Admin
20 May, 2020
UDEMWO rejects reopening of schools
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) rejects the reopening of schools, on 1 June 2020 for Grade 7 and 12 learners, as announced yesterday by Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga and so approved by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC). The fact that the Minister herself had said that she cannot assure parents that there is no danger of infection, is proof that her department does not have a proper plan in place. We are concerned about the safety of both teachers and learners, especially in disadvantaged schools across South Africa. This move is a gamble with our children’s lives. The Minister also confirmed that a number of schools were either burnt or vandalised over the past two months, which makes the situation even worse. The UDEMWO calls on the Department of Basic Education and the NCCC to review this decision as the confirmed cases of Covid-19 are rapidly increasing on a daily basis. We realise the importance of education, but we cannot put the lives of future South African leaders in danger by taking them back to classrooms at this point in time. We have seen what happened in France where, within a week of reopening schools, they have reported 70 new Coronavirus cases. In South Africa, private schools could fairly safely reopen simply because they have fewer learners per class, but what about our overcrowded public schools where social distancing is not possible. Minister Motshekga must act like a parent in this matter. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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08 Aug, 2019
Women’s Day: 25 years on and women are still under attack
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation would like to wish every woman out there, a good Woman’s Day. We are the mothers and daughters; we are well-able and there is absolutely nothing a woman cannot do. However, how do we celebrate Women’s Month if there is, in fact, nothing to celebrate? Twenty-five years down the line and women in this country still live with a target on their backs; as somehow lesser human beings, only there to be beaten, raped and killed. The ruling party, which should be leading the women’s cause, has done nothing much to change women’s lives when it comes to addressing the scourge of abuse. Paying lip-service is simply not enough and having a useless ministry of women is a waste of time. For instance, in our rural villages, women accused of witchcraft are made to face mobs of killers and our government sits with its arms folded. Where are government’s far-reaching programmes needed to stem the tide of women abuse? Women are the thread that hold our societies together and the ruling party government does not seem to care about their wellbeing, their livelihood or their safety. This is unacceptable and we cannot tolerate this any longer.
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04 Mar, 2019
UDEMWO: Women are not punch bags
Women abuse has become our daily bread, we are sick and tired of waking up to outrageous stories that revolves around women abuse. We are absolutely shocked and disturbed by a video of kwaito star Mampintsha that is making the rounds on social media showing that he is seemingly beating his girlfriend Bongekile Simelane, better known as ‘Babes Wodumo’. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes that all men, especially those in the limelight, who abuse women, influence boys and creates a mind-set that it is normal or acceptable behaviour. What has this generation turned into? We weep for South African women who experience domestic violence with no significant action taken to punish perpetrators. Because of this, women abusers have this mentality that when they mistreat women, they will not face severe consequences. For how long are we going to have men abusing women and get away with it. Women are abused by men who are supposed to love and protect them at all cost; they are not punch bags and sex objects. Domestic violence cannot be treated as insignificant and inconsequential crime. UDEMWO is of the view that legislation should deal with abusers in stricter punitive terms. We call upon the powers that be to develop harsher means to deal with abusers. As long as our justice system is lenient on perpetrators, we are far from conquering women abuse. Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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27 Jul, 2018
UDEMWO: Another child murdered: Where is the women’s minister?
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shaken by yet another murder, that of 4-year-old Uyathandwa Stuurman, in the Khayelitsha area. A few months ago, it was reported that statistics show that more than 2 600 children were murdered in the country over the last three years, while 41% of rapes committed were against minors. These statistics shock to the core. Women are living in fear for their children on a daily basis. UDEMWO condemns the minister of women in the presidency Bathabile Dlamini for her deafening silence. She does not seem to take her work seriously. We never see her; we never hear from her. Minister Dlamini might as well be a trophy in the president’s office that serves no purpose. Why are the ruling party and its government so quiet about these matters? Why is gender violence a ceremonial topic during the 16 Days of Activism and Women’s Month? It is a sad fact that women have lost faith in the organs of state which are supposed to protect them. We live in fear in our own societies and spaces. More often than not we know the rapists and killers in our communities and homes. UDEMWO reiterates its belief that our legal system favours culprits; we believe the sentencing of the guilty are not harsh enough. Murderers and rapists must be put in jail and the key thrown away. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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26 Apr, 2018
#UDEMWO on Freedom Day 2018: what are we celebrating?
Although some changes for the better have taken place since 1994, there are far too many areas that require vast improvement; especially when it comes to women and children; their needs and the protection of their rights. 1) Economic inequality, crushing poverty and gender discrimination are still the order of the day and most women (especially the elderly and the young) are worse off in this patriarchal and misogynist world of ours. When it comes to women’s development and their access to economic opportunities there is a vast gap between them and their male counterparts. 2) Young women are attacked at their places of learning by unscrupulous vultures who leave them hurt and often pregnant with no hope of adequately rearing their babies without accessing child grants – even if these babies are loved and nurtured instead of being discarded as the product of rape. 3) Women, young and old alike, have increasingly become more vulnerable to abuse and are not safe even in their own homes, never mind on the street and footpaths of our cities, towns and villages! The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) therefore have only one question to ask on 27 April 2018: what are we celebrating? One of the glaring problems is that there is absolutely no synergy within the government departments, which leaves the victims of abuse and crime high and dry, only to again face their tormentors at home after the justice system, has spewed them out. The litany is that, for instance, if the police catches a rapist or a woman-beater (and if the docket does not magically disappear), the suspect is quickly released on bail (for a couple of hundred rands). Then the courts fail women when they give those found guilty, a slap on the wrist or sends them to jail with a meagre sentence (as per the maximum which the law allows). And then, correctional services release these monsters on parole so that they can walk freely in society to further intimidate or abuse their existing victims; or simply become serial offenders as they take their violent, criminal, immoral selves off to other places. After this hot mess, talking about justice, and the support and restoration of the dignity to victims, is a useless exercise. For years, the ministers of women in the presidency have been filled with women, just for the sake of their gender and not because they were capable women. The inaugural holder, Ms Susan Shabangu was a roaring failure. The current incumbent Minister Bathabile Dlamini, is merely a political stop-gap. Without a capable person in this post, the plight of women and children will remain an unfulfilled dream, because no-one is able to crack the whip. Simply using public money to organise an undercover Women’s League gathering to celebrate Women’s Day should be lowest on the agenda. UDEMWO calls on: 1) Parliament to review the relevant legislation that almost seems to contradict the constitution when it comes to the protection of women and children’s rights. UDEMWO believes that a zero-tolerance system should be implemented to deter, punish and rehabilitate offenders, whilst supporting the victims and their families; making sure that justice is served, and their dignity restored. 2) President Ramaphosa to ensure greater synergy between the relevant ministries in the justice cluster. 3) President Ramaphosa to simply fire Minister Dlamini and appoint a capable person in that post. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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09 Oct, 2017
#LionMama: UDEMWO welcomes decision to drop charges against Komani mother
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretaty General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) applauds the justice system for dropping the charges against the woman accused of fatally stabbing a man and wounding two others after finding them allegedly raping her daughter in Komani, Eastern Cape. UDEMWO has been vocal in its support for this family, but in particular in support of a woman who the law intended to punish for protecting her daughter. No mother would have been able to fold arms while a horrible act was taking place in their presence. We have stood in support of this courageous woman and we will continue supporting her. Our support is not in promotion of committing crime, but we believe that her and her daughter’s lives were under threat. UDEMWO does not condone any actions of individuals or community’s taking the law into their own hands, but we understand and know that women are under siege from those familiar to them and that desperation can sometimes bring extreme protective instincts to the fore. This mother and the daughter’s lives will never be the same after the horror and as UDEMWO, we will continue to be the voice of the voiceless. End
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06 Oct, 2017
#NMURape: security on our university campuses needs urgent attention
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the arrest of a man suspected of having raped a female student, stabbing another and robbing them at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in the Eastern Cape. It is clear that campus security was compromised with the students being accosted in a lab at the NMU Second Avenue Campus. What is of great concern is that this horrendous incident happened hot on the heels of a hijacking, armed robbery, rape and murder of two NMU students in August 2017. Earlier this year, fellow students killed a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) final-year medical student. In other incidents, also at WSU, a student stabbed his roommate with a bread-knife (August), while a female student was gang-raped whilst a fellow student stripped of his clothes and robbed of his bank card on the premises (in September). Also in early 2017, the University of Zululand abandoned an internal investigation into two senior staff members implicated in the alleged rapes of a student, in three separate incidents. And these are just a few examples of campus crime in 2017 alone. Our institutions of learning have become a playground for rapists, murderers and criminals. There must be a better way of tightening security at our universities and other institutions of learning. It is the responsibility of university managements to ensure that our students are safe in their own spaces; in class, in-between classes and at residences. The Department of Higher Education, together with those in authority positions, must come clean and let parents and students know how they plan to address the scourge of rape and murder on our campuses. End
Admin
06 Sep, 2017
UDEMWO is stunned by gang rape case in Komani, EC
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked by the incident of a 27 year old woman that was gang raped by three men in Komani, Eastern Cape. The incident that saw one of the rapists being stabbed to death while the other two men were injured by the mother of the victim opens wounds to women. This incident is unfortunate. As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we stand in support for the woman, not because she killed the perpetrator but because we believe her life together with her daughter was under threat. Any mother would have done the same should they find themselves in this kind of situation. We do not condone the actions of community taking the law into hands but understanding and knowing that women are under siege in the hands of those familiar to them, we understand the situation. If she did not defend herself she could have been the one killed by the perpetrators and we are certain that if they were going to be arrested, it was going to take time. The mother and the daughter’s lives will never be the same after the horror. That is why we would like to see the remaining perpetrators being brought to book for their inhumane action. To government, more needs to be done in making sure that women and children are protected. UDEMWO has been calling for police stations in places that are rural to make things easier for the community members when they find themselves in situations like this. The mother of the victim tried getting in contact with police with no help. End
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07 Aug, 2017
Women-slapping minister: gender-based violence at the highest level
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is furious and shocked by the incident where the Education Deputy-Minister Mduduzi Manana assaulted two women at a night club at the weekend. He has apparently admitted that he has done so and UDEMWO believes that his actions cannot be justified under any circumstance. This incident not only happens in Women’s Month, but against the background of the increase in gender-based violence in South Africa. A man at Deputy-Minister Manana’s level should live by example. Police Minister Fikile Mbalula must also not be tempted to protect his colleague abusing his position. Deputy-Minister Manana cannot get away with this. No one is above law; least of all a minister and he must face the consequences of his actions. We also hope that the witnesses will not be intimidated during the investigation. Does the ANC Women’s League approve of this behaviour? The same as they did with Kwezi? We in addition call upon the ruling party itself to urgently subject Minister Manana to a disciplinary process. Should there be no consequences for Deputy-Minister Manana, it will be a clear indication that the ruling party and its male ministers do not have time for strong women; we cannot be led by people who don’t respect us. End
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20 Jul, 2017
Gender Violence: Is Yvonne just another statistic
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General There seems to be a heart-wrenching answer to the question of the whereabouts of Yvonne Mbekwa. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is saddened to hear that a burnt body, with her documentation, was found fairly close to where she and her baby had disappeared. Reports do not indicate the fate of her child, but we have come to expect the worst. “Yvonne Mbekwa” is yet another name to add to the growing list of victims of gender-based violence in South Africa. Government is simply not taking this matter seriously. The responsible ministers can’t get away with making a few pacifying noises in the media and leading us in celebrating Women’s Month in a few weeks’ time. 16 Days of Activism does not cut it anymore. What are you doing to drastically better the lives of women in this Country? There is another dynamic to this tragic situation which adds extra discomfort. It has come to light that the main suspect, Yvonne’s boyfriend and father of her child, is a police officer in the Port St Johns area. If he is found to be her murderer; the irony would be too thick to swallow; because the very person who was supposed to give protection, instead took life. We call on the South African Police Service to make a swift arrest, especially since there have been allegations that the suspect has issued threats to Yvonne’s family and community. We also call upon police to speedily investigate the whereabouts of the infant. We keep her family and friends in our prayers. May her soul rest in peace. End
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12 Jul, 2017
Attack on young Mthatha woman: UDEMWO commends swift arrest
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) commends the police officials on the swift arrest of suspects who allegedly raped and horrendously hacked a 19 year old woman in Xhwili village near Mthatha, Eastern Cape. This attack is another example of the escalation of gender based violence that we are witnessing in South Africa at the moment. These swift arrests are a good sign. We hope that the investigation will shed light and that those involved will soon be brought to book. The perpetrators must face the wrath of justice for their inhumane acts. UDEMWO reiterates its call to Minister of Women in the Presidency Susan Shabangu whose silence is deafening. We want to see a functional department that make real changes in women’s lives. End
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31 May, 2017
Protecting Women and Girl Children against violence and abuse (Rule 84) by Mr Lennox Gaehler, MP in the NCOP
Honourable Chairperson and Honourable Members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) joins millions of South Africans to declare, violence and abuse of women and girlchildren, a crime against humanity. Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender-based discrimination and social norms, as well as gender stereotypes that perpetuate such violence. The recent spate of gruesome murders of girls and infants, have a devastating effect on girls, women and society in general, and must be rejected by all. As a nation, we must never tolerate crime, the crime against women and girls must be stopped now. We must do everything legal, to prevent it from happening and address its root and structural causes. Prevention must entail, supporting the implementation of the laws, policies and programmes that place a strong focus on the promotion of gender equality, women’s empowerment and their enjoyment of human rights. Working together, as women, girls, men and boys, we must accelerate progress in preventing and ending violence against women and girls. Awareness raising and community mobilisation, including through traditional forms of communication, the mainstream and social media. The “Not in My Name” campaign by men must be part of our daily life. It must be a collective responsibility and an obligation of both men and boys to prevent and end violence against girls and women. Working with faith leaders, traditional leaders and communities, we must change the social norms and harmful practices, acknowledge and act against gender injustices. Government must too, ensure that the girlchild is protected and make available all the institutional function to give security to the girls. Abuse of girls through child labour is illegal and we have a responsibility to monitor the labour market and ensure that this is abolished. There must be a concerted drive to ensure that all girls enjoy full and equal access to education with the necessary support to keep them focused on the development of their future. A girlchild must be taught and encouraged to accept that there is no small or insignificant violence; all violence is gross violence and is a crime, and therefore must immediately be reported to law enforcement agencies at the time of its occurrence. Law enforcement agencies must be trained and taught on how to respond and manage gender-based violence. As society, we must build working families and household that respect human life. Criminals, who murder our young women must have no place in our homes, political parties, churches, schools, sports, and arts and cultural associations and in the society in general. I thank you
Admin
05 Apr, 2017
UDEMWO condemns attacks on young Cape Town girls
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and disturbed by the recent brutal rape and murder of 11-year-old Stacha Arendse whose body was found dumped in an open field not far from her home in Tafelsig. This atrocity happened within just a few days after the body of murdered Rene Tracy Roman (13), was discovered in a house on the same street where she lived. These horrific attacks against women and girl-children are adding up and has become endemic to the Western Cape. But, we see far too many such incidents right throughout the country. UDEMWO condemns these criminal acts and we call upon the members of the community to work together with the police to ensure that such cruel crimes are not committed. It cannot be that everyday someone dies at the hands of those whom they know and trust. We are thankful that the alleged evil doers are behind bars, but we find it worrying that the man arrested for the attack on Stacha is a convicted rapist who was out on six months’ parole. We therefore hope that justice be swift and that harsh measures will be taken against those found guilty – they must never be unleashed on society again. We urge the MEC of Community Safety in the Western Cape, Mr Dan Plato, together with all the relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in curbing this growing trend of attacks on women and children in the Province. One soul is one too many.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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
