Admin
06 Jul, 2020
UDM calls for referendum on the death penalty
Considering the calls from various sectors of our society for the death penalty to be reintroduced, especially in terms of gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, as well as child abuse and murder, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) reiterates its longstanding call that the government must allow for the voice of the people to be heard; it is time to have a referendum on the death penalty. The existing punishments for the guilty, are not a deterrent. Protection orders have become mere pieces of paper and ink and the perpetrators do not take them seriously, and the police fail to enforce them. The UDM calls upon the government of the day to take GBV seriously and to stop paying lip service as it makes no difference to the lives of those who live with daily abuse. Governmental leaders cannot take decisions alone behind closed doors, excluding the people who face these disastrous situations in our society. Let the people speak. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
01 Jul, 2020
Capturing of the administration of NSFAS
Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane The Public Protector South Africa Private Bag X677 Pretoria 0001 Dear Advocate Mkhwebane COMPLAINT: CAPTURING OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE NATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SCHEME – ALLEGED NEPOTISM AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS, STAFF VICTIMISATION AND PURGE, CORRUPTION AND MALADMINISTRATION As you might be aware, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was placed under administration by former Minister of Higher Education and Training Naledi Pandor after its failure to pay out bursaries had led to student protests. I have been approached by concerned NSFAS employees for assistance, and the seriousness of the allegations that are being made lead me to think that this process has been “captured”. There are allegations of nepotism, victimisation and purging of staff, racism, corruption, general maladministration, mismanagement by Dr Randall Carolissen (NSFAS Administrator) in particular, as well as a general collapse of corporate governance at NSFAS. Worst of all is the allegation that the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande (who is supposed to oversee this process and is the custodian of good governance) is aware of some of these issues and are seemingly ignoring them and worse still, is involved in nepotism with the appointment of those loyal to him to key NSFAS (and other) positions. I hereby lodge a complaint in terms of Section 6(1) (A) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 and request you to investigate these allegations. To assist you at this point in time, please find attached to this email: 1. Annexure A (98KB) – a document that details various allegations of poor performance, unscrupulous procurement, compromised internal auditing, failures of NSFAS’s IT system, maladministration, racism and compromised oversight. 2. Annexure B (85KB) – a list of key questions regarding allegations against Dr Carolissen in terms of his role in various matters, such as nepotism and maladministration (amongst others, how much of the cumulative irregular expenditure of R7.5 billion NSFAS declared in the 2018/19 financial year was spent under his watch?). 3. Annexure C – a list of staffers and former staffers who have allegedly been victimised, targeted and or purged by Dr Carolissen (not posted due to sensitivity of the information). 4. Annexure D1 and D2 – list of persons allegedly appointed by virtue of their links to Dr Carolissen and other key players. (not posted due to sensitivity of the information) 5. Annexures E and F – allegations around a list of key persons appointed at NSFAS, and other bodies, by virtue of their personal links to Minister Nzimande. (not posted due to sensitivity of the information) I have further and more detailed information in my possession, which I am more than willing to share should you decide to investigate, as it is of paramount importance (at this stage) to protect the identities of the whistle-blowers to avoid further victimisation. I am at your disposal and look forward to engaging with you. Yours faithfully Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
01 Jul, 2020
Donald Trump’s so-called Israeli-Palestinian peace plan is a recipe for disaster
The long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is well documented, but United States President Donald Trump’s “peace plan” might put peace between Israel and the Palestinians even further out of reach. It is an extreme pity that former President Nelson Mandela’s efforts to end their struggle was left to peter out. However, history has taught us that, whenever the United States attempts to solve problems in the region it always appears to be that they support one faction or country against another, instead of following an inclusive approach. The United Democratic Movement believes that a deeply conceited United States is abusing its influence and power, to “give us an idea of what the world should look like according to Trump” (and therefore America). This style of diplomacy will surely not bring lasting peace to the region. South Africa, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, has a responsibility to oppose any act that might escalate an already untenable situation to full-blown war. We also call on the United States and her president to act soberly and to not abuse their might as their current pro-Israel stance is not conducive to finding a solution that will work for both sides.
Admin
30 Jun, 2020
Loss of used Covid-19 test kits near Mdantsane is proof of an uncaring ANC government
Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba and the entire Eastern Cape African National Congress (ANC) leadership simply do not care about the lives of the poor and its nauseating. The only time they pretend to care for the people they claim to represent is when they need their votes, thereafter the people are left to their own devices. The fact that, yesterday, hundreds of used Covid-19 test kits were found lying in the veld near Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, is shocking beyond belief. Anything could have happened if not for an informed Good Samaritan who noticed the used test kits scattered next to the N2 highway. What if this is not the only place were these kits were lost? What if children pick them up and play with them? Besides that, if what reports say are true, they represent at least 500 people who are awaiting their Covid-19 test results, but they will have to be redone as these kits have now been environmentally compromised. Worse still, who is to say that all the kits that were indeed found, comprises the entire load that was seemingly on route to Port Elizabeth? How exactly did the kits get inside the veld? They surely would have been lying shattered on the tarmac if this was indeed an honest mistake. UDEMWO calls on the Eastern Cape Health Department to immediately launch an investigation into how those test kits were lost in the first instance and more importantly, put measures in place to prevent this kind of thing from ever happening again. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
29 Jun, 2020
Transport Department must take SANTACO seriously
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disappointed with Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s failure to address disgruntled taxi drivers just a few days ago. This is not what is expected of a minister; he could have done better and not just throw tantrums, as the taxi drivers are justifiably frustrated, and they have been patient with the government for nearly three months. The taxi industry may not yet be formalised, but it should be respected, because it carries thousands of South Africans to and from work, and, should there be another taxi shutdown, the working class and ordinary citizens will be immensely affected. The UDM however does not support SANTACO’s call to load taxis to full capacity, as, by doing so, innocent people will be exposed to Covid-19 and a lot can go wrong with the few resources we have to fight this deadly virus. We also plead with commuters to meet government halfway, whilst rushing to and from their destinations, to curb the spread of this virus. The R5,000 once-off relief money offered by government is clearly problematic and we plead with Minister Mbalula to urgently meet with SANTACO and other taxi associations to negotiate a way forward. South Africa is faced by serious crises already – Covid-19 infections are exponentially increasing and the scourge of gender-based violence is marring our social landscape – the fight between SANTACO and the Department of Transport cannot be one of them. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
26 Jun, 2020
Youth Power – Growing South Africa together in a time of Covid-19
Honourable Chairperson Honourable Members Fellow South Africans The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) salutes the frontline workers and those in healthcare who place their lives in the firing line, fighting the invisible enemy. We also would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families of those South Africans who have succumbed to the Coronavirus. The UDMYV also congratulates Prof Zeblon Vilakazi on being appointed as Chancellor of Wits University. We believe that adequate transformation will be seen at that institution. Honourable Chairperson, it is almost a decade since the inception of the first sitting of the South African Youth Parliament in 2011, an initiative that was welcomed by the UDM Youth Vanguard. Young people had gathered in this house to deliberate on the issues affecting young people, ranging from economic participation, prejudice, inequality, racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and unemployment. Little did we know that today we would gather in this house and still deliberate the very same issues, still seeking solutions. In fact, we now know, and Covid-19 has proven, that government has not been serious about solving our challenges as youth. The UDM Youth Vanguard believes that we find ourselves barely existing in a society of crumbs, whilst the rich, connected elite and the politically powerful enjoy themselves at the expense of the poor masses. Twenty-six years into democracy and South Africa ranks as one of the most unequal societies in the world, with the formerly oppressed still having no opportunities and living in squalor. Our mostly geriatric cabinet has no clue how to deal with young people or their plight. We have for years said that it is necessary to have young people in all kinds of decision-making positions. It is of no use to appoint a token young person as a minister who does not even deal with youth matters. Youth unemployment has increased dramatically because of the Covid-19 lockdown and the end is not in sight. Another thing the pandemic has proven, is our country’s lack of innovation and research tools. South Africa will need an economic repositioning, which focuses on youth and skills development. We no longer want to hear lip service; we want rigorous action. We must get past the stumbling blocks that hamper our progress as young people. As it stands our education system does not adequately prepare young people for the future, or the job market, it needs a massive overhaul. It generates dropouts and perpetual jobseekers. The UDM Youth Vanguard believes that there must be a greater focus on building young people to be job-creators – skilling them to, for instance, be innovators and artisans, work the land and produce food and start small businesses that can grow. Such a transformed education system must speak to today’s needs considering the current industrial revolution. We note that young graduates sit at home hoping for a better, viable economic homeland. Their NSFAS debts are accumulating interest, meaning even if they are employed, they are already sinking in financial deficits. The UDMYV proposes that government must be obliged to hire those who they invest in. Failing which, if a graduate sits for over 5 years being unemployed, his/her debt must be scratched. We further propose that for every R250 000.00 spent by government, must be equal to one graduate employed. Lastly, the UDM Youth Vanguard has a lingering question for President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Lindiwe Zulu. Where is their R350 Social Distress Relief Fund monies? Aphi ama R350 of the unemployed siyawafuna maqabane, the promise was made in April and still today millions of young people sifile yindlala, siphatshe imilomo as such millions of young South Africans are without data and do not have the privilege to watch this session on a paid television platform. We want the R350 to be a permanent grant for the unemployed and it should be increased to at least R1000 a month. I thank you.
Admin
25 Jun, 2020
Holomisa: Allegations of millions of Rands in irregular expenditure for critical OR Tambo District Municipality water and sanitation projects Edit | Live Builder | Gutenberg
Mr TK Makwetu Auditor-General of South Africa PO Box 446 Pretoria 0001 Mr Dondo Mogajane, Director-General: National Treasury Private Bag X115 Pretoria 0001 Mr Mbulelo Tshangana Acting Director-General: National Treasury Private Bag X313 Pretoria 0001 Dear Gentlemen ALLEGATIONS OF MILLIONS OF RANDS IN IRREGULAR EXPENDITURE FOR CRITICAL OR TAMBO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WATER AND SANITATION PROJECTS Serious allegations of financial mismanagement and misconduct have been made against the municipal manager of the OR Tambo District Municipality that involves millions of Rands in water and sanitation projects (see attached memo). Most disconcerting of these allegations is that this R170 million were allegedly paid in advance of these water and sanitation projects and not a single jot of work has allegedly been done, whilst R134,004,193 (the bulk) of that amount was paid to Amatola without any explanation. To make matters worse, apparently the municipality’s chief financial officer’s life has been threatened because of his refusal to process illegal payment and has had to hire bodyguards to keep him safe. I would suggest that immediate investigation be done to find out what is going on with these projects. Aside from the need to have accountability in place for municipalities, one should keep in mind that hundreds of thousands of South Africans living in the villages of Mthatha, right up to Coffee Bay are adversely affected. Keeping this in mind, I would also suggest that in this particular case that these water and sanitation projects be removed from the municipality’s management and it be taken over by the national department as it is too important and affects the people of that area’s basic human rights and survival. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
24 Jun, 2020
Holomisa tackles implications of illegal conversion of Toyota Quantum panel vans to taxis and ambulances: allegations of a scam of major proportions
Membership (as per United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation Constitution) 6.1.1. Membership of the Organisation shall be open to all South African Women who qualify in terms of this clause and subscribe to this Constitution and who support a multi-party democratic political system for the Republic of South Africa. 6.1.2. To this end any individual aged twenty-one (21) years and above shall be eligible for membership and be entitled to exercise all rights and honour all obligations, associated with membership, without discrimination based on race, gender, marital status, ethnic- or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture and language, provided that; 6.1.2.1. She is a citizen or permanent resident of Republic South Africa; 6.1.2.2. She applies for membership in writing; 6.1.2.3. She pays the prescribed annual membership fees; 6.1.2.4. She is not a member of any other political party except the United Democratic Movement
Admin
23 Jun, 2020
DBSA approval of Poseidon water project grant/loan: CEO Sandile Sokhela seems to be economical with the truth
Mr Enoch Godongwana Chairman of the Board of Directors Development Bank of Southern Africa PO Box 1234 Halfway House 1685 Dear Mr Godongwana DBSA APPROVAL OF POSEIDON WATER PROJECT GRANT/LOAN: CEO SANDILE SOKHELA SEEMS TO BE ECONOMICAL WITH THE TRUTH 1. I write to your good office regarding a grant/loan application submitted to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) by Poseidon Pty Ltd (‘Poseidon’). 2. According to the information at my disposal, the DBSA had on 26 March 2020 approved funding for Poseidon to the tune of R50 million to conduct feasibility studies, for some kind of water project/s, in South Africa and other Southern African countries. Another R300 million is apparently still to be disbursed for the implementation of Poseidon’s project. 3. In terms of the DBSA’s March approval, Poseidon’s shareholding is as follows: 4. As I understand it, Harith General Partners invested in Crede Power and Infrastructure Investments (‘Crede’) via a capitalisation of R25 million over a four-year period to fund continued operational and other costs. Harith invested in Crede with an objective to capacitate an emerging fund manager that would complement the activities of Harith as a fund manager to the Pan African Infrastructure Development Funds (PAIDF I and II). To date Crede has drawn down R12 million of these funds. 5. My information shows that the DBSA Compliance Unit undertook Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) checks on Poseidon’s shareholder and group companies and various directors were identified as PEPs by virtue of them being board members of various state-owned entities. Amongst others, the following is identified as a PEP: • Mr Tshepo Mahloele who is a non-executive director in the Crede was identified as a PEP by virtue of him being a former board member of Telkom SA in 2008; his PEP status is inactive as of 2008. Mr Mahloele is the CEO of HGP and sits on Crede’s board. 6. As you are aware, I recently wrote to the President of the Republic (letter attached for your ease of reference) to register my concern over what seems to be another attempt to loot state resources, as had occurred at the Public Investment Corporation, but this time at your organisation, using Poseidon as a vehicle. I had sourced some of my information from their websites, but I have since discovered that both Crede Capital Partners and Crede Power and Infrastructure Investments’ websites (https://credecapital.co.za/ and http://credepower.co.za/ respectively) have been discontinued/are no longer visible. Would one be wrong in surmising that someone is trying to cover their tracks? 7. In particular, during my initial search, Crede Power and Infrastructure Investments’ website proudly shared that Mr Tshepo Mahloele was its director, but I was recently confronted with a letter from Crede/Poseidon’s lawyers (also attached) categorically stating that Mr Mahloele has never been its director. What is however extremely odd is that, Mr Mahloele himself, in his written submission on 15 April 2019, to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of impropriety at the Public Investment Corporation (‘Mpati Commission’) declared in Paragraph 3.3 that: “In addition to the positions already referred to, I also serve on the boards of NOVO Energy, Anergi, Lanseria International Airport, Rainfin, 4 Africa Exchange, Crede Power & Infrastructure Investments and Dark Fibre Africa, amongst others.” One is forced to ask whether Mr Mahloele had then lied to the Mpati Commission, or whether Mr Sandile Sokhela, Crede’s Chief Executive Officer, is lying now (or has lied in his grant/loan application to the DBSA). Someone is definitely lying, and one is worried that public entities, such as the DBSA, are doing business with people of this ilk. 8. I have instructed my attorney, Mr Eric T Mabuza, of Mabuza Attorneys, to submit a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the DBSA to obtain the attending documentation of Poseidon’s DBSA loan/funding application e.g. the application itself, information on the DBSA’s due diligence, relevant minutes of DBSA meetings, contracts, and any other pertinent information. I implore you to cooperate with our PAIA application, not only because it is to the DBSA’s advantage, but also because it is in the public’s interest that the truth comes to light. 9. Given that the DBSA board has already approved Poseidon’s grant/loan it might be advisable that you immediately suspend any disbursement/s to that company until the matter is satisfactorily addressed by the President and/or the courts. I am at your disposal and look forward to engaging with you. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President Copied to: President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni PIC Chairperson, Dr Reuel Khoza DBSA Company Secretary, Ms Bathobile Sowazi Mabuza Attorneys, Attorney ET Mabuza
Admin
18 Jun, 2020
Introduction of “Scoo-mbulance” in the Eastern Cape is an insult to the people
The introduction of EMS scooters by the Eastern Cape provincial government is a bad idea and is just a waste of tax-payers’ hard-earned money. It is doubtful that these scooters can properly manoeuvre rough roads and inaccessible areas, especially during adverse weather. In addition, these bikers, who are to assist in checking temperatures or sugar levels for chronic patients at home, would not necessarily be healthcare practitioners. These tasks cannot be performed by a layperson. The United Democratic Movement is astonished by part of Eastern Cape Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba’s reasoning behind the introduction of such a mode of emergency transport, which is to curb the influx of patients to clinics and healthcare facilities. The Eastern Cape government should have rather employed enough nurses and doctors at key clinics which would result in a reduction of waiting periods for patients and fewer referrals to hospitals. The big question that must be asked of the Eastern Cape government, since it claims to be the people’s government, is why it did not consult with the public on the practicality of this so-called solution. This is a joke and an insult to the people of Eastern Cape. — end– Contact: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
17 Jun, 2020
DBSA: looting of state resources by some of the same people involved in the Public Investment Corporation saga
Dear Mr President DBSA: looting of state resources by some of the same people involved in the Public Investment Corporation saga 1. I write to you with grave concern over the apparent looting of state resources by some of the very same individuals that were found to have had enhanced ability to secure easy access to Public Investment Corporation (PIC) funds. We seem to have the same style of legal corruption, but this time it is at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). A curious feature, however, is the emergence of the involvement of the Chairperson of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). Elitist people seem to behave like locusts that hop from one source of easy funding to the next; voraciously consuming every opportunity they can generate through whatever means. Once they have depleted one source, they effortlessly jump to the next one with the same agenda – enriching themselves at any cost and patting themselves on the back for being such clever operators. 2. I believe your appointment of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of impropriety at the PIC, under the leadership of the Honourable Justice Lex Mpati, (‘the Mpati Commission’), was, amongst other concerns, exactly to look into this kind of behaviour that now seems to rear its ugly head at the DBSA. 3. I wish to refer you to an observation made by, and a salient finding of, the Mpati Commission regarding a company called Harith. The Mpati Commission, on page 419, of its report to President Ramaphosa, directly quotes part of my submission, i.e.: “One of the most difficult tasks regarding dealing with the type of corruption that is alleged to have happened at the PIC is the sophisticated nature of the transactions. Corruption can come in two forms, legal and illegal corruption. Legal corruption occurs when the elite build a legal framework that protects corruption or manipulate existing legal framework without necessarily breaking the law.’ The Mpati Commission continued saying that: “When going through the story of Harith, these words resonate.” In paragraph 62 on page 434 the Mpati Commission also stated that: “Harith’s conduct was driven by financial reward to its employees and management, and not by returns to the GEPF. In essence, the PIC initiative, created in keeping with government vision and PIC funding was ‘privatised’ such that those PIC employees and office bearers originally appointed to establish the various Funds and companies reaped rich rewards.” Clearly there is enough motivation to have, at the very least, immediately suspended Harith’s management of any and all of PIC/GEPF funds and launched further investigation. Has government taken any action to protect the PIC/GEPF from these self-enriching individuals? If not, why not? 4. To make matters worse, this recipe for plundering state resources is seemingly being replicated at the DBSA with the very same people involved. This time, at the face of it, with a new vehicle called Poseidon Pty Ltd, of which the shareholding is as follows: On a side note, according to Crede Capital Partners’ website, their team has managed two PIC projects i.e. “Univen” (R920 million) and the “Oceans Hotel Property Development” (R600 million). The Mpati Commission’s view that where Harith was concerned, “…the approach taken provided easy access to PIC funds, influence and including an enhanced ability to secure additional investment…”, it is therefore of interest to know that another company with close ties to Harith Group Chief Executive Officer, Tshepo Mahloele, had access to PIC contracts. 5. The DBSA has recently funded Poseidon to the tune of R50 million to conduct feasibility studies, for some kind of water project/s, in South Africa and other Southern African countries. Another R300 million is apparently still to be disbursed for the implementation of Poseidon’s project. 6. The Mpati Commission also said in its report on page 436, paragraph 67, that: “The Board of the PIC should examine whether the role played by either Mr [Jabu] Moleketi and Mr Mahloele breached their fiduciary duties or the fit and proper test required of a director in terms of the Companies Act.” With this knowledge in mind, please take note that Mr Moleketi (a former DBSA board chairperson) and Mr Mahloele (former head of the DBSA’s Private Sector Investment Arm) are both directors of Poseidon. Mr President, history is repeating; Mr Moleketi had fulfilled the highest leadership roles at both the PIC and Harith. Mr Mahloele, in turn, had been internally transferred (as the Mpati Commission described it) as head of the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF) to Chief Executive Officer of Harith. The following persons are also Poseidon directors: 6.1. Dr Renosi Mokate (GEPF Board Chairperson), 6.2. Ms Lungile “Zee” Cele (independent non-executive director of Harith General Partners and a former board member of Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd), 6.3. Mr Roshan Morar (former PIC Deputy Chairperson, former Chairman of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd, chairman of Ithala Development Finance Corporation (Ltd) and non-executive director of Harith General Partners) and 6.4. Ms Motseoa Alix-Mary Lugemwa (former Chairperson of the Gautrain Management Agency Board and non-executive director of PAIDF). This list reads like a dream-team of politically exposed persons (PEPs) who seemingly have access to public funds. It is especially worrying to find the name of Dr Renosi Mokate on this list; a scenario where a GEPF Chairperson has access to public funding using a private conduit, after having seen what happened at the PIC, is indefensible. She must be removed as GEPF Chairperson with immediate effect. It is also worth noting that Mr Roshan Morar is named and shamed in the Mpati Commission’s report regarding the Lancaster Steinhoff, Project Sierra case study. The Commission on page 41, paragraph 98, said that: “The chair of the IC [Investment Committee] was Mr Roshan Morar, a PIC non-executive director, who signed off on the IC resolution for this investment. At the same meeting, he was also appointed as a board member to L101 representing PIC’s interests which clearly indicates a conflict of interest.” 7. It would be advisable that Treasury quickly intervenes in the DBSA’s funding of Poseidon’s water project and that it immediately freezes the payment of the first tranche of R50 million, as well as the second tranche of R300 million implementation funding, until the Mpati Commission’s findings and recommendations are addressed. If the R50 million has already been disbursed, it must also be recouped in the meantime and it might be advisable to follow the paper trail to see if the money was spent for its intended purposes. 8. Another matter that I wish to address with you is that of Ms Irene Charnley and her inclusion on the PIC’s interim board. She allegedly received R1,7 billion (in today’s terms) from the PIC for her company, Smile Telecoms Limited. I wrote to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni about this matter on 3 June 2020 and have attached the letter for your ease of reference. Since writing that letter, I have heard that the PIC has written the R1,7 billion off as a bad investment. Moreover, it has come to my attention that Ms Charnley has also knocked on the DBSA’s door for funding. She received a USD 20 million loan, which she has failed to pay back. The Al Nahla Group, with whom she is partnered, is a Saudi Arabia-based company. The situation might mean the PIC and DBSA’s monies were channelled out of South Africa on purpose and someone else is smiling to the bank, because it definitely is not South African investors. We now know of two instances where Ms Charnley dipped into public funds, where the money seems to have evaporated into thin air. On what basis would a government serious about fighting corruption dispatch a person of this quality and competence to resuscitate a key public entity such as the PIC? The consequences for her actions should not have been to be rewarded, at the very least, she should be immediately removed as a member of the PIC’s interim board. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement Copied to: Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni DBSA Chairperson, Mr Enoch Godongwana PIC Chairperson, Dr Reuel Khoza
Admin
15 Jun, 2020
Gender-based violence: back in spotlight
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is enraged that gender-based violence (GBV) is on the rise during the Covid-19 lockdown. GBV has never dissipated; we live amongst abusers, rapists, and murderers in our communities. Simply put, being a woman in South Africa is dangerous. If a GBV crime is not featured in the media, it does not get the attention it deserves. We realise that there are many dynamics that play into the combating of GBV, but the South African Police Service is not doing its part. Seeing the Minister of Police inspecting “spaza shops” at the weekend, is extremely disturbing. It’s not his job! He should leave shop inspections to qualified environmental practitioners and address the life-threatening problems women are facing. UDEMWO is also disappointed that government is so silent about the R1,1 billion that was allocated to fight GBV in September 2019. Has the money done any good to fight GBV or are the comrades in corruption at it again? How long will hashtags trend in social media… with more GBV victims’ names added every single day: Naledi Phangindawo, Tshegofatso Pule, Simbongile Mnangcotywa and Sinah Molefe to name but a recent few. Enough is enough! Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
12 Jun, 2020
The entire Electoral Act needs an overhaul
Now that the Constitutional Court has ruled that the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 is in some parts inconsistent with the Constitution and has given Parliament 24 months to amend the legislation, it is a prime opportunity to give our electoral system an entire overhaul. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has long advocated that the major deficiency in our electoral system is a lack of accountability to the electorate. The UDM argues for a move towards a mixed electoral system that draws from the strengths of both the proportional and constituency based electoral systems. Constituencies must be introduced into the proportional representation system to ensure that politicians have specific geographically defined communities they represent and to whom they are held accountable. But to our mind, the most important change necessary is to have the people directly elect their president, as is the case in many democracies across the globe. Let the president be elected by the people and be accountable to the people, instead of the around 3,000 delegates at a party congress that chooses a party president that will be foisted onto an entire nation. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
09 Jun, 2020
Schools are going to be major coronavirus transmission centres
Schools opened yesterday and the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is outraged at government’s willingness to risk the lives of school pupils and teachers. It was quickly reported that Gauteng alone had 38 schools with coronavirus infections and the Western Cape had 55; which is the epicentre of this deadly enemy at the moment. Three weeks ago, UDEMWO warned the Department of Education not to open schools until it is safe. We have pleaded with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga to act as a parent, yet she chose not to. UDEMWO is aware of a learner at Woodhill College (Pretoria) who tested positive for Covid-19, thus endangering all the came into contact with that learner. We are also in possession of a letter from West Bank High School (East London), where a learner whose parent tested positive and the school was forced to send back home all grade 7 learners until further notice. UDEMWO calls on the Department of Basic Education and the National Coronavirus Command Council to urgently review this decision, even if it means that the current academic year must be revised. South Africa cannot afford this kind of negligence, young lives are at stake and not all immune systems can fight this disease; think of pupils in rural areas where there is no clean water and poor toilet facilities. If schooling continues, the worst is yet to come where coronavirus infections are concerned. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
05 Jun, 2020
World Environment Day 2020: #ForNature
As countries imposed lockdown procedures, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the impact humans have on the environment came into sharp focus. For example, the fact that there were fewer cars on the roads, planes in the sky and that dirty industries had temporarily closed meant that carbon emissions were reduced. We are operating under extreme circumstances at the moment, but the lesson we must learn from this experience is that modifying our behaviour is the only way to find long term solutions to the challenge of protecting our environment and biodiversity. Our actions are pushing nature beyond its limit and it will not be able to sustain humankind for much longer. When we damage or wipe out biodiversity, we are destroying the very system that makes our lives possible. South Africa is one of around twenty megadiverse countries in the world today. This makes us especially responsible to protect and preserve our environment for not only future generations, but for ourselves as well, because at the rate we are going, South Africa’s natural treasures will be erased in our time. Also, the unfortunate by-product of the Covid-19 lockdown is that circumstances as they are, are likely to destroy our tourism industry, which is a large contributor to our economy. Not only that, it is reported that the tourism industry employs more than 740,000 people, and the forecast of job losses in South Africa bodes ill for workers in this industry. Another harsh lesson lockdown has taught us, is that food security for the poor masses is fragile. We saw the desperation as people queued for food parcels as their meagre income gradually dried up. The first line of defence is quite simply to “go back to basics”; government should invest in educating our people about sustainable subsistence farming and encourage them to grow vegetable gardens (the latter is easily possible in the cities with urban gardening techniques). This could also have a positive effect on the environment as people would buy less mass-produced food. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
04 Jun, 2020
Bantu Holomisa writes to Wesbank CEO Chris De Kock re Mr Mzukisi Ndara’s case
Dear Mr De Kock MZUKISI NDARA: NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS CONFIRMS “MISREPRESENTATIONS AND CONTRAVENTION OF STATUTES” BY WESBANK The above subject matter bears reference. The first time I wrote to you was on 2 May 2018, just over two years ago, seeking justice in the form of restoration for Mr Mzukisi Ndara, and his family. Mr Ndara firmly believed that FirstRand bank was complicit in a fraudulent vehicle sale transaction in 2004 that caused him to suffer irreparable harm. Frankly, I also believed, hence I wrote to you in the manner that I did. The last of the four letters I have written to you hitherto, was written on 30 October 2019. I concluded the letter thus “I would simply urge you to take this matter seriously by engaging meaningfully and honestly to find solutions. It will not just go away instead it’s going to grow until it is entrenched in the psyche of South African society”. This will now sound prophetic given the latest developments. The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi, in a letter addressed to Mr Ndara dated 24 September 2019 (Annexure 1), places Wesbank squarely at the centre of the fifteen-year saga that has severely prejudiced an ordinary family. Mr Ndara unfortunately only received this correspondence on Friday 29 May as it was sent to his old email address. The NDPP in this letter writes: “3. Based on my analysis of the matter the fraudulent activities that are the subject of your representations, emanated out of an instalment sale agreement entered into between yourself and Wesbank. 4. Based on your statement filed with the police documentary evidential material as well as the circumstances of this matter, Wesbank and/or its employees committed a breach of contract in the form of misrepresentations and also acted in contravention of various statutes as alluded to in your reports. On the basis thereof, you are, as an aggrieved party entitled to approach courts for an appropriate relief.” These assertions by the top prosecutor in the country implicating the entity that you lead are now available for public consumption. I have been at pains over the last two years urging you to occupy moral high ground by resolving Mr Ndara’s matter. Time and time again I have been met with denials and apathy. Fundamentally in our first meeting with you in May 2018, you were adamant that the bank has done nothing wrong and in fact placed the blame squarely on Datnis Nissan dealership. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) correspondence points to Wesbank and its officials as the people responsible. The correspondence distils that the two contracting parties are Wesbank and Mr Ndara. No one else. In the same meeting, after Mr Ndara had taken us through the details of how the deal was concluded and what he had since discovered in hindsight, you were the voice of reason as you said to him “If it’s true what you are saying and it is accurate then I must sympathise with you because you will have been done a grave injustice”. Those words remained with me and I asked myself what you will do when Mr Ndara’s utterances prove to be true. That moment is now upon us. The NDPP, who has been exposed to the case docket, with police evidential material, various internal reports and Mr Ndara’s presentations, has now confirmed that there is documentary evidence that points to misrepresentations by Wesbank. It is now time to replace your intransigence with relevance, you need to be abreast of the mood and to confront the reality that your conduct as a corporate citizen has fallen short of what is expected. It is time to accord this ordinary citizen respect, by engaging him to find a solution by sitting around the table. I am aware that you contemplated settlement on this matter in a letter to the former Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, Mr Yunus Carrim dated 17 April 2019. Paragraphs 3 and 4 of this letter (Annexure 2) read as follows: “However, your suggestion for me to meet personally with Mr Ndara in an attempt to reach some kind of confidential settlement is noted. The question of who is right or wrong in this matter is not the only issue at stake here. The other issue regards the actions that Mr Ndara, backed by the media could take to further express the anger and resentment directed at Banks based on alleged discrimination over the past number of years. On the advice of our legal team we have decided it would not be the prudent approach to personally meet with Mr Ndara in an attempt to reach a confidential settlement. As discussed, we have limited appetite to enrich the individual which does not take into account the time and effort that will be required to defend this matter in the courts and the in the private domain” Gleaning from these two paragraphs these are not the contentions of an innocent party. Gone are the vehement denials of big corporates that dismiss complains with contempt. For that matter whilst I write to you open letters that are transparent, also for public consumption, not once on the four occasions I have done so have you responded in kind. There is not a single letter where you have taken the public into your confidence regarding this matter and that of the Crusaders for Justice. There are over thirty people who have suffered similar fates to Mr Ndara whose lives are ruined because of the immorality of this bank. In all their cases, their tormentor is Wesbank. Surely we should now call time on this; it is time to do the right thing. I note, in fact, that you are amenable to a settle with Mr Ndara were it not for your legal team who needed more time to explore if there were any other seemingly unethical avenues to cause him greater harm. Notably there is again no outright denial. Paramount in your narrative in this letter is the point that “As discussed, we have limited appetite to enrich the individual”. This pregnant statement takes the cake. It says so many things all at once. In fact, I hear you loud and clear, Wesbank has turned Mr Ndara’s life upside down for over fifteen years, he has lost properties and lost all cars he had, owing to this transaction based on misrepresentations. As such, whilst you “have limited appetite to enrich the individual”, Wesbank has all the appetite to rid people of their hard-earned money and property. Wesbank has had the appetite to impoverish people as has been aptly demonstrated in this case. Will the real leaders of the First Rand Group please stand up. Your silence is deafening. Judge Buyiswa Majiki in an August 2018 judgement (Ndara and Another v Weir Investments (Pty) Ltd and Others (3180/2013) (2018) at the Grahamstown High Court set aside a 2015 judgement that was in favour of Wesbank on the basis that it was erroneously sought and granted. This has been Webank’s modus operandi, hence Mr Carrim exhorts you to settle this matter. Judge Elna Revelas presided over a hearing on 18 August 2015 with only the bank’s legal team present. There were no papers served on Mr Ndara and his attorneys. Significantly there was not even a Notice of Set-down. Strangely, Judge Revelas proceeded to dismiss Mr Ndara’s leave to appeal with costs. When the bank’s representatives appeared before Judge Majiki in 2018; they conceded that they did not follow any of the applicable High Court Rules. The bank appealed Judge Majiki’s judgement and it was dismissed with costs around March 2019. A month or so later you wrote this letter to Mr Carrim. Quo Vadis? Whilst I applaud the NDPP, unlike Advocates Naicker, Goosen, Mrwebi and Govender she was much more forthcoming on what has really transpired in this David and Goliath battle. Advocate Batohi was prepared to call out the culprits – Wesbank. However whilst she identified the unethical and immoral conduct on your part, she did not have the courage to act (as the law allows her) in the interests of good governance, for justice to be served. That is really disappointing. 2) Whenever any manager, agent or employee of any credit grantor does or omits to do any act which it would be an offence under this Act for the credit grantor to do or omit to do, such manager, agent or employee shall be liable to be convicted and sentenced in respect thereof as if he were the credit grantor. The above extract is taken directly from the Credit Agreements Act 1980, that was in place when Mr Ndara’s credit agreement was concluded. In my book, “shall be liable to be convicted and sentenced”, refers to a criminal prosecution if one were to have been found to have contravened this statute. Furthermore, Advocate Tenjwa Sellem, who oversaw a seven-month investigation at the NPA on this matter, took a decision to prosecute and took warning statements. On receiving a copy of NDPP’s letter his response was “If Mr Ndara on purchasing a vehicle through Wesbank, had provided a false representations concerning his salary advice and place of domicile, was he not going to face criminal charges of FRAUD, the answer is in the affirmative”. He went on to say, in the investigation, evidence points to the following issues that anchor this matter • Wesbank delivered to Mr Ndara a USED Nissan X-Trail 2.2 Diesel, Manual with 6700 kilometres travelled valued at R270000-00 Then they processed and invoiced him for a BRAND NEW Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Automatic valued at R298000-00. • Wesbank processed and approved the sale agreement, relying on a fraudulent Offer to Purchase (OTP) that Mr Ndara had never had sight of nor signed. The OTP provided for him to sign firstly to tender his Nissan Almera as a trade in, and secondly to sign making the Offer to Purchase the Nissan X-Trail described therein. Instead Mr Jaen Van Aardt – the Dealer Principal signed on the document accepting an offer that had not been made. Despite the invalidity of the document Wesbank processed and concluded the deal as if it was above board. • Furthermore Wesbank approved fictitious extras to the value of R33000-00 that do not exist. These were insurance products as opposed to physical material enhancement in the vehicle that would have been requested by Mr Ndara. So in all the vehicle that he would have paid R270000-00 for, he was invoiced for R333000-00. • The Dealer Principal induced Mr Ndara into this deal under the pretext that he was redressing a wrong committed by a salesperson at the dealership, hence Mr Ndara believed him. He offered to do a special deal that will see Mr Ndara benefit from the Wesbank Senior Manager Scheme that he already qualified for. Noting that Mr Ndara is ignorant of the Scheme’s formula, he loaded 15,25% interest rate instead of 9% that he qualified for. Mr Ndara as a result had R8857 monthly instalment for a USED Nissan X-Trail in 2004, sixteen years ago. Advocate Sellem ended by saying he stands by his decision to prosecute this matter. To conclude my letter, Sir, I shall quote from the Regional Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Goosen, who was the only prosecutor to write to Mr Ndara giving reasons why they decline to prosecute. Advocate TC Goosen on 11 December 2015 writes as follows: “ “It is a fact that the vehicle was described on the transaction details document as a new one. I am of the opinion that this aspect does not assist in making a decision in your favour. Everyone including yourself knew at all times relevant that the vehicle was a demo model and therefore not brand new. Consequently the action to tick the ‘new box’ surely could not have been made with an intention to defraud you. I also consider a possible argument that being a demo model, the vehicle was definitely a used vehicle, but also new in the sense that ti has never been sold before. Another possible argument can also be that the ticking of the ‘new box’ was a mistake and that the person who made the tick is as much to blame as those who had signed the document.” The car was indeed sold to you at a price consistent with that of a new car. Essentially because of all that he advances above, Advocate Goosen then concludes that whilst there are all these permutations above, Mr Ndara’s case would not stand scrutiny in a court of law as he will be a single witness. I shall leave these two contrasting versions for your benefit and the public at large. Once more with all the respect I invite you to meet with Mr Ndara and resolve what is patently a grave injustice. Not only to Mr Ndara, but to all South Africans who believe in natural justice and the rule of law. Sir, I believe you owe this to yourself, FirstRand Bank and to all those who inflicted pain on Mr Ndara and his family throughout these years. It is never too late to mend. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
03 Jun, 2020
Composition of PIC interim board: beneficiaries should not be members
Honourable Minister Mboweni QUESTIONS AROUND THE COMPOSITION OF PUBLIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION’S BOARD: BENEFICIARIES SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO SERVE 1. Some time has lapsed since the 995-page report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of impropriety at the Public Investment Corporation, as lead by the Honourable Justice Lex Mpati (‘the Mpati Commission’), was handed over to President Ramaphosa and was released to the public on 12 March 2020. 2. One of the consequences of the Coronavirus lockdown is that I had the opportunity and time to read the voluminous Mpati Commission’s report and apply my mind to the size of the task of implementing its recommendations, over and above the management of the Public Investment Corporation’s (PIC) day-to-day business. 3. From my personal experience of the way the Mpati Commission functioned and reading its report, I believe that the commission did a sterling job. We will hopefully see sweeping changes that will lead to the PIC being a responsible organisation, as well as rooting out corruption and poor administration. South Africans will hopefully see the police, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the National Prosecuting Authority continue investigating and bring culprits to book. 4. Regarding the implementation of the Mpati Commission’s recommendations at the PIC, the complexity of the job ahead and the fortitude required to complete it requires the most competent, qualified, and trustworthy individuals. The PIC’s board and administrators must have the best interests of the PIC, and by extension the South African Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), at heart. 5. This knowledge and given the poor track-record of past PIC boards brought me to my next exercise, which was to look at the composition of the PIC’s incumbent interim board which you appointed in consultation with cabinet almost a year ago. 6. To my surprise, in doing my quick study, I came across an individual who now sits on the PIC’s interim board, who is a past PIC beneficiary. 7. That person is Ms Irene Charnley; the company is her Smile Telecoms Limited, to which the PIC committed an investment of USD 100,000,000 in 2015. This is a little more than R1,7 billion when calculated at today’s Rand/Dollar exchange rate. The PIC Investment Details sheet where I obtained this information, is available at https://www.pic.gov.za/DocPresentations/95.-Smile-Telecoms-Holdings.pdf). 8. It is an interesting side-note that, at the time, the now disgraced former PIC CEO, Dr Daniel Matjila, said: “We are excited about our investment in Smile Telecoms as it provides us with an opportunity to accelerate and realise our mandate to invest in the rest of the African continent.” 9. Given this information I have provided thus far, I could not help but ask whether history was repeating; and it left me feeling quite uneasy. 10. This discovery piqued my interest and I also did a cursory internet search on Smile Telecoms Limited (‘Smile’) and found the following information, the context of which will become clear in my later questions to you: 10.1. “Capitalworks” is listed as Smile’s “partner” on its website but is named “CapitalWorks SSA” on the Investment Details sheet. Presumably, this name difference is due to there being different divisions of the same company. I then found an announcement that an entity called “Capitalworks Group”, in 2017, had launched “Africa Capitalworks”, an investment company, which aimed to raise USD 300 million to “…deploy permanent equity capital in mid-market companies in strategically selected sectors across Sub Sahara Africa (“SSA”) (excluding South Africa)”. This discovery in itself is not interesting, what however is, is that they had “… already secured early support and substantial investment, including from CDC, the UK’s development finance institution, and the Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited (PIC) on behalf of its client the South African Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).” 10.2. I also found a PIC document called “ISIBAYA DETAILED INVESTMENT SCHEDULE AS AT 31 MARCH 2017” which is available on, investigative journalism organisation, Amabhungane’s website at https://amabhungane.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/170331_PIC-Unlisted-assets.pdf. Under the column called “FRESG Performance” the following is written about Smile: • “Financially Underperforming – economic headwinds, devaluation of local currencies mainly Nigeria and stiff competition led to underperformance”, • “Owner Managed Companies – Corporate governance principles are compromised- Governance policy, Delegation of Authority, succession planning and risk management framework need to be in place” • “Establishment of Social and Ethics Committee to manage the Representatives of local people on the boards be increased to ensure legislation in countries that advocate local representation on the board.” 11. Given the above information the following questions arose in my mind: 11.1. Were you aware that Ms Charnley had been a PIC beneficiary when you appointed her as an interim board member? If so, do you consider this to be a healthy situation and what were your reasons for continuing with her appointment despite the knowledge? 11.2. What was the agreement in terms of the USD 100,000,000 investment the PIC made in Smile and has investment paid dividends, especially given the PIC’s 2017 conclusion that Smile was “financially underperforming”? What were the implications of this lack of performance? Did the PIC write off this investment and if so, would this not constitute mere looting? 11.3. The PIC concluded that Smile’s “Corporate governance principles are compromised” whilst the company was squarely under Ms Charnley’s management. Would you agree that this casts doubt on Ms Charnley’s suitability to function at board level? 11.4. Did CapitalWorks SSA/Capitalworks Group/Africa Capitalworks receive PIC/GEPF funding? If so, what are the details, and would you consider it compromising that a board member has yet another link to a PIC beneficiary? The United Democratic Movement would argue that there is enough evidence that warrants that Ms Charnley must vacate her seat on the PIC board immediately. One other matter I would like to raise with you is the appointment of Mr Abel Sithole as the new PIC CEO. It would serve us well to remember that the GEPF wrote off billions of rands in investment losses, as was reported in 2018, whilst he was that entity’s Principal Executive Officer. Some of those so-called investments were quite dodgy and this scenario means that Mr Sithole is a man who failed at his job. Surely there were other competent individuals available for your consideration. We do not want to conclude that his appointment is to merely clean-up the mess he was part of and covering tracks in the process. We look forward to your response. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
03 Jun, 2020
Youth Month: the need for urgent change
We are always reminded of the bravery of the young people of 1976, who took to the streets of South Africa to fight a system of injustice, prejudice, inequality, racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and suppression. They fought for a regime change and laws that would favour the majority and, in turn, all the people of South Africa. With freedom in 1994, there was a beam of light – it was a new day, a new dispensation, and the dreams and aspirations of all South Africans, especially the young, were awoken. Little did we know that our democratic society would breed greed, have poor leadership who lacked accountability and that the aspirations of the youth of ‘76 would be cast aside. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard believes that we find ourselves barely existing in a society of crumbs, whilst the rich, connected elite and the politically powerful enjoy themselves at the expense of the poor masses. Twenty-six years into democracy and South Africa ranks as one of the most unequal societies in the world, with the formerly oppressed still having no opportunities and living in squalor. Our mostly geriatric cabinet has no clue how to deal with young people or their plight. We have for years said that it is necessary to have young people in all kinds of decision-making positions. It is, however, of no use to appoint a token young person as a minister who does not even deal with youth matters. We have an uneven society where a staggering 29% of its youth block is unemployed. To compound matters, youth unemployment must have increased dramatically because of the Covid-19 lockdown and the end is not in sight. Another thing the pandemic has proven, is our country’s lack of innovation and research tools. South Africa will need an economic repositioning, which focuses on youth and skills development. We no longer want to hear lip service; we want rigorous action. The UDM Youth Vanguard also believes that our education system needs a major overhaul as it mostly generates dropouts and perpetual jobseekers. There must be greater focus on building young people to be job-creators – skilling them to, for instance, be innovators and artisans, work the land and produce food and start small businesses that can grow. Such a transformed education system must speak to today’s needs considering the current industrial revolution. As we remember the youth of ’76, we call on all young South Africans to reflect and ask themselves what their role in society is and whether they think they have been playing that role. It begins with a right and responsibility to vote and to make the right choice i.e. to not vote based on sentiment. Our message to young South African’s is this: vote with your minds and realise that betting on the same horse for the past 26 years has gotten us nowhere; the UDM Youth Vanguard believes that the United Democratic Movement is deserving of your vote in the next elections. We wish everyone a well in celebrating Youth Month 2020. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Spokesperson
Admin
26 May, 2020
UDM KZN perplexed at renaming of Umzinyathi District Municipality to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal is shocked at the announcement made by Umzinyathi District Municipality Mayor PMS Ngubane, that the municipality is undergoing a name change to “Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi District Municipality”. The Umzinyathi community was taken by total surprise when we heard the announcement via uKhoziFM. What is at issue here is the constitutional mandate the directs municipalities as per Sections 152(1)(e) and 153(a) of the Constitution, which reads: S152(1) “ The objects of local government are: (e)To encourage the involvement of the communities and community organizations in the matters of local government “. S153(a) “A municipality must structure and manage its administration and budgeting and planning process to give priority to the basic needs of the community, and to promote the social and economic development of the community”. As far as the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal is aware, there was no consultation with the community, regarding the name-change, as is dictated by Section 152(1)(e) and for all intents and purposes, a name is being forced down their throats. If the community had been consulted, there would have been several, well-known local names that would have been thrown into the hat, such as Inkosi Simakade Mchunu, Mr FS Sikhakhane (former mayor of Msinga) and Bambatha kaMancinza. At the heart of the matter is a lack of prioritisation when a random name change is now more important than this municipality discharging its core functions. Section 153(e) explicitly directs municipalities to give priority to basic needs provision in its budgeting and planning. The Umzinyathi District Municipality is failing to provide water to its communities. One of the excuses is that it awaits financial assistance from the provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department, to fix 706 dysfunctional water hand pumps to the tune of R1.5m. Yet it has the audacity to splash scarce funds on a name change. The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the Umzinyathi District Municipality to correct its skewed priorities, halt the name change and re-channel those funds into fixing the 706 water hand pumps. This is the morally and constitutionally correct thing to do. — end — Issued by: Mr Boysey Gumede UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Secretary
Admin
25 May, 2020
Africa Day 2020
We celebrate Africa Day this year, amid the Coronavirus pandemic, which has certainly forced our focuses away from the African agenda and has indeed exposed the need for its acceleration. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that some progress has been made with Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the formation of the Africa Union (AU). The OAU constantly had to put out fires across the continent and it saw military regimes toppling corrupt governments. Under the OAU’s watch many democracies had been formed in sub-Saharan countries like Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Salim Ahmed Salim, former OAU Secretary General, did good work and managed the transition to the AU very well. We also remember the work of people like Chester Crocker, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in the Reagan Administration (from 1981 to 1989) who was the architect of the United States’ policy of “constructive engagement” towards Southern Africa. He oversaw the implementation of the United Nation’s Security Council’s Resolution 435 which delivered Namibian independence in 1990. We are slowly reaching the goals of healthy democracies, enshrining civil liberties and human rights, amongst others, but the continent still has a long way to go, especially where fighting corruption is concerned. Unfortunately, conflicts and war, human rights abuses, food shortages, exploitation of mineral resources and poaching of rhinos and other animals are still at the order of the day. African countries also need to focus on infrastructure development and creating manufacturing industries in order to secure our riches for the benefit of our peoples, thus stopping our shores from being a dumping ground for imported goods. The UDM celebrates Africa Day 2020 with the rest of the continent and wishes all countries the best in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
Admin
22 May, 2020
Covid-19 and government: a worst nightmare for women and children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is deeply perturbed by how life is turning out for many South Africans, especially women, as we daily hear of large numbers of retrenchments, due to the Covid-19 lockdown. This is hitting very hard in the cases of sole family-breadwinners. It was recently reported that there is a spike in child abandonment, which is attributed to the desperate choices of parents who are in the throes of financial hardship as the country experiences unimpeded job losses. According to Premier David Makhura, Gauteng, on its own, may lose about two million jobs, which means that child abandonment will likely increase. As much as it is good that abused women and children can contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre for assistance, children could be far more vulnerable as they have less resources, emotionally and physically, to make that life-saving call. UDEMWO is also worried that the government departments, which are supposed to look after South Africa’s most vulnerable, are failing them dismally. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the worst of them all, with shoddy service and poor communication around processes and forms. In addition, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu seems to not have her facts straight as she recently appealed for the distribution of food-parcels to not be politicised, yet this is exactly what the ruling party is being accused of lately, with evidence of this floating all over social media. There is something very wrong with this entire picture, as government seems to not realise how its inefficient systems are negatively affecting the poorest of the poor, who are fighting for their very existence. Government is not providing effective leadership and services where this is concerned. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
