Admin
08 May, 2015
Letter by Mr LB Gaehler, MP to the Minister of Social Development regarding concerns about abuse of child grants – Hillcrest, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
Dear Minister of Social Development, Ms B Dlamini CONCERNS ABOUT ABUSE OF CHILD GRANTS – HILLCREST, MTHATHA, EASTERN CAPE 1. The above matter has reference. 2. Numerous reports have been given to me verbally about the abuse child grants in Hillcrest suburb in Mthatha Eastern Cape. 3. It is alleged that many of the people who receives child grant are not using them in accordance with the relevant prescripts and as such children are not attending school and not fed properly. 4. I humbly request your good office to investigate this matter and where possible bring sustainable solution by enforcing the application of the relevant regulations. 5. We await your kind intervention. Yours sincerely, Mr LB Gaehler, MP United Democratic Movement NCOP – EC
Admin
05 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 33: Tourism – address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Ministers and Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote number 33 on tourism. In this regard, we welcome the efforts and work done by the department and many other role players in ensuring that this country remains a destination of choice for many citizens of world. This is notwithstanding socio economic challenges that the country continue to be confronted which in many instances results to inhuman and barbaric acts by criminal elements within our communities. We also note with regret that more than 90 percent of tourism activities in the country are limited to the three economic centers of the country (Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban). This means beneficiation from this industry is limited to the urban part of the country thus excluding the majority of the unemployed and poor, who are found in the extreme rural areas of our land. The further UDM notes and welcome the commitment by the department to its focus shift towards expanding the tourism scope. However, this shift must not reduce the beneficiation currently enjoyed by urban areas, instead, more investment must be towards rural areas whilst strategically empowering the urban tourism to sustain itself through proper management and diversification. The niche for rural tourism is its heritage. The department has already made a clear case for this as paradigm shift and we support that. There are many iconic attractions in our rural areas and we must take advantage of this and maximise its strategic role on tourism. Our wildlife, fascinating history, natural beauty and culture are major and primary tourist attractions and we need to grow them into global iconic places and experiences. Heritage must be at centre of rural economic development and for the realisation of this programmes, a collaborative effort between all key stakeholders like, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Economic Cluster and well as the Local Sphere of governance is the pre-requirement. Accordingly, the department must invest on heritage knowledge working together with other relevant stakeholders. Total implementation of the National Rural Tourism Strategy, the National Heritage and Cultural Tourism Strategy and the National Tourism Sector Strategy as policy tools that the department has in its position can no longer be postponed. Through consistent and aggressive implementation of these tools and working together with the rural citizens, will ensure that the department plays its critical role in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality. The department must not fail in this historic task. Thank you
Admin
05 Jun, 2015
Member’s Statement on the critical challenges confronting young women address by Ms CN Majeke, MP in the National Assembly
Honourable Speaker and members As we begin the 39 Anniversary of the Youth month, it is important that we focus on the critical challenges confronting young women. Many young women remain targets for gender based violence. The recent UN, 2010 report, on violence against women in Africa indicates that the scourge of violence against women in Africa is still largely rampant, but hidden beneath cultural practices and beliefs. Amongst other reasons accountable for this situation are recorded as: • The predominance of the system of patriarchy across the continent and our country is not immune; • Violence against women is accepted as a cultural norm in many of our communities and is often condoned by the communities; • The stigma attached to female victims has resulted in very low rates of reporting and some young women and in particular in the rural areas, do not report and or sometimes are turned away by authorities who see violence against young women as not important. All government institutions and in law enforcement agencies and our judicial system, must give priority to violence against young women. The World Health Organisation reports that the health of young women is affected by a plethora of factors, most of which revolve around lack of adequate health facilities and infrastructure. We need to give extra focus on this matter as well during this 39th anniversary of the youth months with specific focus on young women. Promoting gender equity and empowerment of young women will be of benefit to our economy and the society at large. However, we still face a stumbling block with regard to prioritising young women. The National Youth Agency must give the necessary attention on this area as it implements its programme during this month. The majority of the unemployed young people are young women. I thank you
Admin
04 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 23: Police address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Ministers and Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote number 23 on POLICE. The incident at the Alexandra police station yesterday is a cause for great concern. Not less than four lives have been lost in a short space of time. More disturbing is that the shooting of a wife, two relatives and a police officer took place at a police station where it is expected that citizen’s safety is guaranteed. Many police offers are working under stressful conditions with no support mechanisms. Some are reported to be resisting attending counselling fearing that if they are diagnosed with certain conditions, such may make it difficult to get upward mobility at work. One of the things that the department needs to priorities is the implementation of a doctrine that ensures that our police service functions according to a set of rules that are in line with the values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic. The department must also run a consistent programme intended to condition the police for the demanding service they have to deliver to the communities. Related to this, is a concerted mobilisation of communities so that the relationship between the police and communities is the one that enhances the service and ensure maximum security of the citizens. The instability with the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID), undermines the strategic objectives for which that directorate was established. The ministry must ensure that the IPID stability is high in its agenda. The allegations about police officer’s involvement in serious crimes are on the increase with little consequences if any. The low conviction rates of implicated officers suggest that the police do not take the problem seriously and that the policies in place to deal with this matter are ineffective. The department must pay attention to this crisis. The morale and discipline of some of the police officers in some of the police stations lives much to be desired. This is coupled with the conditions under which these officers are expected to deliver services as well as their attitude towards the service and citizens. On the 7th of October 2014, I penned a letter to the Minister of Police bring to his attention the poor service I was personally exposed to at the Ngangelizwe Police Station in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. A combination of two fundamental factors referred to above, in that police station they find expression. The station had no tools for operation, such as a mere photocopy equipment, inks and others, let alone long queues that not attended to. The service in this station is a direct opposite of what is presented by the Minister and the department on the kind of service they commit to deliver to citizen. Madam Chair, as I speak now, detective sections of many police stations across the country are unable to get photos from their colleagues in the photo section, because it is claimed that funds are not sufficient to make them available. This is rendering the detective sections incapable to discharge its responsibility and deliver services to the poor citizens. We call on the Ministry to attend to this as an urgent matter. The Ministry and the department must pay very close attention to the daily work and service given in these police stations across the country. Madam Chair, the turnaround time of the Legal Aid Board, is rather disturbing. There are cases that are not concluded due to their lack of timely response to service request by the public. We to repeat the call we made with regard to the creation of special courts to respond to spontaneous illegal activities by communities. We must also consider the transformation of the judicial system as a priority that must not be stretched too long. Security of prison and court officials as well as facilities thereof, constitute an area for consideration by the department as in some instances, there have been reports of a lack of safety in the correctional services centres. An integrated programme and implementation by all the justice cluster will help us resolve many of the challenges confronting this area of strategic importance in the broader transformation agenda. Thank you
Admin
04 Jun, 2015
Request for intervention: renewable energy sector challenges in the Eastern Cape
Dear Minister Patel, Minister of Economic Development RE: REQUEST FOR INTERVENTION: RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR CHALLENGES IN THE EASTERN CAPE The abovementioned matter has reference. Thank you for the interest you have shown on this matter. This letter highlights some of the challenges faced by renewable energy investors, whose projects are situated in former Homeland areas of the Eastern Cape. I had intended to bring some of these issues to your attention during the Economic Development Budget Vote Debate, but due to time constraints (3 minutes speaking time) I could not do so. While some of the issues here fall under the mandate of the Department of Energy and, to a less extent, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, I have decided to include them in an attempt to give you a comprehensive picture – and primarily because they all have a negative impact on the economic development of the aforementioned areas. Please find hereunder the details of the issues I would like to bring to your attention. 1. REIPP Procurement Programme In 2011, the Department of Energy launched the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) consisting of 5 bidding rounds taking place over a five year period. The first 4 rounds saw 79 renewable energy projects being selected amounting to R170 billions of investment by the private sector nation-wide. The Eastern Cape Province was only awarded 1 solar project and 15 wind energy projects by the Department of Energy (DOE). The total Rand value amount of this investment is approximately R26 billion. However, regrettably none of these projects is located in former Homelands, despite these areas representing 40 per cent of the Province’s land mass and 60 per cent of its population. I therefore appeal to you Mr Minister to influence the DOE to spread the benefit of these projects as wide as possible. 2. Socio-Economic Impact of the REIPP Procurement Programme Apart from its primary objective of procuring energy, the DOE has commendably designed the REIPP Procurement Programme as a tool to foster long term rural development within a 50km radius of each project location. The social benefits of this are massive. Each successful renewable energy project is compelled and has to commit to spend between 1 to 2.1 per cent of its turnover on Socio-Economic Development (SED) contributions and Enterprise Development (ED) contributions over the 20 year life cycle of its project. In addition to the job opportunities created during the construction and operation phase, each renewable energy project has to set up a community trust that owns between 5 and 40 per cent of the project’s equity shares and the dividends should be spent on community upliftment projects. The long term benefits are substantial, and will definitely change the face of rural South Africa in the medium to long term. 2.1 Over-concentration of Projects While these policies have massive socio-economic benefits, several challenges about the overconcentration of projects in certain areas of the Province remain. For instance, the majority of Wind Farms in the Eastern Cape are situated in two areas, Jeffrey’s Bay and Cookhouse, and together they have a combined investment value of R26 billion. In other words, the entire R26 billion that has been invested on renewable energy in the Eastern Cape thus far has gone to the two “previously advantaged” areas. Needless to say, this creates a long term imbalance with regard to development in the Province. It is often argued that the Northern Cape also suffers from the same over-concentration of projects in some areas. This over-concentration results in a situation, where a few communities that happen to fall the same within the 50km radius experience massive development, while leaving those who fall outside largely depending on the limited resources of the municipality for development. If left unchanged, this will become a major source of future intra-community inequality, which would lead to major community tensions and instability in future. To balance development in the Eastern Cape and other Provinces, I would like to propose that 30 per cent of the 1 and 2.1 per cent of the turnover companies have to spend on socio-economic development and enterprise development over the 20 year life cycle of the project be channelled to municipal coffers for service delivery across the municipality. Government should also take active steps to address the over-concentration of projects in a few areas. In particular, there should be deliberate focus on projects that are situated in previously disadvantaged communities. 3. Complex Land Tenure Systems: Former Homelands at a Competitive Disadvantage A private investor has to secure land rights before participating in the REIPP Procurement Programme. To acquire such rights on communal land, an investor must follow a lengthy and complicated administrative procedure with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, which takes anything between 3 to 4 years to complete. In contrast it takes a couple of months to achieve the same result when land is acquired from a private landowner. Government has to streamline this process if it has to level the playing field. 4. High Community Ownership and the Role of Development Finance Institutions (IDC) In former Homelands, communities are the landowners, meaning that in rural areas instead of dealing with a few farmers as landlords; a developer has to negotiate with several communities and therefore has to ensure that the project will meaningfully benefit tens of thousands of people, who live on the land earmarked for development. However, when the community is the landlord, most developers will back-end the payment of dividends from the community trust as a way to increase the competitiveness of the project. In other words, developers delay the payment of dividends to the surrounding communities by 10 years. This enables a developer to secure much more favourable financing terms for the community trust, which has a direct impact on the improvement of the project’s finances. But the downside of it is that communities have to wait for ten years to get dividends. Again the playing field is not level, as high community ownership stakes and favourable financing terms are required for projects that have thousands of community members as landlords, but there are currently no incentive schemes or reward mechanisms built into the DOE’s selection criteria to reflect the positive long term socio-economic impacts of rural projects. Moreover, development finance institutions do not provide projects located on communal land in Former Homelands any preferential financing terms for community stakes. For instance, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has been very active in financing community stakes for projects located on privately owned land in the renewable energy hotspots with 50km radius overlap between projects. The terms offered by the IDC to project’s located in former Homelands are less competitive than commercial banks. For instance, one of the Wind Farms in Motherwell had to acquire finance from commercial banks in order to finance the community stake due to the IDC’s unfavourable loan conditions. Clearly, IDC failed to play its developmental role of bridging the inequality gap in our economy in this example. It is estimated that in order to finance a 30 per cent community ownership stake for the 400MW of renewable energy projects that are currently being developed in Former Homelands, about R600 million would be required at competitive rates. The amount of R600 million might seem like a lot of money. But it is not out of reach when one considers that the Department of Economic Development has set aside R23 billion to assist black industrialists out a R100 billion rand package earmarked for industrial development. Currently, lack of funding and other challenges force developers, who are located in former Homelands, to reduce community stakes, back-end the distribution of dividends and reduce the percentage of ED and SED contributions in order to stand a slim chance of winning in the REIPP Procurement Programme. In summary, to level the playing field, I propose that two actions be taken by Government: • The DOE gives more credit in its score card to projects located on communal land in the former Homelands. • Development Finance Institutions provide very competitive financial terms for community stakes in order to beat commercial banks and allow projects to be more competitive. 5. Underutilisation of Electricity Infrastructure. Since 1994, the ANC government has successfully built brand new electricity substations in former Homelands in order to give access to electricity rural communities. This new infrastructure represents cheap and rapid means of connecting renewable energy projects to the grid, while placing no additional financial burden on Eskom. However, the large majority of projects selected to date by the DOE require substantial network investment with the associated timing implications, while the country is in the middle of an energy crisis. The DOE has not taken into account the advantages former Homelands offer in terms of rapid, cheap and decentralized energy generation capacity they bring to the Eskom grid. In other words, it is easier to connect the small wind farm projects to the substations that are in rural areas than it is to connect big renewable farms to the same substations for reasons mentioned above. Again, the playing field is not level, as these advantages which have a financial implication for the country are not taken into account. I look forward to hearing from you. Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP Copied to: Honourable Elsie Mmathulare Coleman, Chair PC on Economic Development
Admin
04 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 17: Social Development – address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Ministers and Members The United Democratic Movement supports this budget vote and in this regard, we would like to make the following comments. • The creation of a caring society is based on the willingness to provide the tools for achieving an inclusive society. This implies that life chances are partly detached, or de-commodified from social and economic origins and circumstances. • The core of the inclusive society is to create equal opportunities and equal access to services and infrastructure for specific groups such as unemployed and disadvantaged, disabled people, children and adolescents, older people and pensioners, ethnic communities and many others. • We need to grapple with the essential building stones for a caring society in order to achieve an inclusive society. In doing this, we must also strive to reach a stage where participation of society, in social, political and economic spheres while respecting diversity but deliberately empowering the disadvantaged and vulnerable. • We must underpin our conception of an inclusive society with education and family capital for us to sustain it. • Given the current demographics, economic and political pressure as well as financial constraints, welfare state reforms are on the political agenda everywhere in the developing world. The recent spate of missing children in particular children from poor families robes the nation of future leaders. It makes it impossible for society to invest in these poor souls for the future development of the nation. We must double the efforts in rooting out this barbaric act from our society. Both, the community and law enforcement agencies must work collectively as agents of change for the creation of a caring and inclusive society. Gender discrimination is a crucial factor in entrenching a caring and inclusive society in particular for women and girls who are vulnerable to all sorts of social and economic ills including human trafficking. A range of laws and policies and programmes have been adopted to promote gender equity. This is not only a political and constitutional priority but also a key developmental matter and central part of building a caring and inclusive society. I concede that there are, and shall always be complex and varied factors impeding realization of this noble goal, a caring and inclusive society, however, a combination of all efforts by all citizens can guarantee us a great success in this regard. Thank you
Admin
22 May, 2015
ETolls is just money laundering scheme for greedy individuals
It should be remembered that when Parliament approved guarantees for staging 2010 World Cup, as per Fifa demands. These guarantees were intended among others to improve stadiums, road infrastructure in the host cities. At no stage did parliament or government implied that such an expenditure would be claimed back by the state through schemes such as etolling. What is coming out clearly here is that some comrades became greedy and saw an opportunity to use the already improved infrastructure to generate money for themselves. This is another money laundering scheme similar to Chancellor House/Eskom/ Hitachi deal which led to ANC cashing more than R50 million last year from bogus shares. As United Democratic Movement, we are disappointed everyday by the so called ANC government. South Africans voted for freedom not to buy freedom as we see today. This must be legally challenged as it is not acceptable at all. This is a wake up call not only for the Gauteng citizens but South Africans to keep eyes open when they are in front of a ballot paper next time. Statement by UDM President Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
Admin
21 May, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 19: Defence and Military Veterans – address by Mr BH Holomisa MP
Honourable Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement support budget vote 19 on Defence and Military Veterans. In appreciation of the work of the Defence Force Service Commission, which has been presented to this parliament previously and being privileged to be its member; I would like to appeal to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, to convene a brainstorming session involving the Minister, Commission, Secretary for Defence and the Command element of the defence force. Such a session must consider the effectiveness or otherwise of the Defence Force Service Commission in particular with respect to the promise made to soldiers; that its powers will be equivalent to that of the Public Service Commission instead of being an advisory body to the Minister. It should be remembered that one of the burning issues at the time and continues to be, is that soldiers are not part of the Public Service Bargaining Council. The funding of this department has been a cause for concern for a long time. However, delays in processing the South African Defence Review make it difficult to resolve this critical matter. More effort must be towards the finalisation of the Defence Review Implementation Plan so that it can be presented to parliament within a period of three months. Further delays may necessitate the review of the defence operations both locally and abroad. In this regard, we believe that the security of South Africa is a priority in everything that our defence force is doing. I have, at pains experienced unnecessary delays in receiving feedback from the department on the reports we generate and submit in accordance with the mandate of the Defence Force Service Commission. These delays are due to the fact that the Minister and the Accounting Officer are frequently outside of the country. We call upon the Minister and Secretary for Defence, the Accounting Officer, to put moratorium on their frequent travelling outside of the country. I thank you
Admin
21 May, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 40: Sport and Recreation – address by Mr ML Filtane, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote 40. • Sports and partisan politics have always been uncomfortable with each other in South Africa since the old days of Peter Hein in apartheid times. • A careful balancing act has to be found by either party in order for equilibrium to be struck. Between the two there are gladiators, spectators, administrators and sponsors (either potential or actual) because each party is in it for its own selfish purposes. It then becomes necessary that there should be absolute co-operation, otherwise the game suffers. • Parliament has to play its oversight role. This is why it is absolutely necessary for Minister to attend regularly the portfolio committee meetings. • Transformation: for this important programme to be effected it is necessary that all parties should understand its purpose, politically, socially and economically. • While some of the codes are doing well in this regard others are lagging behind. Of the major codes, SA Cricket appears to be dragging itself into this fold. Its transformation targets reflect an institution that is neither poised nor paced for transformation. It lacks all the necessary specifics like current status, programmes and dates. This is just not Cricket. • SA rugby has demonstrated its commitment to the committee, although there is still a long way to go to 2019. We hope nothing will be kicked-out to touch. • South Africa needs to reach a stage of development where some people stop thinking that the inclusion of players of colour automatically translates to poor performance. • Codes need to have strong development programmes. This is where parliament has to play its oversight role, effectively. • Often the social element, so necessary for national cohesion, is left out of the equation in pursuit of winning. • During apartheid years it did not matter whether teams lost or won as long as they were pure white. • Amongst other important pillars of a successful sporting nation, is appropriate sport infrastructure. This requires that we ensure appropriateness of our sporting facilities with serious commitment from Local Government, Public Works Department as well as cooperation with all other relevant departments like education. • National government and other agencies, continue to budget and transfer monies to municipalities for rolling our sports infrastructure. We call for the Minister to apply regular monitoring of the use of these resources so that they are able to achieve their intended objectives. I thank you
Admin
20 May, 2015
Sport and politics cannot go together
On behalf of the United Democratic Movement, I wish to congratulate Dr Danny Jordaan for his appointment as Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Metro, Port Elizabeth. He is a well-known figure especially in the soccer fraternity and has achieved a lot in his life including being the President of South African Football Association, serving in FIFA and other Committees in Sport. However, as much as we don’t have anything against him, since this is a political appointment – The UDM hopes that he would do the right thing by resigning in his position as President of SAFA. The independence and neutrality of SAFA must be protected and not be blemished by politics. The SAFA Committee can say anything but must keep in mind that, politics are not like any other industry and they must compare apples with apples. Jordaan is now going to take orders from the ANC headquarters, so whatever that he will be doing or saying, people will not be able to see him as an independent person. Let us save our sports from this political game. Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General
Admin
14 May, 2015
UDEMWO is calling on parents to keep an eye on children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is worried about the growing number of children missing throughout the country. Everyday we hear of these missing children and most of them go missing while playing around their communities. This shows clearly that our children are no longer safe in their own communities. We are calling on parents to keep a closer look on their children and members of the community can play a big role in making sure that our areas are safe for the upcoming generation. Let us go back to Ubuntu where your child is my child. According to Missing Children SA, a child disappears every six (6) hours in the country and most of them are not found or found dead. We cannot fold arms and watch while we are losing these precious souls in their own space. We are calling on South Africans to hold hands and protect our little ones. Reasons behind these disappearances are not clear but they continue taking place and we cannot allow this. We are also calling on government to tighten up the laws relating to protection of children. Those who are involved in cases relating to children must rot in jail. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
24 Apr, 2015
The United Democratic Movement Supports Deployment Of Sandf In Areas Affected By Xenophobic Attacks
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) supports the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in support of Police Service in areas that are affected by the xenophobic attacks. It is high time that we come together in reclaiming and protecting everyone who lives in South Africa legally or not. It must be made that this country cannot fold arms while perpetrators continue to mess up the good name of this beautiful country. South African troops are all over the continent maintaining peace. This country cannot allow anarchy. The government and people of this country must work together to maintain peace. Our priority must be to stabilize and protect everybody in our streets.
Admin
24 Apr, 2015
UDM Welcomes The Arrest In The Alexandra Murder
Statement issued by United Democratic Movement The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the arrest of the men responsible for the death of the Mozambican National, Emmanuel Sithole in Alexandra township over the weekend during what appears to be a xenophobic attack. Also we would like to welcome the role played by the members of Alexandra community in arrest of these culprits. This shows clearly that working together we can do more to curb this widespread violence. This is really a trying time for the country and we would like to state it clear that as UDM, we are against these brutal attacks of our brother and sisters. South Africa is known for its rainbow nation and unity and it is time to come together and put an end to these horrific events. Despite these arrests and police officials being deployed, we are calling on the more police visibility especially in the affected areas. As citizens of this beautiful country, let us work together and protect Africa and Africans. We would also like to take this opportunity and convey our deepest condolences to the Sithole family and friends and of those who have lost loved ones during the xenophobic attacks throughout South Africa.
Admin
24 Apr, 2015
SHOW OF SOLIDARITY – UDM Chief Whip to spend a night at the KZN Camps
Statement issued by UDM Chief Whip Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP Over the past few weeks, South Africa has been engulfed by a humongous wave of xenophobic violence. This has caused untold damage to the image of our country in the African Continent and the world at large. It has, however, been heart-warming and encouraging to see South Africans of all races taking a firm stand in the fight against xenophobia. All the various campaigns have contributed immensely in ensuring the restoration of calm and peace in the country. With the blessing of my President, General Bantu Holomisa and my party, the United Democratic Movement (UDM), I have taken a decision to spend Thursday night (23-04-2015) in one of the Camps that have been set aside for the victims of xenophobia in KwaZulu-Natal. This is because I believe that there is no better demonstration of solidarity than spending time with the displaced African brothers and sisters and having first-hand experience of their plight. We hope this step will give further impetus to the campaign against xenophobia in South Africa. We also hope that this will demonstrate to Africa and the whole world that we are a caring Nation.
Admin
09 Apr, 2015
Udm Youth Vanguard Condemns The Demolishing Of Statue
Statement issued by Mbongi Majija – On behalf of the UDMYV NATIONAL TASK TEAM The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard has noted, with utter disappointment, the recent uproar against the previous regime that resulted in a number of statues being defaced and demolished throughout the country. The UDMYV feels that destroying these colonial symbols won’t change the current struggles the country is dealing with such as high unemployment rate, health care system that is in shambles, the education crisis, high number of crime, corruption by government officials, etc. This uproar against these structures does not change who or what we have been through as a country. By destroying these sculptures we are attempting to hold our own history ransom. We cannot rewrite history. Apartheid is and will always remain part of our history, painful as it was. History will deal with us harshly if we now start behaving in the very same manner that we demonstrated and fought against during that very same apartheid era. These apartheid symbols are an indication of the history of our country. They are part of our heritage therefore we all need to defend this heritage for future generations. We cannot distort where we come from as a nation. A family without roots is not a proper family. What need to be fought are the systems of apartheid that are still in place in various institutions. Let us not create our own apartheid as the black nation.
Admin
26 Mar, 2015
UDEMWO condemns involuntary sterilisation of women by health workers
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) lambasts at the recent allegations against the doctors and nurses who are performing involuntary sterilisation without consent of those involved taking advantage of women living with HIV/ AIDS. As South African women, we are surprised and offended by the latest scandal in private and public hospitals of our country. UDEMWO feels that our rights as women have been once again violated and taken for granted by the health officials. No one has the right to perform such a heinous procedure without the consent of the patient; the fact that the women are living with the virus does not mean they are less human. Health officials’ duties are to help the community and not to make them feel less human; living with HIV/ AIDS should not be seen as death sentence to those infected and affected by it. UDEMWO is aware that this is happening both in public and private health care centres and 48 cases of involuntary sterilisation have been documented so far. We are calling on the South African Human Right Commission, Commission for Gender Equality and the Department of Health to investigate these allegations. The doctors and nurses who are found guilty must be severely punished for their inhumane and unethical behaviour. South Africans were made to believe that there is medication for prevention of mother to child transmission. What happened to that medication or that prevention? Why these sterilisation of the infected women.
Admin
19 Mar, 2015
UDM: Reacts to withdrawal of corruption charges due to lack of evidence
Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General United Democratic Movement is saddened by a high number of court cases being thrown out of court due to lack of evidence. This has worsened over the years becoming a norm in the country. We have also noticed the dragging of court cases that are costing the country a lot of money and time. This has dented the justice, prosecution and investigation system leading to many South Africans to lose hope in South African justice. Recently people all over the world watched Shrien Dewani being acquitted of all charges he was facing including allegations of being the mastermind behind the killing of his wife Anni here in South Africa. Millions of rands were spent in legal battle but he walked free due to lack of evidence before court. In the latest incident, the country has seen another lack of evidence in court leading to withdrawal of charges against the former Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development Neo Moerane and her ex-husband former Agriculture MEC Max Mamase. UDM is disappointed by the latest developments in the case which dragged for a very long time and this shows clearly that the ANC government condones the action by criminals. ANC must stop colluding with its official to destroy this beautiful nation. The two former MEC’s were accused of receiving millions of rands in dirty deals including R15.6-million Khangela land deal near Addo in the Eastern Cape while community is starving. These charges dated back from 2005 when Mamase was still an MEC. The Eastern Cape province is one of the struggling provinces in South Africa. In most parts the schools and hospitals are in no good condition. The province is under developed with no basic infrastructures such as running water and flushed toilets and the millions could have been used to develop such. UDM is calling on government to make sure that the money spent is recovered. We are also calling on the National Prosecuting Authority to pull up socks in making sure that prosecution is done in a satisfying manner. The nation cannot tolerate the way justice is applied that is in favour of criminals. Investigators must also be taken into account when they are not performing their duties.
Admin
16 Mar, 2015
Condolence With The Passing Away Of Minister Collins Chabane
Receiving news of the departure of Minister Collins Chabane is with immense distress and profound sadness. His passing away robs us of one of the greatest sons of our people, esteemed administrator and polished politician. ISSUED BY MR BANTU HOLOMISA – UDM PRESIDENT The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses its shock by the passing on of Minister Chabane. We would like to pass our deepest condolences to his family, the ANC, friends and comrades. Leaders are born, live and die. Minister Chabane was one of the extraordinary leaders that had passion, constructive criticism and vision. He was a diligent, eloquent and focused person to a level whereby his articulations in the house were not based on personalities and political allegiances but on practical socio-economic conditions confronting in particular the poor people of South Africa. His, was for a just society. He may die but his contribution ever since he became a member of parliament and a minister will never be forgotten. We as UDM and the people of this country we will miss that bold fast persuasive voice, a voice when he spoke no one could talk while was speaking. This country has lost a leader indeed. Our souls are deeply sad by his suddenly death. To his family, we want to tell you that you are not alone in this deep sad moment. UDM cries with you and we know that people of this country are crying too. No one can take over the pain you feel but our Creator because HE is the one that give and take. Our legislative house, and the country has lost an extraordinary leader. It is our responsibility to take where Minister Chabane left, take the baton and carry on. He has left a huge gap in the South African political landscape which we are challenged to fill up. May the peace of almighty gracious God be with his family, this will also pass. To the leader of the Cabinet, the President, please find space in your heart to be strong and let him to rest. Akuhlanga lungehlanga. To the South African Parliament, the ANC and his constituency at large, you have lost, we have lost and the country has lost. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Admin
11 Mar, 2015
The replacement of Pansy Tlakula with Mr. Glen Mashinini
United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO):The replacement of Pansy Tlakula with a male candidate Mr. Glen Mashinini is not an appropriate choice. Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General We are not pleased by the recent appointment of Mr Glen Mashinini, the former Presidential Advisor as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) replacing Pansy Tlakula. As women the appointment of a male candidate does not sit well and it shows clearly that women are not taken seriously by the ruling party, African National Congress. We’ve only heard about government’s tough law in enforcing the gender equality and a total makeover in the workplace but we have not seen that happening. Under the legislation it’s said that departments and companies are required to fill 50% of all senior positions of each gender and by electing Mr Mashinini as the candidate to fill Tlakula’s position the 50/50 has not been applied. The African National Congress is so good in introducing policies, bill and legislature and later not implement such. We were happy to hear about the Gender Equality Bill which will take this country to greater heights crafting a healthy environment for both men and women but that was only a dream to us women. The only other woman Commissioner in the IEC, Rene Taljaard, has just resigned from the IEC, we don’t know the reason for her resignation, but our concern is that position is also likely to be filled up by another man. We rue the day that the ANC recalled former President Thabo Mbeki, his successor seems to be the “Master” of the men’s forums. The silence of the ANCWL on this matter is deafening.
Admin
10 Mar, 2015
Udm Women’s Organisation Laments The Domestic Violence By Police Officers
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Madindi family who lost their daughter Vuyiswa and her mother Sbongile during a shoot-out spree by an off duty Constable Rhulani Nkuna in Meadowlands, Johannesburg. The Madindi relatives are the latest victims of domestic violence by a police officer who also shot himself dead. This incident is of many which occur exactly three days before the world celebrates International Women’s Day. UDEMWO laments the action by the officers in blue uniform that has become a norm throughout the country. Women and children in South Africa no longer feel safe and protected in the hands of the police while they are there to protect them. We would like to call upon government to take a closer look on the regulations that allow off duty police officers to carry service pistol. The bill of right states that everybody has a right to live and this means women and children have that right to live too. UDEMWO would also like to wish the tenant who was injured during the shooting, a speedy recovery. Issued by: Sipho Mawoko MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER UDM NATIONAL OFFICE Contact numbers : 012 321 0010 / 073 3708327
Admin
04 Sep, 2014
UDM Women’s organisation: reaction to rape of Bongiwe Mnguni
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes it is a travesty that women in the workplace, both in the private and public service, are not safe from sexual harassment, abuse, violence and rape. One of the main reasons why people with much needed skills, such as doctors and nurses, leave for greener pastures is that they are not safe at their places of work. We have much sympathy with, Ms Bongiwe Mnguni, a nurse who was beaten and raped at the Helen Joseph Hospital. We hope that she fully recovers from this horrific experience; our hearts go out to her. Although Ms Mnguni has suffered much harm to her body, mind and soul, we commend her for the courage to speak out. Hopefully this act will encourage more abused women to come forward. We also hope that Ms Mnguni will not leave the matter there. The police must investigate the incident and arrest the monster who attacked her. This man deserves nothing more than to rot in jail for the remainder of his years. UDEMWO believes that the hype created during Women’s Month and the 16 Days of Activism is all for nought. Government throws big parties under the name of sensitising the nation to the plight of women and girl-children. Journalists write endless stories during those times. They seem to be forgetting the rest of the year. Looking at this from a man’s perspective, they feel left out when all of government’s efforts are targeted at women’s issues – government should give some attention to this. The big picture looks bleak and UDEMWO calls on government to urgently make the places of work of their employees safe. Identifying the problem and talking about solutions is not enough – do something and find the criminals who makes us live in fear.
