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10 Oct, 2017
The KwaZulu Natal mass murder phenomenon
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned about the spate of mass killings in KwaZulu-Natal. It cannot be that, in less than two weeks, more than fifteen people have been killed in almost the same manner – in a hail of gunfire. Eight members of the same family were killed when an unknown person opened fire in Umvoti ; just a few days after a family of five were also killed in Marianhill, with the latest, the death of three family members who were shot and killed (Folweni) – all in the same province. Most of the deceased are women and children. Something is not right. What could the motives be? KwaZulu-Natal is a known battlefield of political intolerance, but the seemingly arbitrary nature of these mass murders is serious cause for concern. Many lives have been lost since the start of 2017 and something other than nonstop investigations must be done. We welcome the arrest of four suspects on the Marianhill murder; however more needs to be done to stop this inhumane bloodshed. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Organised Crime Task Team, the National Intervention Unit and Crime Intelligence must get to the bottom of this phenomenon immediately and stop this egregious violence. End
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09 Oct, 2017
#LionMama: UDEMWO welcomes decision to drop charges against Komani mother
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretaty General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) applauds the justice system for dropping the charges against the woman accused of fatally stabbing a man and wounding two others after finding them allegedly raping her daughter in Komani, Eastern Cape. UDEMWO has been vocal in its support for this family, but in particular in support of a woman who the law intended to punish for protecting her daughter. No mother would have been able to fold arms while a horrible act was taking place in their presence. We have stood in support of this courageous woman and we will continue supporting her. Our support is not in promotion of committing crime, but we believe that her and her daughter’s lives were under threat. UDEMWO does not condone any actions of individuals or community’s taking the law into their own hands, but we understand and know that women are under siege from those familiar to them and that desperation can sometimes bring extreme protective instincts to the fore. This mother and the daughter’s lives will never be the same after the horror and as UDEMWO, we will continue to be the voice of the voiceless. End
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06 Oct, 2017
#NMURape: security on our university campuses needs urgent attention
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the arrest of a man suspected of having raped a female student, stabbing another and robbing them at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in the Eastern Cape. It is clear that campus security was compromised with the students being accosted in a lab at the NMU Second Avenue Campus. What is of great concern is that this horrendous incident happened hot on the heels of a hijacking, armed robbery, rape and murder of two NMU students in August 2017. Earlier this year, fellow students killed a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) final-year medical student. In other incidents, also at WSU, a student stabbed his roommate with a bread-knife (August), while a female student was gang-raped whilst a fellow student stripped of his clothes and robbed of his bank card on the premises (in September). Also in early 2017, the University of Zululand abandoned an internal investigation into two senior staff members implicated in the alleged rapes of a student, in three separate incidents. And these are just a few examples of campus crime in 2017 alone. Our institutions of learning have become a playground for rapists, murderers and criminals. There must be a better way of tightening security at our universities and other institutions of learning. It is the responsibility of university managements to ensure that our students are safe in their own spaces; in class, in-between classes and at residences. The Department of Higher Education, together with those in authority positions, must come clean and let parents and students know how they plan to address the scourge of rape and murder on our campuses. End
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26 Sep, 2017
UDM rejects Government’s attempts to tap into PIC funds to bail out failing SOEs
The allegations that the Ministry of Finance is trying to access Public Investment Corporation (PIC) funds to bail out failing State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) confirm the United Democratic Movement’s (UDM’s) long-held suspicion that the mafia styled ruling elite would, once cash-strapped, extend its grubby hands to workers’ pensions entrusted to them for safekeeping. The true intention of these transactions is not to bail out struggling SOEs, but rather to ensure that there is enough state resources to plunder for those “whose turn it is to eat”! We therefore reject any attempts by government to use PIC funds to fund failing SOEs. Bearing the aforementioned in mind, the UDM believes that steps should be taken to develop a mechanism to protect workers’ assets against abuse and misuse by government. Such a mechanism should, among others, also ensure that workers, as a key stakeholder, have a voice in how and where their assets are invested and accessed. In addition, steps should be taken to restructure the PIC board to ensure that other stakeholders are accommodated and that it is not under the full control of government. We call for the implementation of more checks and balances, with minimal bureaucracy, such as risk mitigation systems and a watertight Code of Ethics. We demand a comprehensive investigation of all transactions since 2009, as we believe that under Mr Zuma, the PIC may have been used as a source of funding for suspicious deals that have nothing to do with growing an inclusive and distributive economy. Statement issued by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP UDM Deputy President and Chief Whip
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22 Sep, 2017
Heritage Day 2017
As the country celebrates another Heritage Month – and Heritage Day on Sunday – the United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls for ways to resolve the intolerance and conflict between South Africans, which seems to have become the norm. We face huge challenges of cultural intolerance and racism; and it is taking a toll on South Africans’ psyche. To compound an already challenging set of circumstances, it still shocks that Bell Pottinger was so recklessly used (and let itself be used) to drive racial wedges deeper into our Rainbow Nation. We must not forget that South Africans from all walks of life fought hard for our collective freedom. If we harness the same energy we used to eradicate apartheid, we can unify and let our racial diversity be an asset. We cannot afford to lose this battle, because we cannot allow the blood of our heroes and heroines to be have been spilt in vain. As we are in the celebratory mood, we need to ensure that we bring the spirit of unity amongst South Africa and Africans in general. Let us use our various backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to find solutions to the problem. It is all our responsibility to build a common set of values that bind our diverse peoples together. UDM wishes every South African a wonderful Heritage Day. Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General
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22 Sep, 2017
UDM’s reaction to the DA/PA divorce in Nelson Mandela Bay
Biased and unproven accusations. Using draft reports, without an audit opinion, not authorised by council. A national party leader quoting from a draft report. Press conferences and excited media reports promoting cheap propaganda based on a misrepresentation of the draft report. An executive mayor declining to comment on a report, because it is a draft – having first drawn vigorous attention to it. Fabrications and distortion of facts to excuse a dubious political marriage of convenience. A breach of confidence between a council and a professional firm of advisors. A court document gone missing from a judges file. A high court application dismissed as urgent, but without the merits of the case being heard. And yet, the Democratic Alliance (DA) claimed victory this past week. The reality is that the DA sits without a majority in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) Council. There is no government without coalition partners. So, whose victory is it? It certainly isn’t the people of Nelson Mandela Bay. The DA has shown its true colours: a party with a self-important attitude that takes an unbending, bully approach to coalition governance. It continues to use a style of arrogating to direct, instructing and threatening. In other words, the NMBMM coalition partners must do as “the boss” wants… or else! The DA effectively rid itself of a coalition partner, the UDM, by dissing our deputy executive mayor Mongameli Bobani for not dancing to the DA tune. The DA then cajoles the Patriotic Alliance (PA), to front Mr Bobani’s removal on the promise of that position. Then, surprise, surprise, the DA reneges and the PA withdraws from the marriage of convenience entered in June this year. The UDM still does not understand why the DA entered into a separate agreement (from the existing co-governance agreement) with the PA? We were not part of the negotiations and were merely informed of the DAs decision. Is it because the DA had hatched a plan, in collusion with the PA, with the sole purpose of getting rid of Mr Bobani? It must be the case, considering that PA leader Gayton McKenzie wrote in the divorce letter to executive mayor Athol Trollip that: “The agreement reached was very clear, we will only enter into a coalition with the Democratic Alliance when the position of Deputy Mayor is made available for PA occupancy.” It is now clear that the DA has neither the maturity (nor the bearing) to form, manage and lead coalition governments which are, by their very nature, demanding of compassion and mutual respect. The DAs divide and rule mentality has no place in the politics of coalition. The sooner its leadership realises that, the better. The UDM will step up to strengthen the developing mechanics of coalition governance in the run-up to the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, when coalition governance is expected to become the norm in the next chapter of South Africa’s maturing democracy. Statement by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
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19 Sep, 2017
BOBANI JUDGEMENT: Why was the UDM’s founding affidavit missing?
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) application in the Port Elizabeth High Court – regarding the reinstatement of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor Mongameli Bobani – had not been heard and shall be represented, in due course, on a non-urgent basis. In the meantime, the UDM will approach the Chief Justice with a request to investigate why the UDM’s founding affidavit had gone missing from Judge Chetty’s file, which was the main reason cited for the dismissal of the case. What must we read into this? The fact that the document seemingly disappeared into thin air must be investigated. End
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14 Sep, 2017
Udm To Celebrate 20 Years In The South African Political Arena
Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP – UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) had started its road on the transformation of South Africa into a Winning Nation on 27 September 1997 at the then World Trade Centre in Kempton Park. The Party was born with its feet firmly in the new South Africa. In retrospect, the UDM was ahead of its time. We were the first to bat on the wicket of good governance and we have, over the past twenty years, been steadfast in our work to hold the powers that be accountable. The UDM’s 20th Anniversary will be hosted at Gallagher Estate (Midrand, Gauteng) on Saturday, 30 September 2017. We plan to host 2500 of our members from right across the Country in celebration of this auspicious occasion. Aside from taking a retrospective look at the work the UDM has done to improve the lives of South Africans, we also want to talk about the exciting future of the UDM and what needs to be done to rescue the Country from a slippery slope. For practical arrangements, please contact Ms Sipho Mawoko (UDM Media Liaison) at the UDM National Office on 012-321-0010. End
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14 Sep, 2017
Police brutality is still a reality in S.A
Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the strongest terms condemns the police brutality displayed at a service delivery protest in Hout Bay in the Western Cape, where a fourteen-year-old boy was allegedly shot in the mouth by security forces. We are appalled that the young boy was not only shot at once, but several times! It means the officer/s had intended to do grievous bodily harm. This incident is a throbbing reminder of many South Africans who have died because of the police’s use of excessive force. We are reminded of Andries Tatane who died in 2011 at the hands of the police while protesting for his rights. After so many years of democracy, the Country still suffers from the police brutality we experienced during the Apartheid era. This is gravely concerning and the continued incidents of police brutality against protesters cannot be allowed. The UDM has called for intensified police training, especially with regards to the Police Service’s code of conduct, and a revision of the curriculum, to enhance overall levels of competence and capacity. Officers who make themselves guilty of abusing their positions of trust, should not be defended; they should face the full might of the law. In addition, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate cannot only investigate; officers must account for their deeds. The UDM demands that the police officers, who on the video appear to be shooting at the boy, must be dealt with definitively. We wish the boy a speedy recovery. End.
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12 Sep, 2017
Learner gang raped by her teachers
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation is shocked about reports of a viral video, where a principal and two teachers are gang raping a school girl in KwaZulu-Natal. This act is too insane and disgusting to even contemplate. Parents send their children to school in the hope that, while learning, they are safe. But, these depraved individuals proved us wrong. Even the head of the school, who is supposed to lead by good example, appears to be involved. Not long ago a video was circulated on social media of a teenage girl being assaulted by a male student. No wonder we witness such behaviour from the young men; they think it is a “good thing” because they learnt it from their elders. What kind of generation are we raising? It is also immoral and disturbing that some person/s actually recorded the crime and did not even help the girl! To say we are disappointed is an understatement, we are totally shaken. What is going on in our schools? It’s no longer just a case of plain ill-discipline of teachers and/or learners. Sex and violence have invaded our places of learning. Our children, especially girls, are under siege and the authorities must act speedily and definitively to protect them. The Department of Education must take action against teachers who abuse their positions of trust; but suspension of immoral individuals is not enough. Justice must take its course and any teacher found to have violated the trust of our children, in any form, must be given the harshest punishment described in law. Such punishment would be a lesson to any educator who sinks so low. We call on any witnesses to come forward so that the police can quickly establish the identities of the people involved, not only for the sake of arresting the culprits, but also so that this poor child may be counselled for the trauma she has suffered. End
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06 Sep, 2017
UDEMWO is stunned by gang rape case in Komani, EC
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked by the incident of a 27 year old woman that was gang raped by three men in Komani, Eastern Cape. The incident that saw one of the rapists being stabbed to death while the other two men were injured by the mother of the victim opens wounds to women. This incident is unfortunate. As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we stand in support for the woman, not because she killed the perpetrator but because we believe her life together with her daughter was under threat. Any mother would have done the same should they find themselves in this kind of situation. We do not condone the actions of community taking the law into hands but understanding and knowing that women are under siege in the hands of those familiar to them, we understand the situation. If she did not defend herself she could have been the one killed by the perpetrators and we are certain that if they were going to be arrested, it was going to take time. The mother and the daughter’s lives will never be the same after the horror. That is why we would like to see the remaining perpetrators being brought to book for their inhumane action. To government, more needs to be done in making sure that women and children are protected. UDEMWO has been calling for police stations in places that are rural to make things easier for the community members when they find themselves in situations like this. The mother of the victim tried getting in contact with police with no help. End
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05 Sep, 2017
UDM reacts on South Africa exiting recession with 2.5% of GDP Growth
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR NQABAYOMZI KWANKWA – UDM DEPUTY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF WHIP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the good news of South Africa’s exit from the recession. The poorest of the poor need a better performing economy to take them out of poverty, unemployment and inequality. We hope, corruption which compounds these triple challenges, will also be defeated and buried with urgency, so that this improved economic performance benefits the people; not the connected few. We are also taking note of the fact that while the agricultural production has grown, it has failed to create more job opportunities due to the methods of production used. In this regard, as we compete in the global market, the UDM believes that labour intensive methods, should be balanced with the demands of technological advancement, in order for SA to significantly reduce the current 27.7% unemployment rate. We call on government to do more to sustain this growth and grow the informal and small business sector, aggressively, without favour end corruption. End
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04 Sep, 2017
UDM reaction on the alleged cracking down on political opponents in Lesotho
Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa – UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disturbed by the reports of alleged political intolerance in Lesotho. In this regard, we call on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through its facilitator, the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene with speed, and ensure political stability. We must do everything possible, and within our powers, to avert political instability that may result to loss of life and other socio-economic ills in Lesotho, in the continent and the world over. The fact that the leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), Mr Mothetjoa Metsing (as reported in the City Press – 3 September 2017), had to flee his country and take refuge in South Africa, fearing for his life, is a reason enough for a speedy intervention by the SADC. We note the reported commitment, announced by the Lesotho Public Service Minister, Mr Thesele Maseribane, through South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Friday, the 1st of September instant. Consistent with that commitment, and taking into account the recent incidents of death, including the death of Thelingoane Mota, the assault of police superintendent Lerato Motseki; the UDM strongly believes that the SADC and the Mr Ramaphosa must join these processes and ensure a safe and peaceful political environment in Lesotho. In the same vein, the UDM would not want the South African soil to be used as a springboard to attack a democratically elected government of Lesotho. Lesotho, need stability to grow its economy and contribute to the betterment of the lives of the people of that country, the Southern Region and the continent at large. End
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10 Aug, 2017
Arbor Day
Address by Mr B Holomisa, MP (UDM President) at the Upper Ngqungqu Junior Secondary School in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape on 1 September 2017 Programme Director, Principal, teachers, parents and learners Ladies and Gentlemen I am humbled and yet extremely delighted to be re-joined with a place where my educational journey began. I am happy to be back here, wearing no uniform, carrying no slate and with no prospect of a corporal punishment administered to me for my naughty behaviour. (Kuluvuyo kakhulu kum ukuphinda ndibelapha phakathi kwanahlali base Mqanduli. Kulapha apho ndaqala khona amabanga am aphantsi emfundo. Kodwa namhlanje andinxibanga mpahla yesikolo, ndingaphethanga nasi leyiti futhi andinaxhala lokubethwa ngu titshalakazi ngenxa yokumosha). I am joining you, my family, in celebrating an achievement of the bricks and mortar that today define this important site of education. In our days, there were no prefabricated structures, we started with one rondavel which we shared with the church. So, it was a school from Monday to Friday and a church on the weekend. Remarkably with those conditions, this school has produced many outstanding leaders of society, be it in the political space, religious and elsewhere. I am certain that this is the route that we, as Upper Ngqungqu, shall not abandoned. You now have a complete school with laboratories and libraries, and therefore tools at your disposal to help you write your own destiny. (Ndize kuni njengosapho lwam ndizokubhiyozela nani ngenzame zethu. Ngentsuku zethu kwakukho uronta omnye apha wayesentyenziswa nayi Cawe. Esisikolo siphuhlise inkokhelo phantsi kweemeko ezinzima. Ndiqinisekile ukuba lomzila soze niwulahle). I said, today, I am not carrying a slate but offer trees. I am delighted that I have managed to deliver on my promise to donate trees as part of my social responsibility to plough back where I was taught basic life skills like writing and behaving. These trees are shall add value to this R30 million centre of education. It will protect the grounds on which the school is built and protect the buildings themselves, against natural disasters like storms. Above all, the tree will conserve the nature we harbour such as birds and squirrels, so we need to preserve and provide shade to be enjoyed during the coming summer days. (Ndiyavuya ke ukuba ndikwazile ukusifezekisa isithembiso sam sokunipha njenge social responsibility apho ndikhulela khina ndafundiswa khona). Indeed, many of our schools in the rural hinterland, were ignored by the minority apartheid government and thus, they were not greened and landscaped leaving them brown and dusty. We must take advantage of these trees and bring a healthy atmospheres and breath fresh airs that will make use teach and learn better. Our neighbouring Anglican Church should benefit from these trees considering our long-standing history. In this regard, I humble myself and express my gratitude to Mr Keith Kirsten for his support and the donation of these trees. He is a world-renowned gardener and a philanthropist. It is these gestures that may appear small yet are responsible for a fundamental change in the lives of the people and those in the rural areas like us. Once again, thank you Keith. Learners and teachers, you are daily custodians of this new life giver (your child) that has arrived in our home. It is your daily responsibility to nature, feed, clean and its life as it grows to be a nurturer of our wellbeing. Take care and make good use of the trees. (Kuni bafundi noo titshala, ndiyacela ukuba niyiphathe kakuhle lemithi njengabantwana benu).
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31 Aug, 2017
UDM rejects DA’s dirty tricks campaign
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP Since the outrageous DA orchestrated ousting of Deputy Executive Mayor Mongameli Bobani from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan coalition government, such senior DA leaders as Mmusi Maimane, James Selfe, and Athol Trollip have relentlessly attacked the UDM, its loyal coalition partner until the DA breached the relationship. I trust that the High Court will separate fact from fiction and that the honourable court will see through the DA’s politicking and identify the DA’s smear campaign against Bobani and the UDM. The UDM is taking a dim view of the irresponsible statement by DA Leader Maimane, to the effect that the UDM, in defending Bobani, is in fact also covering up corruption. The UDM rejects this false and loaded accusation by Maimane with deserved contempt. A civil application in the High Court is launched today, to interdict and restrain the municipality from implementing the August 24 decision to remove Deputy Executive Mayor Bobani; and to reinstate him. The UDM argues that the mechanics of the introduction and acceptance of, and the voting on, and the decision of Council to pass a motion of no confidence in the Deputy Executive Mayor was unconstitutional and unlawful from the outset and should be set aside. And, in any event, a majority of council members of the Municipality were not present during the vote. The DA, claiming good governance at every turn, should have known better than to have proceeded with the motion; should know better than to defend the illicit decision to remove the Deputy Executive Mayor. What the DA claims, and what the DA does; what the DA promises, and what the DA delivers, remain alarmingly divergent. The motion of no confidence is both unreasonable and irrational because there is no factual or legal grounds for the removal of the Deputy Executive Mayor. Councillor Bobani had not been formally accused of any wrongdoing; councillor Bobani had not been granted any opportunity to defend himself, or even to be heard on the alleged accusations of wrongdoing. The architect of this outrageous political plot, DA Executive Mayor Trollip, refers only to some forensic report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a report produced without any input from the Executive Deputy Mayor apparently compromised by the findings. The flagrant DA double standard in dealing with its own, as the current Bongi Madikizela birthday party matter in the Western Cape Legislature clearly indicates, is unconscionable and offensive. The PwC report was never even tabled in council. All the so-called “evidence of corruption” was kept in DA briefcases. The DA has been making noise about these unfounded allegations against councillor Bobani, but the DA did not, and the DA would not share the information with its fellow leaders in the coalition. Trollip did not even refer the so called misbehaviour of Bobani to the Ethics Committee as required by municipal regulations. It is clear that a DA Kangaroo court presided over Bobani in his absence It is a fact that a coalition multi party enquiry levelled accusations of wrongdoing against both Trollip and Bobani; only Bobani had been sanctioned by Council. Again, the flagrant, unmitigated double standard is as appalling as it is shameful. It is a fact that the DA encouraged and pressured Members of Parliament to vote their conscience in the August 8 motion of no confidence in President Zuma, and are now sanctioning Bobani for his considered voting record in Council. Yet again, the flagrant, unmitigated double standard is as appalling as it is shameful. In typical DA baasskap style, the DA ordered an acolyte, Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor Marlon Daniels, won over with a mayoral committee seat, and unilaterally invited to join the coalition government, to table the motion is so insulting that more than half the councillors walked out in disgust while the DA Speaker hastily counted remaining heads in an emptying chamber. The UDM, a loyal, and the largest DA coalition partner at the time, had not even been consulted on the PA joining ranks. Accordingly, the PA’s inclusion in the coalition government is invalid and of no force and effect. The PA was, apparently, sneaked in to front its new master’s dirty work. Quite ridiculous. If the DA can ever be said to be transparent, it is because the DA’s intimidation tactics are so transparent. Bullying is most certainly not conducive to mature coalitions. The DA’s current coalition management appears to be a bridge too far for an assumptive political party with some 1 in 4 voter support. Given its current political management, the DA can hardly be expected to lead a national coalition government by Apartheid style baasskap dressed up in a cheap tuxedo. As it is becoming all too evident that the DA cannot manage coalitions, the UDM will step up to strengthen the developing mechanics of coalition governance in the run-up to 2019, when coalition governance is expected to become the norm in the next chapter of South Africa’s maturing democracy. To this end the UDM is seeking relief against DA intimidation in the High Court not because the UDM is belligerent, or annoyed, or insulted, but because the UDM is determined to expose the empty DA promise of working coalitions against corruption. The court will have to rule on the DA’s underhanded, treacherous tactics in the vain attempt to get rid of a “coalition partner” not willing to dance to the exact tune of the lordly DA clan master. The UDM will not abandon the people of the NMB Metro. The UDM will not abandon the people of South Africa while the biggest opposition party continues to try to enforce itself by intimidation, in the absence of substantive vision. The UDM is committed to strengthening governance in all spheres. Because the UDM stands for inclusive government, not exclusive, disdainful lordliness by some arrogated superiority. End
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30 Aug, 2017
UDM is concerned about fatalies in the mines
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary The United Democratic Movement (UDM) conveys a message of condolences to the families of the mineworkers who tragically lost lives at Kusasalethu Mine, Carltonville. We pray that those still trapped underground will be brought to surface. The families are not alone in this sad time. This incident is a reminder of unsafe environment mineworkers are working under. The latest tragedy is yet another incident that gives clear evidence that mineworkers are not safe while in the line of duty. The UDM is concerned by the growing numbers of the fatalities in the mines. Mine workers are risking their lives trying to provide food for their families while their lives are in danger. The mining sector is making lot of money and most of these accidents could be avoided provided the Department of Mineral Resources, mining bosses with their stakeholders may put the lives of mineworkers first. The lives of the workers must not be taken for granted. It is time for government to fulfil the promise of protecting the workers and intervene to curb these fatalities in the mining sector. Mine companies that fail to meet safety requirements must be shut down. One life lost is too many. End
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24 Aug, 2017
Dlamini-Zuma visit to Marikana – a gimmick
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) notes with anger the visit of Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in Marikana, North West. It was just a gimmick. Her visit was nothing but a campaigning stunt. As the country celebrated women and their role in the month of August, we do not remember her visiting or mentioning anything about the women who lost their relatives during Marikana Massacre. Dlamini Zuma is nothing but an opportunist along with her team. They must stop taking people for a ride to fulfil their mission. The ruling party’s women’s league is quiet on matters relating to women but it is easy for them to use the same vulnerable women so they can be in power. The women’s league seems clueless on its role in the society or it is only in existence to protect corruption and to promote women abuse as they have shown previously. We commend the community of Marikana for not allowing her in the area. That should be a lesson and a message that people are tired of fruitless promises. End
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16 Aug, 2017
UDEMWO disappointed by SA law on Grace Mugabe
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General As the country celebrates women, the abuse continues to take place. As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are disappointed by the reports of Mrs Grace Mugabe who allegedly assaulted a 20 old year old woman in Sandton, just few days after Women’s Day. For someone in her position to behave the way she did is saddening. Mrs Mugabe’s actions cannot be justified and unacceptable. She is supposed to be a beacon of hope. What is more disturbing is the fact that the South African law enforcers had allowed her to get away with her horrific action. It also seems as if they protect outsiders more than the citizens. As the country, we witness the Mr Omar al Bashir scandal repeat itself in our own grounds. We were hoping that the case will not be handled with exception and the hand of justice will take its course but we were wrong. End
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11 Aug, 2017
Something is seriously wrong: Aviwe Jam Jam is dead and Deputy Minister Manana is out on bail?
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by reports of yet another female murder victim: young Capetonian Ms Aviwe Jam-Jam. Her name has been added to the ever-lengthening list of woman victims of violence and crime in South Africa. The fact that her body was found dumped at a sport field, not very far from her home, rubs salt into an already raw national wound. Like most women caught in an abusive cycle, Aviwe had – according to a relative – tried to get away from her allegedly abusive boyfriend who seems to be suspected of her murder. It is alleged that her boyfriend had a reputation for violence and destruction of property, yet nothing was done. The system has failed young Aviwe! On the disgraceful actions of Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana, UDEMWO believes that neither the response of ruling party, nor Police Ministry, nor the police services, is vaguely commensurate to the nature of what happened. The Women’s League’s lukewarm reaction to the situation is a condemnation of the women at its helm. Ms Bathabile Dlamini and Ms Baleka Mbete, spends all their time protecting their irredeemable Mr Zuma. You are focusing on the wrong man ladies! Have you no backbone? Deputy Minister Manana is a public leader who should be the daily embodiment of the campaign against gender-violence, for when a prominent South African man makes himself guilty of gender violence, it makes it easy for the ordinary man to follow his example. UDEMWO feels that the Honourable Deputy-Minister has been (and still is) accorded special status when he was not cuffed and arrested. It is hogwash to argue that his actions were “not so bad”. No matter how Police Minister Fikile Mbabula tries to spin the situation, his colleague is getting special treatment. We urge the state prosecutors to not spare Deputy Minister Manana because of his status and the magistrate should throw the book at him. UDEMWO believes that gender equality lies in transforming the balance of power between men and women and therefore urges all women to continue to campaign for our rights. Women, shout to the rafters that we are not the convenient punching bags or the sex slaves of some immoral men. Gone are the days where women endured abuse at the hands of their male counterparts, but they had no voice. End
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10 Aug, 2017
UDM reaction to the DA’s proposed motion for the dissolution of the National Assembly
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) does not support the Democratic Alliance (DA) sponsored motion for the dissolution of the National Assembly. We respect the DA’s right to propose motions like any other political party represented in the National Assembly. Of immediate importance to the UDM, is the state of readiness of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. The IEC reportedly needs R300 million, as well as access to municipalities’ databases to capture voters’ addresses before the Constitutional Court deadline of June next year. The IEC must move with speed to ensure that the voters’ roll is cleaned and that correct addresses of the electorate are factored in. To this end, we call on Government to ensure that the IEC is provided with the money they need to comply with the ruling. The mandate of the current Government comes to an end in 2019, and we are working towards that end. We want to make sure that the 2019 Elections are credible, free and fair.
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08 Aug, 2017
UDM reaction to outcome of MONC in Mr Zuma
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) accepts the result of today’s vote on the motion of no-confidence in Mr Zuma. We are however perturbed by the choice of the African National Congress (ANC) Members of the National Assembly who sided with an irreparably corrupt President. The people of South Africa have been shown the middle-finger for the eight time. We however welcome and are happy with the almost thirty ANC Members who voted against thievery and Mr Zuma. The battle to save South Africa is not over though. The UDM will join the Economic Freedom Fighters’ court proceedings for Mr Zuma’s impeachment. We shall also intensify our campaigns on the streets, in Parliament, and everywhere, for as long as Mr Zuma remains in office. South Africans can now see the difference between those who stand for the truth and those who stand for the looting of their Country’s resources meant to alleviate poverty and erase unemployment. The ANC regards our people as mere fodder, used to vote it into power every five years, but in return its leaders continue to steal from them. Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa,MP and UDM President
