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10 Oct, 2019
South African Post Office Service Sucks: Poor service delivery
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disheartened by the poor service rendered by the Post Office, The Tramshed branch in Pretoria (Tshwane) cbd to be precisely has been offline for quite some time. The customers are receiving a raw deal. This post office cannot provide basic services to its customers, for example, one cannot apply for a post box or pay for television licence or do transactions on the atms that are lying there and collecting dusts or certifies documents, etc Not so long ago, Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has promised an improvement and efficiency within the Post Office, none of that has taken place. When the Minister was re-appointed, the UDM had so much confidence on her but now one can see through her that that she was rhetoric when she committed herself in making the post office more efficient and that it will operate like full- fledged commercial bank. Seemingly, her priorities are skewed as her interest is more on 4IR conferences in each month. On the other side she is taking decisions to shut down some of the branches that are most effective branches, like the one at Arcadia, in Pretoria. The unemployed youth is applying and certifying at the Post Office because it is more convenient to get things done at one place, than having to go to the South African Police Service and then go elsewhere to send documents. The pensioners have been encouraged to make use of Post bank facilities but the big question are, how is this going to be possible if the post office can be “Offline” for months? If a post office in the capital city is failing to deliver basic services, how much more in the rural areas? This is not only affecting the communities but the morals of the Post office staff, it is tiring to tell people one thing that “We are offline”. What happened to the principle “Batho-pele?” The UDM calls on the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal services to take serious of her portfolio and mandate of her department. The role that this SOE plays is central in servicing the communities but its performance leaves a lot to be desired.
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18 Sep, 2019
Violence against women and children, and crime in South Africa
Honourable Speaker, Mr President and Deputy President, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Honourable Members. 1. Introduction The United Democratic Movement (UDM) commends the fact that Parliament is debating solutions to gender-based violence, child abuse, rampant crime in general, as well as lawlessness. We are here today in response to the brave women of this country who said: “No more!”. This House and the Executive must prioritize finding solutions, even if it means that we must reconsider budget allocations as the President has already indicated. 2. Safety and security: a constitutional mandate Everyone living in this country must, at all times, be protected and should feel safe in their homes and on our streets. For the Executive to act decisively and to make manifest the constitutional mandate of safety and security for the people, it might mean that our civil liberties could be affected. 3. Proposed SADC accord One other matter which I would like to raise is that of striking an accord between SADC countries to address security and home affairs issues. Cross-border crime, moving stolen vehicles and livestock, as well as the burning of trade-goods, should be a thing of the past. Our economies must be protected, for if one country is unstable, all are affected. 4. Xenophobia Regarding the recent xenophobic attacks, we condemn it in the strongest terms. I however wish to mention that South Africa is the only country that does not have refugee camps, with non-South Africans being integrated into our society since 1994. We indeed have people from the rest of the continent, Europe, America and the Far East who live peacefully, and prosper in South Africa. 5. Closing Mr President, if one looks at the vast amounts of money that is syphoned away through corruption, our obsolete military equipment, poor training and equipping of our security services and the criminal justice system, it is clear that we still have much work to do. I thank you.
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18 Sep, 2019
University of Zululand : Vulnerability of Students
The United Democratic Movement notes with concern the vulnerability of students who resides in private accommodations that are not part of the university’s residences and it supports the initiative of students for embarking on a protest demonstration. The students opt to lodge or stay at private accommodation because the university is failing to provide with them adequate accommodation in its residences. They do not have a choice but for them to be near the campus, they have to look for accommodation where ever they can find refuge. In most cases, this scenario compromises their safety. What is more disturbing, these attacks to students by thugs have been going on for decades now, yet, the University has failed to come up with a lasting solution. Other than being attacked, students are being robbed of their belongings while attending lectures at day broad light. The UDM is of the view that the University must come closer to the owners of these properties which are being used by the students and form partnership with them which will among other things ensure that students are always in a safe environment. The University must take full responsibility of the safety of the students irrespective whether they stay inside or outside campus. One of the options that the university may be required to do, is to assess and check whether these properties are fit for habitation of the students. The Management of the University of Zululand cannot abdicate from its obligation of taking care of the welfare of the students. The UDM calls on Vice Chancellor Mrs Xoliswa Mtose to attend to this matter promptly. Parents are sending their children to school for a better future, only to return home heartbroken or dead. Issued By: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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10 Sep, 2019
Open Letter to President Ramaphosa: gender-based violence
Dear Mr President Recently, the country has been ravaged by news of gender based violence, women being abducted, raped and murdered. This is an everyday life for women in this country hence now we have the #AmInext movement, because honestly we are constantly stressing about who is going to be a victim of these atrocities ravaging our communities. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation call on you Mr President, to speedily act on this, as women are under attack, the time for speeches and dialogues around these issues is over. We would like to see a government that implements change and not just talk about it. One of the things we would like to see is co-operation between the Departments or Ministries that fall under the cluster of peace and security. There seems to be no synergy and this is a contributing factor to the rise in violence in this country. If the SAPS manage to arrest the criminal; Justice will release him either on bail or on lack of evidence; if Justice sentence the criminal, Correctional Services will release him on parole. The UDEMWO call upon the government either amend the laws of this country as the law is currently favouring the criminals at the expense of the victims, or bring back the death penalty. Had it not been for Luyanda Botha, the late Uyinene Mrhwetyana’s murderer being released on parole from his previous convictions, the young girl would be still alive, pursuing her dreams. The question still remains, how did Luyanda end up working for a state owned enterprise with criminal records? Mr President, The Government continues to fail us! The Department of Women’s voice is not being heard, Minister Maite-Nkoana Mashabane is not vocal and not seen taking part in bringing about solution in the threatening situation, which is claiming lives of women especially in the past week. UDEMWO believes that when one tramples the other person’s rights, he must forfeit his rights. Enough with the lip service, Action must be taken NOW! Issued by Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary
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03 Sep, 2019
Violence against women: Punishment of women abusers is a laughing stock
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organization is disheartened by violence against women and children that is currently taking place throughout South Africa, Uyinene Mrwetyana a young girl who had a bright future was deprived an opportunity to achieve her goals and dreams, she didn’t just die, she was brutally murdered. Jeighandre Jegels a boxing champion from the Eastern Cape was also killed by her Police Officer boyfriend. A body of a young lady who was raped and murdered was discovered yesterday in a school premises at Kwa Mashu, north of Durban The UDEMWO calls on the African National Congress government to stop gambling with young women’s lives, just two years ago, we lost Karabo Mokoena and nothing was done, the government had to wait for next victims to act as if they care. In the case of Mrwetyana, it is alleged that the perpetrator has a criminal record, which takes us back to the call made by UDEMWO that government departments should work in a synergy. Early paroles dished out to criminals perpetuate criminal acts against women and children. On a daily basis women and children go missing, simply because they are not protected by the government. They are soft targets for the perpetrators. The state security agencies are to blame, they do not seem to have a plan to fight and curb the scourge. As much as some of these crime offenders face jail time, it seems this type of sentence do not act as a deterrent factor. The UDEMWO believe it is high time that a referendum is conducted to determine whether a death penalty should be brought back or our courts continue to meter out these sentences that are not effective. Women and children deserve better and the government must make it a point that they are protected twenty four hours a day where they are, in their homes or streets. The UDEMWO is calling upon the government and relevant departments to effectively prioritise the safety of women and children. The government MUST STOP this habit of quickly sending condolences to the families of the victims but must act fast and swiftly in apprehending and putting perpetrators behind bars. Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary
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28 Aug, 2019
UDM statement on the IFP’s newly elected leadership
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to congratulate the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) on its successful National Elective Congress held from the 23rd to the 25th of August, 2019. It is heartening that this National Elective Congress was able to elect a new leadership without any issues. The UDM would like to also commend the retired Party President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi for leading the Organisation for the past 44 years. He had to steady and steer the ship during hard times and the IFP became a force to be reckoned with under his leadership. His contribution to the politics of the Republic of South Africa, Africa and the world cannot be denied. The UDM also wishes the newly elected IFP President, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, and his executive the warmest congratulations. The Party offers the IFP President most sincere wishes for a successful term as the leader of a political party that has played a pivotal role in shaping the politics of the Country. We as an organisation take this opportunity to reaffirm our unequivocal commitment in strengthening democracy in our beloved country. In conclusion, the UDM looks forward to a cordial working relationship with the IFP in advancing our common objective of building our country into a Winning Nation.
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14 Aug, 2019
UDMYV: Return of “drug mule” Babsie Nobanda
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard would like to congratulate Nolubabalo “Babsie” Nobanda for taking her destiny into her own hands whilst imprisoned in Thailand for drug smuggling. She is returning home with a degree in communications obtained from the University of South Africa. However, we are concerned that she is coming back to a country with an alarming 29% youth unemployment, which is one of the major contributing factors to our young people finding themselves in conflict with the law and in dire trouble as Ms Nobanda did. The South African government needs to heed the call of the United Democratic Movement for an urgent Economic Indaba, where all stakeholders can converge under one roof and come up with a solution to the major economic and socio-economic challenges facing this country. Government alone will not in any way help the youth of South Africa out of poverty and unemployment. We call on all South Africans to stand up for their own country and take it back into our own hands and build it with greatness. Let us have a country where our youth are not forced to make irrevocable decisions to their own detriment, as Ms Nobanda did. Ms Noloyiso Nontenja National Task Team Secretary
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08 Aug, 2019
Women’s Day: 25 years on and women are still under attack
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation would like to wish every woman out there, a good Woman’s Day. We are the mothers and daughters; we are well-able and there is absolutely nothing a woman cannot do. However, how do we celebrate Women’s Month if there is, in fact, nothing to celebrate? Twenty-five years down the line and women in this country still live with a target on their backs; as somehow lesser human beings, only there to be beaten, raped and killed. The ruling party, which should be leading the women’s cause, has done nothing much to change women’s lives when it comes to addressing the scourge of abuse. Paying lip-service is simply not enough and having a useless ministry of women is a waste of time. For instance, in our rural villages, women accused of witchcraft are made to face mobs of killers and our government sits with its arms folded. Where are government’s far-reaching programmes needed to stem the tide of women abuse? Women are the thread that hold our societies together and the ruling party government does not seem to care about their wellbeing, their livelihood or their safety. This is unacceptable and we cannot tolerate this any longer.
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03 Jul, 2019
The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the IFP to come clean on its forever lasting investigation of its uMzinyathi District Municipality Mayor
On 24 May 2019, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) exposed, in the form of recordings, the until then, widely speculated allegations of corruption of the Inkatha Freedom Party’s (IFP) uMzinyathi District Municipality Mayor. The allegations pertained to the siphoning off of funds from that municipality. In an Isolezwe newspaper article on the 3rd of June, IFP Spokesperson, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, was quoted saying that the IFP was investigating the matter. On 7 June, during a live talk-show hosted by Ikhwezi FM, the mayor, who was cornered by the UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Secretary, admitted that the voice on the recordings was his. He therefore owned up to the content of those recordings. More allegations of corruption, where the mayor was involved, were published by the Daily Sun on 28 June. Mr Hlengwa was again quoted saying that the IFP was investigating that matter too! The IFP does not seem to be in the least concerned about these compromising claims and allegations about their deployed mayor, whom has apparently rendered the district as a total failure in the core function of providing water to this community; yet the yearly budget is committed and exhausted without any provision of what it was earmarked for. The UDM calls on the IFP to come clean about whether its mayor is siphoning off funds from this municipality’s service providers as a directive from itself or not. If not, the IFP must respect the community of the uMzinyathi district by removing their seemingly corrupt mayor with immediate effect and conclude its never-ending and ineffectual investigation into these allegations. Statement issued by Mr Boysey Gumede UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Secretary
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28 Jun, 2019
Response to the premier’s Eastern Cape SOPA delivered by the Honourable FG Mahlati, UDM Member of the Eastern Cape Legislature
Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker Honourable Premier and Members of the Executive Honourable Members of the Legislature Officials present here Distinguished guests and visitors at the gallery Be greeted in Jesus’ name. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, we wish you all of the best and happiness in your new venture, may this journey take you to the way of success. The Eastern Cape is faced with many challenges, like poor housing development and houses that were built without proper infrastructure. The lack of proper planning of housing projects results in delays in the timeous implementation of a number of projects. The government must strive to improve planning for housing projects to prevent unnecessary time wasting which results in serious cost implications. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) also commends the Honourable Premier for the rollout package of basic services such as electricity, water, sewage, sanitation to 700,000 indigent household in our province, but the government has allowed corruption to flourish for a long time, which is a very serious concern. This has spread like cancer cells throughout the public service. We support the strategies that are in place to fight this fiscus gobbler that has caused so much damage and hurt to the people of this province. The UDM is more concerned about the shortage of educators, and non-teaching staff such as administrators as well as securities. There is also a shortage of water and sanitation facilities in most rural schools. The Honourable Premier must ensure that this is also addressed. Our children are faced with societal challenges such as crime, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. The educators always fear for their lives because they might not know what a child is going to do. We want the government to place more focus on these problems. The Honourable Premier must put in place a monitoring mechanism and proper plans on how it intends to deal with the shortage of qualified mathematics and science educators in our public schools. There is also the need for food security for our disadvantaged people because the absence of proper food is a serious main contribution to chronic diseases. Such intervention can help to alleviate hunger, poverty and disease in our society. There is still a need for government to focus on educating nurses on how to treat their patients considering the Batho Pele principles; there are many people that still complain about the conduct of our nurses. We do not know if the complaints by the public are ever taken into consideration by government. There are serious challenges of medico-legal claims which leads to unexpected serious and unnecessary expenditure by the government. We appreciate the effectiveness of education and advocacy on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, but the growth rate of these diseases is still alarming. The bulk of the budget of the province is spent on the department of health, but there is still more to be improved. The current socio-economic situation in the Eastern Cape requires that a greater effect is made to address job creation so that fewer and fewer people need to depend on social grants. Poverty has reached inter-generational levels. The condition of the roads, especially in rural areas, leaves much to be desired. One hopes that the budget of relevant department will cater for this painful need. Public Works needs to embark on a programme of regularly attending to public buildings; especially hospitals. There cannot be unhealthy people in unhealthy buildings. The officials of the department of social development often find their buildings uninhabitable resulting in the loss of productive time. Your address shied away from these issues, yet they cry for the attention of a caring government. I thank you.
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28 Jun, 2019
Violent service delivery protests claim lives: this is not on!
The United Democratic Movement has observed that there have been too many service delivery protests around South Africa, prior to elections and after. We hoped to see less of these occurrences, especially after elections, but seemingly they are increasing on a daily basis. We saw what happened when the red ants overran Alexandra in Johannesburg, when the life of a three months old baby was claimed. Yesterday in Philippi (Cape Town), another four-months’ old infant lost her life because of the use of teargas. Not only was an infant deprived of life, but two persons, trying to get away from stone throwers, were killed. This is a travesty. South Africans endure the pain of being neglected by government whilst it continues to pay lip service when it comes to service delivery. Government never honours its promises. Instead of helping people, government responds to them with violence. How long should we see such events? How long should the people of South Africa suffer, when they are only asking for basic necessities such as; shelter, water and roads, to name a few. To the families of those whose lives were lost, may you be comforted. Issued by Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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19 Jun, 2019
Youth expectations for SONA: #DataMustFall
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s expected state of the nation address (SONA), must be solution orientated with a clear plan and time frames for its implementation. We as young people, and as the majority of the population, need things to happen and happen fast. We cannot have another rehash of old promises that raise our hopes with every SONA, only to be disappointed. We are expecting to hear more from the president in terms of job creation and strengthening the economy with youth participation in particular. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard has been consistent in its call that young South Africans must become wealth creators. It is therefore incumbent on government to create an economic environment that fosters entrepreneurship. We however wish to raise one significant point, which we hope that President Ramaphosa will touch on. We are of the view that exorbitant data charges need his immediate attention. To be youth inclusive we need a government that is serious about creating opportunities for young people in this digital era. Data must completely fall as it hampers learners’ studies, fetters youth looking for jobs and their registration of small businesses, etc.. Young South Africans must stand up and join us in this quest as we use the internet to access all opportunities. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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14 Jun, 2019
Youth Day 2019: economic emancipation for the young
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard is concerned about the state of our nation since tough economic times leave the youth of South Africa out on the margins of economic participation. Our youth has for the past 25 years under democratic rule, been fighting for economic freedom, but in vain. We have been let down by the failure of every administration put in place to fulfil the promises made over the years. Since 1994 we have been out in the economic cold and had no say; nor had we become drivers of our economy due to the lack of leadership and political will to implement the so-called good policies that are meant to see young South Africans becoming economic drivers. With every recession and economic downfall, young South Africans take a huge knock as they are the majority of the population. Our education system is a major role player in marginalising the youth by not empowering them. It therefore, needs a complete overhaul in order to produce young South Africans who are job creators, innovators and not just job seekers and dependants. The UDM Youth Vanguard calls upon President Cyril Ramaphosa to take young people into his confidence, as there cannot be anything about young people without them. The youth must be directly involved in economic policy formulation and implementation. The president missed a critical opportunity to have a young deputy minister in the presidency responsible for women, youth and persons with disabilities, as that office is crucial to drive youth development, empowerment and creating synergy between all departments to drive youth economic participation. We invite interested young people to come together under one roof on the 17th of June for a Multiparty, Stakeholders Youth Symposium under the theme of “Youth and Democracy in 25 Years” at the Braamfontein Civic Centre, Old Council Chambers, in Johannesburg, at 10:00am. This will afford us young South Africans an opportunity to engage, debate and come up with solutions on how we can solve the challenges faced by South Africa pertaining to the youth. We wish all young South Africans a peaceful and reflective Youth Day, taking on the lessons learnt from the youth of 1976. The youth of today must honour our heroes and heroines by taking charge of their destiny. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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05 Jun, 2019
UDESMO: Violence at schools and universities must stop
It is with deep despondency that the United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) heard of yet another act of serious violence at one of our institutions of learning, this time at Forest High School in Johannesburg. There were also reports of two Walter Sisulu University students who were killed at the weekend, at what is known as a “Freshers’ Braai”. South Africans have been bombarded with stories of severe bullying, sexual predation, violence and murder at our schools and universities just within the past year. It is a sign that something is drastically wrong at our institutions of learning. We need to understand that institutions of learning are microcosms of the communities in which they are geographically located. If drugs, alcoholism, gangsterism and violence are prevalent in the community, one can be sure that these social ills and criminal elements will reflect in the school environment. At our universities in particular, excessive alcohol abuse at what is colloquially know as “bashes” is rife. Taking a long-term view, the underlying socio-economic factors that negatively impact on our society should be addressed, which will in turn mirror in our institutions of learning. To address the immediate crisis, we need an urgent multi-stakeholder engagement to come up with practical solutions on how to keep our young people and teachers safe in our schools and universities. UDESMO believes that there should be closer cooperation between government, communities, institutions of learning and the police services. Moral decay is really threatening the velocity of our democracy and If nothing happens now, we are running a risk off a lawless nation. Issued by: Mr Akhona Bavu UDESMO Eastern Cape Chairperson
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30 May, 2019
UDMYV: Young leaders in government is encouraging
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is pleased to note that this time around there are many young faces in cabinet and that some of the provincial MECs hail from the youth’s ranks. The UDM Youth Vanguard strongly feels that it will be in the best interest of the young people of South Africa if our debates in terms of unearthing common ideas to find solutions to our plight, should be inclusive. We all have something to contribute. We call on the young members of the executives to have open and wide-ranging discussions on political, social and economic challenges facing young South Africans. We therefor hope that these young people in our government will bring about the new ideas and innovations South Africa needs to become a winning nation. The UDM Youth Vanguard wishes them all well in their tasks ahead. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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28 May, 2019
Good luck to the newly sworn-in premier of KwaZulu-Natal and his executive
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), welcomes the KZN premier and the provincial MECs to their new roles. We are encouraged that none of them are known for the bad odour of corruption and we advise them to maintain that status. As the premier prides himself for picking young and new blood in his executive, the KZN UDM hopes that such will bring about innovation in service delivery as, mostly, innovation is associated with the young and the new. We call on the new KZN provincial government to attend to the following issues as priorities: Corruption-ridden municipalities. Very poor state of roads marred with dangerous potholes. Community-based farming projects, and Capital Infrastructure projects in rural areas in order to attract property developers and business. Good luck to the new team as the KZN UDM will be at our posts as a credible and responsible political party. Issued by: Boysey Gumede UDM-KZN Provincial Secretary
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24 May, 2019
Funds allegedly siphoned off from uMzinyathi district municipality service providers
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal, is appalled at a recording we have in our possession, where the voice of the uMzinyathi district mayor is allegedly having a fishy conversation with one of the municipal executive managers. In the recording, it sounds as if the mayor instructed this official to confront the municipal manager about funds that the municipal manager had apparently siphoned off from two municipal service providers (allegedly to the tune of R1,8m and R3m respectively) but had apparently failed to pay it over to the Inkatha Freedom Party’s coffers. Even though the speaker did not mention the IFP by name, he simply referred to ‘Umtwana’, it is common cause that both the mayor and the municipal manager are IFP deployees. This kind of tapping of funds, raises a lot of questions e.g. 1. Is the awarding of municipal tenders, legitimate and above board? 2. Are these service providers’ work of compromised quality to make room for kickbacks? 3. Were the earmarked development projects started off at all? The UDM reiterates its view that corruption remains corruption even if it is not committed by the usual suspects like the alleged VBS looters, and the Bosasa and PIC scandal mongers. The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal will gladly make the recording available to the mayor and invites him to explain the content of the voice clip. Issued by Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary UDM in KwaZulu-Natal
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23 May, 2019
UDMYV: Young parliamentarians have a big task ahead
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard congratulates all the young persons who were sworn into the sixth democratic parliament. It is encouraging to see that quite a number of the members of parliament who took the oath yesterday represent the youth of South Africa. Yet, this happens at a time where our youth faces many challenges, such as plummeting unemployment prospects, the lack of fee free education and the struggle to start and finance their own businesses. Although some strides have been made, we still have a long way to go in terms of youth development. Our education system does not deliver innovators and entrepreneurs, but rather produces employees with no prospect of being employed. This constantly excludes young people from economic participation and wealth creation. We encourage young parliamentarians to run with youth issues, that position those matters, at the apex of the parliamentary agenda. One of those important issues are the eradication of sexism, gender-based violence and societal ills, like teen pregnancy. Not enough attention is paid to our young women in order to help them thrive in leadership roles and their professional lives. We don’t want to be paid hackneyed lip service, we demand change, and we call on all young parliamentarians to focus on an action orientated plan that comprehensively addresses our plight. A country that does not take care of its youth is a country going nowhere fast. We call on all young people to pressurise decision making bodies to give us hope that our dawn is nigh. Issued by Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
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22 May, 2019
The 6th parliament will make or break South Africa
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is cautiously optimistic about South Africa’s future as our 6th parliament is established today. However, only time will tell whether the next five years will in fact bring to life President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed new dawn. As per the UDM’s longstanding advice, we in particular await President Ramaphosa’s substantial reduction of cabinet and that the rotten apples will not find their way back into positions of power – as they have already bobbed up on the ANC’s candidates lists. As the majority party, it is time for the ANC to put an end to its political squabbling, which relegates South Africans as victims of their internal machinations, political pushing and pulling and cadre deployment. The UDM also cautions President Ramaphosa that he should make certain that the separation of powers between politicians and officials are clear. In the past these lines have been blurred and it should not be tolerated. We wish all members of this 6th parliament all the best of luck in disposing their mandate as entrusted to them by the South African electorate. There is no place in parliament for complacence on the one hand, and arrogance on the other. There must be a clear realisation that the next five years has the potential to make or break this country. In particular, we wish President Ramaphosa well in his endeavours to root out corruption in government and establishing a committed civil service that takes our people’s needs seriously. Rest assured the UDM will be at its post as a credible, responsible and effective opposition. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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21 May, 2019
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
On this day, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we are reminded of how we should respect one another’s constitutional rights and, specifically, each South African’s right to cultural expression. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that cultural diversity drives change, not only with respect to economic growth, but it also assists our society to achieve sustainable development, which in turn reduces poverty. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for stability, development and social cohesion in our country. On this score, South Africa still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, there is a palpable feeling of unease amongst our people, which is born out by the results in our just passed election. From the UDM’s perspective, we cannot afford to lose more time in forming a cohesive society and to unleash the creative power inherent in our diversity to transform South Africa into a winning nation for all who live in it. It is not only incumbent on government to promote social cohesion, but it is each of our responsibility to learn about each other’s cultures and live-out our constitutional rights, responsibilities and ideals. The UDM therefore calls on all South Africans to reach out to one another and respect each other’s beliefs and traditions, so that we may be a unified nation. Issued by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa UDM Deputy President
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11 May, 2019
UDM’s reaction to election 2019 results
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes to thank South Africans who took part in the 2019 national and provincial elections and in particular those who voted for the UDM and placed their trust in us. We are surprised and disappointed at the UDM’s performance and we will have to go back to the drawing board to determine where we went wrong, with our eyes firmly on an improved result in the 2021 and 2024 elections. We have noticed the lower percentage of voter turnout and the effect that it might have had on the election results. The UDM definitely takes issue with the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) handling of these elections. There were far too many big mistakes on their side that negatively impacted on whether this election was indeed free and fair. In particular, the Commission’s handling of the complaints will be the final test that will make or break the IEC’s reputation and credibility. Although many will indeed be disappointed with their results, we congratulate our colleagues in other parties who have improved on their past performance. Our final thanks go out to the UDM’s activists on the ground who had worked themselves to a standstill. We appreciate your tireless contribution to our campaigns. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
