Admin
06 Jan, 1999
Youth registration
Statement by the UDM National Deputy Secretary The United Democratic Movement supports the joint effort of the IEC and the National Youth Commission to embark on a programme to get the youth to register and participate in the upcoming elections. The UDM fully utilised the opportunity to participate in this process. The UDM is concerned with the National Youth Commissions apparent lack of understanding of the extent of the looming crisis. The UDM will seek a meeting with the IEC as we are calling for a youth registration day. We call for a day focusing on registering the youth at school and university’s across the country. Registration must take place under the banner of the IEC and be supported by the NYC. Even though the NYC lacks the ability to conduct an effective campaign, they do have the capacity to support the IEC. We regret the NYC’s departure point that the low voter registration, especially amongst the youth does not represent a crisis. The low registration reflects on the youth’s loss of confidence in the structure of government – including the NYC. Those structures and institutions have failed to demonstrate to the youth a commitment to serve the interests of the youth. It is critical that the youth are made aware of the impact that their votes would contribute to their own future and the future of the country. We say to the youth that you have the power to rock the boat, by rocking the vote, so get jamming and register.
Admin
31 Dec, 1998
1998 Matric results Gauteng and North West
Statement by Deputy-National Secretary The UDM congratulates successful 1998 Matric Candidates from Gauteng and the North West. Though it is encouraging that in both these provinces the pass rate improved, it is still not a satisfactory result. With more than 40% of candidates not passing, it is clear that major problems still exist. The North West particularly was plagued with a lack of handbooks and other problems in the Department of Education. Education is the most important tool that we can equip the youth of our country with. It requires commitment, diligence, sacrifice and hard work from not only the learners but also from teachers, parents and the community. Though education is a basic right it comes with responsibility. The UDM urges the Department of Education to make sure that in 1999 all of the necessary elements would be in place so that a proper learning environment can be achieved. This clearly means that the basics must be done right. Education without the opportunity of employment is not enough. The UDM would urge government to look at the development of entrepreneurial skills at school level so that more pupils can become self-employed and self-sufficient in the ever-decreasing South African employment market.
Admin
31 Dec, 1998
1999 and beyond
Statement by UDM President The year 1999 marks the end of one millennium and the beginning of another – it symbolises a new beginning for all South Africans. In 1999 South Africans will go to the polling stations for the first time since the liberation elections of 1994. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that elections ‘99 will mark a clear break with our Country’s past. For the first time South Africans will go to the poles and in bringing out their vote they will no longer be guided by our history, but much rather by their dreams and vision for the future. South Africans will liberate themselves from voting along racial divides for racially based parties, their own origination in our Country’s past. Bafana Bafana when it is on its own on a soccer field can put up a good exhibition of soccer skills, but they can only begin to play a match when they have proper opponents on the field: Opponents that can match and challenge their own skills. The players currently on the political playing field are no match for the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC does not respect them and does not take note of them, in the process becoming arrogant in its power. After the 1999 elections this will change. The UDM will enter the political playing field as a major player, one that can match and challenge the ANC. The UDM is the only real alternative to the ANC and will play in the interest of all South Africans. May the year 1999 be the beginning of a great future for you and your family! A year in which we jointly will fight crime and concur, where South Africa will experience sustainable economic growth, a strong basis from which to fight and overcome poverty.
Admin
23 Dec, 1998
Christmas message
Statement by Bantu Holomisa and Roelf Meyer It is during the festive season that we reflect on the year that was and the year that lies ahead. South Africa in many ways has come a long way since our first democratic elections in 1994. In many other ways however very little progress was made. Democracy brought change to all of our lives. For the most part it brought us all human dignity, that in itself a gift that can not be tagged with monetary value. But, democracy did not fulfill all the expectations that came with it. Many South Africans feel no difference in the quality of life that they live. Poverty still fills our streets and threatens the well being of our nation. Too many people still do not have a roof over their heads and too many children still do not have food to eat. Crime is rampant and we live in constant fear over when it is going to be our turn to become part of official statistics. And in all of this we find that blame is attributed from one side to the other – further dividing our nation. It is our wish for this festive season that we will find within our rich diversity the united strength and will to fight the real enemies of poverty, crime and corruption threatening South Africa and all South Africans. That we as a nation will complete our struggle for total liberation during 1999. Liberating ourselves from the prejudice against each other and to be able work together in building a future that would in the process make of us all winners. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Admin
15 Dec, 1998
R5 million Transnet bash a disgrace
Statement by Bantu Holomisa Spending R5 million on the inaugural trip of the second Blue Train is ridiculous. The need to market the existence of the Blue Train is not argued. The sensibility of spending R5 million while TRANSNET is talking about retrenchments does not make any sense. This spending is a clear signal that government’s priorities and the urgent needs of the country and her people differ. The government can not on the one hand tell the South African people that they are fighting poverty and on the other hand they spend millions on a luxurious image building trip for the president to be. The new Blue Train trip is nothing more than a weak excuse to enhance the image of Mbeki and to give content to the likes of the “African Renaissance” ghost. The concept of African Renaissance is not government policy, but the result of one man’s dreams. How does the ANC government then justifies spending this amount of money on this issue? The UDM believes that the money could have been put to better use inside the country by making it available through programmes to entrepreneurs who in the end would contribute to new jobs being created for South Africans. The UDM is not impressed by government’s continuous failure to provide to the needs of South Africans first.
Admin
10 Dec, 1998
Further deception regarding Lesotho uncovered
Statement by UDM President Attached herewith is an agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho concerning the status of armed forces in the Kingdom of Lesotho. What is striking about the document is that the paragraph on Command and Control is completely silent on the military role of SADC. The ANC government lied to the public when they said that our troops (SANDF) in Lesotho were under the command of the SADC forces. Contrary to what the South African public was told by the ANC government no provision was made for any SADC forces involvement. The agreement states further that “members of the sending Party (RSA) shall have all the rights and powers bestowed, and the responsibilities charged upon them by South African law and that they shall exercise their rights, powers and responsibilities under the same conditions as required by South African law. With this information at hand can the ANC government still deny that they had invaded Lesotho or annexed Lesotho as their 10th Province?
Admin
27 Nov, 1998
Registration mess
Statement by Deputy-National Secretary Despite promises by the IEC and the government that everything is in place for registration in the five provinces, the situation on the ground is a disaster. Thousands of South Africans may very well ask themselves whether today is the first of April. Phones at the UDM National Office and in the five provincial offices have not stopped ringing as people are reporting complaints. At the National Office staff were redeployed to answer calls and take down complaints. Some of the more common complaints are: 1. Registration stations did not open because officials did not arrive. No explanation was provided and no provisions for alternatives were made. 2. In certain areas registration points that were advertised did not exist. An example of this is registration station no. 123 Cnr. Flufftail and Braam Pretorius streets, Flufftail Park, Montana in Pretoria. 3. Batteries of the scanners became flat and the IEC officials did not; have extra batteries or chargers available and as a result closed the registration stations. 4. In Mamelodi, Atteridgeville and Soshanguve registration stations did not have the voting district maps and as a result could not continue with the registration process. 5. In Cullinan the scanners did not work and voters were told they would be registered manually – How is this possible?; Why then the whole fuss about bar-coded ID? 6. In all Provinces reports were received of ANC officials wearing ANC T-shirts and handing out ANC pamphlets and material inside the registration station. A direct contravention of the Electoral Act.7. Inside registration stations there are no way to distinguish between IEC officials and ANC officials. The President and the Deputy President of the UDM experienced first hand the level of confusion and ANC biased in the registration process. When they wanted to complete the registration form, they were confronted with an ANC form and not a registration form. The UDM took these forms and other ANC documentation from the registration station to hand in as part of the complaint. The ANC official though confronted with this continued as if nothing happened and with us and the media present, took the form of an unexpected member of the public.8.Within the IEC confusion reigns. Three calls to the same number provided three completely different answers – and that on a basic question like what is the rule regarding where one should register: should it be where you stay, where you work, a choice of those or can you register at any point? Call 1: You can register where ever you want. Call 2: You must register in your voting district. Call 3: You can register where ever you want in Gauteng, but that address that you gave me where you stay does not exist. (Names of officials available) We can laugh about the situation, we can make jokes about the situation, and urban legends will develop as a result of the situation. The fact of the matter remains that the South African democracy is under threat. ;At the end of this weekend millions of South Africans would not have been able to take the first step in what is a fundamental right enshrined in our constitution. The IEC must take responsibility for the threat the South African democracy is under. South Africans are entitled to have answers to the following questions: 1. Why was proper planning not done and logistics not in place? 2. What will the IEC do to rectify the situation and to ensure that there will not be a repetition of the chaos next weekend and on subsequent registration dates? 3. What steps will the IEC take to ensure South Africans an acceptable level of organisation for the 1999 elections? 4. Will the IEC take steps against those IEC officials who are responsible for the chaos experienced today? Will they be removed and replaced by competent people?The IEC is serving the people of South Africa. They are accountable for all their actions and for the money that they spend to the South African tax payer and voter public – not to any political party and definitely not to the ANC government. There can be no talk of an African Renaissance, South Africa as the custodians of democracy or of South Africa playing a leading role in Africa if we do not get our own house in order. Countries with less infrastructure than South Africa run elections and the administration of elections far more efficiently and effectively. What South Africans experienced today is unjust and an insult to the years of struggle for a liberated and democratic South Africa.
Admin
24 Nov, 1998
Postponement of registration
Statement by Deputy-National Secretary The announcement today that the registration for the elections will be postponed in four provinces, emphasises the inability of government to deal with issues pro actively and in time. This announcement should have been made at least a month ago when it was clear to any one who cared, that the IEC will not be in a position to conduct proper registration in November. This is symptomatic of the crisis management style of the ANC government. Political parties who are represented in parliament are all jumping onto the bandwagon and screaming foul play – this should not fool the voters. Political parties, including all opposition parties, sat in parliament and did not use their positions to bring about any changes regarding the budget of the IEC or the election process. The use of ID books only became an issue to the National Party when research indicated that the Western Cape is effected greatly by the issuing of these documents. For the first time the DP is making a noise after Opinion 99 indicated that it is their voters who are most likely not to register. This opportunism from the political parties must end now. They have a responsibility equal to that of the ANC government and the IEC, to the voters to ensure that the elections are run smoothly. They were after all supporting the budget vote of Trevor Manuel. The IEC can also no longer wash its hands in innocence. The IEC must stop misleading the voter public. It is the voter public’s money that the IEC is using and their right to free and fair elections that the IEC is tampering with. The IEC must communicate honestly to the voters the problems and obstacles they are experiencing. It is our right to know the truth and the IEC’s responsibility to communicate it. In the eyes of the voters the IEC is responsible for the incompetence that we are experiencing. The IEC itself, in the way it acts, blemishes its independence and ability. ;Of great concern is the announcement by the government that they, the ANC government, will evaluate the registration process and then they will decide whether a further registration process is needed. This should be one of the primary functions of the IEC and most definitely not of the ANC government. The mere arrogance of the entitlement of government of this function and the silence with which the IEC received this announcement is a direct threat to the independence of the IEC and free and fair elections. The 1999 election never was and definitely is not a power game of a few individuals. As South Africans we should not be surprised that our economic figures decline if this is what we portray in terms of our ability to conduct democratic elections. The failure of the ANC government to empower the IEC to conduct the registration process properly makes one to wonder about the arrogance of the ANC government in their self appointed role as the defender of democracy in neighbouring states. It elevates South Africa’s role in the Lesotho debacle to the level of the absurd! As a political party who do not receive state funding we have spend a lot of money and time in informing our supporters that they should register in order to be able to vote. The postponement of the registration process in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and the Free State do not guarantee that the registration process in the other provinces will run smoothly. People still do not know where they should go and register. A special effort should now also be embarked on to communicate the changes in the four provinces affected. The UDM sincerely hopes that the marketing of this will not be as clandestine and secret as the current effort.
Admin
24 Nov, 1998
South Africa’s soaring trade balance deficit
Statement by Deputy-President South Africa’s worse than expected trade balance figures, which was announced yesterday, gives reason for grave concern. The cumulative deficit of R622,5 million for the first 10 months of 1998, compared to a cumulative; surplus of R3,8 million for the corresponding period; last year is frightening. There are furthermore indications that this condition will continue to worsen for the balance of the current fourth quarter, leaving a trade deficit for 1998 much larger than the market expected! These newly released trade balance figures will undoubtedly have a negative effect on the sentiments of investors in South Africa. While the world economy remains an important influencing factor on our economy, especially the position of our major export partners, South Africa’s soaring deficit on its trade balance, focuses afresh on the state of our economy. The important question is what does the ANC led government do to create a favourable climate for the South African economy to perform optimally? The United Democratic Movement believes that the ANC government should stop window dressing and should stop addressing only the symptoms of our economic problems and start to address the key problems in our economy. Under the ANC government, South Africa is experiencing a decline in incomes per capita (destroying wealth), stagnating exports, declines in factory production, surges in capital outflows, declines of fixed investments in new projects, plummeting car sales and job losses on a major scale. Under ANC rule, South Africa is getting poorer by the day, as fast as under apartheid. Facts on the table paints a picture of economic failure. It can be accepted that this situation will worsen if the ANC succeeds in obtaining a two-third majority in the 1999 election. The UDM believes that economic growth and job creation must be; boosted through an aggressive policy of enterprise development, giving entrepreneurs in underprivileged communities access to capital. SA’s economic fundamentals should now be addressed, given the latest worse than expected trade balance figures
Admin
23 Nov, 1998
Registration in shambles – elections under threat
Statement by Deputy-National Secretary With 72 hours left to put in place the organisational machinery for registration, the situation can only be described as chaotic. Not only are there serious questions about the impartiality of using state officials to run the registration, but it is also obvious that there are not enough officials willing to do the job. Training for these yet “non existing” officials must still take place. When will this happen and how does the IEC expect to fit it in the remaining timeframe? Free and fair elections are not determined on the day of elections only. The accessibility, level of understanding and the perception on the legitimacy of the process already determines whether the elections can be declared free and fair. Confusion reigns within the mind of the voter public. Voters have no idea where they should go and register. Giving publicity to the 14 000 plus registration points to such an extend that it is general public knowledge takes more than a mere day or two. Voter despondency with the upcoming elections becomes understandable in this atmosphere of uncertainty and ill organisation. We can not expect the voter to have trust in the democratic process if the basics are not right or put in place. This, are not the responsibility of political parties, but ultimately the responsibility of the IEC and government in providing the necessary funding for this exercise. Political parties must and should do everything in their power to ensure that its supporters register. This is true, but it becomes an exercise in futility if the infrastructure and logistics are not in place. The IEC’s handling of the registration process gives new meaning to the saying “hurry up and wait” and “all dressed up but nowhere to go!”.
Admin
05 Nov, 1998
Resignation as Member of Parliament for the National Party and joining the UDM
Statement by Reverend Macfarlan Pheneti, Member of Parliament, MP Today I resigned from the National Party to join the United Democratic Movement. I joined the UDM, the only party that brings South Africans irrespective of race, gender, or religious believes together in one political home. I was elected to the National Parliament in 1994 to represent the National Party. I was convinced at the time that the National Party was sincere in its efforts to bring South Africans together and that there was a change of heart in the NP. However, today I must admit that I, together with many other people of colour was misled. The National Party has lost its will, ability and commitment to reach out and attract new voters of substance. Under the new leadership of the National Party the NP is caught up in a situation where it is controlled by a white, Afrikaner, male kabaal who take decisions, highly centralized, and enforce them. (Read Marthinus van Schalkwyk and a small band of men). No black person in the party holds any real position of power or influence. Many opportunities where people of colour could either be appointed or elected in positions did arise, but the NP chooses to ignore them. Black people in leadership positions within the National Party are nothing more than convenient symbols of window dressing the party. The NP leadership does not take them seriously and a “master servant” situation prevails. Under the current leadership of the National Party, the NP will disappear from the political scene. I can no longer be dishonest with myself, my family and with the South African voter public. I call on my fellow colleagues in the black caucus of the National Party to seriously reconsider their positions, stop living a lie, and find themselves a political home where they can find fulfillment. It is for this reason that I today announce my resignation and subsequently the vacation of my position as Member of Parliament to provide my services to the UDM on a voluntary basis.
Admin
05 Nov, 1998
Politics bankrupt IEC: democracy on knife edge
Statement by Deputy-President The South African voter public may well become the victim and democracy the corps that will be buried as a result of the ANC and opposition parties unwillingness to provide sufficient funding to the IEC. The UDM has warned from the outset that the amount made available to the IEC to conduct the elections, is not enough. This affects the smooth running of the elections as well as the independence of the IEC. The UDM’s fears have now become reality. It was reported today at a National Party Liaison Committee that the IEC only have enough money to continue their work until the middle of November. The IEC was awarded a budget of R500 million, this after they requested a budget of R1.1 billion. Only a further R100 million was added to the budget though the IEC requested a further R600 million from the supplementary budget. None of the political parties in parliament supported the IEC in their request for more money. Because of the shortage in the budget, the IEC took the decision to register voters only for three days. The IEC does not have more money available to spend on registration. The decision not to grant people abroad and prisoners a voting opportunity was also taken because of the budget shortage. At any given point in time there are 250 000 South Africans in London alone. With a three-day registration process, this figure will escalate together with South Africans in South Africa, who will not be in their voting districts during the registration days, will be added, and will not be able to vote. Because of budget constraints, they will be deprived of their democratic right to vote as contained in the Bill of Rights. Though, the IEC did indicate that, if the registration percentage is unsatisfactory after the period lapsed, they will approach parliament for funds, so as to continue registering voters, this will only become obvious at the end of November, and it will remain subject to funds being made available. It is the UDM’s opinion that the IEC will not be able to stick to the current timeframe and that the date of the elections will be affected. The 1999 elections are heading for disaster. It is obvious when it comes to voting money to themselves, political parties will do so very easily as they have done with the “Funding of Political Parties Bill.”; The UDM can not but question the ANC’s political motives in providing such an inadequate budget to the IEC. Can it be that the ANC does not want to see the elections take place in 1999?; How do you explain spending R80 million per week “enforcing” democracy in a neighbouring state, but you are not willing to provide sufficient funds for your own democracy. The UDM challenges political parties in parliament to ensure that the election process is properly funded; demonstrate your seriousness with democracy – ensure free and fair elections.
Admin
29 Oct, 1998
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report
Statement by Bantu Holomisa and Roelf Meyer When President Nelson Mandela today received the TRC report, he received on behalf of every single South African the epilogue on the saddest chapter in our history. The United Democratic Movement will study the report in dept, but our first impressions are that it is a balanced report that can, and which we believe is intended to, if handled in a responsible manner, contribute to reconciliation. The wounds of the past can not be healed through the report of the TRC. We should never forget the basic principles and lessons learned from our past, we must use it as firm foundation for our future. This report provides us today with the first pages on which we, united as a nation, can start writing our future – that, that will become tomorrow’s history. We are given a second chance, another opportunity to contribute towards creating a South Africa in which our rich diversity can become our pride, where we can develop, through a spirit of South Africanism, a country and a nation that can become all it can be. The United Democratic Movement today puts a challenge to every single South African, every individual in all sectors of our community: the churches, academic institutions, business community, political leaders, the youth – to take on this tremendous challenge, to accept responsibility for contributing towards our future and building a nation. Let us be co-planers and become architects of our own destiny. The TRC commissioners, the support staff and all other who have been involved in the tremendous task of the TRC must be thanked for their tireless effort. We have witnessed the commitment with which they attended to this task. We can only start to imagine the personal and emotional strain that they went through. South Africa thank you for your personal contribution and sacrifices in taking us onto the road leading to the future.
Admin
28 Oct, 1998
Factually incorrect reporting in Beeld
Statement by Roelf Meyer, UDM Deputy-President The main article in this morning’s Beeld: “Skok oor moorde vir Magnus, Vlok”, in which it is stated that I have received a notice from the TRC, regarding my former position as Deputy Minister of Law and Order, about a certain incident in May 1996, is a flagrant factual mistake. I received no letter or notice at any stage from the TRC about any matter as was reported. The reporter did not contact me, or my office, to verify these facts. Instead he went ahead and reported it as a fact that I have received such a letter. At the time of the alleged incident I was not a deputy minister of any portfolio what so ever. This is obviously why the TRC did not send me a notice. I conveyed the above facts this morning to the editor of Beeld, Mr. Johan de Wet, upon which he apologised for the factual errors made by the journalist and has undertaken to report the true facts and a correction in tomorrow’s newspaper. Other media carried the report in Beeld – I would expect the same correction to take place in those mediums.
Admin
28 Oct, 1998
Job Summit
Statement by Bantu Holomisa and Roelf Meyer The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the fact that the Job Summit is taking place at last. However, the need for such a summit emphasises the failure of government policies towards job creation. The reasons for these failures are both structural and consequential. On the structural side it must be noted that: The SA manufacturing industry runs only at 80% of its potential The monthly motor sales are at the same level as they were in the middle of 1994 Building plans currently approved are lower than that in the middle of 1994 Manufacturing was 8% lower in August 1998 than in August 1997, whilst the world figure is 1 ½% up for the same period. All of these points indicate the need for some corrections in the management of interest rates and our currency. On the consequential side, one must admit that we have suffered from the global decline in economic activity as well as from the high number of strikes which have had a particular influence on our export production and capacity during July/August 1998. This resulted in the lowest trade balance figures ever for South Africa in August 1998. At its first National Congress on 27 June 1998, the UDM adopted a policy document which addresses the unemployment problem in South Africa. The UDM is proud of this innovative, but practical document and would like to present a few of its more crucial points: The point of departure in our policy document is that neither government nor big business will be able to provide the job requirements The only solution lies in enterprise development through which all South Africans can be empowered and the gap between those that have and those that don’t have can be narrowed To make enterprise development successful an integrated approach is necessary. Specific practical solutions are also illustrated in our documents, for instance: The need to make credit facilities and banking services accessible to the 60% or more of the population that do not have access now. This must be done through refocusing the capital market to assist new and emerging business. The combining of formal and informal financing facilities like local stock exchanges. Entrepreneurial and risk skills training through allocating government resources to practical training which enhances people’s ability to enter the economy. Encouraging land owners to grant or sell shares in their farming enterprises through incentives. Reviewing statutory wage requirements that will encourage job creation and which reflect the unique circumstances of areas and communities. The UDM regrets the fact that it is not able to participate in the Job Summit because we are convinced that our contribution would be worthwhile and enriching. In the latest competitive study report of the World Economic Forum it was indicated that South Africa fares relatively well in the institutional sector and general infrastructure. What is, however, of particular concern is that South Africa is at the bottom of the rating of labour skills and human development. The UDM therefore proposes that specific focus be put on these areas where the government has clearly failed over the last four years.
Admin
27 Oct, 1998
Amnestie en die WVK
Statement by Deputy-President Roelf Meyer Na aanleiding van die artikel deur Jacko Maree, en opvolg kommentaar in die Burger, val dit vreemd op dat hy as NP LP sy eie party se derms oor die amnestie aangeleentheid so uitryg. Ek stem nie met al sy stellings saam nie, maar vind dit tog onverklaarbaar dat hy, as NP LP, wat mede verantwoordlikheid moet dra, die skuld oor die verloop van die gebeure op die NP fokus. Die hele verloop van die onderhandelingsproses en die uitkoms moet vandag beoordeel word teen die alternatiewe wat toe bestaan het. Twee sodanige alternatiewe was ‘n beleg van Suid Afrika deur die Internasionale gemeenskap wat defnitief moontlik was in die lig van die totale weersin in apartheid. In die laat tagtiger jare het dit ‘n hoogtepunt bereik wat selfs daartoe gelei het dat vriende van die destydse Suid Afrikaanse regering, soos Margaret Thatcher, druk uitgeoefen het op Suid Afrika om onmiddelik te likwideer. Die tweede alternatief was ‘n bloedige binnelandse konflik wat ons almal in die loopgrawe sou dwing en wat baie erger as Namibië en Zimbabwe of enige ander konflik sou wees. Ons het Suid Afrika ‘n wrede bevrydingsoorlog gespaar deur, op ‘n vreedsame wyse, ‘n onderhandelde ooreenkoms te bereik. Ek is dankbaar dat ek deel kon wees van die proses om vir ons land so ‘n uitkoms te verseker. Die feit dat Suid Afrika vandag swoeg onder ondemokratiese praktyke wat deur die ANC regering toegepas word, is nie die resultaat van die onderhandelings of die nuwe grondwet nie, maar van die feit dat ons nog nie ons politieke samestelling verander het nie. Eers wanneer ons swart en wit werklik in een politieke huishouding saambind sal ons die nodige demokratiese balans bereik. Dit is juis hierdie oefening waarmee die UDM besig is. Ander partye onder wit leiding soos die Nasionale Party en die Demokratiese Party sal nie dit kan regkry nie. Die feite oor die amnestie ondehandelinge is baie eenvoudig. Kobie Coetsee het die hele aangeleentheid soos ‘n ervare kaartspeler teen sy bors gespeel – van begin tot einde – en hy is hierin deur FW de Klerk beskerm. Nie ek of enige ander onderhandelaar is in die periode vanaf 1990 tot laat in 1993 toegelaat om met die saak te handel nie. Selfs gedurende die onderhandelings oor die Notule van Verstandhouding in 1992 is die saak van vrywaring deur Kobie Coetsee hanteer en nie deur myself soos Jacko Maree probeer uitmaak nie. Ek moet ook daarop wys dat dit deurgaans die praktyk was gedurende die onderhandelings dat ander kabinetsministers verantwoordlikheid geneem het vir hul eie lynfunksies. Die verskil tussen die lynfunksies en amnestie is dat die meeste van hulle dit openlik en in oorleg met hul kollegas gedoen het. Om die rede kan ek met absolute oortuiging verklaar dat alles wat ek onderhandel het, die mede verantwoordelikheid dra van FW de Klerk en die volle kabinet van destyds, waarvan André Fourie, Sheila Camerer en Danie Schutte vandag senior posisies in die Nasionale Party beklee. Nie ‘n enkele besluit wat ek met Cyril Ramaphosa, die ANC of enige ander party onderhandel het, het ek op my eie gedoen nie. Daarom moet die totale kabinet en die NP koukus van destyds verantwoordlikheid neem vir die resultaat. Ek het weekliks volledig geraporteer aan die NP koukus van destyds, waarvan Jacko Maree en Marthinus van Schalkwyk en almal lede was. Niks wat ek gedoen het is in die geheim, agter geslote deure of in private ooreenkomste gedoen nie. Oor amnestie het ek en ander, soos Hernus Kriel, dikwels in 1992 en 1993 in die kabinet en ander onderhandelings beplanningsessies gevra dat die saak tot ‘n punt gebring moet word. Daar was nie vordering oor die saak in samehang met ander onderhandelingsvraagstukke nie. Einde ten laaste is ek, nadat die onderhandelings oor die grondwet afgehandel was, gevra om die saak te beredder. Dit was egter op ‘n onmoontlike tydstip, maar het uitgeloop op die naskrif in die oorgangsgrondwet, die inhoud waarvan weereens deur die volle kanbinet van destyds goedgekeur is. Die ooreenkoms is op 5 Desember 1993 beklink. Die vraag wat egter onbeantwoord bly is wat van die veiligheidsmagte van destyds en ons verantwoordlikheid teenoor hulle. In my eie voorlegging aan die WVK op 15 Oktober 1997 het ek die standpunt ingeneem dat die gebeure rondom die destydse konflik in volle konteks gesien moet word. Dit beteken dat almal aan albei kante van die konflik verantwoordelik was vir die skep van ‘n gees van vyandigheid waarin buitengewone optredes en selfs skendings van menseregte voorgekom het. Almal van ons het daarom in ‘n mindere of meerdere mate verantwoordelikheid gehad. Diegene wat in die regering, parlement of in partystrukture aan weerskante van die konflik gedien het. By terugskoue het ek gesê was my eie grootste skuld dat ek nie betyds meer bevraagtekend was gedurende daardie tyd nie. Ek het verder in my voorlegging aan die hand gedoen hoe menseregteskendings beoordeel behoort te word. (Basies in 3 kategorieë van beoordeling: optredes wat onder opdrag plaasgevind het, die wat gewaand in opdrag was en derdens optredes wat buite konteks plaasgevind het). Ek dink dus dit was verkeerd dat PW Botha nie na die WVK gegaan het om verantwoordlikheid te neem vir optredes deur die veiligheidsmagte in sy tydperk nie, maar dit oorgelaat het aan individuele lede van die veiligheidsmagte om vir hulself in te staan. Ek dink verder dat die NP, as organisasie, medeverantwoordelikheid moet aanvaar en kan hy nie in sy huidige gedaante op enige geloofwaardige wyse hom probeer distansieer van die regering van die verlede se aksies en dade nie. Daar is dus net een logiese gevolgtrekking – vir die NP het die pad tot ‘n einde gekom.
Admin
23 Oct, 1998
Stop ANC political intolerance
Statement by Deputy-National Secretary In the interest of democracy, the removal of UDM posters in Imbali, KwaZulu Natal by ANC structures can not be tolerated. The UDM sees this incident in a very serious light and as a real threat towards free political activity in the run-up to the 1999 elections. Political intolerance by the ANC leadership, their structures and followers is experienced throughout the country. For an ANC leader to indicate that posters would “confuse” the community and that they do not know of any UDM members in that area, and that therefore the UDM should not advertise its rallies there, smacks of ignorance and arrogance. No single square meter of land in this country should be politically exclusive and inaccessible to any political party. The constitutional rights of free political activity and access to information are grossly violated by this incident. The UDM calls on the President to indicate in no uncertain terms whether political parties will be guaranteed their right to canvass and have free access to all areas in the country. We further call on Thabo Mbeki as President of the ANC to educate and discipline the ANC leadership and their supporters in the basic principles of democracy. It is often the ANC leadership’s own intolerance towards criticism levelled at them by other political parties, that serves as a signal to their followers that it is acceptable to act in this way. The UDM in KwaZulu Natal has already brought criminal charges against the ANC and this incident will also be brought to the attention of the IEC.
Admin
22 Oct, 1998
UDM welcomes the new Pretoria Taxi Office
Statement by National Organiser The United Democratic Movement has declared clearly in its vision statement that we plan to make South Africa a winning nation in Ten Years. It is in that spirit that we wholeheartedly wish to welcome and congradulate the Pretoria Taxi Forums and associations for the launching of the Greater Pretora Metropolitan taxi Office For too long has the Taxi industry suffered under poor regulatory systems which led to unnecessary bloodshed and the deaths of many commutors and drivers alike. Any effort that will improve the safety of Taxi users and drivers is welcomed by the UDM. Any effort that will encourage enterpreneual spirit and that narrows the gap between the have’s and the have nots is a step in the right direction. The sooner this pilot project is spread to the rest of the country the better. We hope that government officials will remain facilitators and not interfere too much in this newly formed office for it to survive as a clean and transparent body. This noble endevour must not end up like all others, breeding more violence and deaths.
Admin
22 Oct, 1998
Roelf Meyer meets with Lesotho opposition leaders in Kroonstad
Statement by Deputy-President I today had a follow-up meeting with leaders of the opposition parties of Lesotho. The meeting took place in Kroonstad and was attended by Mr. Vincent Malebo, the chairman of the opposition parties, Mr. Pseliso Makhakhe and Ms. Malelo Morrison. I represented the UDM and Mbulelo Lokwe assisted me. The opposition parties discussed with us the further development in Lesotho from which it is clear that great uncertainty exist about the transitional arrangements towards the new elections. The agreement that was reached on the 14th of October lacks completely in content and does not at all provide for the composition, the powers and the functioning of the transitional structure. This means that problems remain in Lesotho and if it is not resolved it could lead to more disputes and further tensions. It is a pity that the opportunity on the 14th was not used to bring clarity to these outstanding matters. The opposition parties remain committed to a peaceful settlement and we were ;exchanging ideas on the way forward. I am confident that a solution is possible. On the request of the Lesotho opposition parties we will remain in close contact with a view to resolve the issues.
Admin
20 Oct, 1998
Teba Cash transformed into a bank
Statement by UDM President The United Democratic Movement supports the transformation of Teba Cash into a commercial bank. The UDM is, however, concerned that the control is vested in only one union, the NUM. Other unions whose members have also contributed to Teba must be recognized and have equal representation in the trust that is going to run Teba Bank. The UDM would urge the Chamber of Mines to tread carefully and not to favour any union above the other. What would happen if NUM were to loose the majority support that it currently holds? The UDM will be watching the formation of these types of consortiums very carefully. It is currently the feeling that other companies or role players are never successful in bidding for these opportunities. Partnerships like these can not be limited and exclusively benefiting only to those investing arms of organizations affiliated to COSATU or the ANC and their allies.
Admin
14 Oct, 1998
Memorandum Editor of Business Day regarding article of 13 October 1998 about UDM leadership
by Bantu Holomisa – UDM President Mr. John Stuart’s (ANC member) suggestion in Business Day of 13 October 1998 that the leadership of the United Democratic Movement was involved and had prior knowledge of the cold blooded murder of four youths in Umtata by the South African security forces is false and disgusting. We reject it with the contempt it deserves. Such an outrageous accusation can only be made by someone who deliberately chooses to be ignorant of the true facts about various developments in our painful transition from apartheid to democracy. The allegations for the involvement of the then Transkei Government or its security forces are without proof. The suggestion that we were involved is an insult to the intelligence and integrity of the Transkei people and the then security forces because it was a well known fact that at the time of the Northcrest raid and murders, our government and the people of the Transkei were constantly harassed and prosecuted by the De Klerk regime. Our immediate response to these killings was to challenge De Klerk to explain and alternatively to institute an inquiry. It was because of our open condemnation of this act that De Klerk acknowledged the responsibility of South African forces. We went so far as to expel the South African Ambassador in Transkei, Mr. van Rensburg. Indeed it was in this context that when De Klerk received joint nomination with Mr. Mandela for the Nobel Peace Price we condemned the nomination but Mr. Nelson Mandela supported Mr. De Klerk’s nomination. In my public continuous condemnation of the SA action as head of Transkei Government I categorically stated that Mr. De Klerk should be charged for the North Crest killings but Mandela apologised publicly for De Klerk. These are actions that someone implicated in a crime would hardly decide to take. It is therefore difficult to accept that these allegations are made by a sober, rational, intelligent and a responsible mind. When you cannot comprehend a matter of public record how can you claim any measure of intelligence and political understanding enough to tutor and advise millions of South Africans about their freedom of choice in political organisations. Why is it not ignorance of the first degree to accuse former Lesotho Premier Leabua Jonathan for South African military raids into Lesotho when Lesotho was offering refugee and support to the South African freedom fighters? In fabricating these false and wild accusations against the UDM leadership, Mr. Stuart forget to mention that the ANC and PAC leadership was not only safe in the Transkei but was offered material support and protection by the government and people of Transkei against the South African apartheid state. The current ANC and PAC leadership are aware of this and that is precisely why they accepted our support and training of their forces at a time when Mr. John Stuart was living in the comfort of his secluded society. We demand a full apology from him about these unfounded allegations. The North Crest massacre must be seen in the context of an oversight by the ANC leadership who started the negotiations in secret with the National Intelligence abroad and in jail. What precautionary measures did Zuma, Mbeki and others put in place during the so-called negotiations to make sure that exiles and many in this country would not be victimised as it happened in July 1990. Mr. Stuart will agree with me that many people were killed / massacred by F W de Klerk’s forces between 1990 and 1993, as compared to the entire period of the struggle. It was during this period that the likes of Hani and others died prematurely. It should be noted by you, Mr. Stuart, and your ANC organisation that these are the same forces which Thabo / Zuma are boastfully telling us that they were negotiating with. One becomes suspicious whether their recommendations to their Leadership after they had met the apartheid regime were not leading South Africans into a Trojan Horse or a Dingaan’s Kraal style. ANC leadership has to take blame by putting too much trust in F W de Klerk’s war machinery to guarantee the safety of all South Africans in the period referred to above. Bantu Holomisa President of the United Democratic Movement
