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05 Aug, 2020
R30m PPE scandal: AFU must restrain KZN social development officials’ property
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) calls on the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to urgently apply for an order of restraint of the property of the high-ranking provincial social development officials who have been accused of contravening the Public Finance Management Act and who face charges of misconduct over the dodgy procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as blankets. We commend the department’s move to suspend the implicated officials as announced by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for social development Nonhlanhla Khoza. However, suspending them and opening criminal cases are not enough, the AFU should obtain a restraint order to seize property before their potential conviction to ensure that the property is available to be sold later if needs be to recoup the R30 million. Furthermore, the department must take the public into confidence and indicate whether this is the only filthy transaction that these officials might have been involved in, if there are any other transactions, those too must be made known publicly. It is however an indictment of the department that it only ordered investigation, into what appears to be blatant theft, due to public pressure. Whether public pressure is exerted or not, the government owes it to the South African taxpayer to be transparent in all its dealings, especially where corruption is concerned. The UDM also calls upon the department to name and shame the involved service providers and to blacklist them so that they may not do any further business with the government. Issued by: Mr Boysey Gumede UDM KZN Interim Provincial Secretary
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13 Jul, 2020
Is our healthcare system actually ready for President Ramaphosa’s coronavirus storm?
We listened attentively to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent announcements regarding stricter regulations governing our lives in the face of the exponential increase of Coronavirus infections in South Africa. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) has noted that the President couched this decision as being necessary to relieve the pressure on our healthcare system. An immediate ban on alcohol was also imposed, because of misbehaving citizens who land in hospital due to alcohol related injuries and this takes up much-needed bed space. What we do not understand is that Health Minister Zweli Mkhize was super confident that our healthcare system was ready to deal with an enemy that has felled first world countries’ healthcare systems. Now the President, in so many words, admitted that our healthcare system is in fact under severe pressure and is not ready, as there is, for instance, still a serious shortage of more than 12,000 health workers. We hear of hospitals that have no water, staff who receive substandard personal protective equipment, bulk Covid-19 infections of hospital staff and how fear and anxiety are causing panic among them. To make matters worse, we understand that analysis of the coronavirus’ genome sequence found a mutation, which makes the virus more infectious than the original strain; we better hope and pray this mutation does not happen in South Africa. The mysterious National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and Cabinet are making and breaking as they please and never unpack their decisions satisfactorily. We therefore call on Parliament, as the oversight arm of the state that holds the executive to account, to investigate our healthcare system’s state of readiness. Who was speaking the truth when? Something is severely wrong here. Lastly, the UDMYV feels strongly that the NCCC must go back to the drawing board and eliminate some inequalities in their regulations. If children are forced to go back to school and risk coronavirus infection, Parliament must, with immediate effect, suspend its hybrid model of sitting, and all Members of Parliament must go back to their benches to work. We do not understand why it is different strokes for different folks. Where we do agree with the President is that we must unite in making sure that we win the fight against the coronavirus, it is indeed in our hands (quite literally) and no one will help us, except us. Let us spread the message to wear masks and wash hands and hold each other accountable, we need to be responsible not just for ourselves, but also for others; especially the frontline healthcare workers who daily put their lives on the line to take care of ours. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDM Youth Vanguard
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29 Apr, 2020
UDMYV: Bad labour practice: remuneration of educators urgent attention
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) commends national government for supporting educators’ bursaries, as well as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in order to advance disadvantaged learners, especially those from informal and rural areas. It is however discouraging that, even though educators continue to commit themselves to ensure that learners receive an acceptable standard of education, their efforts are not sufficiently recognised. Amongst their major concerns, in the Eastern Cape in particular, are: (i) Lack of coordination between the school governing bodies, district and the provincial offices when it comes to assumption of duties dates; (ii) Late payment of monthly remuneration; and (iii) Inefficient protocols in dealing with the authorisations for placement. Coordination issues have been raised mostly by educators on short term contracts and by those in substitute posts. The school principal and the employee would sign the assumption of duty on a date later than the start date of engagement, in which case this document would be backdated. When this document is submitted to the relevant district office, the date of assumption of duty would be questioned and be changed to the perceived date of submission to the district. This issue would consequently affect the remuneration payment due to the employee and it is in contravention of Section 29(1)(d) of Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) which requires that the employer indicates the date on which the employment began. Based on anecdotal information collected in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape, the majority of educators are not paid on time in the Eastern Cape and in some districts in KwaZulu Natal. Section 29(1)(j) of BCEA requires that the employer indicate the frequency of how remuneration will be paid and Section 32(1)(b) requires that the employee be paid by the employer in money either daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. It is apparent that this is rarely complied with. In most cases, educators (notably those on contracts or in substitute posts) are paid three months late and in worst cases five, which violates best practice. This ongoing bad labour practice requires urgent attention. This kind of negligence has a domino effect and not only negatively affects educators, but also those in need of a better education. Inefficient systems of authorisation are linked to the above two issues. Educators are no paid on time and the response always is: “We are waiting for authorisation”. The innovative world is doing away with paper and the Department of Basic Education should be using online systems – from requisitions to authorisations. This inefficiency mostly affects young graduates who need their salaries the most to sustain their monthly expenses and commitments, such as student loans. How do you expect them to produce results if they are demotivated? Government must recognise educators’ efforts in ensuring that all learners receive quality education as endorsed by the Constitution. The UDMYV therefore demands Minister Angie Motshekga’s urgent intervention in this long lasting administrative and systematic negligence, and unfair labour practice. — End — Issued by: Mr Masonwabe Nqawe UDM Youth Vanguard
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05 Mar, 2020
Yearly protests at higher learning institutions is cause for much concern
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) notes with concern the year-in-year-out students’ protests about acceptance at higher learning institutions, registration fees, transport allowances and accommodation. We have seen quite disturbing scenes of frustrated students from, for example, the University of Zululand and the University of the Witwatersrand. The UDMYV is of the view that a serious lack of leadership on government’s part gives rise to this yearly phenomenon. This dearth of leadership affects universities’ planning and has the knock-on-effect of an unproductive academic year. It is unfortunate that the youth of South Africa have become lambs to the slaughter, because the government of the day has no clue whatsoever in dealing with the issues affecting us. The country has just slipped into a recession and clearly government has to go back to the drawing board if one considers the budget recently tabled by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni. If government continues on this track, the UDMYV is worried that the future of every young South African is bleak; thus making the future of the country even bleaker. The UDMYV calls on all young people to unite and remove this incompetent government in future elections. South Africa needs capable leadership that looks to the future from the youth’s perspective. – end – Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Gauteng Secretary
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30 May, 2019
UDMYV: Young leaders in government is encouraging
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is pleased to note that this time around there are many young faces in cabinet and that some of the provincial MECs hail from the youth’s ranks. The UDM Youth Vanguard strongly feels that it will be in the best interest of the young people of South Africa if our debates in terms of unearthing common ideas to find solutions to our plight, should be inclusive. We all have something to contribute. We call on the young members of the executives to have open and wide-ranging discussions on political, social and economic challenges facing young South Africans. We therefor hope that these young people in our government will bring about the new ideas and innovations South Africa needs to become a winning nation. The UDM Youth Vanguard wishes them all well in their tasks ahead. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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23 May, 2019
UDMYV: Young parliamentarians have a big task ahead
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard congratulates all the young persons who were sworn into the sixth democratic parliament. It is encouraging to see that quite a number of the members of parliament who took the oath yesterday represent the youth of South Africa. Yet, this happens at a time where our youth faces many challenges, such as plummeting unemployment prospects, the lack of fee free education and the struggle to start and finance their own businesses. Although some strides have been made, we still have a long way to go in terms of youth development. Our education system does not deliver innovators and entrepreneurs, but rather produces employees with no prospect of being employed. This constantly excludes young people from economic participation and wealth creation. We encourage young parliamentarians to run with youth issues, that position those matters, at the apex of the parliamentary agenda. One of those important issues are the eradication of sexism, gender-based violence and societal ills, like teen pregnancy. Not enough attention is paid to our young women in order to help them thrive in leadership roles and their professional lives. We don’t want to be paid hackneyed lip service, we demand change, and we call on all young parliamentarians to focus on an action orientated plan that comprehensively addresses our plight. A country that does not take care of its youth is a country going nowhere fast. We call on all young people to pressurise decision making bodies to give us hope that our dawn is nigh. Issued by Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
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06 Feb, 2019
UDM Youth Vanguard: KZN student protests: the education department is yet again missing in action
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is disgusted and angry at higher education minister Naledi Pandor’s deafening silence when, year-by-year, students are driven to protest to get their basic right to education upheld. The dream of free tertiary education in South Africa is fleeting and the promise itself rings hollow. The ruling party has once again shown that they have no capacity to deliver on its promises made to needy students across the country. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) fatal shooting is one of many incidents propelled by the lack of urgency displayed by the education department and government in resolving not just issues at institutions of learning, but service delivery in our society at large. They always wait until the blood of the innocent is spilt on the streets of our country and then act as a mighty saviour whilst our peers die fighting for equality and freedom. The UDM Youth Vanguard feels that we are not free until the means of education is granted to all of us and the doors of equal opportunity are open to each and every young person in South Africa. We call on minister Pandor to intervene now, not only at the KwaZulu-Natal tertiary institutions, but also at the University of the Witwatersrand and other institutions that are going through a similar crisis, before the situation further deteriorates. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends and colleagues of the fallen young hero who died at the DUT. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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20 Nov, 2018
UDM Youth Vanguard welcomes change in public service regulations
Our unemployed and despondent young people have become a mere statistic to measure joblessness in South Africa. They have given up and are lining the streets of our communities with their qualifications meaning nothing, because they have no experience. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard therefore welcomes public service and administration minister Ayanda Dlodlo’s decision to change regulations to allow for the recruitment, at all entry-level posts in the public service, without prior experience. This important policy decision gives hope to millions of young people who have qualifications but find themselves jobless due to lack of experience. Although amending the regulations is a step in the right direction, having only changed entry level requirements for the public service is not adequate to absorb young unemployed South Africans into the job market. We call on government to place emphasis on innovation, creation and entrepreneurship as our economy needs young people who will create jobs. We, however, strongly feel that it is important that the government develops plans to ensure that this policy is implemented in a manner that does not compromise the quality of the public service and ensures its professionalisation. It should also not lead to the appointment of governing party loyalists to bring state departments under its control. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
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13 Nov, 2018
UDMYV welcomes Malusi Gigaba’s resignation
Malusi Gigaba’s terms in office has been fraught with scandals, misconduct and abuse of powers. His list of dubious deeds ranging from granting citizenship to the Guptas, the Firebird aviation debacle, sexual videos and lying under oath is spine chilling. His resignation is long overdue. That said, merely falling on one’s sword is not good enough. We hope that this is not just a stunt to run away and avoid accountability. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard wants ex minister Gigaba to be held accountable for all his wrong doing and the law should now follow its course. We are tired of executives ducking and diving as a tactic to dodge the law. Every punishable crime committed should be effected to set an example for others who are tempted to do the same. No one is above the law. The UDM Youth Vanguard calls on President Ramaphosa to appoint in this position an ethical person of integrity who has the best interest of the people of South Africa at heart. Wishing Malusi Gigaba well in his future endeavours would be hypocritical as we, the youth of South Africa, still expect him to account. At this point in time we hope to see him cooperate with any investigative institution and/or commission. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
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10 Sep, 2018
UDMYV: President Ramaphosa must take the nation into confidence: how will the technical recession be dealt with?
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is concerned that, since the announcement broke through the media that South Africa is in a technical recession, the country has not heard from President Cyril Ramaphosa. The UDM Youth Vanguard would like to know from the President, what does this technical recession mean for the youth and the poorest of the poor. The fuel price keeps on increasing, food prices are ever on the rise and unemployment is spiralling out of control, leaving the poor and the youth marginalised by means of affordability and they are left to starve. The young people of South Africa call on the President to take the nation into confidence and tell us what will be done to tackle the situation. We need decisive leadership and political will from the President to act and protect South Africans, but in particular the youth and the poor. Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard Udmyvgp.secretary@udm.org.za Mr Andile Jabavu Gauteng Provincial Chairperson UDM Youth Vanguard udmyvgp.chairperson@udm.org.za
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04 Apr, 2018
UDM Youth Vanguard pays its respects to a woman of note: uMama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) grieves the passing away of the woman of who breast-fed the nation; hence we call her “The Mother of the Nation”. The UDM Youth Vanguard pays its respects to The Mother of the Nation who dedicated her entire life to the struggle. We join fellow South Africans in lauding a woman who distinguished herself as an unrelenting campaigner for the human rights of the oppressed masses of the past. In those years, non-white women where certainly the utmost marginalised and vulnerable members of society: she did the women of this country proud. Mama Winnie should therefore be admired by young South Africans as an example of what it means to have tenacity and to work hard to achieve one’s goals (even such a lofty goal as fighting for the liberation of an entire people). Mama Winnie, you set an example during each phase of your life, that should teach young people (especially young women and girls) what it means to be a strong and dedicated. Mama, the spirit you displayed must remain an inspiration to the young to continue with the struggle to transform South Africa into a Winning Nation. The UDM Youth Vanguard wishes that the Madikizela-Mandela families must mourn the passing away of uMama without tears; only because she had worked tirelessly and had done her part to make this Country free of minority domination and social cruelty. May your soul find rest in right place in Paradise; which we believe is better than Eden. Rest in peace Mama wesizwe soMzantsi Afrika. Issued by: Mr Mbongi Majija Chairperson of the UDM Youth Vanguard National Task Team
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16 Mar, 2018
Yongama Zigebe, of the UDM Youth Vanguard, takes the education campaign to the North West
The youth and locals of Rustenburg (in the North West) will have an opportunity to be exposed to the many exciting careers paths available to those on their road entering the South African job market or those who consider making a change from their existing work paths. UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng Provincial Secretary Yongama Zigebe, who is also the Founder of the Yongama Levertte Foundation, will be one of the facilitators at the Annual Mamoretse Book and Career Fair. There is a dearth of information on career opportunities available to learners. The Mamoretse Book and Career Fair is a community development initiative that seeks to promote literacy and assist learners to make informed career choices. In making informed subject choices at secondary level, young South Africans will ensure their prosperous futures and enable them to contribute to the economic development in their own communities and South Africa at large. Details are as follows: Date: Saturday, 17 March 2018 Time: 10am Venue: Mamoretse Community Hall in Rustenburg
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16 Feb, 2018
UDMYV: Some SONA2018 announcements give hope to young South Africans
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) has taken note of the State of the National Address delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 16 February 2018. This on the back foot of many young people of South Africa who continue to be marginalised due to lack of job opportunities in the country. The UDMYV welcomes the President’s commitment to “move young South African’s to the centre of the national economic agenda.” Some of the initiatives announced today include: 1. A jobs summit 2. Launch of Youth Employment Service Initiative 3. Establishment of a Youth Working Group represented by all young South Africans. 4. Creation of one million internships in three years. The UDMYV supports these initiatives in principle and would avail its machinery for the success of these programmes as the UDMYV recognises that the exclusion of young people from economic activity is an injustice to the black child in particular. We also hope that these programmes are not designed to appease the African National Congress Youth League whom we believe are enemies of the President in his party’s factional battles. The UDMYV therefore calls for wide representation and inclusion of all youth formations in these programmes. We shall also continue to work with the United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) at all tertiary institutions to make sure that free education is implemented in order to benefit the millions of young South Africans who seek to venture into higher education and training. The economy needs a new approach that will attract international investors and create jobs. The UDMYV believes that manufacturing through localisation will indeed help to achieve this and that ratings agencies will upgrade South Africa out of junk status. Issued by: Katleho Mothamaha UDMYV Political Liaison Officer, Gauteng plo@udmyv.co.za Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Provincial Secretary, Gauteng Secretarygp@udmyv.co.za yludwe@yahoo.com
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08 Jan, 2014
UDMYV reaction matric 2013
by Teddy Thwala, UDM Youth Vanguard President The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) congratulates all learners who have successfully completed their matric examinations as a result of hard work and dedication throughout the 2013 academic year. For those who have not succeeded, the UDMYV also wants to encourage you to try again and not give up. It does not end here! It is however disconcerting that in South Africa to pass some subjects with 30% or 40% is acceptable. Our school system promotes mediocrity it bestows favour of those who scrape through rather than rewarding those who work hard. A pass of 30% means that you are clueless about 70% of the work. The UDMYV welcomes the phasing out of Outcome Based Education (OBE), but the Department and the Minister must stop chopping and changing the curriculum at whim. This is confusing for the teachers and learners because they have to adapt every time this happens which is unfair to both parties.
