Admin
05 Jul, 1998
Political hotline: a first in South Africa
Statement by National Deputy-Secretary In keeping with the UDM’s spirit of being innovative in its approach, the UDM Information Hotline will be available as from Monday, 6 July 1998. The electorate can call the UDM Hotline to get more information on the UDM. Callers will also be invited to leave a message or give some input on issues. The Hotline will provide callers the opportunity to listen to the President, Bantu Holomisa, and Deputy President, Roelf Meyer, explaining to them the policy of the UDM. Comments on burning issues facing South Africa will also be available on this service. Callers can call in and hear what the UDM’s view on the SACP/COSATU/ANC dogfight is as well as find out what the UDM think about the TRC’s decision not to investigate the atrocities committed by high profile ANC members in exile. Within the next week callers will also be able to listen to media statements issued by the UDM and get information on provincial structures and contact numbers. With this service the UDM aims at becoming more accessible to South Africans and further its approach of consultation on the challenges facing South Africa. The UDM Hotline number is 083 910 2709.
Admin
29 Jun, 1998
DP’s comment a farce
Statement by National Deputy-Secretary The Democratic Party’s reaction on the policy of the UDM is absurd. From the reaction of the Democratic Party, it was clear that they commented on something that they have not laid their eyes on yet. This was confirmed this morning when a call was received from the “Research Department” of the DP requesting the UDM to forward a copy of the UDM’s policy to them. One would expect the DP to properly research the content of the policy before artificially and out of context try and comment on it. Not only does the DP’s comment smack of arrogance and ignorance, it also confirms the inability of the DP to grasp an understanding of the reality of the challenges facing the majority of South Africans. The DP’s insensitivity towards issues such as unemployment and poverty clearly indicates how far the DP is removed from the realities on the ground. The politics of this country is not limited to the chambers of parliament and the volume of noise that a party generates there; it would serve the DP well to get out of their glass houses and face the realities of South Africa amongst the people. The UDM in developing its policies did not engage in what can merely be described as an academic exercise. The UDM set it self-out to find practical solutions to the most daunting problems facing all South Africans. In getting to the answers the UDM talked to thousands of ordinary South Africans, called in the assistance of well known experts in the different disciplines and those interest groups operating in that field. The result is an integrated policy that can realistically be executed and implemented within the limited financial resources available in South Africa.
Admin
26 Jun, 1998
UDM First National Congress, 27 June 1998
Statement by Convenor of Credentials Committee (26 June 1998) The following nominations for the positions on the National Management Committee have been received from the structures of the UDM. National Leader – Mr. Bantubonke H Holomisa, Pretoria National Deputy Leader – Mr. Roelof Petrus Meyer, Pretoria National Chairperson – Mr. Esau Masilo Mabeta, Umtata National Deputy Chairperson – Mr. Salamuddi Abram Mayet, Benoni; Rev. William Sello Molefe, Brits; Mr. Gabonewe William Motsatsi, Rustenburg; Adv. Jabulani Pantalea Mnguni, Pretoria; Mr. John Mulaudzi, Louis Trichardt Mr. James Sullivan, Greater Johannesburg National Secretary – Mr. Jacobus Tapedi Maseka, Mmakau; Mr. Sifiso Gabriel Nkabinde, Richmond National Deputy Secretary – Mr. James Jerry Hope, Greater Johannesburg; Mr. Bheki Samson Ntanzi, Krugersdorp; Mrs. Christell Scheepers, Louis Trichardt; Miss. Annelizé van Wyk, Pretoria National Treasurer – Mr. Takis Christodoulou, Pretoria National Financial Planning and Fundraise Officer – Mr. Daniel Petersen, Cape Town National Organiser – Mr. James Jerry Hope, Greater Johannesburg; Mr. Siphiwe A. Makhubo, Pretoria; Rev. Kingsley Masemola, Lebowakgomo; Mr. Ngwenya, Brakpan; Mr. Matodzi Sadiki, DobsonvilleNational Deputy Organiser: (2 Positions): Mr. Tommy Abrahams, Cape Town; Mr. Johannes B. Baard, Carltonville; Mr. Andile Magodla, Comfimvaba, Eastern Cape; Mr. Siphiwe A. Makhubo, Pretoria; Ms. Bathembise Mokoena, Ermelo; Rev. William S. Molefe, Brits; Mr. Arnold M. Phasha, Middelburg, Mpumalanga; Mr. Kesiloe Shoai, Randfontein; Mr. Maurice I. Van Staaden, Kraaifontein
Admin
22 Jun, 1998
ANC attack on Nkabinde: UDM reaction
Statement by UDM President The ANC’s panic regarding the election of Sifiso Nkabinde is noted. The UDM will not allow the ANC to choose leaders for itself, nor are they the UDM’s agents to gauge support for the us in KwaZulu Natal. One thing is clear: the ANC is still being haunted by the acquittal of Nkabinde. Nkabinde was subjected to scrutiny by the state and the judiciary of this country. He fared far better than his former bosses in the ANC who rushed to the TRC to apply for blanket amnesty. They never revealed how they executed their black brothers and sisters in exile. Senior ANC officials like Thabo Mbeki, Zuma, Modise, Mac Maharaj and others who are now comfortable in high offices, are still yet to inform the public of South Africa how the ANC in exile arrived at decisions to execute their own brothers and sisters. We have heard about ANC accusations against Nkabinde but what about ANC warlords in cabinet. There will be no question of fairness until a principle of even handedness is equally applied. The UDM accepts the judgement by Justice Jan Combrink as the last word on this matter. The Kangaroo court methods, which were used in executing fellow blacks in exile, have no home under the new constitution. The ANC will have to swallow its pride and if it is serious about peace in KwaZulu Natal work together with Sifiso Nkabinde in achieving exactly that.
Admin
04 Jun, 1998
Suspend all rationalisation in government until criteria is agreed upon
Statement by UDM Co-leaders The UDM calls on all the relevant parties involved in the pending education crisis to, in the interest of education, work towards finding a solution. The frustration within the education community is understandable and well founded. Minister Bengu can not merely ignore what are realistic and profound concerns. Education forms the basis of the development of the human resource in South Africa. Attention must be given when professionals in that domain indicate that planned steps by government will influence negatively on the professional service. The arrogance of the Minister of Education will not contribute towards finding a solution. What is happening in education is a reflection of what is happening in all other spheres of government where transformation through rationalization, without proper consultation and agreed upon criteria takes place. This results in a very high uncertainty amongst government officials and contributes to very low productivity. The UDM calls on government to suspend all further retrenchments within the civil service and to work towards agreed criteria after proper consultation with the interested parties. Retrenchment on its own is not transformation and the one sided, arrogant approach with which it is conducted by government only leads to distrust and low moral. The absence of a contingency plan to assist those who are retrenched contribute to further impoverishment. Government should address the issue of retrenchment in a far more sensitive and co-ordinated way.
Admin
21 May, 1998
Appointment of president for the Reserve Bank must be handled cautiously
Statement by UDM Co-leaders The Government must announce as soon as possible a successor for Dr. Chris Stalls as President for the Reserve Bank. The announcement by Dr. Stalls that he will not be available again once his contract expires in July 1999 coupled with the change in government just before Stalls vacates his position might bring too much uncertainty to the financial markets. The UDM believes that government would act responsible if it sends out a clear message on who will take over. The timely announcement of a successor would provide the financial markets the opportunity to settle down and would reduce the effect it would have when the actual changeover takes place.
Admin
20 May, 1998
Government must first get its own house in order
Statement by Co-leader of the UDM The call by Thabo Mbeki for financial aid from the world community can only be considered legitimate and serious when South Africa gets its own house in order. The announcement that the low-cost housing projects will loose its momentum due to an insufficient national housing budget is a serious charge against the ANC led government’s ability to address national priorities. Not only will government fail in targets it setout for itself, but also is it failing dismally in addressing the plight of the poor. The most important point on the Government agenda, the Presidential Job summit is not getting of the ground. Again, a meeting between the ANC alliance partners to debate an employment strategy was postponed indefinitely. The creation of employment opportunities is the single most important challenge facing South Africa. While housing projects, health services and education is tumbling in like a house of cards all around us, government is also failing in empowering people to provide their own services. Instead, the ANC government and its alliance partners still find time to bicker amongst each other instead of concentrating on the mammoth task ahead. The UDM believes that the creation of employment opportunities is the most important challenge facing South Africa and its citizens. We cannot continue to have 400 000 new entries in the job market every year and not create one single new job opportunity. If South Africa fails in addressing this issue we will have a revolution on our hands. It is for this reason that the UDM identified the creation of employment as its main focus in policy development. The UDM will soon make public its plans for addressing unemployment.
Admin
05 May, 1998
Rugby must be the winner
Statement UDM Co-leader The involvement of government structures and specifically of Member of Parliament, Muleleki George, in the SARFU/NSC battle for the soul of rugby, clearly indicates a political involvement. Following the court decision there can be no doubt that SARFU is occupying the moral high ground. This can and must however not be seen as the last word spoken in solving the problems of rugby. The UDM believes that the only dignified option remaining for the parties involved, government, the National Sports Council and the South African Football Union, is to swallow their pride, sit around a table and come up with an amicable solution in the interest of the game of rugby. The UDM calls on those involved to consider appointing a neutral facilitator to ensure progress. Such a move would definitely discourage those who want to bat on the racism wicket.
Admin
30 Apr, 1998
Acquittal of Nkabinde
Statement by the Co-leaders of the UDM The acquittal of Sifiso Nkabinde by the court is a personal victory for him and for the independence of the judicial system in South Africa. Right from the beginning, the UDM stated that law must take its course in this case. The political interference in this case was a major concern and threat to the independence of the judicial system in South Africa. The UDM would like to urge all parties in Richmond to use this opportunity to work together in the greater interest of the residents of Richmond and place peace and stability in that area as the highest priority on the agenda. Though Mr. Nkabinde was never a member of the UDM (since the party was not yet launched at the start of the trial and according to provisions in the UDM’s constitution), the UDM welcomes Mr. Nkabinde to further his political career in the UDM.
Admin
29 Apr, 1998
Racial polarisation and political intolerance at an all time high
Statement by National Deputy-Secretary The racial polarisation and political intolerance demonstrated during the past few weeks are of grave concern to the UDM. Not only was it demonstrated in the irresponsible remarks of Peter Mokaba but also in the Vryburg incident, the death of baby Angelina and the racial emotions surrounding murders. It seems no longer important that a life has been taken, but rather what race that victim came from. Racial polarisation is the symptom, the cause lies much deeper. Political parties UDM in its comments before the opening of parliament warned that in this, the pre-election year, political parties would have to guard against electioneering instead of concentrating on the very important issues at hand. Electioneering, racial polarisation and political intolerance is now already.
Admin
29 Apr, 1998
Appointment of Nyanda welcomed
Statement issued by the Co-leaders of the UDM The UDM congratulates Lt. Gen. Nyanda with his appointment as chief of the South African National Defense Force. The UDM believes that his appointment will enhance the completion of the transformation process in the SANDF. We call on Lt. Gen. Nyanda to build a united military core, able to fulfill its changed role and ready to serve the people of South Africa.
Admin
28 Apr, 1998
UDM North West elects their leadership at first congress
Statement by National Deputy-Secretary The first democratically elected provincial chairperson of the UDM issued a serious challenge to the ANC in the Province. Mr. Leonard Brown, UDM chairperson in the North West Province during his acceptance speech said that the people of the North West have had enough of the mismanagement and incompetence of the ANC led government. The UDM in preparation for the 1999 elections in this province will aim at launching at least one branch in every local government structure in the province. Mr. Brown was elected at The First Provincial Congress of the UDM in the North West Province. The rest of the executive committee is: Deputy chair: Mr. Sam Mafoko Secretary: Mr. J de Wit Deputy Secretary: Mrs. Mdjaje Treasurer: Mr. H Schoeman Organiser: Rev. MO Motshegoa Additional Members: Mr. W Motsatsi, Ms C van der Westhuizen, Mr. W Mahamba, Rev. W Molefe
Admin
26 Apr, 1998
UDM on opposition alliances
Statement by Co-leaders of the UDM With possible alliance pacts between the opposition parties strongly back on the political agenda, certain basic principles regarding alliances need to be revisited. The mere forming of an alliance between the opposition parties (DP/NP, NP/IFP, DP/IFP or DP/NP/IFP) will not change the political landscape of the country. Such an alliance, whether it is a “loose alliance” (each party with its own structure and lists) or a more “formal alliance” (one manifesto and candidate list), it will not attract one single vote from the ANC constituency. All that it would mean is that one will pool all the current votes of opposition parties. That will not erode the power base of the ANC. The UDM indicated even before its launch that it believes that South Africans are looking for something new, that all the current political parties as they are represented in parliament reflects in one way or the other apartheid. The UDM in working on grassroots level experience a need by South Africans to break loose from the current racial divides of South African politics. South Africans are looking towards the future, they need a vision, and they want to build this country. What is even more evident is the fact that they want to do this together, as one nation. A recent Markinor survey indicated that the UDM is growing and that it is growing at the expense of the ANC majority. The UDM truly reflects the South African nation, 72% black, 16% white, 8% coloured and 4% Indian. Analysts indicated that they believe the only real threat to the ANC is the UDM. The UDM will gain nothing by getting into bed with any of the current opposition political parties. The UDM, in national interest, would however invite opposition parties who are serious about the realignment of South African politics to disband themselves. This should take place at an opposition party convention where new leadership should be elected for the new formation. This should be done with all parties taking on an equal role and placing national interest first and personal or party agendas should not determine the agenda of such a convention. The UDM, though the fastest growing party in the country, in the interest of the real realignment of South African politics, would be willing to be part of such an exercise. The UDM remains firm in its belief that that would be the only, lasting way to truly redefine South African politics.
Admin
26 Apr, 1998
Kriel se uitlatings getuig van ongemak
Statement by Co-leader of the UDM Die uitlatings van Hernus Kriel dat die Nasionale Party deur “kinders” verteenwoordig is gedurende die onderhandeling, is nie veel meer as ‘n bittere laaste salvo nie. Die feit is dat Hernus Kriel te alle tye deel van die onderhandelings was net soos alle ander kabinetslede. Hy het ‘n gesamentlike verantwoordlikheid gehad oor dit wat onderhandel is, nie net wat sy eie portefulje betref nie, maar ook wat betref die portefeuljes van ander kabinetsministers. Wie die “kinders” is waarna Hernus verwys is ook onduidelik. Die Nasionale Party is deurgaans verteenwoordig deur senior kabinetslede soos Dawie de Villiers, Leon Wessels en myself. Ons is staatkundig bygestaan deur Fanie van der Merwe en Neil Barnard, tans Direkteur-Generaal van die Wes-Kaap en deur Hernus Kriel in sy huidige posisie aangestel. Die onderhandelingspan het op ‘n weeklikse basis aan die kabinet terug gerapporteer. Nie een enkele besluit is deur die onderhandelingspan geneem voor die kabinet daartoe ingestem het nie. Hernus Kriel het nooit, hetsy in die kabinet of in Nasionale Party strukture, enige besware geopper nie. Dit opsigself diskwalifiseer hom om nou sulke aantygings te maak. Die inhoud van die Grondwet spreek ook tot die teendeel. Dit blyk dat mense soos Kriel en andere wat hierdie besware het, nog nooit die Grondwet behoorlik gelees het nie. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Grondwet word deur grondwetlike deskundiges regoor die wêreld bestempel as ‘n model grondwet. Ek is trots om deel daarvan te kon wees. Daar moet egter wel onderskei word tussen die bepalings in die Grondwet en die wyse waarop die land regeer word. Die feit dat die ANC ‘n swak regering is en die NP ‘n onvermoë het om ‘n behoorlike opposisie te wees het niks te doen met die bepalings in die grondwet nie. Die oplossing daarvoor, en dit is waarmee ek my steeds besig hou, terwyl Kriel en andere die politieke toneel en hul eie sinkende skip verlaat, is om ‘n alternatief vir die ANC regering te skep. Die vordering wat die UDM maak, en die aanklank wat die UDM onder alle Suid Afrikaners het, bevestig dat Suid Afrikaners ‘n diepliggende behoefte het na ‘n nuwe alternatief wat weer die hoop in die harte kan aanvuur.
Admin
26 Apr, 1998
27 April 1994 – four years later and still no liberation
Statement by the Co-leaders of the UDM In the run-up to the 1994 elections and shortly thereafter South Africa was in a state of euphoria. Everybody was expecting a political heaven. That also set the table for the years to follow. The main expectations were that the fate of the majority would improve. Politics suddenly had a new set of rules and it was expected of existing parties to be part of a new type of politics. Soon it became clear that the promises made were unrealistic. That government could not comply with the growing spiral of expectations. On paper we have a highly acclaimed constitution, in theory South Africa was far on the road of establishing a democratic basis. However, the spirit was not adhered to. We experienced continuous racism from all sides, polarisation is growing and intimidation is a reality of our political operations. There was a clear inability to adapt the politics to fit the requirements. If we look back on the past four years we see that political parties with long histories and from a specific order were so set in their ways that leaders and supporters new only about one way to play the game. It is especially the NP and the ANC that is struggling with this. The NP inspite of having new and young leadership remains part of the old Apartheid order politics. They still think, look and act as apartheid politicians. They still think in racial terms. Their policy remains captured in the protection of a small minority’s exclusive rights. This they do at the cost of issues of national interest. The ANC is still struggling to transform from liberation movement to government. There is internal conflict on policy issues such as GEAR. This results that the ANC’s energy is focused internally and that issues of National interest suffer as a result of that. The DP remains nothing more than a small dog, barking non stop, seemingly having all the answers but totally unable to grasp the realities of South African and African politics. If one looks back on the political scene over the past four years, the one thing that does stand out is the inability of political parties to manage change and the realities that came with it. Some even took conscious decisions not to adapt to the ever-changing environment. This is where the UDM enters the scene. We are seeking for a solution, seeking to manage these changes in the interest of all in South Africa. The UDM provides hope for practical, innovative solutions. South Africans are looking for a party that can face up with reality and that is not blinded by the old set of rules. The UDM believes that politics is like an ecological system: each organism is interdependent from the next for its survival. The time for separate issues for separate interests are over, the time for racial politics have long past. Polarisation belongs to the years of apartheid. The next year that lies ahead the political temperature will rise as we move closer to the elections. We observe that in the desperate seeking of alliances amongst old order political parties. The NP, DP and the IFP realise that their survival depends on so called cooperation. The reality is that that would mean very little more than 15% support for the opposition, which would make no dent in the ANC’s force of power. Democracy is about more than just opposing the ANC – it is about bringing down the support of the ANC. The National Party and its possible alliance partners can not mobilize support away from the ANC. The only way to make sure that democracy in the country survives in South Africa is to systematically bring down the power control of the ANC. Providing the average person with a workable and creditable alternative must achieve that. This is where the UDM will play its role. Market research and the ANC’s own agenda in dealing with the UDM confirms that. The circumstances under which politics will be practiced the next 12 months will be very difficult. Old order political parties must defend their 1994 acquired positions. They will fall back on intimidation and “fear politics. The UDM is committed to democratic politics and we will guard jealously over the rights of all South Africans to freely and without fear make their political choices.
Admin
24 Apr, 1998
Sixty ANC members arrested and charged after intimidation of UDM members
Statement by National Deputy-Secretary The ANC branch in Klipplaat, Eastern Cape, on 23 April 1998 actively intimidated UDM members and supporters. Under the leadership of Mr. Hans Human, the ANC informed UDM supporters that their houses would be taken from them since it was “provided” by the ANC. Residents were further told that only those who will vote for the ANC will have food in their houses. UDM supporters requested permission for a protest march against the mismanagement by the ANC local council. Permission was granted and in reaction, the ANC occupied the local police station. The UDM wants to call on the ANC to distance themselves from these types of actions by their supporters and officials. Disciplinary actions should be taken against those involved. The UDM believes that incidents of intimidation hold no good for the 1999 elections. It is just not good enough that the ANC talk reconciliation, wish for loyal opposition, but does not allow the most basic freedom of choice by the electorate. The UDM will not tolerate acts of intimidation against our supporters. We will highlight each and every incident. We will record and report such incidents. Democracy is founded on the very basic right of choice.
Admin
23 Apr, 1998
First provincial congress for the UDM
Statement by UDM Press Secretary Exactly four years after South Africa’s first free democratic elections South Africa’s youngest political party will hold its first provincial congress. The UDM North West will hold the first UDM Provincial Congress. Leadership for the province will be elected during the Congress. The constitution and policy of the UDM will form part of the agenda. The Co-Leaders of the UDM, Bantu Holomisa and Roelf Meyer, will address the congress. Date: 27 April 1998 Venue: North West Portuguese Community Hall Klerksdorp Brady Avenue, Palmietfontein Off turn Time: 09:00 – 16:15; A media conference will be held after the conclusion of the Congress at 16:30
Admin
14 Apr, 1998
Agreement between Botha and the TRC welcomed
Statement by Co-leader of the UDM The UDM throughout the process requested that it be made possible for Mr. Botha to appear before the TRC. Article 29 of the Truth and Reconciliation provides for hearings of the TRC to take place in camera. The UDM believes that Mr. Botha’s evidence before the TRC is important in order to get information as perceived by the previous government. All South Africans will benefit from this agreement and it can play an important part in the reconciliation process. The evidence of Mr. Botha will add to the TRC’s ability to adequately complete its task. Mr. Botha’s evidence is vital in providing the full picture and should add to a balanced final report from the TRC. The UDM congratulates the parties involved in reaching this agreement.
Admin
05 Apr, 1998
UDM makes considerable progress with policy formulation
Statement by the Interim National Management Committee The Interim National Management Committee of the UDM met on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 1998. A number of key issues were discussed during the two days. The Committee made considerable progress in the further development of UDM policy. The focus of the workshop was to take the UDM forward beyond the National Conference in June 1998. In this regard a strategic planning session was held, determining the priority areas that will be concentrated on in the run up to the elections. The political situation in South Africa was discussed at length and provinces highlighted to the National Structure the political challenges in the different provinces. The restructuring at National office was discussed and the INMC endorsed the decision taken by the Leadership and the CEO in this regard. Focus will now move towards mobilisation of the voters in the enrolling of members and the further development of branches and structures throughout South Africa.
Admin
05 Apr, 1998
Membership terminated: two members
Statement by the Interim National Management Committee At a scheduled INMC meeting of the UDM on 3 and 4 April 1998, a decision was taken to terminate the membership of Paulo Andrade and Joel Mafenya with immediate effect. The INMC found it necessary to take this step on the grounds that their conduct have been judged improper, unbecoming and have adversely effect the interest and reputation of the UDM. Andrade and Mafenya will have 10 days, until noon on 14 April 1998, to make use of their right to access to further adjudication according to clause 5.4(b) of the interim constitution of the UDM.
Admin
03 Feb, 1998
Paying for university education
Statement by Media and Marketing Director (03 February 1998) The decision by the South African University Vice Chancellors’ Association that students owing money to a university, will be refused entry to the institution, and the subsequent confrontation at the University of the Western Cape, were both perhaps unavoidable actions. With a load of R500m of unpaid study accounts, our universities just cannot continue to function properly, also in the light of decreasing government subsidies. Students, who in the past had a ‘free’ university education, also because of politically motivated lenient fee policies, cannot comprehend why the situation now has to change. The fact is that we are normalising society, and tertiary education as part of it. Our country just does not have the financial resources to provide free tertiary education; it is also not a social service that other democratic states offer. There are therefore three issues at stake here: Administrative discipline from universities to ensure study fee payments to keep our universities institutions for training and research excellence. Discipline from students not to attend university without paying, to start regarding payment for services rendered as a necessity, ‘the right thing to do’ and not as a burden to be avoided if possible. A creative look at generating study fees: many students pay for their studies by part-time work or by first working for a few years after matric in order to raise enough money. With the scarcity of jobs, other ideas such as community bursaries and even study stokvels may be investigated. Fact is, where there is a will, there must be a way. Let us be creative about it, but also moral.
