We find it extremely difficult to digest the fact that three women, who hail from the Alfred Nzo district municipality in the Eastern Cape were, late last year, burnt to death because they had allegedly been witchcraft practitioners. This can only be described as the worst aberration of what might be called “mob justice”. It was recently reported that elderly women in the Eastern Cape are physically abused, raped and killed, because they practised witchcraft. They feel that they are in fact persecuted, in this manner, for the mere fact that they have grown old and wrinkled. This kind of inhumanity is spine-chilling; who would have thought that this world would change to a horrific and evil place where women are killed in such a brutal way based on groundless accusations and false pretences. There cannot be any justification for harming any person because of unfounded allegations that they practice so-called witchcraft or not. In the eyes of the law, murder is murder and the perpetrators of these depraved crimes should be caught, prosecuted and jailed. The United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) understands that these women have asked government for protection and to be moved away from their communities for safety reason. This would mean that they will in essence be banished and torn away from their loved ones. UDEMWO does not agree that, to isolate these women based on spurious allegations, is a viable long-term solution. Our constitution protects our rights to have inherent dignity and the right to have our dignity respected and protected. UDEMWO therefore condemns this violence and brutality in no uncertain terms, but even more so when it happens to our elders. We are so frustrated and aggravated that the women in this country are faced with different forms of abuse left right and centre, yet women’s minister Bathabile Dlamini is nowhere to be found. She should be the champion of women in all of our struggles. Lastly, UDEMWO believes that government must play a greater role in demystifying traditional practices within the confines of the law. It should step up its efforts to educate citizens on the role that such practitioners play in our society and broaden its information campaign to change people’s perception so that they can honour the fact that their fellow citizens and they have equal rights. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disgusted that yet another African National Congress (ANC) leader has been accused of women abuse. As the story unfolds, we note that these accusations constantly rotate amongst the ruling party’s prominent male leaders. Some of those alleged culprits have been Danny Jordaan, Marius Fransman, Mduduzi Manana, and more recently Pule Mabe and Zizi Kodwa. And, lest we forget, their very own, former president Jacob Zuma. Even though he was acquitted, the consequences of his actions left a bitter taste in the mouth. In fact, one could conclude that this is an ANC culture. The ANC and its Women’s League (ANCWL) never ceases to amaze. We, in particular, point out the ANCWL’s flip-flopping when it comes to either condemning or defending their male counterparts. South African women must pull the wool from their eyes and realise that the ANCWL are sell-outs with double standards. Where on earth were they when Jacob Zuma was faced with rape allegations? Bathabile Dlamini was at the forefront, supporting him while he was singing “Umshini wami” at court. It was also reported that the ANCWL went so far as to say that the late Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo ‘Khwezi’, “should feel lucky to have been raped by such a handsome man”. What more should we expect from the ruling party’s male leaders? In fact, who is next? Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at Hoërskool Driehoek that claimed lives of three school children, while many others were injured. The collapse of the walkway raises serious concerns over the safety of our pupils whilst on school premises. We call on the basic education department and all those in authority to investigate the cause of the accident. The department must also ensure that pupils, teachers and parents receive counselling. We send a message of condolence to the family and friends of those learners who have lost their lives. We also wish a speedy recovery for all the injured children. We keep you in our prayers. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes with concern the 2018 matric pass rate. The “so-called” improvement of 79.4% in 2018 to 76.5% in 2017 is only a dream. After scrutinising the results, it is crystal clear that something is not adding up. Another concern is that so many pupils have made it to the newspaper and moreover have “obtained bachelors” as per the minister of basic education Angie Motshega. However, they cannot be accepted in institutions of higher learning and education. This contradicts the lie that the country has been made to believe. There is so much that is wrong with the existing education system. So much noise has been made before about the passing mark. What we witness currently is the fruits of the flopped curriculum system. We have also been made aware that some of the universities have raised their points for admission. This means these institutions do not have confidence in the education system. We wonder what Umalusi is doing regarding to whether it has something to do with the adjustment results. How is it that a matriculant passes with flying colours only to find out that s/he does not qualify to be a university student. The point system is hitting them hard while their matric results are speaking another language. In our understanding, the current education system is more about numbers than quality of education. Minister Motshega and her department, together with all those involved, are in denial. To them it is all about higher percentages of pass rates at the expense of the blameless children who will tomorrow not be eligible to get proper jobs due to the quality of the education they received. Swift investigation into the results must be done. We cannot endorse a system that will in no time backfire; not only in the futures of our children, but the country as a whole. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
The City of Cape Town (CoCT) needs to account for what happened in Clifton beach on Sunday, 23 December 2018, when a paramilitary private security company, Professional Protective Alternatives (PPA) acted unlawfully by asking holiday makers to leave the beach after eight in the evening. Whatever their reasoning, short of an emergency situation, this was a clear contravention of the National Enviromental Management: Integrated Costal Management (ICM) Act 36 of 2014. From media reports and contradicting statements of the CoCT and PPA it is obvious that the company was acting on tacit agreement with the city’s security arrangements. The CoCT is denying this yet we’ve not seen it institute criminal charges against the company. The Camps Bay Ratepayer Association who’ve been alleged to be the ones paying PPA have also distanced themselves from its actions. It stands to reason that the CoCT would have then laid criminal charges against PPA if they were not in cahoots with them. If the company acted with any form of arrangement with the CoCT, then the city must explain under which laws the arrangement was made. We urge the relevant national departments and parliament to prioritise the process of bringing the CoCT to book should it emerge that they acted illegally. We also ask that they be put under scrutiny and sharp review in terms of the municipal by-laws, in particular the CoCT to make sure they’re in line with our constitutional imperatives. Such actions of blocking people’s access to public spaces were always going to produce a vehement outcry from our people in whom the experiences of apartheid are still raw as an open wound. We commend our people, those in Cape Town in particular, for being vigilant in guarding their human rights. Such actions of pure classism and racial profiling by private and public security personnel around the Atlantic Seaboard are common, but should never be tolerated by poor people in particular. Cape Town is notorious for racial incidences during holidays, something that should bring shame to most of us who love this city. On the other hand, we’re glad when the whole world is exposed to extant racism that still abounds within this city. CoCT is probably the worst South African city that still operates with apartheid geography, economic access, mores and sociabilities. Black people, in particular from other cities, towns and provinces, feel as though they’ve travelled on a time scale machine into the eighties when they visit Cape Town. Each year we get promises from authorities to clamp down on the scourge racism. Yet it has become so endemic that it is the very city administrators that are now bringing segregation by the back door. The UDM is a party of all South Africans and with them we stand in the fight against racism and corruption. We urge people of Cape Town in particular to be vigilant about who they vote into power. There are many political parties that are wolves in sheep clothings out there; who’re closet racists that want to bring us back to the dark times of apartheid by the back door.
As the world this week marked the international day for persons living with disabilities, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is extremely worried about the continued abuse of children living with disabilities in special schools across the country. The recent revelations, of sexual abuse of children living with disabilities, made by SABC 1 current affairs programme, Cutting Edge, send chills down the spine. The programme showed that child abuse should in fact be a matter of national concern; in particular where it concerns children living with disabilities. It is sickening that those in positions of trust are the main culprits in sexually abusing these most vulnerable children. Teachers are the very people who are supposed to protect them. Teachers who rape and abuse children living with disabilities are no longer educators, but are monsters who prey on innocent lives. It is clear that the system is failing our children and we cannot fold arms whilst they are suffering. What are the concerned government departments doing about this egregious abuse of children’s rights? One solution to this disturbing problem is that special schools should be regularly inspected to ensure that our children are safe, healthy and flourishing. We regrettably live in a society where persons living with disabilities are treated as if they are something less than human and the stigma attached to persons living with disabilities crushes their lives. Efforts to educate the nation about people living with disabilities should be intensified. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
As South Africa and the world mark another Aids Day tomorrow, it is comforting to know that many lives have been saved through access to antiretroviral treatment. It is however heart-wrenching that the number of people infected has escalated from 4,25 million in 2002 to 7,52 million in 2018. In as much as we have seen the decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2007 and 2018 of more than 160 000, the number of infected individuals is extremely worrisome. It is clear that there is still a long way to go to eradicate HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the country, especially in rural and afar villages, many still have difficulties in accessing ARVs and it is incumbent on government to ease access to lifesaving drugs. Government must intensify its awareness campaigns as vulnerable South Africans, especially poor women and children, still bear the brunt of this scourge. We each have a responsibility to let our actions count. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore continues its call, to young and old, to protect themselves and those they love. Know your and your partner’s HIV status, be faithful, condomise and take your medication as required. It is each and everyone’s dream to see South Africa and the world beating this pandemic and the UDM encourages all South Africans to care about this serious issue and to change their behaviour. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard is of the view that President Ramaphosa’s new dawn is a copy and paste of the old order and thus have abandoned the youth of South Africa with his so-called cabinet change. He has showed the country a lack of conviction by retaining figures such as Nomvula Mokonyane who has shown her incapability as communications minister with the disastrous handling of the public broadcaster. Mokonyane’s shift to environmental affairs, after failing in her previous department, was a move without consideration on the part of the president. We, as the youth of South Africa, should not be surprised if we run out of oxygen under her bungling leadership. Former president Jacob Zuma once said that the ANC is more important than the country and we fear that President Ramaphosa is doing the same. We call on the president to imbibe decisive leadership and lead with the interest of the country first and not that of his party. We as the UDM Youth Vanguard still call on the president to fire minister Bathabile Dlamini from cabinet unless there is some or other cause to keep her in office. The UDM Youth Vanguard does however welcome the merging of the department of communications and postal services under Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. We have seen her in action in her previous portfolio working very hard in bringing ICT to the youth. We wish her all the best and we hope that she will bring stability and offer leadership in this newly merged department with the understanding that it is a very challenging time as the SOEs in this department are faced with many challenges. This move by the president shows that the young people of South Africa cannot trust that the ANC will take us seriously come 2019 and we therefore encourage them to find an alternative and vote for the UDM. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
Our unemployed and despondent young people have become a mere statistic to measure joblessness in South Africa. They have given up and are lining the streets of our communities with their qualifications meaning nothing, because they have no experience. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard therefore welcomes public service and administration minister Ayanda Dlodlo’s decision to change regulations to allow for the recruitment, at all entry-level posts in the public service, without prior experience. This important policy decision gives hope to millions of young people who have qualifications but find themselves jobless due to lack of experience. Although amending the regulations is a step in the right direction, having only changed entry level requirements for the public service is not adequate to absorb young unemployed South Africans into the job market. We call on government to place emphasis on innovation, creation and entrepreneurship as our economy needs young people who will create jobs. We, however, strongly feel that it is important that the government develops plans to ensure that this policy is implemented in a manner that does not compromise the quality of the public service and ensures its professionalisation. It should also not lead to the appointment of governing party loyalists to bring state departments under its control. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
Malusi Gigaba’s terms in office has been fraught with scandals, misconduct and abuse of powers. His list of dubious deeds ranging from granting citizenship to the Guptas, the Firebird aviation debacle, sexual videos and lying under oath is spine chilling. His resignation is long overdue. That said, merely falling on one’s sword is not good enough. We hope that this is not just a stunt to run away and avoid accountability. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard wants ex minister Gigaba to be held accountable for all his wrong doing and the law should now follow its course. We are tired of executives ducking and diving as a tactic to dodge the law. Every punishable crime committed should be effected to set an example for others who are tempted to do the same. No one is above the law. The UDM Youth Vanguard calls on President Ramaphosa to appoint in this position an ethical person of integrity who has the best interest of the people of South Africa at heart. Wishing Malusi Gigaba well in his future endeavours would be hypocritical as we, the youth of South Africa, still expect him to account. At this point in time we hope to see him cooperate with any investigative institution and/or commission. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
It is upsetting that, during a time where the country is battling a high unemployment rate and other negative economic factors, municipal managers and those directly reporting to them will receive pay hikes. The United Democratic Movement condemns this immoral decision in the strongest possible terms. This is a total insult to all South Africans who continue to feel the pinch. We do not see the need for this increment whilst there are other key areas on which money should be spent. Seen in this light, this move by Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize makes absolutely no sense. The ruling party prioritises their stomachs over our people and they need to realise that it takes them for granted while using their votes as a golden ticket to line their pockets. Elections are just a few months off and it is time for voters to make right the choices and show them their due. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased to see that it is true that “ityala aliboli”. The sentencing of the retired Salvation Army captain, Lionel Potgieter, who raped his daughter since an early age is a typical example. In as much as he finally got what he deserved, eight years is not enough. Chantel was viciously abused and tortured for six years during her formative years. Nothing can ever bring back Chantelle’s youth. She never had a life of being a child, because someone she looked up to and who was supposed to protect her, abused her instead. It is heart-breaking that, most of the time, the law favours the perpetrators over the victims. UDEMWO calls for harsher punitive measures to be meted out to those who abuse women and children. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted that Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Executive Mayor Mongameli Bobani’s attorneys, Danie Gouws Attorneys, have, after inspecting his bank accounts, found that there is nothing untoward in his personal bank account or that he received any kind of irregular payment/s from Heerkos Projects. The allegations made in the media, in particular The Herald, pertain to the NMB Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) and alleged payments to Bobani by one Fareed Fakir’s company, Heerkos Projects. The Party shall henceforth be guided by the outcome of the Hawks’ investigation into the IPTS. The UDM will only act if the National Prosecuting Authority finds prima facie evidence of corruption involving Mr Bobani. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
The high number of fatalities on our roads over the past few weeks is disturbing. What is of greater concern is that these accidents happened during Transport Month, which amongst others, was looking at curbing road fatalities. Year on year far too many travellers do not reach their destinations and as people gear up for the festive season we hope that this year’s statistics will show a decline in accidents and fatalities. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on all road users to take greater care and responsibility whilst using our highways and byways. Also, it is high time that taxi drivers take responsibility for the lives they carry. Drunk driving and jaywalking must stop. All vehicles must be roadworthy especially those that carry passengers; not only are passengers at risk but also those who are driving around one. The UDM calls on traffic departments to be more visible as we get closer to the period where road usage peaks. All stakeholders, drivers included, must do more to ensure that this year we reach a zero-rate for road accidents. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
UDM KwaZulu-Natal calls for Endumeni municipal manager to resign or to be suspended with immediate effect After our media statement of 23 October 2018 regarding deeply concerning issues in the Endumeni Municipality in the uMzinyathi District, the United Democratic Movement in KwaZulu Natal were given explosive documents that should make the Endumeni municipal manager’s life very uncomfortable. The documents contain damning proof of the municipal manager ‘s gross negligence and/or corruption by improperly and irregularly signing a contract worth R 969 000, which he has since tried to nullify by withdrawing an appointment letter. Such action has been challenged in court by the concerned service provider and is due to be heard on 6 December 2018 in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. 1. The appointment letter was signed by the municipal manager on 8 June 2018. 2. The contract which states that 50% of the contractual value (R484 500) is payable within thirty days of signing the contract, was signed by the municipal manager on 26 June 2018. 3. On 30 August 2018, the municipal manager wrote to the service provider to withdraw the letter of appointment, citing among other reasons that “Your document was incomplete as you had not filed MBD 1 nor MBD 3.1 which are compulsory to Special Conditions of Bid, point no. 10”. 4. On 15 October 2018 the concerned service provider filed a court application to enforce the contract. The sequence of events clearly proves either gross negligence and/or corruption on the part of the municipal manager. It is very disturbing that the Inkatha Freedom Party-led coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is keeping mum on this and by implication intend to cause further financial losses at the expense of the Endumeni residents. The UDM KZN, urges both the DA and the EFF particularly, to put Endumeni residents first by personally pushing for the removal of the municipal manager and holding him accountable for the already lost municipal funds. Issued by Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary UDM in KwaZulu-Natal
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the announcement by the Finance Minister Tito Mboweni for sanitary pads to be zero-rated. This step in the right direction is long overdue however; to say it will only kick off next year is too far. It should be with immediate effect. The struggle of young girls being unable to access pads has been an on-going tussle for a very long time. If the government is able to provide condoms for free for all men while women are paying for the pads, the decision is the least the government can do. We are calling upon government to expedite the rolling out of pads. Many girls are still forced to skip school due to the lack of this primary need. We are however glad that there is someone who sees a need of the very poor in a government which otherwise seems to care only for itself. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
UDM KwaZulu-Natal on deeply concerning issues in the uMzinyathi District 1. Endumeni Municipality The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), has noted the worrisome news that was published by the Independent Newspaper’s Daily News on 16 October 2018 re: “Forensic report uncovers rampant corruption at Endumeni Municipality”. After this, it was reported on 22 October 2018 by the Northern Natal Courier that the Endumeni mayor had resigned, with a further report on Tuesday 23 October 2018 by the same newspaper that the “Hawks swoop[ed] on Endumeni Municipality”. We applaud the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube and the Hawks for their swift action. However, the MEC is cautioned to always be impartial and to, accordingly investigate all issues reported to her. The UDM KZN encourages both the DA and the EFF to put the Endumeni community first as the new mayor is bound to be elected. The MEC’s stated fraud, corruption and maladministration as well as the irregular, unauthorised and fruitless expenditure in Endumeni happened under their watch as they had a hand in the election of both the mayor and the speaker of this council. These two parties must clearly display their stance on thievery, corruption and maladministration by abstaining when the new mayor is elected. 2. Msinga municipality – Pomeroy Pomeroy is the only proclaimed town under the Msinga local municipality, but it remains the least developed town. The UDM-KZN encourages all three levels of government to be sensitive in terms of the development of Pomeroy to unlock its potential as the economic hub of this municipality. The required infrastructure are things like water, sewerage systems and electricity lines suitable for a town. In that process, many jobs will be created, and it will contribute positively in reducing the 98% unemployment level in the area. The municipality is encouraged to locate some of its offices/departments in Pomeroy, such as a library, traffic and licencing departments, as well as a town-planning department. Provincial government should build schools, colleges and establish social development offices in town and national government is encouraged to open a home affairs office. Upon these levels of government spearheading such moves, the rest will follow. Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary
Since the start of the Tim Omotoso trial, the past few days have been nothing but the most unbearable time for women in South Africa. It is so overwhelming to witness the young and brave rape survivor, Cheryl Zondi being grilled in the manner that the defence Advocate Peter Daubermann did. In our view, his morals and ethics are questionable. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) views Daubermann as heartless and would do anything to promote the rape and abuse towards women. He seemingly has no conscience whatsoever. In as much as we respect the justice system, we believe that he crossed the line in so many ways with the questions he continued to ask Zondi. The victims have borne so much already; to be questioned as if they enjoyed what happened to them is not acceptable. Daubermann cannot be allowed to make fun of such an unfortunate situation. We commend Cheryl for her bravery and if we keep quiet about the manner in which she was treated in court we will be failing, not only her, but all the affected victims. UDEMWO rallies behind the Commission for Gender Equality’s decision to approach the judiciary and the General Council of the Bar regarding the unfair treatment of rape victims in court. This matter could have been handled better. UDEMWO strongly believes that many women will rather not report cases of abuse due to the treatment victims get in court. We continue to commend the bravery shown by all the witnesses in this case. We still maintain and believe that this case is strong enough for those involved to face the wrath of justice. We call upon the men in collar to show support to the victims in this case. The time has come that the wolves in sheep’s clothing be exposed. We have been calling upon our government to thoroughly screen these so-called men of God. This issue must be taken seriously. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
As you stand at the precipice of exams, the United Democratic Movement wishes all the matriculants, who will start writing exams today, the best of luck. It must be a motivation to you that you have persevered with your schooling to have reached this goal. We understand that the pressure is on, and that all eyes are on you, but that should motivate you to study even harder for each of the tests you will be writing. You must always keep in mind that you have a bright future ahead of you, not only for yourself but also for the country. You may be a matric student now but your decisions after getting your certificate will determine your future. So, make those good ones! We wish you all the best. May you stay focussed and not allow negative peer pressure to take its toll on you. Issued by: Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
The first time the late Pik Botha and I spoke over the phone was with the removal of George Matanzima and Stella Sigcau from power. I explained that on both occasions there was just cause, because of the corruption they were involved in. He again contacted us when he and FW de Klerk had concerns that the Transkei military government was taking unilateral decisions when we decided to work with the liberation movements. I knew Pik Botha as a bold negotiator and an intelligent opponent. He was one of the few National Party leaders who stood up and said that the system of Apartheid will not work. Even during PW Botha’s time, when saying such a thing would have been regarded as treason of the white nationalist cause. We offer our condolences to his family, friends and his organisation. Released by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
President Ramaphosa must immediately appoint a task team to make sure that the people who were fingered by advocate Terry Motau in his report are held responsible for their misdeeds. Each and every person must be brought under the search light, especially those in the employ of the Public Investment Corporation. The PIC seems to be sinking deeper and deeper in the quagmire of corruption. The United Democratic Movement wants to see these people charged and the Asset Forfeiture Unit must not dilly dally and get to work. Advocate Motau’s report will remain a piece of paper until the President takes direct and urgent action. The paper trail of the millions of rands that were given to certain individuals must be followed with a view to recoup the money. Each account much be investigated, and this includes money that was allegedly spent on an “ANC gala dinner event”. The chickens are coming to roost on the Comrades in Corruption! For further comment: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President