEMWO calls for investigation on involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi Minister of Health 4th Floor, Room 417 120 Plein Street Cape Town 8000 Dear Honourable Minister UDEMWO calls for investigation on involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers Recently there were allegations of doctors and nurses who perform gruesome practice of sterilisation to women without their consent. No one has the right to perform such a heinous procedure without the consent of the patient; the fact that the women are living with the virus does not mean they are less human. Adding insults to injuries most of these women are those living with HIV/AIDS. This is surprising and offending to us as women especially in this day and age of human rights. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is even more dismayed to learn that this horrible practice is taking place in both private and public hospitals in most provinces in the country. The rights of women have been once again violated and taken for granted by the health officials. It is important to remind officials that the duty of health workers is to help the community and not to make them feel less human. Living with HIV/ AIDS should not be seen as a death sentence to those infected and affected by it. So far 48 cases of involuntary sterilisation have been documented. This takes away the dignity of women. It permanently violates the right of women to have any babies when they are ready to do so let alone the risks it brings to women living with the virus. This is unacceptable and UDEMWO demands answers to this matter. We are calling upon you Dr Motsoaledi along with your department to investigate these serious allegations. Doctors and nurses who are found to be responsible for these demoralising actions must be severely punished for their inhumane and unethical behaviour. Yours sincerely in nation building, Thandi Nontenjwa UDEMWO SECRETARY GENERAL
Admin
26 Mar, 2015
UDEMWO condemns involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) lambasts at the recent allegations against the doctors and nurses who are performing involuntary sterilisation without consent of those involved taking advantage of women living with HIV/ AIDS. As South African women, we are surprised and offended by the latest scandal in private and public hospitals of our country. UDEMWO feels that our rights as women have been once again violated and taken for granted by the health officials. No one has the right to perform such a heinous procedure without the consent of the patient; the fact that the women are living with the virus does not mean they are less human. Health officials’ duties are to help the community and not to make them feel less human; living with HIV/ AIDS should not be seen as death sentence to those infected and affected by it. UDEMWO is aware that this is happening both in public and private health care centres and 48 cases of involuntary sterilisation have been documented so far. We are calling on the South African Human Right Commission, Commission for Gender Equality and the Department of Health to investigate these allegations. The doctors and nurses who are found guilty must be severely punished for their inhumane and unethical behaviour. South Africans were made to believe that there is medication for prevention of mother to child transmission. What happened to that medication or that prevention? Why these sterilisation of the infected women.
Admin
10 Mar, 2015
Udm Women’s Organisation Laments The Domestic Violence By Police Officers
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Madindi family who lost their daughter Vuyiswa and her mother Sbongile during a shoot-out spree by an off duty Constable Rhulani Nkuna in Meadowlands, Johannesburg. The Madindi relatives are the latest victims of domestic violence by a police officer who also shot himself dead. This incident is of many which occur exactly three days before the world celebrates International Women’s Day. UDEMWO laments the action by the officers in blue uniform that has become a norm throughout the country. Women and children in South Africa no longer feel safe and protected in the hands of the police while they are there to protect them. We would like to call upon government to take a closer look on the regulations that allow off duty police officers to carry service pistol. The bill of right states that everybody has a right to live and this means women and children have that right to live too. UDEMWO would also like to wish the tenant who was injured during the shooting, a speedy recovery. Issued by: Sipho Mawoko MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER UDM NATIONAL OFFICE Contact numbers : 012 321 0010 / 073 3708327
Admin
28 Aug, 2014
The end of Women’s Month 2014 | UDEMWO
Issued by Mrs Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General At the end of Women’s Month 2014, we look to the future; the United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is worried that the National Development Plan is overall gender blind, disregarding women’s gendered practical, and strategic needs and concerns. Considering that this is the development map for South Africa we are dissatisfied with what our future prospects are. In addition, UDEMWO is doubtful that the sideways-move, to bring the Department of Women under the President’s roof, has any meaning. Since the establishment of this portfolio we have seen nothing but a waste of time and money. This is just another attempt at window dressing. Regarding the minister, after listening to Susan Shabangu’s statements at the Marikana Commission we are unconvinced that she is the right person for the job. Such insensitivity shown by a woman is beyond belief and a slap in the face of a community – especially the women and children – that is suffering. On behalf of women across the country, we ask President Zuma to clarify what the tangible outcomes are of his move. It is of no use to pay lip service to women’s empowerment. Being over 50% of our people, women must take their rightful place in our society and economy, and be given the power they deserve.
