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15 Oct, 2019
Water issues in Msinga and the prevailing corruption: KwaZulu Natal
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), in KwaZulu-Natal, pleads with the Umzinyathi District Municipality, the Water Services Authority responsible for water supply in Msinga Local Municipality, to at least respect the law under which it is established, The Water Services Act. This municipality has displayed unwillingness, pure disregard and arrogance in servicing people of Msinga with water. The town of Pomeroy in Msinga, was yet again brought to a standstill today (15 October 2019), due to water protests in the area. Water supply is just not there! The District Mayor attributes his municipality failure to theft of diesel for generators to pump water (Isolezwe: 23 September 2019, page 28). This is in direct contrast to the fact that Umzinyathi District Municipality, two months prior to his statement, had just paid R4, 8million towards generators’ diesel between July and August. Why would the municipality pay so much and still no water two months after? This leaves much to be desired! The Human Rights Commission is currently engaging this municipality on its deliberate failure to provide Msinga inhabitants with a plan of water provision (KZ1920 / 0310), the complaint referred to it by the UDM on behalf of Msinga Community. PREVAILING CORRUPTION PRIORITIZED OVER WATER PROVISION It is shocking that this municipality, in just two months (July and August 2019) had the audacity to spend R1 777 870-00 on security services without following proper processes to award a tender – simply a deviation loophole, despite the fact that the municipality has full-time employed security personnel. Disrespect of the municipality’s funds earmarked for development projects and service delivery, saw this municipality spending R39 120 on Chicken Licken on one day (08 August 2019), instead of discharging its core functions, that is, of supplying the basic water to the people of Msinga among others. Access to clean water by communities at large is a right. These rampant spending, are among 58 transactions that were processed on deviations (without following processes), in a matter of two (2) months (July and August 2019). Accordingly, the UDM in KZN, calls on Mr Hlomuka, the honourables KZN MEC of Cogta and Dr Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Cogta, to play their part by intervening on this serious and deliberate failure, notwithstanding the fact that the Human Rights Commission is playing its part to ensure that Msinga inhabitants rights to water are enforced. The UDM-KZN also calls upon IFP to recall its scandalous Mayor that is operating against its main principle “TRUST US”. This Mayor does not care about the suffering of MSINGA community.
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14 Jun, 2019
Youth Day 2019: economic emancipation for the young
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard is concerned about the state of our nation since tough economic times leave the youth of South Africa out on the margins of economic participation. Our youth has for the past 25 years under democratic rule, been fighting for economic freedom, but in vain. We have been let down by the failure of every administration put in place to fulfil the promises made over the years. Since 1994 we have been out in the economic cold and had no say; nor had we become drivers of our economy due to the lack of leadership and political will to implement the so-called good policies that are meant to see young South Africans becoming economic drivers. With every recession and economic downfall, young South Africans take a huge knock as they are the majority of the population. Our education system is a major role player in marginalising the youth by not empowering them. It therefore, needs a complete overhaul in order to produce young South Africans who are job creators, innovators and not just job seekers and dependants. The UDM Youth Vanguard calls upon President Cyril Ramaphosa to take young people into his confidence, as there cannot be anything about young people without them. The youth must be directly involved in economic policy formulation and implementation. The president missed a critical opportunity to have a young deputy minister in the presidency responsible for women, youth and persons with disabilities, as that office is crucial to drive youth development, empowerment and creating synergy between all departments to drive youth economic participation. We invite interested young people to come together under one roof on the 17th of June for a Multiparty, Stakeholders Youth Symposium under the theme of “Youth and Democracy in 25 Years” at the Braamfontein Civic Centre, Old Council Chambers, in Johannesburg, at 10:00am. This will afford us young South Africans an opportunity to engage, debate and come up with solutions on how we can solve the challenges faced by South Africa pertaining to the youth. We wish all young South Africans a peaceful and reflective Youth Day, taking on the lessons learnt from the youth of 1976. The youth of today must honour our heroes and heroines by taking charge of their destiny. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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06 Nov, 2018
8 years is not enough for Uitenhage rapist dad
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased to see that it is true that “ityala aliboli”. The sentencing of the retired Salvation Army captain, Lionel Potgieter, who raped his daughter since an early age is a typical example. In as much as he finally got what he deserved, eight years is not enough. Chantel was viciously abused and tortured for six years during her formative years. Nothing can ever bring back Chantelle’s youth. She never had a life of being a child, because someone she looked up to and who was supposed to protect her, abused her instead. It is heart-breaking that, most of the time, the law favours the perpetrators over the victims. UDEMWO calls for harsher punitive measures to be meted out to those who abuse women and children. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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16 Sep, 2018
Harassment of PIC whistle blowers
In reference to an article published on Fin24 (https://www.fin24.com/Economy/pic-moves-to-discipline-another-executive-20180914?isapp=true) the United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns what can only be called permitted harassment of whistle blowers at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). One is suspicious at government i.e. Minister Nene and President Ramaphosa’s handling of the matter of instituting the commission of inquiry into the PIC. To make matters worse the terms of reference has not yet been published, nor have the commissioners been appointed. Something is very wrong here; it does seem as if government is pulling all the stops to delay the process. Only they will know the reason. The UDM has persisted in calling for Dr Dan Matjila, PIC’s chief executive officer, to be suspended because of the possible influence he might bear at the PIC until the commission kicks off its work. The UDM calls on government to institute a total moratorium on disciplinary processes at the PIC until the commission’s work is done and its findings are made public. Government is playing a game that could have dire consequences for the Government Employees Pension Fund. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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15 Aug, 2018
UDEMWO: Another female student bears the brunt of abuse: Fort Hare
The assault of a female student from the University of Fort Hare, in a video that is making the rounds on social media, is quite chilling. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) condemns the actions of the young man in the strongest possible terms. Witnessing such an assault in the period where the country is celebrating women is even more heart-wrenching. This is a clear sign that South Africa is still far away from ending gender-based violence. We live in a society where young men think it is normal to treat their female counterparts with physical and verbal abuse. UDEMWO believes that men who abuse women are cowards. It is of great concern that the young woman will apparently not be laying charges against her partner, because it was the first time he assaulted her. This is often the way women excuses the men in their lives who are cruel and mistreats them. There can be no justification for this young man’s behaviour; at all. We are urging women to come forward and report cases of abuse. No one is supposed to stay in an abusive relationship. You rather walk away while you still can than losing life and become a statistic. There has to be greater societal pressure that condemns this kind of behaviour. UDEMWO has been calling for greater punitive measures to be meted out to those found guilty of such actions but we cannot achieve this if victims continue to withdraw charges against their alleged attackers. UDEMWO also wishes to express our disapproval at the excessive alcohol abuse at what is termed bashes (how ironic a word) at universities and schools. There should be a total ban on alcohol on campus. /end Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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23 May, 2018
The UDM’s views on Budget Vote 01: Presidency
Honourable Deputy Speaker, Honourable President and Honourable Members United Democratic Movement (UDM) supports budget vote 1. Mr President you continue to make bold statements on the economic front. The recent appointment of your special envoy on investments is encouraging. We hope that the instability, that has the ruling party at the centre, will not undermine the work of these envoys. We also need to communicate a clear message that South Africa is working hard to be an investment destination of choice. Investments in our economy must be able to create jobs for the majority of young people who constitute the large section of the 26.7% of the unemployed South Africans. In the absence of much needed improvement on the governance front, the apparent delays on the commencement of the state capture inquiry note the business and consumer confidence will remain pessimistic. Accordingly, this administration must go beyond changing board members of the various State-Owned Entities (SOEs), but ensure sector leading qualitative and efficient productivity, through the appointment of qualified and competent administrators. In the same vein, let the State Capture Commission begin with its work. Yes, to see who has been misusing state funds to line their party or private pockets. South Africa needs a significantly improved fiscal base, accelerated inclusive economic growth, with a sharp decline in wasteful and fruitless expenditure, that will also contribute to the reduction of the budget deficit. Wastage which happens across the different spheres of government and in other public institutions, must be eliminated. However, these measures must not compromise the security of the country. We want you to do more to bring an end to violent protests that have occupied our streets, day-in day-out. Our law enforcement agencies, including the intelligence, must help you put an end to the increasing cash in transit heists, the burning of trucks, and all other forms of crime and lawlessness. We agree, with you, that so-called political killings are crimes and must be dealt with accordingly. Political killings are a blatant attack on the very democracy and constitution, that many so rightly fought for. As chairperson of Southern African Development Community (SADC), you are best placed to understand the conflicts internally and externally in many African regions. We call for the revitalisation of peace programmes that were started in the Mandela administration. South Africa cannot be expected to deploy its armed forces to, maintain stability, without progressive peace negotiations running parallel. The presence of South African armed forces must be a temporary measure, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace in the continent, not to protect corrupt regimes. Currently South Africa plays host to political refugees, who are being harassed by some of the governments which they are seeking refuge from. There are cases whereby these refugees are being assassinated within South African borders thereby threatening the security of our country. Ensuring peace in other African countries may lead to many refugees wanting to return to their homes and develop their states to become prosperous whilst also reducing the financial burden for deploying our troops. Thank you
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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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23 Nov, 2017
UDM welcomes the appointment of our new National Police Commissioner
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the appointment of General KJ Sitole as our new National Police Commissioner. It is good that he comes from inside the ranks of the South African Police Services (SAPS). This means that he is a career professional and would therefore have a sound understanding of the challenges that face our police personnel; unlike his predecessors who were just parachuted in. Commissioner Sitole should be keenly aware that South Africa is in turmoil where safety and security, and civil disobedience, are concerned. The country has become a playground for thugs, hijackers, thieves, rapists, murderers and drug dealers. To compound the situation, police brutality, as well as inefficient service, bungling administration and corruptible personnel, have resulted in a loss of confidence in SAPS. This is must to stop. The law-abiding citizens must feel safe in their homes and when walking on the streets in our towns and villages. The country expects him to make a tangible difference in SAPS and we urge him to guard against becoming a puppet of those who might be pushing political agendas. Commissioner Sitole and his team must only serve in the name of restoring order, safety and security in our communities. He must be firm in executing his duties and he must not tolerate corrupt police officers who collude with criminals and/or succumb to bribery and/or extortion. We ask that Commissioner Sitole should come up with practical strategies to permanently curb continued crime that is holding our beautiful country, and her people, at ransom. The UDM hopes that Commissioner Sitole will, as soon as possible, set the ball in motion to restore the dignity and image of the police services and we wish him good luck. We will be watching his progress to see what positive, sustainable changes he brings about at SAPS. Statement by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General
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10 Aug, 2017
UDM reaction to the DA’s proposed motion for the dissolution of the National Assembly
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) does not support the Democratic Alliance (DA) sponsored motion for the dissolution of the National Assembly. We respect the DA’s right to propose motions like any other political party represented in the National Assembly. Of immediate importance to the UDM, is the state of readiness of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. The IEC reportedly needs R300 million, as well as access to municipalities’ databases to capture voters’ addresses before the Constitutional Court deadline of June next year. The IEC must move with speed to ensure that the voters’ roll is cleaned and that correct addresses of the electorate are factored in. To this end, we call on Government to ensure that the IEC is provided with the money they need to comply with the ruling. The mandate of the current Government comes to an end in 2019, and we are working towards that end. We want to make sure that the 2019 Elections are credible, free and fair.
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26 Jul, 2017
Concern as Eastern Cape Emergency Services down tools
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned about the current strike of Emergency Medical Services officials in various parts of the Eastern Cape. Even though we understand workers’ grievances over financial issues, our biggest concern is that patients are adversely affected by this strike. The Department of Health has a responsibility to our people and it should swiftly intervene. All stakeholders must act decisively and find a solution before lives are lost. The Eastern Cape battles with poor health service delivery and we cannot afford more disruption of the little they get from the Department. The Eastern Cape Health MEC, Dr Phumza Dyantyi, must address this situation before things get out of hand. End
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21 Jun, 2016
UDM condemns violent protests in Tshwane
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned about the direction this country is taking under the leadership of the ruling party, ANC. Currently, Tshwane is in flames, with disgruntled ANC members are taking to the streets burning tyres and destroying the little that the community has. We condemn, amongst others, the looting of shops, burning of cars, damage to private properties and harming of innocent lives. These reckless acts by the protesters are unacceptable. The country is at standstill with many violent protests and the ANC with its government are mum. It is high time that citizens realise that the ruling party has never taken community protest serious. We are asking ourselves why they would think they will be taken serious now. Instead of destroying the little the community has, it is time that you express your anger and frustration through the ballot paper, excising your power by voting for change and change is now. Statement issued by: Tshwane Regional Convenor
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11 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA regarding meeting with Presiding Officers
Dear Honourable Speaker NOTICE OF A MEETING WITH PRESIDING OFFICERS – 13 APRIL 2016. The above matter has reference. Your notice of a meeting between the Presiding Officers and Leaders of Political Parties in Parliament is confirmed. On the 18th of February 2016, I wrote to you requesting that your office direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings on what I referred to, as; “The threat presented by the Gupta family to the security of the country’s resources”. I have not received a response to this letter either than a request for a signed version, which was delivered to your office. On the 7th of April 2016, I wrote to you requesting for a disciplinary enquiry against President Zuma. Again I have not received a response to this letter either than an acknowledgement. Given the above, I confirm that I will attend the meeting with Presiding Officers, only on condition that your office replies to the contents of the two letters referred to above. Kind regards, Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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29 Sep, 1998
Speech at the First Birthday Celebration of the United Democratic Movement
At the launch of the UDM on the 27 September 1998, the leadership was mandated to set up organisational structures that would spread the political mission of our new movement. The thousands of people gathered here today, from all nine provinces of SA are a living testimony to our success in carrying out that mandate. It is humbling to know that people were not just bussed in here to make up the numbers, but rather pay for themselves and came to our celebrations in response to the mobilising and organising drive of our leadership structures at all levels of our party. We know the personal sacrifices you have made in order to attend these celebrations today. The true historical significance of your sacrifices is that you have demonstrated that despite the governments arrogant and unjust refusal to allow us our rightful election – fund share as tax payers, in our own country, we will succeed on our own meager resources in the 1999 general elections. Over the last eleven months our organising department has issued to all our provincial structures more than a 100 000 (hundred thousand) 25 membership cards. It is pleasing to note that the majority of the provinces have finished those books. You are therefore called upon to balance your books and be ready to renew the membership of our supporters. Despite the peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa through the 1994 elections which were declared free and fair at home and abroad, there are already serious economic and political problems in the country, which threaten to undermine the democratic transformation. Today we celebrate the birth of the UDM which has a vision and a mission that makes it the political home to all who live in South Africa. As we all know, at the birth of the UDM many of us were hopeless and demoralised because of the general state of poverty, crime, unemployment and corruption. A year later things are getting worse and the government departments have shown no will or know how in addressing these critical social ills. Through hindsight it is clear that we were correct to establish the UDM because the situation is fast deteriorating into a frightening abyss of chaos and anarchy. This is shown by the daily reports in the media of callous murders of farmers on their own properties, raping of children, the breakdown of discipline in schools, escalating unemployment levels and incidents of government corruption at all levels with the government neither prepared nor willing to admit inability to deal with these problems. Poverty levels are rising, confidence in the ability of the governing party to get its act together is diminishing. Added to this is the fear of the impending departure of President Mandela where after South Africa would loose a great deal of status and influence internationally. Despite Mandela’s admirable efforts to sell his successor internationally, people on the ground have a different picture of things to come, i.e. increasing crime, violence, unemployment, homelessness, corruption, nepotism, and general instability. Already, foreign investors are applying a wait and see attitude. They are asking whether Deputy President Mbeki will run the country or the Alliance partners who have openly defied him on his GEAR policy. The situation currently is compounded by the absence of an economic policy that sustains all South Africans. The present government’s economic policy which is even disowned by the governments own allies is not anywhere in addressing these social ills. Their so-called GEAR policy has the following problems: Created profits for export without domestic investments, Abandonment of RDP agenda accepted by all after thorough consultation No commitment to social services such as health, education and welfare, Unemployment and retrenchments in all sectors; Lack of commitment to human capacity development. It is therefore clear from the above that Gear has shortcomings which affect the majority of South Africans. The positive economic growth in 1995/6 can best be described as early successes of inheritance. Indeed Gear as it is now, does depend on a lot of goodwill and some luck. To this end, the UDM realises that as a first step towards achieving our vision, we must narrow the gap between those that have and those that do not have. The gap can only be effectively narrowed if all and everyone in society benefit. Our policies will have to ensure the enlarging of the economic “cake” by expanding production opportunities and enhancing human development without impoverishing the wealth creators. The key is to establish and implement policies which empower all South Africans. ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT IS THE KEY In our National Congress held in Johannesburg on 27 June 1998 the UDM Congress endorsed a need to vigorously pursue policies which encourage and open-up opportunities for individuals, single households, or groups of people to start and sustain their own small businesses. Through these, they will empower and enrich themselves materially and spiritually, provide work to others in their communities and enhance the general well being of their society. As a result therefore, UDM will drive a policy of enterprise development as the answer to unemployment. We will apply the integrative policy approach that simultaneously addresses all those issues that are inhibiting job creation today, so that South Africa becomes a hard working and a winning nation. The key issues that relate to job creation are: enterprise development: civil order: access to capital: basic education and skills training: land ownership: tourism and environment and the respective roles of government, business and labour. The implementation of these policies would require a government that recognises it, has the responsibility to lay them down. The state has a moral and legal obligation to its people and cannot allow the destiny of its citizens to be decided by an economy that is dominated by stocks and bonds as these themselves alone do not necessarily entail investments and empowering of the poor against poverty and social deprivation. For example, in the last four years only 25% of foreign capital has gone to direct investment in the economy, hence the escalating unemployment levels. Most importantly, the restoration of civil order is needed to ensure a stable society in which an entrepreneurial spirit and productive enterprise can develop and flourish. While we appreciate that globalisation is the international context of all economies in the world, we need to make a commitment which puts the needs and interests of our own people first in all our policies. Our immediate painful past must not be glossed over when our policies are being developed. However, the ANC government has neglected our people to the pitiful state of poverty through unemployment and retrenchments because the government’s economic policies and strategies to deal with challenges of globalisation are not based on a commitment to deal with the needs of our people. The Gear is silent about the plight of 60% of our population who do not have access to capital. It is no secret that the past apartheid economic policies did not cater for blacks, they were just employed as teachers, civil servants, policemen etc. Therefore, the pending retrenchments of 55000 civil servants after the elections in June next year will exacerbate the already untenable situation amongst the black. CAPITAL, SKILLS FLIGHT AND INSTITUTIONALISED CORRUPTION Compounding the economic situation in this country is a current system of institutionalised corruption and crime which have forced many to invest their monies outside the country. Others are immigrating in search of better opportunities and lack of confidence in government’s ability to deal with crime. The UDM does not believe that these fears are born out of a lack of patriotism as suggested by President Mandela. On the contrary we believe that they are patriotic statements in condemnation of a government’s security, safety and judicial systems that make heroes out of criminals and refuses to implement tougher measures against those who commit crimes against the innocent and especially vulnerable in our country. The UDM vision encourages that the people of South Africa should unite and work as a team so that they can collectively participate in the transformation process of our institutions and thereby become a winning nation. Most investors see the “deployment” of ANC and COSATU leaders only (as per ANC NEC decision) in business as a threat because it means companies are forced to employ on their managerial staff people deployed by the ANC who could not get positions in government. This pattern of corruption undermines the equity bill and affirmative action policies, which seeks to level the playing field not for ANC and its Allies only but for all South Africans. Those who immigrate have no choice and are no less patriotic than anyone of us. They do so because they dislike being instructed to create special political appointment opportunities in their companies for ANC deployed officials in disregard of many professional blacks who qualify for jobs. The overall effects of our government’s economic policies and the accompanying pattern of institutionalised corruption and high rates of crime is that the country has no capacity of its own to withstand any external shocks and challenges of globalisation. DEMAND FOR A CULTURE OF DELIVERY The public will recall that when the government published its budget this year, the UDM stated, categorically, that this was a false budget and that it would be impossible to implement it. Hardly few months after that the government admitted that it was difficult to implement some of the more fundamental delivery projects such as maintenance of roads and schools, let alone building the new ones. As in many social services projects which South Africans were promised in the RDP, the government has not only failed but has lied and betrayed the trust which South Africans pinned on it in 1994. The UDM demands the building of roads, schools, clinics and updating of police services. These projects are long over due. We condemn the government practice of only employing ANC card carrier members on government projects and demand that all people, irrespective of their political affiliations, be accorded the same employment opportunities and service delivery. On more than one occasion, the government has adjusted MP salaries to offset the negative effects of inflation on their earnings. By contrast the Minister of Welfare and Pensions only increased by R20 in April and R10 this coming October, the pension allowances of our most vulnerable and needy old-age citizens who have hardly any other sources of support. These increases cannot go far enough to cushion people against inflation. We ask that the concern with MP’s protection against inflation be extended to the rest of South African old-age pensioners and not be restricted to the few whose salary packages are already astronomical and unjustified. The people of this region (Transkei) should also demand that the government must continue the project of bringing clean water to every household as was started by the DBSA and Transkei government then. By 1994 we had already serviced 6 magisterial districts such as Lusikisiki, Lady Frere etc. There is no need to do another feasibility study. The implementation of bringing clean water to this region was meant to have been finalised by the year 2000. What happened to that plan? Transkei region alone has 28% water capacity of Southern Africa through rivers of this area. What the ANC government is doing now, is to selectively put bore holes in areas where they think the ANC is strong. The UDM therefore demands from the ANC government a culture of delivery and equal treatment of all citizens across the board. 1999 ELECTIONS A party like ours, which has limited resources, must rely on the discipline and commitment of its members. Our members must make sure that we cover every Ward and area to build branches. We must assist people in their registration for ID’s and in voter education in general so that the ANC maybe proved wrong in its lies that these activities are done only by itself. Our immediate target is to intensify the launching of UDM branches throughout the country. The compilation of election lists for UDM is not a priority. We need to build anywhere and everywhere so that where there is a councillor (UCEBA) there is a UDM branch or branches. Our election list will be chosen by the UDM branches themselves and their job will be to find people they know and can trust and include them in the election list. The experience of Lesotho where a governing party is accused of having rigged the elections requires us to be vigilant for the forthcoming elections. Every branch would have to familiarise itself with the demarcations, the venues of the election points. The UDM structures must participate in all the IEC structures, be it at national, provincial, regional, local or branch levels. The forthcoming elections are going to be about: choice between crime and safety job creation and unemployment job security and retrenchments corruption in government or good governance respect and support for our traditional leaders institutions or societal chaos and breakdown of values farm killings or protection and promotion of security and safety for the farmers. I know that none of our UDM members celebrate our birthday by cutting throats of innocent farmers, raping children or engaging in robberies. Our most sacred birthday present to prosperity and our children is UNITY and PEACE as we build a prosperous democratic South Africa. You will remember that I mentioned that the UDM is the political home of all South Africans. It is in that spirit that Traditional leaders and Religious leaders feature so prominently in our activities. These leaders are in their own respective ways guardians of the values that we espouse in our vision and mission. The centrality of their role in the UDM is reflected in their involvement in all our structures. In the same vain youth and women’s structures are important integrated structures of our movement. The UDM is defined within a constitutional framework that is singular and directly includes youth and women whose existence and work is defined by this single constitution. As a result the youth and women structures of the UDM are preparing for their respective national conferences in November and December in Bloemfontein. Your supreme challenge and task is to UNITE, BUILD AND WIN. Make this a passion that distinguishes you from other political parties in South Africa. Our greatest weapon should be discipline and diligence at all costs. Our membership will always be challenged as youth, women, students, elderlies, teachers, civil servants, security services and organised labour. In our national conference in June this year we passed a resolution which stated that workers should resist being dictated to in the manner in which they vote for political parties. We therefore condemn the continuous harassment by COSATU who demand that our members should pay for the ANC’s election costs and that they should vote for the ANC. One of our challenges in South Africa is the need to examine the labour Act. There is an urgent need to accommodate the input of unemployed workers when we talk about job creation and enterprise development, always bearing in mind that the best starting point should be the needs of the people and this is what has been forgotten in Gear. Our aim in the UDM is to create jobs and self-employment. The implementation of such a policy demands a commitment for flexibility from business and organised labour to take into account the special needs of the unemployed and emerging small businesses. FOREIGN POLICY If our domestic policies must be informed by normative principles which seek to address the needs of all South Africans in the spirit of reconciliation and peace, our foreign policy must reflect those same values in our interactions with others. However, sadly for the people of South Africa, we have a government whose foreign policy on a large number of critical issues rests on the decisions of individuals hand picked from time to time as the Deputy-President wishes. The involvement of our soldiers in the Lesotho debacle is a case in point. The UDM strongly condemns the unconstitutional deployment of our soldiers and invasion of Lesotho. The manner in which South African troops were deployed in Lesotho has received strong condemnation from Lesotho and people of South Africa. The honourable position by our government is for President Mandela and his deputy Mbeki who authorised the invasion, to accept all the consequences and the moral responsibility for the suffering and damage caused in Lesotho and then immediately withdraw from Lesotho and allow SADC and Lesotho to choose an acceptable process for the resolution of that conflict, even if it means South Africa will be replaced by another SADC member to ensure the so-called stability. President Mandela and his government owe an apology to the people of Lesotho and South Africa. They should know by now that their bellicose and arrogant approach to Lesotho incident has shamed our country. South Africa’s regional hegemonic ambitions are a disgrace to the people of this region and continent. The people of South Africa must refuse to be used as pawns in this unjust war of egos. The SADC agenda for co-operation and mutual assistance in areas of economic development and democratisation can only progress through initiatives based on consensus and consultations by all stakeholders. The deployment of troops in Lesotho without warning South Africans and people of Lesotho or the world can only mean one thing, that is, that there was an INVASION OF A SOVEREIGN STATE by a foreign country. It was not a peace – keeping force, nor are we impressed by the shabby manner in which South Africa was involved beginning with the discredited commission itself. How do you agree to initiate a commission as a trusted friend, then report to a third partner first about the commission’s findings, then instruct these parties to invade people who asked for assistance and then take a hasty trip to watch athletics at far away exotic locations while our troops are dying and killing our neighbours who only yesterday offered us refuge. This makes the whole idea of an African renaissance a fuss and a nightmare especially if the mechanism for its enforcement is through military force. We hope that this will serve as a message that most countries are correct in having one foreign minister instead of six who have contributed to this fiasco. South African government is also called upon to pay their immediate attention to the food shortage in Lesotho, as a result of their failed and embarrassing invasion. A NEED TO REVIEW SADC AGENDA Our own experience in negotiating a peaceful transition to a democratic dispensation in South Africa should serve as a guiding principle in any mediation role in conflict situations when called upon to assist. It is in recognition of this experience that our neighbours and the international community have accepted our leadership role in initiating diplomatic measures to resolve regional conflict in SADC. But the military deployment of our troops in Lesotho without consulting the interested parties in Lesotho has caused confidence in this country to wane. As we speak today SADC is divided as a result of CONGO and LESOTHO problems. There is no doubt that SADC image would never be the same again. The investors will be reluctant to come to this region. The UDM therefore, propose a consultative forum of all parties who are in favour of democracy and development in SADC region so that similar military interventions in the affairs of member states maybe exposed by people who stand to lose most. This proposed forum should include all political parties (ruling and opposition parties), business people, labour, religious leaders, traditional leaders and non-governmental organisations. This proposed forum will enable the members to adhere to the spirit of the OAU and UN in their deliberations. The current SADC policymaking process is flawed and is subject to individual and selfish political agendas. Perhaps, the model of the European Union can go a long way in improving the working relationship amongst SADC member states. The proposed SADC forum will enable the member states to focus on the issue of democratisation, peace and African development rather than political competition and involve in war of egos, as is currently the case. History has shown us that it was because of collective actions that the liberation movements of Eastern and Southern Africa working jointly with the frontline states and through the OAU and UN were able in the 1960’s and 70’s to remove the remnants of white colonial rule in our region. These channels enabled African people to work as partners and in consultation with all involved members and international communities. It is in the interest of all people in SADC that opposition political parties involve themselves in the activities of their own governments in order to safeguard against the promotion of unmandated agendas by member states. TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION It is a known fact in South Africa that after the 1990 coup attempt against our government in the Transkei I as the head of that government, demanded a thorough investigation on the South African apartheid government’s involvement in that failed coup. I again, in 1996 reported to the TRC that this matter should be investigated especially in the light of alleged involvement of my predecessors. You will recall that on the 22 May 1996 amongst other matters, which I covered in my testimony to the TRC, I stated that the abortive coup was part of urgent requests made by my predecessors to then RSA government to remove us from power by force. For the record and in the interest of bringing the truth to our people who are certainly told lies about our track record in Transkei especially by the ANC and their apologists. (Play a cassette version of 1989 news bulletin) I will quote what I said in my testimony to the TRC: ” When Chief George Matanzima, then Prime Minister of Transkei, refused to step down as a result of his implication in financial scandals, the Transkei Defence Force intervened and forced him out of politics. A new Prime Minister, Miss Stella Sigcau, was elected. We discovered that Chief Matanzima was paid R2 million as a bribe for exclusive gambling rights. Bank statements were obtained from the Bank of Transkei which showed that some of the senior Ministers and Paramount Chief K.D. Matanzima had each received a sum of R50 000 00. This created curiosity among the TDF ranks, that is, lower ranks, including troops, up to Senior Officers as to why the amount was devised among politicians if it was destined for Chief George Matanzima only. On the morning of 31 December 1987, all ranks of the TDF took a decision to remove the government of Miss Stella Sigcau since she was also a recipient of the R500 000. In the context of South African politics the move by the TDF was construed in various ways even by the recipients themselves. The TDF insisted that all culprits be brought before the Courts of law where their fate was to be decided. The toppling of former politicians prompted them to approach Pretoria for the forcible removal of the Military Government from power. To counteract these moves, the Military Government started implementing the recommendations of the Commissions of Inquiry by bringing people like Chief George Matanzima and others to our Courts of Justice. He was sentenced to nine years for his involvement in housing projects”. To my knowledge this matter has not been investigated by the TRC and instead what we hear are noises from the ANC calling for the arrest of alleged killers of these coup plotters. No reference is made to the circumstances surrounding the staging of the abortive coup. Only last week an individual who was responsible for delivering weapons to the leaders of the coup against the government of the then Transkei has come forward and confessed his role. This person has now applied for amnesty from the TRC. On the 17th of September he has indicated to us as leaders of the UDM that he is willing to tell the truth on the coup attempt, and the role played by his Vlakplaas unit on the instructions of the then South African Army. It is on the basis of this revaluation that I want to invite all commanders of armed operations of the then Transkei security forces, families of the victims and injured TDF soldiers to compile a full report for the attention of the Amnesty Committee. I am convinced that the Transkeian people will need their own lawyers paid for by TRC and access to all investigation documentation so that they can freely put their side of the story. The TRC was given this information as far back as 22 May 1996 but Bishop Tutu chose not to take action. This attitude by the chairman of the TRC is still difficult to comprehend but I hope the chairman did not think that the lives of Transkeians were insignificant and thus no investigation was warranted. However, it is clear that his inaction allowed the ANC to shield Minister Stella Sigcau from explaining together with the Matanzimas their reasons and motives for asking the then South African government to forcibly remove us from power. It is clear that the South African army was acting on specific political directives. What we need to know now is whether these political directives were an accumulative result of the Stella Sigcau and the Matanzima’s respective delegations to Pretoria or not. I am convinced that there is a symbiotic relationship between these political directives to the South African Army and these delegations. Since this matter has for some mysterious reasons not been investigated by the TRC despite the overwhelming weight of the above stated facts it is now necessary to provide these details to the TRC Amnesty Committee. VOTER EDUCATION Explain our colours, logo and symbols CLOSURE Thank you messages
