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14 Aug, 2016
Towards a National Convention: a UDM proposal to Cope, EFF and UF
BACKGROUND Reference is made to our meeting held on Sunday the 7th of August this instant, in which we produced a guide for engaging other parties, in particular the ANC and the DA, on a possible coalition governments in some of the local councils. You will recall that in the guide document we proposed that there be a National Convention which, many citizens have welcomed and viewed it as an initiative to create hope for the better. It is very clear that the pressing challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and corruption can no longer be tolerated by citizens of the country. Electorate have made a clarion call for a visionary leadership of the country to emerge and be charged with the responsibility to provide a road map towards resolving these challenges. Through the ballot box, they have instructed all political parties that participated in the elections to urgently converge under one roof to provide a decisive leadership. It is the function and responsibility of political and societal leaders to ensure that the clarion call made by electorate is attended to without delay. Accordingly, a proposal towards the convening of a National Convention requires an immediate consideration and commitment by all leaders of political parties and other leaders of society. Such a proposal should constitute part of agreements to be entered into by political parties in coalition governments and be extend to all other parties. THE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION The envisaged National Convention shall be seized with the following matters, amongst others. These were identified in our guide to engage with the ANC and the DA as medium to long term priorities. • Economic Emancipation of all South Africans biased towards the historically excluded groups. • Resolution of the land question; • Property ownership; • Nationalisation; • Electoral system reforms; • Party Funding Legislation; • Strengthening of the Chapter nine institutions; and • Any other related matter of national interest. These priorities demands very tight and clear time-frame that shall bind all and be agreed to. PARTICIPANTS AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION South Africa is at cross roads as it is rudderless because of poor or lack of proper leadership. Accordingly, the participants in the National Convention must be extended to all citizens through maximum representation from, amongst others. • Political parties; • Religious bodies; • Traditional institutions; • Labour; • Non-Governmental Organisations; • Institutions of Higher Learning; • Issue based organisation; and • Other Civil Society Organisations. The South African crisis situation demands that we adopt an approach that is all inclusive and pragmatic. One of the credits to our country is our ability to resolve challenges through dialogue. Certainly, in resolving the current crisis, we need to borrow from our recent past. CODESA delivered political liberation with more still to be done on the economic front. Such more work demands that we collectively craft and adopt a binding consensus on the matters raised above and others. The intention must be to ensure that the people of South Africa are able to participate fully in determining and directing their future. In this regard, systems and methods of maximum and meaningful consultation with the communities shall have to be put in place and implemented with no fail. FACILITATION AND COORDINATION OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION For a proper and productive dialog amongst citizens in a representative forum of this magnitude, it will be important that: • That an all-inclusive National Summit be convened to develop and adopt a framework to guide all participants and role players of the National Convention. This National Summit shall precede the National Convention. Political parties both in coalition governments and outside the coalition governments shall have the right to participate in the summit including all sectors of society. • That the Office of the Chief Justice be requested to assist with personnel to facilitate and guide discussions both in the summit and the convention. This personnel may include retired jurists and other citizens of prominence with not vested interests either than being citizens of the country. This personnel shall be part of a National Convention Steering Committee that shall be appointed by the National Summit. • Although the intention is to ensure that all political parties participate, the process should resist from being held hostage by those who have no vested interest in resolving the pressing matters confronting our nation. In this regard, those who are not confident of this route, shall be persuaded through and by action. CONCLUSION The proposed National Convention must emerge with a comprehensive blue print of a road to be traversed by the country in dealing with all the matters raised above with strict time-frames and resources. A cooperation by all political parties is what South Africans have called for in these elections. Accordingly, parties that agree on the convening of the National Convention must ensure that it is convened and is a success. We must remain committed to the country and its citizens at all times and put South Africa first. Such a convention would fail it does not establish implementation committees with targets and time-frames under the guidance of the Convention Plenary. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) views this approach and process as a consolidation of a programmatic and developmental relations that should exist between and amongst all political parties, the civil society and the citizenry. It is also a mechanism to redefine ‘coalition’ as a ‘cooperation’ that is driven by a desire and commitment to contribute to the betterment of the lives of all people than just a desire to swallow or co-opt other political parties and or sectors of civil society. Bantu Holomisa UDM President
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07 Aug, 2016
2016 Municipal Election: A collective view arising out of a meeting held on between the UDM, EFF, COPE and UF: a guide to engage with the ANC and the DA
INTRODUCTION The 2016 Municipal Election was a watershed for our country with the advent of a possible cooperation of political parties. Emphatically, the electorate have spoken loudly against one party arrogant dominance, corruption, nepotism, the disregard of the rule of law, the failure to provide basic quality services, and mediocre in the sea of poverty, unemployment and inequality. In this regard, they have in not less than 27 municipalities, decided to test all political party’s commitment to the need for a caring government. They have done so by reducing the dominance of the ruling party and by refusing to endorse any other party as an automatic alternative to govern. Certainly, the policies and the performance of the ruling party as a government have received a strong critic and more importantly, a sense of how best to address the challenges faced by South Africa has also been given a platform to rise. South Africans are mindful of the dangers that are inherent in a one party dominant state and believe that the best way of securing the constitution and, with it, the future success of South Africa a commitment by all political parties to a cooperative governance through coalitions. The envisaged cooperation creates a possibility for a platform to agree on minimum to maximum actions in response to the triple challenges confronting South Africa. Indeed this is a great and significant shift in the body polity of our nation. Cooperation also demands that the parties recognise that the time is opportune for a re-alignment of South African politics led by parties who can lead social forces brought together by a shared commitment to a new vision and policy agenda for South Africa. We will engage in discussion that will advance the interests of all citizens towards a common platform and unity in action. In this regard, the parties welcome the discussions with all other parties that are interested in the service of the people. Accordingly, we view these discussions to be more about cooperation of political parties in the servicing of the citizens. In whatever cooperation we agree on, we shall always be connected with the base of its support and be true and diligent representatives of their cause and aspirations. Any cooperation must at all time respect the views of the electorate as expressed through the ballot paper. We shall not go into political marriage where we are destined to be swallowed up or serve other political parties’ agenda, but will remain true to our vision and mission as independent parties, and will favourable consider participation in a major realignment of policies. COOPERATION (COALITION) BASED ON A COMMON AGENDA We believe that the glue that must bind all political parties is the commitment to provide basic services to the all citizens irrespective of their socio economic circumstances. Of immediate necessity is the agreement on the following. 1. Service delivery relate matters • Provision of clean water and in particular to rural hinterland; • Provision of quality shelter for all those who deserve and qualify with speed, and eradication of informal settlements; • Electrification of all rural areas and provision of reliable electricity to all; • Better waste management systems for social and economic beneficiation of citizens; • Putting an end to E-Tolls; • Regulation of the informal trading including street vendor hawkers; • Prioritisation, formalisation and integration of the Early Childhood Development as part of the mainstream education system; • Vigorous and meaningful actions intended to create sustainable jobs; • An immediate review of the procurement (tendering) system to favour amongst other Local Economic Development and beneficiation; • Reviewing of the current property valuation and rating system; • Improving of the billing system to ensure that citizens pay for services they consume; • Creation of the dedicated units for regular maintenance of the infrastructure; • Eliminating corruption at all levels of government; • Removal of the current Head of State who has been an embodiment of corruption; • Finalisation of the proper naming of the Capital City of the South Africa; • Provision of Free Education to all deserving citizens; • Immediate suspension of the envisaged Nuclear deal; 2. Budget Implications/ review Amongst other things to be agreed on as a matter of urgency, is the review budget so that it responds to the issues raised above. National and Provincial Governments are already in the process of the mid-term budget review and municipalities will be entering this process very soon as they have just adopted IDPs and Budget two months ago. Accordingly, as parties we strongly agree, that the next six months should be used to review and realign budgets in order to ensure maximum resourcing of the above priorities. 3. Constitutional Reforms In this regard, the parties felt very strong that whilst other matters are of long term nature, a very clear and binding timeframes must be agreed to by all. We further propose a firm commitment amongst all political parties to the convening of an urgent National Convention, led by political parties and all other social partners, to consider and resolve on the following, amongst others: • Land question; • Property ownership; • Nationalisation; • Electoral reforms; • Party Funding Legislation; • Strengthening of the Chapter nine institutions. At the centre of the proposed National Convention should be how best to address the urgent need of Economic Emancipation of all citizens in particular the historical disadvantaged individuals and groups. 4. Further issues It is common knowledge that South Africans have registered their displeasure with how government has been using the available resources. In this regards, cooperation must also look at how the size of the cabinet reinforces the need to spare resource and redirect them to service delivery. Parties are firmly proposing a review and realignment of cabinet functions with the intention of reducing the size of the cabinet. The appointment of Mayor and other political heads at local government must appreciate the need to a working cooperation. In this regard, the parties may have to consider whether the Executive Mayoral system is best suitable to deliver or the Executive Committee Systems. Whatever we may agree on, centrally should be a system that recognises all participants whilst ensuring less bottlenecks in servicing the people. It must also place the people at the centre of their own development. This also applies to the appointment of Municipal Officials from the Municipal Managers to other managers and lower staff members. The purpose must be to keep public service as a professional function and always separate the state from a political party. Conclusion A cooperation by all political parties is what South Africans have called for in these elections. Accordingly, parties that agree on what has to be done going forward, must ensure delivery of efficient and effective services to the people, and pursued unity of purpose in earnest. Perhaps the saying: Individually you are fierce warriors, but when you fight as one you are most powerful better sums up the approach. We must enter into cooperation on objectives that do not derail us the mandate of the electorate and our manifestos. In the crafting of a frame-work for a possible cooperation, it must be clear upfront why it is desirable for us to embark on that as a both a tactical and strategic way forward. Centrally, any coalition/cooperation require a strong commitment to the need to service the people thus putting community first.
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15 Jul, 2016
UDM reacts to Zuma – ANC’s CountdownToVictory
Mr Jacob Zuma should rather look at his organisation which is currently contradicting the positive gains of our history under his leadership. Who has ever thought that a liberated South Africa would be led by a questionable character like himself who lavishly and exclusively spends taxpayers monies without having any regrets, thereby superseding the negative conduct of former Apartheid Presidents. Shockingly superseding! His organization is promoting lawlessness and politics of thuggery as we speak. Realistically, today South Africa is burning because of ANC’s infighting which he claims to be growing. What a contradiction! The ANC’s implosion has unfortunately led to both public and private property being caught in a crossfire of the ANC’s infighting. The sooner he packs his bags the better . He is an embarrassment to South Africa. It is true they fired me because they were paving way for their corrupt tendencies – from Sol Kerzner to Gupta’s capturing of the ANC. So who is fooling who? Haaaaaaa! Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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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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24 May, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Public Protector regarding alleged abuse by CETA CEO
Dear Advocate Madonsela ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE REQUESTED INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER CONDUCT/MALADMINISTRATION AND ABUSE OF OFFICE BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION AND TRAINING AUTHORITY (CETA): FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REPORT My letter dated 9 February 2016, sent to your good office on the same day has reference. Subsequently, I wish to bring to your attention that a forensic investigation by CETA has been concluded and that a report was presented to the board on the 9th of May 2016. In this regard, your office is humbly advised to demand access to the forensic investigation report referred to above. In order to get a full picture, your office is also advised to request the relevant court papers, minutes of the board meeting as well as the reports the CEO presented to the relevant parliamentary portfolio committee, in which she has been found to have misled all those bodies. Geldenhys – Malatji firm, which conducted the forensic investigation referred to above, at CETA, has confirmed that in their investigation there was an adverse finding against Mr George Peta and that the CETA should never have done business with him and his company, called Canton Trading. They further reaffirmed that the CETA Forensic Investigations, prior to Mr George Peta’s resignation and subsequent business dealings with the CETA had made serious adverse findings against Mr Peta and emphasised that CETA should not have done business with him. Given the additional information, herein shared with your office, we humbly request that the Public Protector ask the following, directly to the Minster as part of the investigation requested. The Minister is in possession of the Forensic Report which has found that the CEO has lied, what steps he is taking, if any, with regard to such gross miss-conduct. The country needs to know what was the benefit of spending R60million on George Peta’s Company and whether how such public expenditure has changed the lives of the intended beneficiaries, the poor students and how many, if any. The minister is also aware that the CETA did business to the tune of R60 million with Mr Peta, a person the minister’s investigators said we should never have done a business with – what actions, if any, has the minister taken against: · The CEO; · The Board; and · The Procurement Officials (Africa Wide Consulting Services) Given the fact that the whistle-blowers have been vindicated by the findings in the Geldenhys – Malatji Investigation, why do they remain suspended and dismissed whilst the person proved to have misled the EXCO, the Board, the Portfolio Committee and the court, remains in the office and in charge of a billion rand operation. It is common cause that the CEO’s salary was mysteriously increased to the tune of R2.7 million, however, the Minister has to explain how was this done and what were the reasons. Given the findings of the forensic investigation on the conduct of the CEO, what is the Minister intending to do with regards to what could be viewed as fruitless and wasteful expenditure in paying the dubious CEO such amounts. Your office is further request that it demand the evidence presented in the Geldenhys – Malatji’s Investigation which has directed the investigation to arrive at these critical findings. Attached herein are relevant documents that would make it easy to proceed with the investigation I look forward to your excellent investigative work on this matter. Kind regards, Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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29 Apr, 2016
Debate on Budget Vote 24 – Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Address by Mr ML Filtane, MP in Parliament Honourable Speaker and members The United Democratic Movement (UDM), supports the budget vote with the following comments. Although the Department manages 64 000 hectors of category B and C of plantations, there is no budget for the revitalisation of these plantations through which process, jobs could have been created. In the meantime there is a huge national demand for sawlog timber. South Africa could soon be a net importer of sawlogs because the water shortages, change of business model as well as the state’s poor management of the category B and C forests. The consequence hereof is that building costs are going to go up. The department bosts a large number of highly qualified personnel, yet all we see is an ongoing increase in the numbers of food-less citizens and jobless people. The projected 40 000 beneficiaries of the food production initiatives is less than a drop in ocean because it accounts for less than 1% of the total population that lives below the poverty line. Truth is, people don’t care how much you know, all they want to know is how much you care, for them. The impact of your draught relief programme was so minimal that two farmers took their lives after losing hope in your endeavours, most farmers in the Eastern Cape have only heard about your efforts, instead of actually getting it. Food prices are set to rise to unprecedented levels. The effect of the drastic reduction of the Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) budget is going to be negative that even ordinary citizens will decry your decision. This is an entity that was able to produce an effective drought tolerant maize seed. Had they had the obviously necessary financial support, the effect of drought would have been seriously minimised, thus saving the citizens from death resulting starvation. Go produce food for the starving masses such that the social grants beneficiaries can get food at farm gate prices with minimal transport costs. (transport adds 25% to the plate of food). Prioritise food production. If the department had a strong policy of maximising your position in the local market, you would not be worried about the collapsing China markets. The committee’s report is not reflective of public representatives who realise that this country is in dire-straights. I suggest the department responds much faster to the recommendations. Poverty drives more people to social security for financial relief. The numbers of food producers has declined by about 30% in the last 10 to 20 years. The current government is not being effective in stopping the haemorrhage. South Africa is going to be less food producing and have very high food costs. Minister, you are producing inflation. Most important and urgent, the agricultural sector remains lily white with no semblance or evidence of purposeful transformation that dismantles the exclusive ownership of food production in our country. It is disturbing to hear that white farmers continue to exclude the majority of citizens by using Afrikaans as the only medium of producing food. We demand a clear realistic plan on this. Thank you
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21 Apr, 2016
UDM reacts to Arms Deal Commission Report
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa The long awaited report on the allegations of mass corruption in the 1999 arms deal has not surprised anyone. It only adds to the shelves of South Africa, another white-washed report whose objective is nothing less than clearing comrades from Luthuli House. Our memories are still fresh from the damning findings of the Durban High Court, in which evidence carried in the notorious encrypted fax, recording an alleged arms deal bribe to the then Deputy President of the country from the French arms giant, Thales. This piece of evidence was successfully admitted, used in court and led to the conviction of Mr. Schabir Shaik. In the judgment that followed, Mr. Zuma was implicated. It is very disturbing that the report is conspicuously quiet on this. In fact, it is also mysterious that Mr. Zuma did not testify in the commission even though he allegedly accepted a bribe from Thales. We are also not told about the luxurious vehicles that were bought for various Luthuli House comrades who were connected to the arms deal procurement processes. In fact, we are not told whether the commission, during its independent investigation, did take advantage of various investigations and findings conducted by other countries like the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and France. We remember that the German detectives said they found a copy of the agreement when they raided ThyssenKrupp, the German engineering conglomerate which led the consortium that sold four patrol corvettes to South Africa for R6.9 billion. The bribe agreement was reported to be R6 million. It begs to wonder the seriousness of the commission, its work and product. We also remember that the commission was marred with resignations including the one of the evidence leader who challenged the credibility of the inquiry. We note the timing of the release of the report, which is on the eve of highly contested Local Government Elections. The ruling party is in dire need of a relief for it to be taken serious by the electorate. It enters this campaign on the back foot due to its corrupt activities including the flouting of the Constitution. This report comes as a tool to strengthen their compromised campaign. End
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19 Apr, 2016
Condolences to ANC and Ekurhuleni community: bus tragedy that occurred between Winburg and Ventersburg
Dear Mr Mantashe CONDOLONCES TO THE ANC AND EKURHULENI COMMUNITY The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to convey a message of condolence to the families and friends of those who lost lives in the bus tragedy that occurred between Winburg and Ventersburg, on their way back from ANC Manifesto Launch in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape over the weekend. We also extend condolences to the ANC and Ekurhuleni community at large for the tragedy. We wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. As UDM we feel that the accident could have been avoided if the drivers were responsible enough hence we are calling for proper investigation into the matter. Kind regards, Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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04 Apr, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to Thuli Mandonsela with request for an addendum of costs for Nkandla
Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR AN ADDENDUM TO THE COSTS OF NKANDLA New details have emerged of how state funds were used to buy fittings, fixtures and building materials for private residence of the President. I am aware that your office was not granted access to this information, however, it is now in the public domain. The former Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Works, Rachard Samuel, is reported to have compiled a dossier revealing the following as costs that were paid by the department towards the private renovations of the private residence of the President. According to the Sunday Times report of the 27 March 2016, Rachard Samuel listed costs, totalling to a whopping R4, 6 million which is broken down as follows: 1. R1.5-million for air-conditioning at two private houses, a guesthouse and a guardhouse. This is apart from the R5-million for air-conditioning detailed in your report and that of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU); 2. R311, 932 for covered walkways between private residences; 3. R54,721.20 for six meranti doors and 26 meranti window frames; 4. R11,850 for hinges and bolts, doorstops, stainless steel hat-and-coat hooks, and six doormats that cost R1500 each; 5. R34,834.80 for aluminium sliding doors – without bulletproof glass – and other aluminium installations; 6. R38,517 for bulletproof sliding doors; 7. R63,215 for plastering materials, R23,300 for tiling and R41,406 for painting internal and external walls; 8. R271, 796 for carpentry and joinery, including roof construction; and 9. R2.4 million for “extras”. I believe, that your office has the authority to summon this information, and approach the Office of the Chief Justice for a proper guidance on how to deal with the new exposé. If this information is true as I believe, then it should help the National Treasury in making a proper determination of the costs to be personally paid by the President. I look forward to a favourable consideration of this request. Kind regards, Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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31 Mar, 2016
UDM reacts to Concourt ruling on Nkandla
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP The damning Constitutional Court judgment against President Zuma and the ANC dominated National Assembly are a vindication of a position that the United Democratic Movement (UDM) has always held: that the African National Congress (ANC) has given the country a dubious person in the name of a president. Today the Constitutional Court has confirmed that this man is a danger to the constitution and our constitutional democracy. In doing this he is supported by a large team of ANC marshals occupying seats in the National Assembly whilst directly taking instructions from Luthuli House as voting cattle. Mr. Zuma has broken his oath of office and the National Assembly has failed to discharge its constitutional responsibility and hold him to account. We repeat that: South Africans are not electing the President of the country but a political party. The ANC has given us this dubious character whose disregard of the rule of law has been confirmed by the highest court of the land. The ANC must therefore come to its proper senses and fire the embarrassing President. He has no capacity to protect the constitution, our economy and certainly cannot be trusted with the resources of the people. Throughout his term of office, he has brought the country into disrepute and collapsed its economy creating a hopeless society whilst his pockets and that of his family are filled with people’s monies. End
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09 Mar, 2016
Racial Tension and conflict at South African Universities
Address by Mr UDM Chief Whip Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly Madame Speaker and Honourable Members, The racial strife the #AfrikaansMustFall campaign has caused and other critical issues raised by the #FeesMustFall Movement should rouse us from our deep Rainbow Nation slumber! It is clear that the majority citizens clench pent up frustrations about an economic system that marginalises them and their languages more than two decades since we attained freedom. Kenyan Author, Ngugi wa Thiong’o once shared his insight into the role of language in the historical consciousness and development of nations with these words, and I quote: “It is this aspect of language, as a collective memory-bank of a given people, which has made nations and peoples to take up arms to prevent total annihilation or assimilation of their languages, because it is tantamount to annihilating that people’s collective memory-bank of past achievements and failures which form the basis of their common identity. It is like uprooting that community from history.” End quote. The ongoing racial conflict at our universities over the use of languages can, to some extent, be viewed in this context. It is an attempt by each party to, whether rightly or wrongly, act in manner that seeks to protect and ward off an affront to its “common identity”. With our liberal Constitution, which protects all our rights, this needs not be so. It is the Constitutional right of Afrikaans students to be taught in Afrikaans – and we must respect that! Similarly, it is the Constitutional right of indigenous language speakers to be taught in the language of their choice – and that too must be respected! And no one should foist Afrikaans on our people! The nub of the problem, however, is that, two years later, we have failed to elevate the status and the use of languages of diminished use, in line with Section 6 (2) of the Constitution. We have to develop our languages into academic languages that grant their speakers equal access to power and influence. Speaker, We reject racism with the contempt it deserves. As we do so, we should remember that many students face discrimination at our tertiary institutions on a daily basis. They also have to put up with an alienating institutional culture that makes it difficult for them to acclimatise and to compete with their white counterparts. We have to compel our institutions to build an inclusive institutional culture that integrates students from diverse backgrounds in a manner that follows broad principles of representativity, receptivity and fairness. However, more broadly, the unrest at our universities is a microcosm of South Africa’s larger socio-economic problems, such as the slow pace of economic transformation, high levels of poverty and inequality among the majority citizens, which require urgent attention. We therefore cannot remain impassive in the face of their anguished cries for help! We have to roll-up our sleeves and get involved. But before we do so, our students have to commit to a disciplined, structured and nonviolent struggle that forwards their cause. History warns us against the disastrous consequences of allowing emotions to overwhelm our ability to reason. Fellow South Africans, Whatever our differences, we are all stitched together by our shared history and common destiny. We are therefore all duty-bound to help build a South Africa in which we all look forward to the sunrise of our tomorrow. I thank you.
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08 Mar, 2016
Isilimela Road in Port St Johns and the Mthatha High Court
Statement by Mr Mncedisi Filtane (MP) in the National Assembly Responding to the much published potential loss of the public monies, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) member of the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Mr. Mncedisi Filtane, fielded this question to the Department: “What is that the department if doing about a much publicised potential loss surrounding the stalled road construction of the Isilimela Road in Port St Johns and whose contract value is R200 million?” The department made a commitment in the Portfolio Committee meeting, that it will investigate the matter, working with the Provincial Department of Public Works and thereafter, present a report to the committee soon. The United Democratic Movement welcomes this speedy response and commitment. We hope the investigation will ensure that the much needed road is constructed with speed and that public monies are not wasted. We further welcome a commitment made the by Minister of Public Works with regard to the Mthatha high court infrastructural upgrade. During 2015, this matter was raised with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services. Amongst issues raised was the infrastructural decay of the high court. Today, the Minister of Public Works, pronounced that the Mthatha high court will be attended to, from the 1st of April 2016 and a progress report will be presented to the Portfolio Committee at the end of the first quarter of the year, which is the end of June. We also welcome this commitment and looking forward to the upgrading of the Mthatha High Court so that it can provide qualitative services to the people.
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29 Feb, 2016
The impact of SA’s drought on the agricultural economy
Address by Mr ML Filtane, MP in Parliament Honourable Speaker and members Although agricultural sector’s relative contribution to the gross domestic product of the country is small and still declining, it nevertheless plays an important role in the creation of wealth and safety nets in South Africa, specifically in the rural areas. Drought has severely affected the country’s agricultural productivity capacity and thus affecting negatively our Gross Domestic Product. It affects both crop and livestock farming devastatingly. The loss of maize exports and the move to import more, results in the widening of the trade deficit. Agriculture export made up about 11 percent of South Africa’s total annual exports, surely this year, 2016, agricultural export revenue is likely to drop. One sector within the agricultural economy that is normally forgotten when considering the effects of drought, is the emerging, small and informal agricultural sector. As a result of this omission, when drought relief programmes are planned and implemented, this group of farmers is left outside. Mandla Nkomo, Operations Director at TechnoServe, which assists emerging farmers, had this to say: the drought’s impact on its clients was devastating. This is so because amongst others, these farmers depend on regulated irrigation and in times like these, water allocation is controlled and cut back. Many of the emerging farmers have been hard hit such that they had to write off their entire crop. The emerging and informal farmers, are also vulnerable because they have no insurance, savings or anything like that, so during drought, they take the knock full on with no resources to reboot themselves. In this regard, a combination of interventions has to be pulled together in assisting the emerging and informal farmers. They are very important in providing basic food security, fighting poverty and we need to make graduate into commercial farmers. Amongst others, UDM propose the following, to be done to mitigate devastating effects of drought in particular on emerging and informal farmers: Agricultural training including planning for drought as well as using the indigenous methods of responding to drought. Government and the industry should move away from reactive methods towards more proactive approach towards drought and other natural disasters. Capacitation of emerging and informal farmers so that they can grow into commercial farmers and consistently contribute to economic growth and employment creation in a sustainable and bigger scale. Whilst these farmers are unable to afford the insurance rates, government should consider subsidising them. Further, government should educate these farmers on how they should develop drought plans and the drought mitigation and coping strategies. Once they have these tools in place, the insurance premiums will be affordable and government can pull-out his subsidy. All of this must be accompanied by a realistic, reasonable and requisite rural infrastructure development programme to support rural development. Thank you
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22 Feb, 2016
UDM condemns service disruptions by ANC in Ingquza Hill Municipality
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns the disruption of public services due to internal strife amongst the African National Congress members in the Ingquza Hill Municipality. Most affected areas include ward 21 eMcobothini, ward 20 Hombe, and ward 16 Nkunzimbini. It is reported that this problem started three weeks ago when community members affiliated to the ruling party were not pleased with the Ward Councillors that are deployed in the affected areas. This has led to the angry members to take to the streets, blocking the streets with big stones leading to pupils not going to school, burning tyres and in some schools teachers were forced out of classes by these members. Today, many shops in town were forced by the protesting community members to close down. This only means that businesses and owners who have nothing to do with the turmoil within the ANC are also negatively affected. We will not tolerate the abuse of innocent people by the ruling party and its members. Their in-fights must not affect the ordinary person in the street. As the UDM, we condemn this action that has led to many disruptions in Ingquza and calling upon the ANC leadership in that area to intervene and solve whatever problems they are faced with. People have a right to free movement. Statement issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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18 Feb, 2016
SONA Debate: UDM comments on the reply by the President
The United Democratic Movement welcomes the comment made by the President in response to our call for an All-Inclusive National Economic Transformation Indaba. Notwithstanding his fears, we remain convinced that South Africans from all political and socio-economic persuasions are prepared to do everything possible for the growth and development of our economy. As South Africans did with the political transition, decided to embrace each other irrespective of different ideological positions and a painful experience, surely there is a possibility that they can find each other on the economic ground. The fact that captains of industry are not only prepared but ready to engage with labour movements, all parties confirmed the need for something drastic to be done in the economic front, should be a positive indicator. In any event, South Africa has been able to find each other on the National Development Plan. Indeed and as we have proposed, the process towards the Indaba should be preceded by a National Summit which shall agree on the national framework that will guide the Indaba and reduce areas of disagreement. Such will address his fears. However, the fact the President elected not to consider the following, has appalled UDM. 1. Whilst the President has re-iterated government’s commitment to fight corruption, we thought that he would specifically provide leadership on the questionable transactions taking place in the Public Investment Corporation, where pension monies of the poor working people are flowing into the back pockets of the cronies of the ruling elite. These include the deals done to benefit amongst others, the consortiums called Kilimanjaro Sakhumnotho and a not-for-profit organisations, “Global Fund for Christ”. These include provided funds of many of the ex-mine workers who have been marching between the Union Buildings and Parliament with no answer. 2. This also includes the crisis in the Construction Education and Training Authority, where corruption whistle blowers are reported to SACP leaders for reprimand. The levies paid by poor workers are being abused just under the nose of the Minister of Higher Education and Training who is an SACP chief. 3. The abuse of public funds through the so-called ‘War on Leaks Project’ launched by the President in Port Elizabeth, where only those young people associated with the ruling party gets jobs. Effectively, this projects funds campaign activities of the ruling party’s volunteers. We thought that the President would condemn the usage of public money by government leaders of the ruling party assisted by government officials. We also thought that the President would take the nation into his confidence and explain why after such painful experience the country has gone through due to his actions, he remains in office. This is so important given the fact that some of these actions have compromised the national legislature and members of the cabinet. In this regard, UDM shall continue to make a call for the revolutionary consciousness of Mr Zuma to prevail and for him to vacate the Office of the President with dignity. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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18 Feb, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA re Gupta Family
• Mining Minister’s Gupta Trip • Name: Van Rooyen’s two Gupta ‘advisers’ who almost hijacked SA Treasury • Duarte denies abuse of office • Why the Gupta family’s alleged deal with Denel is dubious • Denel and Gupta venture ‘illegal’ • Gupta-Zuma Firm gets 10th of Richards Bay Coal Export Rights • Nuclear energy: Gupta’ power play (Shive Uranium) Dear Honourable Speaker THE THREAT PRESENTED BY THE GUPTA FAMILY TO THE SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY’S RESOURCES. The widely reported proximity between our head of state and the Gupta Family has reached unprecedented proportions and therefore demands an immediate intervention by an appropriate national legislative body. The reported transactions, some of which are attached, exposes that critical and strategic industries are targeted for influence and capture by this family and its associates, chiefly amongst others being the son of the President. Further disturbing reports are that, the cabinet seem to have been co-opted to an extent that they are obliged to be paraded during breakfast shows of SABC 2, organised by the New Age of the same family. These breakfast shows are directly funded by State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) yet our public broadcaster (SABC) gets zero and all the millions go to the Gupta family. The capture and control of the cabinet by this family has since gone beyond the breakfast shows, today the nation knows that, recently, the Minister of Mineral Resources accompanied this family to Switzerland to help snatch yet another coal mining deal. Already, some of the members of the cabinet are publicly undermined and embarrassed; as witnessed in the recent illegal joint venture with a State Owned Enterprise, Denel without the knowledge of the minister and compliance with the relevant regulatory framework, (PFMA) of our country. We are now told that the same family is snatching another coal exports rights through Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Once again, a direct family member of the President is part of this, we read. During the turmoil in our National Treasury caused by an abrupt and most devastating decision to unceremoniously remove a performing minister; the one-week minister came carrying as his hand bag, two so-called advisers, with highly questionable academic qualification, and not only allegedly linked to the same family, but one being a son in law of the Deputy Secretary General of the ruling party. These disturbing reports are a source of discomfort and threat to the already devastated economy of the country. They further undermine, the confidence of both local and outside investors. There is no reasonable and mindful business person who would be encouraged to invest his or her wealth in a country whose economy is run by a family. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement, request the Office of the Speaker to direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings based on amongst others, these serious reports and allegations which are already undermining our economy and the country’s security. Kindly find attached reference articles listed above. Kindly advise Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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11 Feb, 2016
UDM SONA Expectations
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa The United Democratic Movement expects the President to outline: How is the government going to bring concrete and realistic solutions to our economic woes: Instead of the consumptive policies that the current leadership is obsessed with characterised by targeted corrupt consumption like in the case of pension fund in which Nedlac failed to play its role. It would be a bold and positive stance if the President was to announce the appointment of a steering committee to prepare framework for an inclusive Economic Indaba, which would among others, come up with a comprehensive and implementable plan with time frames to take our economy forward. High on the agenda of the Inclusive Economic Indaba would be the issue of land, role of the state, business and labour in addressing the triple challenges facing the country, being unemployment, inequality and poverty. The SONA must also provide an answer to the questions: • How can we make sure that we invest on the majority citizens of this country as opposed the so – called BEE deployees who have no control and ownership of the economy; • How do we deal with tensions between labour, government and business; and • How do we extricate ourselves from the tinge of corruption, sadly perpetrated by country’s leadership. End
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03 Feb, 2016
Zuma must go
Zuma has no respect for the people of this country. He has embarrassed his own colleagues in the ruling party, in the process compromised the morale fibre of this country. His pronouncement is nothing less of electioneering. The people of South Africa must continue to hold the President and government to account. His attempt to want to avoid further embarrassment and ridicule by the Constitutional Court, should be rejected at all costs. The Constitutional Court must proceed to confirm powers of the Public Protector. We reject his reference to AG. Public Protector’s remedial actions must not be amended by Zuma who is the main culprit. Public Protector said figures must be determined by National Treasury and SAPS not AG. In the meantime ANC must do us a favour and call him back. He is a liability. South Africa deserves better. Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa
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01 Feb, 2016
UDM calls for Commission Of Inquiry on ARV crisis, Free State
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi. UDM Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement (UDM), we are stunned by the dire situation of ARV treatment shortage for HIV positive patients in the Free State province. The problem has led to many patients defaulting on their treatment as they have not received medication since October last year while at some parts of the province the problem began as early as June. We cannot fold our arms and watch while innocent lives are suffering and denied an access to their basic right to health. Patients cannot afford to stop taking Anti-retrovirals after have already started in taking them because this will put them in danger of developing resistance to the drugs. Such scenario affects CD 4 count negatively This has gotten out of hand. UDM is calling upon the Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to walk the talk that his government is changing lives for the better. A speedy intervention to resolve this crisis is needed. Our people deserve better. With more than 20 years into democracy we cannot have such situation where the masses are not taken care of. It is high time that the government and stakeholders involved come up with a lasting solution in the Province. The Minister must also institute a Commission of Inquiry on the failure of officials to execute the plan of the Department. This is a disgrace and embarrassment to the Nation. End
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28 Jan, 2016
KSD ready for 2016 Local Government Elections
Statement issued by UDM KSD Electoral Task Team The UDM in the KSD is ready for the 2016 Local Government Elections. Guided by our national manifesto, which was adopted and launched in our 5th National Congress held in December 2015; we are finalising our localised KSD version of the manifesto. In our local manifesto, we will focus on Good Governance. In this regard, the rule of law shall be a system on which proper local governance will be based and guard against the abuse of power and allow innovations and the economy to flourish. Corruption as one of the main contributors to unemployment, poverty, inequality and poor services and has characterised the KSD municipality. This must be ended. We shall focus on how to provide effective local governance, appropriate personnel employment, proper planning, proper utilisation of resources and performance management. We shall also focus on making KSD on the key economic growth areas in the province, so that it becomes one of the fastest growing economies in the Eastern Cape and South Africa. In this regard, our manifesto will spell-out our plans to: • Invest more on infrastructure development, improving and maintaining good main and access roads, ensure water and electricity infrastructure is improved and maintained. • Create opportunities for quality jobs. We will develop and implement programmes with high labour absorption and retention levels with skills transfer. • Preserve environment as a source of energy and better living condition. • Work with communities to take advantage of land for quality crop and stock farming. • Work together with Institutions of Traditional Leaders, in support of their historic and rightful role in local and rural development. • Work with all Civil Society Organisation, including but not limited, Religious Communities and the Communities at large to ensure wide and meaningful participation of all on matters of their daily lives. We shall work towards making KSD, once again a thriving municipality full of opportunities. In the next few weeks, in consultation with communities in general, we will be finalising our Ward and PR candidates’ lists. All of this work shall be completed before the 5th of March 2016. This will enable us to mobilise all eligible voters, to go out and register on the first open registration weekend. We will be in contact with voters on daily bases, visiting them in their homes and all other places where they are, to persuade them to vote for UDM and mandate it to govern together with them. We call on all our members, supporters and the people of KSD Municipality to double their efforts in ensuring they take it to themselves, to bring better governance of their municipality. We are certain that if we take bold steps, we can save this municipality from collapsing. Once again, we are not only ready to campaign but to govern this municipality with the people for the people. End
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22 Jan, 2016
UDM welcomes the appointment of new Police Commissioners
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the appointment of the two Commissioners, Lieutenant General Baile Brenda Motswenyane who will be at the helm of the North West Police while Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Elvis Julathe will be in control of the gangster riddled Western Cape Province. We hope that the newly appointed Commissioners will bring a positive change and turn things around in the provinces and in the South African Police Service as a whole. The Western Cape is currently battling with high number of gangster-related issues including drug dealing and crime. We hope that Lieutenant General Julathe will bring strategies to curb the escalating problems and not be a part of them. The nation is waiting to see the Commissioners proving and showing that they are appropriate incumbents. The citizens deserve better. The country has witnessed the failure of the police in executing their duties in a number of aspects, failure to get convictions on serious or high profiled criminal cases, the killing of innocent protesters during service delivery protests etc. We are calling upon Lieutenant General Motswenyane to make sure that these mistakes are put to a stop. End
