Admin
20 Jan, 2016
Public Protector must investigate Public Investment Corporation (PIC)
Dear Advocate Madonsela REQUEST FOR AN URGENT INVESTIGATION: Public Investment Corporation (PIC). I take this opportunity to welcome and wish you and your office, a very successful year in the service of the nation, in 2016. In this regard, I wish to table the following matter with you, so that you may investigate it appropriately for the benefit of the South African public. I have anonymously received serious allegations with regard to the possible corruption in the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) fund. It looks like the institutionalised corruption, which has resulted to South Africa being downgraded by various global grading bodies, has extended its vicious arm to the pensions of government employees, Judges, Members of Parliament and others who are paid from the public purse. It is alleged that, during the second week of December 2015, an amount of R40m was transferred from the PIC account to a company whose name is attached herein. This company is known for handling the PIC and government transactions. It is further alleged that this R40m was meant to fund salaries of the ANC staff members and its Birthday Anniversary Celebrations held on the 8th of January 2016. Another allegation is that, in January 2016, an amount of R2m was transferred from the PIC account to a company whose name is also attached, for the benefit of the ruling party. You are further requested to investigate another allegation that the PIC is about to fund a company whose name is attached herein, with an amount of R1.5bn, in order for this company to purchase a 25% stake from another person who holds this stake with TOTAL Oil Company. I request you to investigate whether due diligence of this transaction was conducted and whether it is in accordance with the relevant laws governing the PIC. Given the specific allegations above, it is clear that there is a need for a thorough and comprehensive investigation of how the PIC is managing all the monies entrusted with them. A judicial commission of enquiry may be relevant in order to ensure that these monies are not vulnerable to the whims of the political elite. I look forward to your excellent investigative work on this matter. Kind regards Bantu Holomisa President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
14 Dec, 2015
Newly elected UDM national office bearers
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is pleased to announce the new National Office Bearers that will be at the helm of the Party for the next five years. The new leadership is as follows: President: Bantu Holomisa Deputy President: Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala Chairperson: Zolisa Lavisa Deputy Chairperson: Mncedisi Filtane Secretary General: Bongani Msomi Deputy Secretary General: Bongani Maqungwana National Treasury: Thandi Nontenja National Financial Planner Fundraiser: Maureen Vogel National Organiser: Bongani Phenyane National Deputy Organisers: Moyiseli Nkcinkca & James Ndlovu
Admin
13 Dec, 2015
UDM 5th National Congress resolutions
Having met on its 5th Congress, the United Democratic Movement strives to create a South African government that responds to the socio-economic challenges confronting the nation. The UDM fifth Congress laid another brick towards building a firm foundation for the development and fine-tuning of Party policies on wide ranging issues of the nation. The Congress was extremely concerned with the rate of corruption within our country that has reached a stage of being a threat to our national security. It mandated its leader in parliament to sponsor at the National Assembly a “Bribery Bill” as part of the aggressive fight against public and private sector corruption. The UDM will lobby and mobilise for national government to revisit the tax system and tighten financial controls as part of the mechanisms to fight the illicit financial flows and its adverse impact on the economy. To compel all companies directly investing into the South African economy to have local content on ownership and preconceived obligation to reinvest certain percentage of its profits within the country. The Congress further mandated the National Executive Committee to continue lobbying other political parties, civil society organisations and the nation at large for a National Indaba on Economic Transformation in order to develop a blue print of the economic transformation path and to develop a national blue print on spatial local economic development to avoid the capital outflow in the guise of rural and local economic development initiatives. The UDM has decided to continue being part of radical campaign for a free quality education and lobby all sectors of society for the realisation of sustainable development and human dignity for all. The Congress denounced the decision to sack the Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene, as irrational and not meeting up to the S1(c) demands of the national constitution. The UDM is against the deployment of ruling party cadres without skills into high position of power within the state and/or state companies. This practice not only promotes inefficiency and corruption, and is fast turning the country into a Banana Republic. The Congress resolved to radically campaign and mobilise South African society against the elite projects, like E-Tolls and Nuclear Energy Plants, intendent to fund the ruling elite friends and the confers of the ruling party. The UDM believes the falling prices of renewable energy technology makes it the only sensible option for sustainable development that is couched on the protection of our environment. Therefore the UDM aligns itself with the aggressive campaigns for Green Energy. The Congress mandated the National Executive Committee (NEC) to develop and adopt a re-branding strategy that would make the party relevant to the demands of the 21st century. This include attracting into its fold all sectors of society in particular youth, students and professionals. The Congress adopted the 2016 Local Government Elections – Manifesto whose theme is: “Put Community First – Save South Africa – Live the Dream”. It further directed all its structures branches to be part of social audits in their respective communities to ensure the monitoring and evaluation of service delivery. UDM, will create inclusive and independent ward committees that represent and account to citizens of a ward than to a party councillor. These ward committees will be responsible for coordinating development of ward based plans to be included in the municipal IDP. Consultation with communities will mean, under UDM council; that citizens of a ward will be responsible for identifying their challenges, solutions and be central in implementing their developmental plans. UDM will not give priority to its members who are councillors over the citizens of a ward and a municipality. Any UDM councillor that is alleged of corruption or any other act that is against the people will be swiftly removed. The Congress was totally against the new elite systems that contravenes poor people’s Constitutional rights to Basic services like water and electricity. It mandated the National Executive Committee to convene a National Policy Conference within eighteen (18) months from the date of the Congress. We believe in a UDM that serves the people that people serving it. This is so, because UDM firmly accept that first is the country and its citizens.
Admin
13 Dec, 2015
UDM Manifesto 2016 Municipal Elections
Message of the UDM President of the UDM, Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP Dear Voter This is our opportunity to demonstrate on a local level that there are solutions to the challenges that face us. United in our desire to create better villages, towns and cities, we can light the way and show which policies should be applied nationally. We have it within our power to affect changes that will result in genuine improvements in the lives of South Africans. There is one thing that we can all agree on: change is necessary! In this election you are not simply choosing between one political party and another. You can choose another five years of the same old discredited policies and poor service delivery, or you can choose change for the better. Some will be quick to point out that much has been done in the past 20 years to improve the political, social and economic landscape. But we look at our daily reality and know that many of these accomplishments are overstated. For instance – when the ANC government claims to have built more houses, they should admit that more people have badly-built houses. And when the ANC government claims to have provided more services, they should admit that more people are receiving bad and unreliable services. When they claim to have built more infrastructure like roads, they should admit that it is mostly just more tolls and more potholes. To add insult to injury elite projects like the E-tolls funnel our taxpayer money out of the country. When did we stop trying to be a world-class nation? To be the best? To excel? To measure ourselves not against the past but against our highest ideals? When did Apartheid become the benchmark… for us to settle for inefficiency, corruption and mediocrity because “at least it’s not Apartheid”
Admin
12 Dec, 2015
Address by Bantu Holomisa, MP delivered at UDM 5th National Congress In Bloemfontein
Honoured guests, members, viewers at home, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to stand in front of you today, on behalf of the National Leadership, to report to back to you on our performance over the past five years. Chairperson, You will recall that the UDM was established at a time when the climate was not conducive to the formation of opposition parties in South Africa. As a result, we lost many comrades, such as our first Secretary General, Sifiso Nkabinde and others, through assassinations during this period. We should give ourselves a big round of applause for remaining dedicated and steadfast in the project of building a strong UDM that is a Political Home for All against overwhelming odds. We have also lost many comrades since the 2010 Congress. Included in this list, is our late Deputy President, Professor Ntopile Kganyago, among others. Fellow South Africans, We also gather here today just over two years since our struggle icon, Tata Nelson Mandela passed away. When the struggle against injustice required leaders to stand up against overwhelming odds, Madiba was at the forefront. For me, and indeed for most of us, Madiba was a beacon of hope. That history is known to all. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to request that we all stand and observe a moment of silence in honour of all these great men and women. May their Souls Rest in eternal Peace! Chairperson, We meet here today on the occasion of the UDM 5th National Congress since the UDM’s inception and after we have just celebrated 18 years of our existence. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all party structures, in particular the outgoing executive for their sterling contribution in building the UDM over the past five years. The incoming executive will have the responsibility to take thins movement, which includes the reviewing of UDM policies. I also wish to thank our staff members both at National Office and provincial levels for their professional help and support. I am pleased to inform you that in line with our Constitution, we have held our elective congresses after every five years. This means we have never failed in our commitment to make democracy work within our own organisation. This meeting of the highest decision making body of our organisation provides us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the road we have travelled. We should therefore spend the next two days doing some serious introspection and developing a clear programme of action on how to take the party forward, as proposed in our 2021 Ascendancy Profile. There are clear indications on the ground that the party is growing, as we regularly welcome new people to the party. We should go out of our way to make new members feel at home and make use of their skills and expertise in party building. The Ascendancy Profile proposes strategies on how to market ourselves and the best ways of reviving and strengthening our associate structures, such as Women, the Youth and Students. To achieve the goals and objectives of this Plan, we will need strong leadership and discipline at all levels. To facilitate deliberations on the state of the organisation, state of the nation and our manifesto for the Local Government Elections, we have included all these documents in your packs. You will recall that this Congress adopted these documents yesterday. Our Congress theme is: SAVE SOUTH AFRICA: Live the dream. We chose this theme because of the overwhelming evidence that in the ruling party government “things are falling part, and the centre cannot hold.” Economic mismanagement, corruption, crime, lawlessness and arrogance of power are the order of the day. With this theme, we are therefore saying the power to save South Africa from the ruling party’s misrule and to change the status quo is in your hands. Fellow South Africans, Yesterday marked the end of the campaign on 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. We are proud of the contribution our members have made during this campaign in helping to build communities that are safe for our women and children. We wish to reconfirm our solidarity and commitment to the elimination of violence against women and children. Colleagues, There is a phrase that has become a mantra of the ruling party: “legacy of Apartheid”. There is nobody among the thousands gathered here today, or the many more viewers at home, that cannot easily identify the scars that Apartheid has left upon our country. But when did Apartheid become a valid excuse for the failures of the current government? Surely we do not need to accept mediocrity, incompetence and corruption, simply because it is inflicted by a democratic government instead of a repressive regime. I fact, quite the opposite; we should be striving for the highest standards. We should have a government that reaches for the ideals embodied in the Constitution. Instead, we find ourselves having to cope with the ANC’s misrule, which undermines the dream of building a better life for all. Literally thousands of public protests occur every year across the country. The vast majority of these are by communities frustrated by 20 years of broken promises over basic services like water and sanitation. It is clear that more and more people are becoming disillusioned with the ruling party’s misrule. When the Youth march into the grounds of Parliament, and protest in their tens of thousands at the Union Buildings demanding free education, it is clear what they think of this government’s failures. From where we are sitting, it is clear that the ruling party lacks the political will to implement its 1994 election promise of free education. Instead, they use every means possible to brutally suppress protests by sending in the police. To make matters worse, the ruling party government prioritises elite projects such as e-tolls and trillion Rand nuclear deals over the needs of the people. This means that the already overburdened taxpayer is being asked to foot the bill for unnecessary and wasteful projects, which are laced with corruption. To say that we, as a nation, deserve better, is an understatement of the century. We need a growing economy that creates jobs in order to end poverty and restore human dignity. And yet, we are saddled with economic policy that does exactly the opposite. Our economy needs to be stimulated and nurtured, with the state playing a decisive role in order to address past imbalances and backlogs. This can be done by investing in small business development, among other things. It is important to remember that no meaningful empowerment of the people can occur without first addressing the lack of access to land for the majority citizens as well as the lack of access to capital. It is for this reason that the UDM believes that South Africa needs to convene an Economic Indaba to develop a blue print for our country’s economy. This Indaba must be similar in scale and scope to the CODESA negotiations, which resolved the basic political direction of our country. Like CODESA, it must include all the stakeholders in society, so that we can loosen the stranglehold of the ruling elite and their dubious consultants. We can no longer trust the ruling party with the running of our economy. For proof, one needs to look no further than President Zuma’s reckless and irresponsible decision to remove Minister Nene and the impact that decision has had on our economy. The danger posed to society by climate change worsens the bleak picture I have sketched above. For instance, today we are facing the worst drought in this country. While this is the state of the nation in brief, we must attend to the ways in which each of us can help to turn this situation around. We are gathered here on the eve of the local government elections. At this Congress we are also launching the UDM election manifesto under the theme: “Put Community First.” However, let me hasten to add that this manifesto serves as a guide. From here, you need to go to your localities and develop manifestos that speak to the challenges facing your communities. For us this represents one of the ways in which we can unite and steer our country back in the right direction. The forthcoming election is our opportunity to demonstrate on a local level that there are solutions to the challenges that face us. United in our desire to create better villages, towns and cities, we can light the way and show which policies should be applied nationally. We have it within our power to effect changes that will result in genuine improvements in the lives of all South Africans. There is one thing that we can all agree on: change is necessary! In this election you are not simply choosing between one political party and another. You can choose another five years of the same old discredited policies and poor service delivery, or you can choose change for the better. Some will claim much has been done in the past 20 years. But we look at reality and know that many of these accomplishments are overstated. For instance, when the ANC government claims to have built more houses, they should admit that more people have badly-built houses. And when the ANC government claims to have provided more services, they should admit that more people are receiving bad and unreliable services. When they claim to have built more infrastructure like roads, they should admit that it is mostly just more tolls and more potholes. To add insult to injury elite projects, like the E-tolls, funnel our taxpayers’ money out of the country. We should be reaching for the highest goals to give expression to the spirit of the Constitution. We must aim to build a country that unleashes its vast potential where each person irrespective of race, gender, class or geography has the opportunity and indeed, the calling! to contribute to a thriving prosperous nation. To build a nation like no other. This local government election is our chance to show that it can be done. Starting in the streets where we live, we can build something greater, something better, to improve the lives of our families and loved ones. As a voter, it is up to you to set a new agenda. You have the power to say what are the real priorities; as opposed to the elite projects such as speed trains, automated tolling, etc. which contribute nothing to your life and only enrich the politically-connected. It is time to PUT COMMUNITY FIRST by prioritising service delivery and removing the politicians and parties standing in the way of that. Once and for all we need to firmly establish the principle that our elected councillors are there to serve the community and not the other way around. All of us pay municipal rates, but in return most of us do not receive the services that are rightfully ours. We have so much work to do, the need is great. But we can do this, we can rise above the current disaster in local government. Let us vote for a party and councillors dedicated to joining hands with their communities. Let us start now, instead of waiting another 5 years. In many municipalities the potholes outnumber the streetlamps. It is up to you, as a voter, to demonstrate your unhappiness with incompetent and corrupt councillors and councils. I give you my personal assurance that if we find any UDM councillors who are failing to deliver, they will be swiftly removed. Other political parties may tolerate corrupt and incompetent councillors, but the UDM does not. I believe that the UDM, and the councillors we are fielding in these elections, provide you with champions for your cause. Our overriding purpose is to serve and PUT COMMUNITY FIRST. The UDM seeks to bring about positive change and improve the quality of life in those wards and municipalities where our councillors are elected. This manifesto introduces you to our thinking on the core principles of how local government should PUT COMMUNITY FIRST. We are eager to meet you, at rallies or within your living rooms, to explain to you, in greater detail, our values and how we intend to serve you in your municipality. Ultimately your UDM councillor is your voice in local government; a person that consults with the community to determine your needs, and then champions your cause in the council. I thank you.
Admin
03 Dec, 2015
UDEMWO pleased by SCA verdict: Oscar Pistorius
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is delighted by the new ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal that has found Oscar Pistorius guilty of murder of Reeva Steenkamp. As UDEMWO, we welcome this verdict. The overturning of the court judgement brings hope in the justice system and to women and children that are victims of crime. We hope that the justice system will continue to deal with lawbreakers and not be lenient against them. As the case is going back to the High Court and Judge Thokozile Masipa will once again preside, we hope that it will not drag for a very long time as we feel this is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Admin
23 Nov, 2015
UDEMWO calls for swift action by MEC Qedani Mahlangu
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the news of a possible risk of babies going blind due to power outage at one of the biggest hospitals in Africa, Chris Hani Baragwanath. It is with great sadness that such an unfortunate event is not taken serious by the health authorities instead the Department of Health in Gauteng is busy playing hide and seek while the health of those innocent babies is at risk of being permanently blind. The power outage could have been avoided. Government has the money for all the lavish lifestyle for the leaders but the important and basic things as health are being taken for granted. Millions of rands are wasted in building and upgrading Nkandla, funding private jet for president while the masses are suffering. UDEMWO is calling upon Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu to a make swift intervention on this problem and other challenges that Gauteng hospitals are faced with. This unfortunate incident adds up to all the misery in health facilities in that province. It has been forever since the Department Of Health was confronted with issues of health such as community members sleeping on the floors at health facilities while others lost lives. What is even sad to this is the fact that the Department of Health in Gauteng is denying the problem to ever exist in that hospital. As UDEMWO, we say more could be done to curb this problem and other problems that hospitals are facing. An immediate action must be made by Health authorities to save these innocent babies. End
Admin
17 Nov, 2015
Presentation by UDM President at SCSA, Zurich
Presentation by the President of the United Democratic Movement and Member of the South African Parliament, Mr Bantu Holomisa at the SwissCham Southern Africa (SCSA) Chamber of Commerce – Zunfthaus zur Schmiden, Marktgasse, Zurich, 17 November 2015 Programme Director, The Chairman, Mr George Umbricht, Her Excellency the South African Ambassador to Switzerland, Ambassador and Mrs Staehelin Dignified Guests and participants from all corners of society, Ladies and gentlemen 1. Introduction: On South Africa entering the global village after apartheid I wish to thank the former UN Ambassador and his wife Irene, the founder of the Ubuntu Foundation, for inviting me to address you and for facilitating my trip. The topics I was asked to discuss are the role of opposition of South Africa and the economic relationship between China and Europe. I was privileged in 1993 to accompany Mr. Nelson Mandela to the United Nations to convince the world that apartheid was to be a thing of the past and therefore they should start lifting sanctions against the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Our success brought high and reasonable expectations that, amongst others, investment into the South African economy would come in droves. It however had not been as easy as we thought. Instead, some companies like Anglo American and Old Mutual pulled the plug and invested off-shore. Although it made great sense to take advantage of the diverse global economy, in particular under the conditions of globalisation, disinvestment from the South African economy negatively affected our developmental path. Politically this reality had its own challenges; it created the perception that those who invested in our economy during the apartheid years were no longer interested in investing in the new South African democracy. 2. The role and viewpoint of the UDM: “Government must do more” The United Democratic Movement’s (UDM’s) policy thrust is that: “Government must do more”. In order for government to create a conducive environment for economic growth, more has to be done, amongst others, to; • Create more friends with capital for direct investment; • Heavily invest in social capital, in particular, skills and knowledge development through a qualitative education system whilst building a healthy nation; • Invest in sector-based planning and implementation, including the creation of sector-specific banks to provide financial assistance to historically disadvantaged groups and individuals; • Provide more funding to facilitate new entrants into the local and global mainstream of productive economy, targeting those who have been locked outside of economic activism; • Develop a funding model that will make it possible for historically disadvantaged communities to participate in their own socio-economic upward mobility; and • Invest in social and economic infrastructure across the entire country and not only in certain pockets should be an over-arching work of government in creating a conducive environment for investment. In this regard, the UDM makes a clarion call to countries such as our host, Switzerland, and other developed nations – in particular those with diplomatic ties with South Africa – to join the developmental path of the RSA. We need you to provide the necessary capacitation of the would-be captains of industry and to help upgrade our technological capacity so that it is able to compete and cooperate with advanced nations. 3. The UDM on clean governance We have from the UDM’s inception in 1997 upheld the principle and practice of clean governance and we have fought relentlessly against the misuse of the public purse. Our reputation on this score is beyond question. We will continue batting on this wicket until our country is free of the scourge of corruption and, for instance, the elitist projects that do not benefit the downtrodden masses, but are designed to benefit the connected few. We firmly understand that the country and its people comes first and not the other way around. In this regard we shall, as we have always done, advocate for the supremacy of our constitution, the defense of our democracy, the separation of powers, as well as promoting the checks and balances. The UDM will also lobby for electoral reform where more power is placed with the electorate where they directly elect their public representatives. 4. The role of opposition parties in South Africa Programme Director, there seems to be a misconception in the so-called developing world that the role of opposition parties, as the name suggests, is limited to opposing everything and anything an incumbent government proposes. Contrary to this, in emerging democracies like ours, the opposition has played and should continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping policy agendas, conducting civic education and fighting corruption – singly or in alliance with other entities. In South Africa we have a vigilant opposition that works with all other institutions and constitutional bodies established to strengthen democracy. Without this vigilant opposition and the independent media, constitutional institutions like the Public Protector and the independent judicial system, our democracy would have already been weakened or have failed. The opposition has in some instances worked as a collective on specific issues and where they differ, political parties go it alone. Our multi-party democracy plays a fundamental role in ensuring that opposition parties are able to discharge their responsibilities as their existence is secured by the Bill of Rights. It is however a fact that South African opposition parties are undermined and vilified. The ruling elite continue to dig deep into the public purse and use official resources to out-compete opposition parties. They also vulgarise majority rule to mean arrogance and a careless attitude towards the people. Just recently, the State President said his political party comes first, before the country. The opposition must remain vigilant so that the country is not turned into a faction of a political party. Political parties, under these circumstances, become victims of political restrictions designed by the incumbent regime. Nevertheless, and within this context, the role of the opposition is without doubt critical and it serves a very important function. Centrally to the role of opposition is to hold those in government accountable for its commissions or omissions. It must at all times be a watchdog making sure that the government acts within the scope of the law, and pointing out failings such as corruption and nepotism, which undermine freedom and democracy. In the same vein, the opposition should present itself as a viable alternative to the incumbent government or be a government in waiting with all the mechanisms in place to take the reins of power. This cannot be over-stated because, when government lets the voters down, citizens should know that the country is in safe hands. Opposition parties should seek to structure and influence alternative international relations that foster cooperation on matters of common interests, whilst putting the nation’s national interests first. In this regard, South Africa should go back to basics and do away with a one-sided approach to international relations, which allows one side of the global community to dominate economic activities within the country. Our point of departure should be the history of our struggle and conducting an audit of the friends who invested in our democracy. This should lead to redefined partnerships for development. 5. South Africa in the global village Today, the world is dominated by the powerful economy of China. Almost all nations are establishing economic relations with this giant. South Africa, as a member of the global village, has not many options but to join other nations to trade with China, Europe and other countries. Lately, we have seen members of Brics, like India, joining South African markets. In this regard, and consistent with the realities of the day, both Europe and China have a key role to play in building the economies of developing countries, including that of South Africa. Even strong economies like the United States of America are growing trade relations with China. However, it is important that a high quality dialogue between policy makers from China and European Union takes place to overcome their institutional differences and pave the way for fruitful economic cooperation that will benefit other countries. Nations must be able to identify their interests and, based on such, be able to structure socio-economic relations that are mutually beneficial. This will mitigate possibilities of unfair dominance by either side. The global village must bring people of all nations together for a better world. I thank you.
Admin
04 Nov, 2015
Together moving the NCOP forward
ADDRESS BY LB Gaehler EC NCOP MP TOGETHER MOVING THE NCOP FORWARD AS A VANGUARD OF THE INTERESTS OF PROVINCES Hon Chairperson and Honourable Members Indeed there is more to be gained from running a cohesive and well-co-ordinated system for this house to avoid working in silo and harmful completion and costly duplication of efforts across the sphere of government. It is in this house that all spheres of government, at a legislative level, can find a concrete expression of an integrated approach towards people driven and centred development. The integration of development planning and implementation across the three spheres must be the prime are of focus of this house. Such approach will be a ensuring efficient service delivery is achieve through good working relationship between all role partners. In order to improve our capacity to discharge our work thus making this house, effective as a vanguard of the interests of the people in provinces and in municipalities, we need amongst others, to: • Improve our planning and coordination of the work of this house through a well-designed and managed programming process; • Structure our agenda in a manner that does not take long but secure and sustain qualitative and productive debates; It is a matter of nature and fact, that a human body gets a level of exhaustion after a certain time of concentration; • Spread our work evenly and where possible equal through-out the months of our work. Currently we turn to load the third and fourth term of parliament with heavy loads of work, resulting to unnecessary pressure that my compromise the ability to do quality work; • We need to devise legal mechanisms and methods of ensuring that the oversight reports we send to government departments, provincial and local governments, are attended to and reports on actions taken thereto, are presented to the house in time; • It cannot be an outing followed by a talk show and ends there, because we will be failing the constitutional purpose of this house; and • Reports and views of this house on various audit reports should be acted on by departments, provinces and municipalities, and reports on what has been done be brought back to this house. This house, should and can only be able to claim it vanguard role, when the conditions of our people are improving. To be a vanguard must primarily be about, a consistent and practical determination by all spheres of government, to effectively address the historical challenges which condemned the majority of citizens to marginalisation. We must bring back the pride of all South Africans by amongst others, ensuring that the quality of our democracy is that which is fostering and strengthening intergovernmental relations as a necessary ingredient for sustainable development. Our programme content and outlook, must envisage increased oversight work which is guided by inputs from all provinces and municipalities with regard to the needs of all citizens. At all times, ours must be about, for, with and driven by the people with government and other role player as facilitators. Thank you
Admin
04 Nov, 2015
MPs 2nd Global TB Caucus
ADDRESS BY Ms CN Majeke MP in the National Assembly Honourable Speaker and Members Tuberculosis (TB) represents a threat to both the lives and livelihoods of people in the world and no country can fight it alone. It is a global health threat. In this regard, the Global TB Caucus as well as the 2nd summit, is fully supported as an essential step to foment a truly robust and sustainable global response to this global challenge. South Africa has a high burden of disease from tuberculosis with a growing number of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB cases, which is partially due to the inadequate or incomplete treatment. Tuberculosis disproportionately affects the poor and individuals who are already immunocompromised, marginalised, living in rural areas, without adequate access to Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (DOTS) dispensing health facilities, and the poor with inadequate health infrastructure. Its social impact is enormous due to the prolonged and debilitating nature of the disease, the large incidence of TB cases and the stigma associated with it. Economically, TB, impact includes loss of income among those who are sick, as well as their caretakers, it devastates individuals and their families, and it decrease gross domestic product (GDP). It is the cause as well as a consequence of poverty. In acknowledging and welcoming the department’s National Tuberculosis Management Guidelines, 2014 as well as the TB DOTS Strategy Coordination; the following programmatic areas should be high in the execution of the guidelines and strategy: • The DOTS treatment strategy should be universally implemented and be expanded to cover the most rural areas; • Increase early diagnosis and treatment of TB to limit it spread; • Invest in health infrastructure with well-equipped facilities and proper diagnostic tools; • Strengthen the HIV prevention; Further, the Global Strategy and Targets for Tuberculosis Prevention, Care and Control (The End TB Strategy) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) should be supported, with its emphasis on: • Integrated, patient-centered care and prevention; • Bold policies and supportive systems; and • Intensified research and innovation. Other technical interventions that South Africa should consider include. • Support and create for an enabling environment including social support packages; • Development of a patient-centred care and treatment approach; • Identification and elimination of barriers to accessing TB services by those most at risk; • Engagement of leaders, representatives of key population, and both public and private health providers in encouraging and supporting early and active finding and care to enhance treatment completion. A vision of a South Africa and world free from TB is ambitious yet achievable. Thank you
Admin
26 Oct, 2015
UDM wishes matriculants luck
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi,UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes the Matric class of 2015 the best of luck with their final exams that have commenced today throughout the country. These exams are crucial in determining your future through education and all of your efforts and hard work will improve your chances of making better career choices. The country has witnessed many protests that have led to the disruption of school attendance but we are confident that with your commitment, you have stayed, and continue to stay focused. As UDM, we also urge the matriculants to go out there and make the nation proud. End
Admin
23 Oct, 2015
Advancing Infrastructure Investment and Development for better Services to Communities
Hon Chairperson and Members A well targeted, strategic and access to comprehensive set of basic infrastructure services, is essential to attain social and economic goals and ensure equal opportunity for all people to participate in a country’s economy. Although numerous laws and policies intended to improve people’s quality of life and promote economic and social transformation were introduced since the dawn of democracy, such have achieved mixed successes and the people are still experiencing unemployment, poverty and inequality. The negative effects of a crumbling infrastructure are more severe in rural municipalities and communities. This is confirmed by the National Development Plan (NDP) when it diagnosed the differences between urban and rural areas with regard to access to basic infrastructure services, and their quality. Generally, urban areas are well-serviced in terms of electricity, water and sanitation, information and communication, and transport; while their rural counterparts fall significantly short in these respects. Rural infrastructure backlogs are a challenge and they also inhibit economic and social inclusion in rural areas. A proper and deliberate investment into this area, will impact significantly in addressing the triple challenges and would benefit greatly rural areas with regard to addressing poverty and inequality. In this regard, we want to propose that the house adopt a resolution on the creation of a dedicated Rural Infrastructure Development Fund. Its primary purpose is to address the inherent backlogs and bring these communities into par with their urban counterparts to an extent that is practically relevant to the rural socio economic development priorities. The current Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), is limited and favours urban municipalities. Investment into rural infrastructure should inform decisions on how and where to invest towards the most deprived municipalities and citizens. Rural infrastructure funding should include or emphasise a set of investments on rural roads, water supply and sanitation, energy and telecommunications, and agricultural processing. The provision of rural infrastructure is an important agent in the reduction of poverty and exclusion, in the strengthening of social capital, and in providing conditions for improving the provision of services. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, to be created should not only rely on public purse, but, mobilise private sector to contribute with incentives. The advantage of creating a dedicate Rural Infrastructure Development Fund will create an opportunity for more focused rural infrastructure development in a more holistic manner. Finally, Rural Infrastructure Development Funds will be designed to work with communities using a demand – responsive approach. This gives an advantage for integration across sectors while promoting a sense of ownership that contributes to sustainability. Thank you
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21 Oct, 2015
Police attack against students
Statement issued by UDM President, Bantu Holomisa The brutal attack by police directed against the peacefully protesting students of the Nelson Mandela Municipality University and other Universities in the country, resembles the apartheid government’s response during the mid-1970s to the mid-1980 student uprising against Bantu Education. If one poor student loses his or her life as a result of the police actions, will not be surprised, Marikana has taught us, that even under democracy, a brutal police force is used to suppress the views of citizen. As South Africans, we must join hands and reject the suppression of the Constitution Right of the students, our children, brothers and sisters. We must show the ruling party we will not allow this country to go back to the apartheid days. The current financial crisis confronting tertiary institution and education in general, demands that government, go back to basic and reprioritise. First, the elite projects intended to benefit the ruling elite must be stopped, and redirect those funds towards Education and other important priorities like Health. Whilst these young poor souls are denied quality and affordable education, the pockets of the few ruling party and its elite are lined to benefit from the public purse through elite projects. The kids are still suffering racism, lack of institutional transformation, financial exclusion and now police brutality. How much more should they endure in the hands of a democratic government. This must come to an end.
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09 Oct, 2015
UDM reacts to SCA decision on SABC coup
Statement issued by President Bantu Holomisa, MP Statement on the Supreme Court of Appeal Judgement delivered on the 8th of October 2015 on a matter between SABC, Minister of Communication, Chief Operations Officer of the SABC and the Democratic Alliance The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on the 8th of October 2015. This judgement vindicates what we have always understood to be the powers of the Office of the Public Protector. When everybody was shouting in Parliament about Nkandla, UDM soberly advised the President to take the report, findings and remedial actions of the Public Protector for judicial review. Yesterday’s SCA judgement has boxed the President into that corner in vindication of sober analysis and advice by the UDM. The SCA said amongst others…”an affected person” or institution aggrieved by a Public Protector’s findings could, in “appropriate circumstances” challenge it by way of review application. It further said “moreover, an individual or body affected by any finding, decision or remedial action taken by the Public Protector is not entitled to embark on a parallel investigation process to that of the Public Protector, and adopt the position that the outcome of that parallel process trumps the findings, decision or remedial actions taken by the Public Protector…” On the 20th of March 2015, I personally and as the Leader of the UDM in Parliament, penned a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, amongst others, highlighting to her the process that the NA was about to embark on, of referring the report of the Public Protector to the Minister of Police was flawed and that UDM shall not be part of undermining a Chapter Nine Institution and breaking the law. We were ignored. On the 6th of August 2015, during the question and answer session to the President, I asked the President: “Mr. President, The Public Protector investigated your private property, made findings and took appropriate remedial actions against you Not the cabinet nor this parliament, don’t you consider to save this House and the nation, by simply applying for a Judicial Review given that you have challenged her findings and this House cannot act as an appeal authority on a matter that DOES NOT BELONG HERE”. I see now other parties who were so keen in participating in a parallel process that seek to undermine a Chapter Nine Institution, have also came to this conclusion, and in the usual manner, act as if this has always been their stance. They can have their stolen thunder for the good of the nation. In light of all this, the UDM supports the call to establish a review board to find ways to strengthen Chapter Nine Institutions, such as the Public Protector’s Office and others. Clarification about legal powers of these institutions needs to be made if they are to play a complimentary oversight, assisting Parliament to do its work. Chapter Nine Institutions are there to help Parliament with oversight issues, and not merely act as watchdogs. Parliament needs to work in support of these institutions not to assist the axe against them.
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01 Oct, 2015
UDM calls DA to order
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa-UDM Chief Whip The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disturbed and disappointed by the racist social media post attributed to the Democratic Alliance (DA) Honourable Dianne Kohler-Barnard. There is no other way to read and understand these reckless comments than as pure racism and an endorsement of the apartheid system. We cannot allow Honourable Kohler-Barnard to glorify and romanticize the diabolic system of apartheid. She will recall that under PW Botha’s regime black people were treated as sub-human. Her remarks seek to inculcate the notion of white supremacy, while at the same time firmly entrenching the perception of black incompetence. The fact that we have a ruling party that has decided to prioritise the looting of state resources and protecting its corrupt leaders over improving the material and socio-economic conditions of our people does not justify a call for a return to the apartheid system. We call on the DA to deal with this matter once and for all. End
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30 Sep, 2015
Diverting ratepayers’ funds in Beacon Bay, Buffalo City
Honourable Mr JG Zuma President of the Republic of South Africa Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dear Mr President and Minister DIVERTING RATEPAYERS FUNDS IN BEACON BAY, BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY The above matter has reference. A group of ratepayers residing in Beacon Bay, Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape have for period of three to four years, decided to divert their rates to a separate bank account held with PSG, a registered financial institution. This is a civil protest by these residents based on a range of allegations against the municipality. Amongst these is the claim that the municipality has no valid by-law empowering them to force ratepayers to pay rates and that the municipal accounts are not consolidated as required by the Municipal Systems Act. They further allege that the municipality has elected to close ears, and rather threaten them with disconnections whilst they also threaten the municipality with legal action as and when they need information in terms of Promotion of Access to Information Act. The immediate and long term victim of all this is the economy of the area and its poor citizens. If the rates are not paid, the revenue base of the municipality is compromised and service delivery impossible. It is my firm belief that this matter can be resolved without having to go through the straining process of litigation which on its own will have to be funded by citizens. Accordingly, I request your office to make a decisive intervention on this matter to ensure that it is resolved as quickly as possible and in the interest of service delivery. For further information, I am happy to refer you to their spokesperson who contacted me. His name is Mr. Johan Koekemoer Pr Eng whose contact details are: Your prompt and decisive action is awaited. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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29 Sep, 2015
Weapons in Radovan Krejir’s cell is pure anarchy
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi: UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement is calling for an end on access of mobile phones and dangerous weapons inside correctional service centres. The Party has been calling for stringent security measures to be put in place in prisons to avoid crimes that are being done by prisoners while incarcerated. The access to these weapons and equipment show clearly that the police officers, prison warders and everyone else are not safe. It is unfortunate that some of the same officials or warders are to blame for this anarchy. How can a prisoner be able to possess such dangerous weapons as we have seen in Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir’s case? He was found with a possession of a number of illegal dangerous weapons including a 9 millimetre pistol.The Correctional Minister Michael Masutha owes the nation an explanation. The Correctional Services Department’s mission is to provide safe environment for South Africans or citizens against the perpetrators of law transgressors but it is failing because of corrupt personnel. An investigation must take place to determine those responsible for the distribution and they must be brought to book. End
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14 Sep, 2015
UDM reacts to the appointment of Mthandazo Ntlemeza as new head of the Hawks
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the appointment of Mthandazo Berning Ntlemeza as the new head of Hawks. It remains to been seen whether the statement made by the Pretoria High Court Judge, Elias Matojane, who earlier this year found him as a liar and dishonest person was untrue and baseless. We hope that Ntlemeza is not blowing his own horn and start to deliver. It is up to him to prove that what were said by the Judge were just comments as Minister Nathi Nhleko has said in defending his appointment. We also hope that this is not another cadre deployment. End
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10 Sep, 2015
Unemployed graduates
Address by Ms CN Majeke, MP in the National Assembly Hon Speaker and members According to the 2014 Statistic South Africa Quarterly Labour Force Survey 4, the unemployment rate amongst men with tertiary qualification ranged from 1.9% to 11% whilst amongst women with the same qualification ranged from 2.5% to 16.1%. Looking at Thembinkosi Phakathi, a 22 year old Public Relations graduate from the Durban University of Technology, standing at the corner of Rivonia Road and Sandton Drive, begging for nothing else but a job, so that amongst others, he can be able to pay back the NSFAS debt. On the other side of the road, the Grayston Drive, stands a 25 year old qualified electrical engineer, Tankiso Motaung, joining in what can be called “Graduate’s Street Marketing”, for no less than eight hours with a placard begging for a job. In the mist of all this painful sight, are daily media reports about many in both the public and private sector, in positions of employment, with either no qualification, or fraudulently claimed qualification. The scourge of Fake Qualifications in the labour market may outnumber the number of qualified graduates looking for employment. There is an urgent need for decisive intervention with drastic actions in defence of the poor unemployed young and old qualifying citizens, the economy of our country and indeed in order to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services to the people. Amongst others, this needs to be declared a national crisis so that urgent practical and lasting solutions can be found with speed. Lessons on these matters can be drawn from many other similar campaigns we had as a country, like the TRC, Gun Free Society as well as from countries which have dealt with similar situations. We must STOP FAKE QUALIFICATION and CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUALIFIED CITIZENS. Thank you.
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07 Sep, 2015
Fight against the murder of police officers
Addres by Mr LB Gaehler EC NCOP MP in the National Council of Province Honourable Chairperson and Honourable Members In the light of the continuing increase on the number of police officers murdered, this year alone, the country needs to consider a number of interventions to respond to this matter of national concern. Amongst others, there is a need to insist that anyone becoming National Police Commissioner must have a certain amount of police operational experience. There are many of those who can be found from within the service. This should be linked with a need to have the National Police Commissioner chosen by a special majority in parliament like it is done when appointing the Inspector – General of Intelligence. There is also need to look at practical ways to make local policing forums more representative of the people with added capacity in order for them to play a more practical role in assisting the work of the police in the safety of all citizens. This challenge of police killings, demands that the leaders of the police double their work in improving the overall management of the use of force by police officers. Simply threatening harsh sanctions against police murderers, and encouraging police to focus on using more force in their interaction with criminal suspects, is unlikely to improve officer safety. It will play into systematic police brutality, which will cause civilians to become fearful and less cooperative with the police. Police leadership needs urgently to start focusing on improving the strategic, management and internal accountability capacity that will support professional policing. Police members need to be prepared to be better able to confront dangerous criminals and defend themselves and citizens using lethal force. They need the necessary skills and confidence to handle the complexities they confront in the daily engagement with the public while enforcing the law against all criminals. There is also an urgent need to improve the public trust in police by amongst others, decrease police corruption and brutality. Communities must be mobilised to start respecting and supporting police officers as public servants who are well trained to behave according to much higher standard than civilians. Professional police officers must be encouraged and be skilled to avoid using force in their interaction with members of the public unless and only when it is necessary. South Africa wants a police force that can be trusted because its leaders are beyond reproach and its members are widely recognised as professional, respectful and accountable to the needs of the communities they serve. UDM says STOP POLICE KILLINGS NOW – A POLICE IS YOUR BROTHER AND SISTER TOO!! Thank you
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20 Aug, 2015
UDM wins Ward 30 in the Nelson Mandela Metro
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is pleased to win Ward 30 in the Nelson Mandela Metro By-Elections that were conducted yesterday. This is a big achievement for us as a Party and it shows that UDM is growing. We would like to congratulate Councillor Mandla Faltein for his undying hard work. Well done to him for all the effort. Faltein grew up within the Party and he knows the philosophy of the Organisation of putting people first. He is the conveyor belt between the members of the community and municipality. We would also like to thank the community that has helped in this victorious win. We also thank the team that has worked tirelessly in making sure we get this victorious achievement. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. If it was not for the community members, we would have not made it. As the UDM we would like to pledge to the voters that they will never be alienated by the Party. End
