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10 Apr, 2017
UDM condemns ANC Youth League political intolerance
Statement issued by Bongani Mosmi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is stunned and disappointed by the violent behaviour displayed by the ruling party’s youth league, African National Congress Youth League towards anti-Zuma protesters. ANC is supposed to be the custodian of our constitution which guarantees the freedom of association. The attacks and threats are totally unacceptable. We are observing the similar behaviour even to the officials who are ANC members in the Tshwane Metro and other areas who refused the permission to the organisers of the protest march. South Africa is a free country and this must stop. End
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10 Apr, 2017
#ZumaMustFall: The Opposition is united in Putting South Africa, and Its Citizens, First
Joint media statement As leaders, we shall never abandon our responsibility to put South Africa first. Accordingly, the leadership of the African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Agang SA, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement have agreed to give expression to this commitment. We want to make every effort to rescue South Africa from this one-man-made quagmire. President Jacob Zuma, with the blessing and help of his sycophants, is actively undermining the work of our Chapter Nine institutions. The Constitutional Court found that he acted illegally; failed to uphold; defend and respect the Constitution with his disregard of the Public Protector’s remedial action on the Nkandla corruption. He is in violation of the Constitution and his oath of office, which makes Mr Zuma ineligible to be President of the Republic. President Zuma’s midnight cabinet reshuffle started a domino effect, with the rand tanking, South Africa’s downgrading by two ratings agencies, as well as the downgrading of some banks and Eskom. “Junk status” makes South Africa an unsafe investment destination and international banks will think twice before lending money to us. Our credibility is shot and the knock-on effects in terms of the cost of living is going to hit our poor people the hardest. The influence of the Gupta family on our President, including several ministers, means President Zuma has been bought by the highest bidder and that South Africa is being run from Saxonwold. From Wednesday, 12 April 2017, onward, the aforementioned political parties shall embark on a programme of periodic mass action to ensure that South Africans, and their country, are protected from the brutal hand of Mr Jacob Zuma. We now announce – to all South Africans, Africa and the world – that we have declared 12 April a “National Day of Action”. We are happy to report that there already are many civil society organisations on board, like SaveSA, as well as South Africans (from all walks of life) who have indicated that they identify with this cause. They have expressed their willingness to do everything within their power to make the “National Day of Action” a success. As part of our programme, political parties across the Country will mobilise their members and structures to engage in activities geared towards forcing the ruling party to recall their deployee. Or, to exert enough pressure that President Zuma will do the honourable thing and resign. We will have, and plan to, engage civil society formations, as well as our colleagues in other political parties to mobilise support for the people’s “National Day of Action” at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. We plan to engage in various activities – such as the “National Day of Action – over the coming days, weeks and months to show common cause i.e. to rescue South Africa from a slippery-slope. We extend an invitation to all South African citizens, other political parties, labour organisations, traditional and religious institutions and any other interested parties to participate in all the other protest activities in the pipeline. We also, and very specifically, extend an invitation to the ruling party, that claims to be the leader of society, to occasionally act with the people, and for the people. If they fail (as is their standard operating procedure) to hear the loud cries of South Africans to remove their “junk status” President, the people must unite in dictating their own destiny and punish the African National Congress in the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. END
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06 Apr, 2017
UDM calls for investigation into death of poisoned minors
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to convey a message of condolence to the families of two minors that were killed after an alleged consumption of food poison in the Western Cape meanwhile others are still in a critical condition in hospital. This is tragic and we are calling for a speedy investigation into finding the origins of the food they had ingested and someone must be brought to book for this tragedy that led to people losing lives while others are in a bad state. UDM also wishes a speedy recovery to those who still fighting for their lives in hospital and we hope they will be discharged soon. End
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05 Apr, 2017
UDEMWO condemns attacks on young Cape Town girls
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and disturbed by the recent brutal rape and murder of 11-year-old Stacha Arendse whose body was found dumped in an open field not far from her home in Tafelsig. This atrocity happened within just a few days after the body of murdered Rene Tracy Roman (13), was discovered in a house on the same street where she lived. These horrific attacks against women and girl-children are adding up and has become endemic to the Western Cape. But, we see far too many such incidents right throughout the country. UDEMWO condemns these criminal acts and we call upon the members of the community to work together with the police to ensure that such cruel crimes are not committed. It cannot be that everyday someone dies at the hands of those whom they know and trust. We are thankful that the alleged evil doers are behind bars, but we find it worrying that the man arrested for the attack on Stacha is a convicted rapist who was out on six months’ parole. We therefore hope that justice be swift and that harsh measures will be taken against those found guilty – they must never be unleashed on society again. We urge the MEC of Community Safety in the Western Cape, Mr Dan Plato, together with all the relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in curbing this growing trend of attacks on women and children in the Province. One soul is one too many.
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03 Apr, 2017
Negative impact of Zuma’s cabinet shuffle: South Africa hits junk status
President Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle has caused “radical economic transformation” of a different kind with Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global announcement that South Africa’s sovereign credit rating has been downgraded to BB+. We might as well use the term “junk status” to describe our government. Mr Zuma bandies this phrase about, making a sweeping statement, without any clear policy detailing what his radical economic transformation entails. This not only confuses South Africans, but any international would-be investors are surely looking elsewhere to spend their money. Enough is enough! The African National Congress has clearly lost control of President Zuma, and by default the country, jeopardising any hope of a prosperous economic future. In line with what the opposition parties said today, the United Democratic Movement will exert even more pressure to have the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, accede to our call for a special, and urgent, meeting of the House to discuss a motion of no confidence in President Zuma.
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03 Apr, 2017
#ZumaMustFall: Opposition united behind putting SA first
Opposition Programme of Action This Programme of Action stems from already existing partnerships and other ad hoc co-operation arrangements which exist in the country’s metros and other municipalities, where the Opposition governs for all residents, regardless of their political affiliation. The opposition-led metros serve as important platforms to show what the Opposition can do for the people of South Africa, which present a tangible example of the work that we can do, when we united against corruption, state capture and other ills in society. Furthermore, we agreed that there is a need for a Summit that brings together Political Parties and Civil Society to discuss the state of South Africa. Going forward, we will at times act collectively and at times as separate political parties, depending on the nature of the issue facing the country. Our Programme of Action will be to put the people first, with the vision to build a better South Africa. National Day of Action to the Union Buildings It was agreed that as Opposition Parties, we will start the process of mobilising their structures from across the country for a National Day of Action to the Union Buildings. We are planning to have this mass action event as soon as possible. We will also be engaging Civil Society formations and other Political Parties to mobilise in order to support the people’s National Day of Action to the Union Buildings, so that we are united and not fractured in our call to save our country in the short-term. We therefore call upon all South Africans and the whole of Civil Society to support this mass action, where will speak with one voice calling for Jacob Zuma to remove himself from the Union Buildings, failing which he will be pushed, using democratic processes. Zuma cannot hold an entire country hostage. Motion of No Confidence Opposition Parties are fully behind the Motion of Confidence in Jacob Zuma and the call for the Speaker of the National Assembly to reconvene the House for a special sitting so that this matter of National Importance can be debated and voted on. The DA and EFF have already asked the Speaker to reconvene Parliament. The UDM have submitted a similar request today. We expect an urgent answer from the Speaker about progress made in scheduling the Motion, should we not be satisfied with her response, court action, supported by Opposition Parties will be taken. Given the crisis engulfing our society, we are confident that Members of Parliament will stay true the Constitution and their Oath of Office. The Motion of No Confidence is not about the removal the ANC. The ANC was voted into government by the majority, through the democratic project, which we respect. In the short-term, we are working to remove Jacob Zuma, and elect someone from the ranks of the National Assembly who is committed to South Africa, the people and the Constitution. Court Cases The Opposition support the two court cases which are currently before the Judiciary. The DA will be submitting papers for a Review Application which seeks to test the legal rationality of Jacob Zuma’s disastrous Cabinet Reshuffle. The EFF, UDM and COPE are currently before the Constitutional Court to probe the process and duty of Parliament to facilitate the impeachment of the President. Conclusion Opposition Party Leaders are united in their call for Zuma to go and our belief in the supremacy of the Constitution. The choice South Africans must make is: Zuma or South Africa. The two cannot co-exist.
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31 Mar, 2017
April Fool’s joke? Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle
The United Democratic Movement has noted President Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle. The appointment of Malusi Gigaba as the new minister of finance is disconcerting, because of his clear association with the Gupta family. President Zuma is strengthening his hold on cabinet with the appointment of Sfiso Buthelezi as Gigaba’s deputy and it won’t be surprising if people start dismissing these two as indunas from the palace whose main objective would be to facilitate the further looting of resources. The fact that the Rand tanked yesterday evening, even before President Zuma made any announcement, is a sign that South Africa is in for a rough ride in the next few days up until it is clear what the new minister of finance plans to do. The “sideways promotion” of Faith Muthambi, Nkosinathi Nhleko and Bathabile Dlamini is disappointing, because they have failed in their previous portfolios. Instead of punishing them for their failures, they have been rewarded for showing loyalty to the President. Politically speaking, many of the ministers, who have been removed, still hold position within the African National Congress and, given the noise made by the Communist Party today, it would be interesting to see how the Communist Party ministers will react.
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28 Mar, 2017
UDM mourns the loss of Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada
The United Democratic Movement is saddened to hear that Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada has passed away after his brief illness. Another giant has left this earth. I first met Kathy in 1989, in Mthatha, just after his and his comrades’ release from Robben Island. I was impressed with his quiet fortitude and dignity. He was part of a crop of leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) that we will forever idealise because of their style of leadership and the sacrifices they made in their efforts to free the oppressed masses of South Africa. Most notable was the respectful and considered manner in which he always spoke with his comrades. In his latter years, he was quite vocal about his disappointment with the current direction of the ANC and he leaves us at a time where his moral guidance is desperately needed. We mourn his loss with the people of South Africa, and express our heartfelt condolences to his life partner, family and friends, as well as his colleagues. Rest in Peace Kathy.
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17 Mar, 2017
SASSA Constitutional Court judgement is an indictment of the Zuma Administration
Statement by Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes the Constitutional Court’s instruction that the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) are under obligation to continue to pay social grants on 1 April until another entity is able to do so. The ANC government has more-or-less blackmailed the Constitutional Court, for if it should have happened that social grants were not paid on time, Government could conveniently shift the blame for the non-payment to the Constitutional Court. It is however worrying that our Country is effectively being run via the court room, because the Zuma Administration time and again fails to perform its duties. It is clear that President Zuma, and his cohorts, are holding onto their positions of power for one reason only: to further loot the Country’s resources at the expense of the taxpayer. Forget, for a moment, all the other examples of this phenomenon and be conscious of the fact that the Sassa/CPS-debacle is especially reprehensible, because it happened at the expense of the most vulnerable in our society. If not for the Constitutional Court’s intervention, where would we be? This situation is an embarrassment for South Africa and the Zuma Administration (and Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini in particular in this instance) has again brought the country into disrepute. Their behaviour shows a lack of respect for the court. There is no accountability and worse, no consequences for those in power when they so spectacularly fail. The message to those who voted for the African National Congress (ANC) is clear. President Zuma, his Executive and the ANC have no respect for South Africans – nor do they have sympathy or show remorse. The ANC has clearly lost the plot and this arrogance can only be addressed in one way, cast your vote elsewhere. You have the capacity to punish the ANC for these misdeeds; come 2019 make proper use of your cross.
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12 Mar, 2017
SASSA social grants chaos: Zuma and Dlamini must go
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) finds the revelations by today’s Sunday Times as damning of President Jacob Zuma, as it is of Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini. The Minister acted on the basis of unsolicited advice from the President’s special- and legal adviser, Mr Michael Hulley, and despite the concerns and protestations of developmental officials and the South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa). She undermined and defied the sound legal advice of one of the most renowned legal minds in South Africa, Advocate Wim Trengove SC, as well as other independent lawyers. The arrogance displayed by the Minister since this chaos became public, as well as the uninvited intervention of Mr Hulley, suggests that the President’s hand is at the centre of the crisis. The big question is: Who mandated Mr Hulley to attend meetings uninvited and unwelcome? His boss must answer this. The state law advisors seem to not have been involved throughout this process, yet Mr Hulley spends time doing what he is not appointed for. One would have expected the state lawyers, internal departmental and Sassa legal advisers to advise the Minister. It is very clear, that the Minister and the Office of the President have direct interests in making sure that the Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) contract is extended regardless of the legalities and the Constitutional Court order. This is another example of clear manipulation of the process, intended to grossly undermine the rule of law and accountability. The centrality of the President, through his adviser, means that he is part of this chaos. We were not surprised by Mr Zuma’s recent response to the loud call of South Africans to release the dubious Minister from her responsibilities. The fact that the President has decided to side with the Minister means he too is at fault. Clearly, the President and his minister are showing South Africans, the Constitutional Court and, in particular, the social grants beneficiaries the middle figure. It is for this reason that the UDM calls for the immediate resignation of both President Zuma and Minister Dlamini. If the African National Congress (ANC), as is always the case, fails to remove these questionable characters from service, South Africans must vote the ANC out of power in 2019 for its failure to put South Africa first. The ANC has always put itself and its corrupt leader above the interests of South Africans. It spouts words in favour of the people, yet its actions are against the people. Even this morning the ANC was on national television launching its so-called new policy proposal, yet their President and his faction are busy with faction battles and bankrupting the country.
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07 Mar, 2017
Integrity in the Public Sphere – address by Mr B Holomisa, MP (UDM President)
• Dr Marianne Camerer, chair of this panel discussion • My co-panellist, Judge Albie Sachs • Colleagues and Emerging African Leaders 1. Learning integrity throughout my life I started my journey with integrity when I first learnt of trust, and accepting personal responsibility, as a herd-boy. Without these values, the cattle were not properly tended to and brought home safe in the evenings. In the early Seventies, I attended the Jongilizwe College for the Sons of Chiefs and Headmen. Here, teachers like Dumisa Ntsebeza (who in 1995 emerged as a Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)), taught us to be informed citizens. And, in the Mqanduli congregation of the late Anglican Reverend Bacon, I was taught duty and the social value of disciplined personal conduct. I was lucky to have had sound people in my life who taught me the value of integrity in personal life. The basics was therefore in place and applying these principles in my public life was a natural extension. I would be remis if I don’t give thanks for Madiba’s role in my life. He made such great sacrifices for his convictions. His endeavoured to live a life of integrity. I am not saying that he was infallible – he was but a man after all – but I learnt from his courage and perseverance. 2. Living integrity: the Transkei years My career in the military is a matter of public record. But please understand that it was the principles of integrity and having the courage of one’s convictions, that guided me in the decisions we took in 1987, which led to the Transkei being ran by Military Council. It was these values that steered us to unban 33 liberation organisations in the late Eighties and the release of all political prisoners. We did our best to “do the right thing”. But also, understand that those years were not easy and to stick to one’s proverbial guns meant that my life had been under threat many times. During these turbulent times, I remained conscious of the principles and standards of personal conduct instilled me by my childhood protagonists. 3. Political life in the New South Africa In 1994 I was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee and was the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism under Madiba’s leadership. But, after testifying at the TRC, I was expelled in September 1996. Once again, my principles landed me in hot water. I was in essence expelled after the ANC’s national disciplinary committee found me guilty of bringing the party into disrepute, because I had made reference to an historical event of corruption in the Transkei government era whilst I was justifying to the TRC why the families of deceased soldiers, who had been killed in a 1990 Pretoria-sponsored abortive coup, had to be compensated. In late 1996, I started on the road to the formation of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) when we consulted South Africans on the need for a new political party. Our National Consultative Forum met with Roelf Meyer’s New Movement Process, and the rest is history. Amongst the aims and objectives listed in the UDM Constitution is: “The Party shall fight corruption and restore the confidence of the people in all Government structures”. We have batted on this wicket since 1997 and, what it means is that, integrity in public life is at the core of our work. 4. South Africa today: the lack of integrity in government leaders The drafters of our country’s Constitution had the founding father of our democracy, Tata Mandela, firmly in their minds when they finalised their work. They made the reasonable assumption that all future presidents would always put South Africa first; respect the rule of law and uphold the Constitution. Thus, keeping the integrity of public office in good standing. Recent events (some-of-which were confirmed by the Constitutional Court regarding the need to preserve and protect the integrity of the public office and in particular by the Head of State) have proven the contrary. In the context of Chapter 5 of the Constitution, and other relevant legislation, there is a remarkable concentration of the President’s power of appointment – in particular that the President does so with his exclusive discretion. This observation is important. We know that both the Public Protector, and our courts, had to be invited to adjudicate in the rationality of several of the President’s appointments. Ministers have been found wanting when it comes to the keeping their offices in good esteem. The Minister of Social Development, who presides over a sensitive portfolio, does so without integrity. She is a self-confessed fraudster who misused flight tickets to a value more than R200 000. Maybe the system we use to appoint public office bearers, like ministers, needs review? Firstly, our electoral regime must give power to citizens to directly elect their head of state and public representatives. Secondly, we may need to introduce a system akin to other countries, where ministers are subjected to scrutiny by a multi-party forum before they are appointed. Generally, it seems as if the moral fibre of our society is in dire straits. The cancer of deceit and scandal has permeated to all sectors of society. In schools, we see male teachers harassing girls instead of imparting knowledge and teaching them responsibility. In religious communities, we see strange things where people are sprayed with Doom and fed snakes instead of being taught the values of trustworthiness, integrity and honesty. Politicians and public officials are misusing public money and they are awarded public money to defend their wrongs, even when the issues at hand are personal rather than departmental. 5. Accepting the role we play as leaders: living by example If you know something to be wrong and you accept personal responsibility for your conduct, what remains of your integrity if you go ahead and do that wrong thing? On the other hand, what remains when you know the right thing to do and you don’t do it? When confronted by such clear and gross wrongs as I was in Transkei and later in the ANC, I was incapable of acting contrary to my very deep convictions – and never will be. Of course you have to survive in life and especially in political life. You need to be flexible where flexibility is required, when it is possible. But the ultimate test for survival in human terms is whether you can live with your conscience. So far, I have managed to survive. I hope, when looking at my life as an example, you will feel inspired and have the courage to try to do what is good and what is right. I thank you Delivered at the Building Bridges Leading in Public Life – Emerging African Leaders Programme 2017 UCT Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice 5th – 17th March, Cape Milner Hotel Cape Town
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07 Mar, 2017
Payment of social grants to beneficiaries – statement by Mr Mncedisi Filtane, MP – UDM National Deputy Chairperson
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes President Jacob Zuma’s commitment in regards to the payment of social grants on the 1st of April 2017. However, South Africans must not be blinded. This is a self-created crisis by the most uncaring and reckless administration we have had since the dawn of democracy. After the appearance by the Minister of Social Development in front of the Scopa Parliamentary Committee on Tuesday the 7th of March 2017, UDM has more reason to be worried. She has deliberately failed to inspire confidence that government is indeed ready to pay grants. The fact that the negotiations with CPS are not concluded speaks volumes. We would indeed encourage a joint demonstration of commitment to the resolution of this crisis. It cannot be that government Ministers are unable to sing from the same hymn book on this matter. The Department’s and the Minister of Social Development’s actions are a deliberate disregard of the law and the highest court of the land. It has become fashionable for government leaders to ignore court orders. Surely, if the President is serious, action must be taken against her and anyone else on the wrong side of the law. Instead of working for the welfare of our vulnerable citizens, the Minister has spent her time focussing on internal party squabbles. It is exactly what we mean when we say that, under President Zuma’s leadership, the African National Congress has placed the people of South Africa last on their agenda. What preoccupies them instead, is their bottomless pockets, their friends and their organisation. Also, it is not surprising that National Treasury refused to support the department and minister in their latest actions, as this may be an illegal procurement of services as was found by the Constitutional Court three years ago. The fact that President Zuma’s minsters are not working together, to find a proper and legally correct solution to the problem, is a display of arrogance and a sign of a government without regard for the most vulnerable members of our society. We are still waiting for full disclosure and account from the Minister on the fact that over the years, CPS has developed a range of services for cellular airtime called (Umoya Manje), Insurance (Smartlife) and loans (Moneyline). Payment for these services are deducted before the grant is made. This has been one of the big daylight robbery acts of the most vulnerable citizens. We want to know whether this so-called new contract with CPS still carries these services and we want to know why if so. Abantu abahluphekileyo mabaganikwa iinkonzo abangakhange bazifune kananjalo bengazazi. Loomcimbi ka CPS uyewasetyenziswa ngenkohlakalo enjongiswe kubantu abadala nabahluphekileyo.
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01 Mar, 2017
UDM calls for effective rescue on the mine accident in Boksburg – statement by Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is saddened by the horrible accident of the 5-year-old boy who fell into a mine shaft while playing with friends in Boksburg last Saturday. The UDM calls for effective rescue assistance in making sure that the boy is brought back. We cannot allow a similar incident to that of Lilly Mine be repeated where mine workers were never recovered with authorities implying instability of the ground. A lot more effort must be put in place making sure that such victims are retrieved. Looking at the area, where this accident took place there are no warning signs and yet there are community members living around and this makes people more vulnerable and prone to danger. As UDM, we call for an investigation into this horrible accident. This is so unfortunate and we believe it could have been avoided by all means by those responsible for the abandoned mine. Someone must be held liable and must account for the accident which occurred at unattended mine. The Department of Mineral Resources must take the blame as it is supposed to secure all the abandoned mines. If no actions are being taken, a lot more community members will be victims of such horrible accidents.
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24 Feb, 2017
UDM condemns attacks on foreign nationals – statement by Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns in strongest terms the violent march that is currently taking place in Pretoria and surroundings. The march that was allegedly aimed at highlighting the high level of crimes engulfing our country and it is believed that these crimes are perpetrated by foreign nationals who are in the country illegally. As an Organisation, we understand where our people are coming from. There is no employment, human trafficking and prostitution are rife and the police are failing to deal with these negative developments in our communities. South African citizens seem to be on the receiving ends – They report crimes but police take their own time to respond hence they resort in taking law into their hands. The ANC-led government departments are not doing their work; our borders are open to illegal immigrants as they are not secured. The Home Affairs department is also failing to process timeously the application for asylums hence South Africa is experiencing quite a huge number of illegal immigrants. The UDM calls for the ANC to do a good thing and take care of its citizens otherwise the country is sitting on a time bomb where Africans will end up fighting each other.
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16 Feb, 2017
Competition Commission: Major banks must pay for any possible misdeeds
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the findings of the Competition Commission regarding 17 major banks operating in South Africa accused of price fixing in international markets and manipulating the South African currency. The Competition Commission has been courageous in its fight against corruption, especially the private sector. Most of its findings have withstood scrutiny and we therefore believe that in this instance it has also done its work with precision. Once this is confirmed (including the settlements that the banks are open to, as well as the decision of the Competition Tribunal) the UDM proposes that National Treasury should ring-fence the proceeds of any confirmed crimes to intervene in the human settlements sector challenges. It is our view that the huge backlogs in building new houses, fixing the defects in the already-built structures, as well as the ultimate eradication of informal settlements, could receive a big push from the good work of the Commission. The UDM calls on government to move with speed in the transformation of the banking sector in favour of the people of South Africa, but in particular, the disadvantaged majority.
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28 Nov, 2016
UDEMWO calls on men to campaign against women abuse
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General The country is marking another 16 days of abuse against women and children but the battle is far from being over. As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we feel that nothing much has been done to successfully combat the problem. If women are still petrified in their own homes and communities, it shows clearly that there is something wrong with our society. Every day there are reports of women being raped, assaulted and murdered and in most cases the perpetrator is someone the victims knows. What is more saddening is to see a culprit walking free due to lack of evidence. We are calling upon the hand of justice to be punitive to those found guilty of these inhumane acts. Also the quietness of the department of women adds more sadness to the pain. The department is not paying more attention on matters affecting women and only interested in marking these days as governmental events. We find ourselves asking what the department for women really championing if it is failing on its mandate. Violent acts against women and children take place throughout the year hence the call by the UDEMWO for 365 days of activism. We would also like to encourage more men to take part in campaigns that are to protect women and fight against violence towards them. End
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23 Nov, 2016
President Zuma is considering a judicial inquiry into South African major banks in favour of the Gupta Family
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is appalled to learn that President Zuma is considering establishing a judicial inquiry into the closure of the bank accounts of the Guptas’ Oakbay Investments. The President confirmed this after being asked the following straight-forward question during the oral question session in Parliament on 23 November 2016: “Mr. President, on the 2nd September 2016, you told the nation that the statement made by Minister Zwane was not representing presidency, cabinet or government and is unfortunate. However, five days later, on the 7 September, Minister Zwane said in this House “the inter-ministerial committee made five recommendations to cabinet. Four of the recommendations were approved … and one was referred to the president for further consideration as it was not within the purview of cabinet to take a decision on the matter”, now my question is, what is the status of this recommendation as it cannot be left hanging forever?” To my astonishment, the President replied that… “the recommendation in being considered”. This is answer by the President is disturbing because: Firstly, this consideration is confirmed on the eve of the arrival of the rating agencies on out doorstep and at a time when our economy is struggling to breathe. Secondly, this is a direct departure of not contradicting his statement of the 2 September. The President further said, that the “the unfortunate contents of the statement and the inconvenience and confusion caused by the issuing thereof, are deeply regretted”. Thirdly, and notwithstanding the serious allegations filed in court by the Minister of Finance, the President deems it necessary to continue considering a judicial inquiry. Amongst these, is an allegation that the Minister is doing favours for the Gupta family, and that his department has withheld information related to its approval of a transfer of R1.5 billion from a trust account held with Standard Bank to the Bank of Baroda in India. We would have thought that the President would be consistent with his 2 September statement to dismiss the recommendation and allow the private relationship that exists between banks and their clients. This is so because any bank customer, who has a complaint about his or her bank, may approach the Ombudsman for Banking Service (OBS). This action by the President makes him an ombudsman of the Gupta family.
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11 Nov, 2016
UDM on resignation of Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe
Statement by President Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement, noted the reported resignation of Mr. Brian Molefe, the Chief Executive Officer of Eskom. The damning revelations in the report of the Public Protector on the State of Capture and the subsequent remedial actions therein, are unbearable. Whilst, his office has informed the nation, that his resignation is not an admission of wrong doing; the UDM is of the firm view that Eskom in general and Mr. Molefe in particular featured extensively in the report of the State of Capture. We hope that many others, like him, who are implicated by the report will do the right thing, and go home. Mr. Zuma must lead by example in this regard, and resign. However, resignation should not exonerate anyone from accounting and taking full responsibility for their actions during their time in office. Whilst we welcome his departure, we strongly believe that his institutional knowledge and memory, will assist the judicial inquiry into the State of Capture. Accordingly, we hope that he will fully cooperate with the Independent Judicial Commission to be instituted by the President as determined by the Public Protector. End
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28 Oct, 2016
Councils disruptions: UDM condemns ANC barbaric acts
Councils disruptions: UDM condemns ANC barbaric acts The United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns in the strongest terms, the ANC’s barbaric acts in councils designed to introduce administration by the African National Congress government. This destabilization Programme is clear – ANC just cannot accept the recent elections results. So ungovernability – is their motto. ANC’s programme is clear if one were to consider that the destabilisation happened in three Metros that the ruling party lost during the local government elections that is; Greater Johannesburg, Tshwane and the Nelson Mandela Metro. This is unfortunate since the ANC is supposed to be the custodians of our democracy. We cannot allow aligned unions to the ANC to be part of the destabilisation and threat to the newly installed metro administration as we have witnessed in Tshwane yesterday. The ANC leadership must take responsibility of what has occurred in these metros and as UDM, we expect the ANC to apologise to the South Africans and such acts are putting our democracy at risk. We call for punitive actions to be taken against the ruling party’s councillors who are culprits. It time that ANC accepts the defeat and move on. Statement issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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16 Oct, 2016
ANC must take action: Zuma must go!
We have been watching one after the other Zuma-scandal hitting South Africa. The United Democratic Movement believes that the proximity of the Zuma and Gupta families is creating uncertainty – with even cabinet ministers not singing from the same hymnbook. It is clear that Mr Zuma is no longer in control and the nation is on autopilot. The African National Congress must wake up and ask Mr Zuma to step down; or they must recall him immediately. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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14 Oct, 2016
UDM shocked by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is shocked and disappointed by the state of affairs within the Gauteng Human Settlements Department, where more than R900 million is being withdrawn by Treasury, after the Department had apparently, amongst other things, failed to and/or unlawfully spent the budget. The withdrawal of the funds, meant for the creation of sustainable and integrated human settlement, clearly shows that the Department is incapable of delivery to our suffering people. Housing is one of the key factors that impact on the dignity of our people and their quality of life, but we have servants in the government sector who don’t take their mandate seriously and spend money unlawfully. As a result of these kinds of failures the public has, out of desperation, taken to the streets in protest to demand houses. UDM calls for the Department to be placed under administration and that Treasury should conduct an investigation into the matter. Those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law must be brought to book. Statement issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDM National Treasurer
