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22 Apr, 2018
Mother Earth Day 2018: SA’s water woes must come to an end
Media release by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President As we approach Mother Earth Day, on the 22nd of April, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) deems it necessary that we, as South Africans, must acknowledge and understand the interdependence that exists among humans, animals, plants and the planet we inhabit. Especially the role that water plays in that interdependence. South Africa’s years’ worth of drought, brought home the reality the we indeed live in a water scarce country. Water restrictions almost crushed some of our big cities – with those who live in informal settlements being hard-hit. The impact on our agrarian activities and industries as well as the ripple effect of job shedding as the drought continues, is devastating. The fact that our economy will take years to recover from the impacts of drought, not to mention other factors, is quite worrying. This brings into question one of the issues the UDM believes has not been properly addressed i.e. planned sustainable development. The local, provincial and the national governments must all shoulder the blame for the mess in Cape Town and elsewhere in the country. The backlogs still remain too large and the current infrastructure development is not keeping pace with rapid urbanisation, water storage and dam capacity. The UDM is of the view that all three ties of government should be working harder and together on managing arguably the scarcest resource in this beautiful country of ours: water. Some of the salient points in the UDM’s policies around water are that: • National and local governments, in particular, should work in concert. • That sustainable household water supply must become a reality for every South African family, even though this is a local competency, government at higher levels must budget more efficiently. • That national government must set standards for the treatment of water for human use and enforce these stringently. • The development of irrigation schemes has been neglected. • The catchment area research and large-scale infrastructure development in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape must be commenced with as a matter of urgency. Currently vast quantities of water flow through the rivers of these regions, without being properly applied for agricultural or human needs. In the end environmental management and practice should contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in South Africa, leading to a better quality of life for all. The utilisation of resources should happen in a balanced manner to promote this continued growth. The involvement of all role players in the making and implementations of all environmental legislation and regulations should be at the top of government’s agendas
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19 Apr, 2018
#LandQuestion Indaba on 25/4 in Mthatha. Searching for solutions. Invitation to attend a Mthatha public meeting on: NA resolution on the EWC explained, and UDM position
The national leadership of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) noted the National Assembly’s resolution, taken on the 27th of February 2018, on the well-documented motion regarding the expropriation of land without compensation (EWC). This decision will affect communal, urban, government and privately-owned land and the UDM cordially invites all interested parties to attend an important public meeting to obtain more information on topic: Where? Mthatha City Hall. When? Wednesday, 25 April. Time? 10am. The UDM leadership has, as such, mandated me to reach out to all sectors of society, including but not limited to traditional and religious leaders, as well as communities to explain the: 1. meaning and implications of the resolution; 2. processes which parliament will follow in consulting with all stakeholders; and 3. mechanism to be used in making submissions to the parliamentary constitutional review committee. For your information, the UDM is on record saying that the issue of EWC must be addressed in terms of the following matters: • Who exactly (individuals, companies and/or government) will be affected and how? • How does food security and economic stability impact implementation – does it, for instance, prevent expropriation in specific circumstances, and what would those be? • How will government handle rapid urbanisation and an ever-increasing need to make land available in cities and the denuding in rural committees and those local economies? • How will traditional leaders, and rural communities be affected; • How will entities such as the Ingonyama Trust, among others, be impacted? • What will be the effect on the land tenure system? • What would the position be on the sale of [urban] land to foreigners? • How will the issuing of title deeds be sped up so that entrepreneurs may use this as collateral to secure capital for start-ups? Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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13 Apr, 2018
The hype around uMama Winnie reveals hypocrisy of some leaders of the Mass Democratic Movement
As we say our last bon voyage to Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, we must also appreciate her enormous sacrifice, whilst her own party had been reluctant to rescue her from a situation where she desperately needed help. When we talk about uMama Winnie we must have some understanding that she paid a steep personal price for believing in her convictions and walking the talk – whether you agree with what she had done, or not. She had landed in a scalding cauldron of hate in the late 1980s, when the four youths had been kidnapped from her home in Soweto and the battered body of Stompie Sepei had been found thereafter. Justice Michael S. Stegmann, who found her guilty of kidnapping and being an accessory to the assaults, ruled that uMama should spend six years in jail. She had appealed this sentence, and subsequently it had been reduced to a R15,000 fine and a suspended sentence. I remember, like it was yesterday, that I received a call from Chief Mditshwa (the then Transkei Consular General iin Johannesburg) who had been at court that day supporting uMama. He had frantically said that there had been a crisis, and that he had no idea where the money for the fine could be sourced from as the family could not afford that kind of money. I then called to the then Bank of Transkei and asked late Mr Merence Mbana to prepare for a transfer from my personal account and to pay the entire sum of money straight into the court’s bank account. Naturally, as limited as technology had been at the time, we had to fax the proof of payment. There had been many within the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) who chose to distance themselves from her and her hopeless situation. It was convenient to ignore her in her time of need. The reason for this short history lesson is that people might not know what the implications would have been if she could not pay the R15,000 fine. She would not have been able to play the critical role she had in the transition of an apartheid South Africa, to the new South Africa. Judging by the revelations of the operators of the StratCom, I am convinced that I had made the right decision to bail her out. Of course, we are happy that she is getting the twenty-one-gun salute, but the hypocrisy of the MDM leadership leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. Many of our liberation heroes spent their most productive years in jail and had been forced to use every trick in the book to continue with the struggle whilst behind bars. We are thankful for those stalwarts’ personal sacrifices in the name of a marginalised and downtrodden people. Ulale kakuhle Mama. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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08 Apr, 2018
Athol Trollip is telling lies; here are the hard facts
Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) Athol Trollip, is holding rallies galore and tweets with the abandon of a small-town Donald Trump that he is the best man for the job. But the facts, evidence and his track-record, clearly show that Trollip is not worthy of trust. The evidence shows that he lives in an alternate universe as he continues to deceive the council for his self-serving political agenda. Trollip lied to council about his coalition deputy, the United Democratic Movement’s Mongameli Bobani. Trollip misrepresented a secreted draft PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, warned against by its authors for not complying with generally accepted auditing standards, and adjusted for surmised references to criminality to justify Bobani’s removal. Even Trollip’s new, and latest BFF, the Patriotic Alliance’s Marlon Daniels, admitted that he had been fooled by Trollip’s lies about Bobani. Only when confronted by evidence, and after being caught out, did Trollip try to justify his malicious misrepresentation. What did Trollip do yet again; he simply lied. These are the facts: The Weekend Post, on Saturday (see http://www.heraldlive.co.za/politics/2018/04/07/leaked-report-haunts-trollip/), reported that Trollip appointed PwC to investigate two separate matters: 1) The appointment of, and payments to, litter pickers, and also 2) the contract with Milongani Eco-Consulting. The reports have, however, yet to be tabled in council! Yet (reports the Weekend Post) the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane has the reports in his possession. The UDM still finds it rather astonishing that PwC’s “draft report”, dated 21 August 2017, somehow landed in the briefcase of a leader of a political party. Why? The DA has, to date not explained this anomalous occurrence, where a council document is given to a national party leader (for that matter, whether it be the DA or not). The UDM only received a copy, of the so-called draft report, later in August when we demanded it from the DA… and guess what; the draft is silent on Bobani! In a motion to the council – which is expected to be debated next month – the African National Congress (ANC) also takes issue with the fact that Maimane is in possession of the two confidential council reports. City manager Johann Mettler responded to questions, from the ANC’s Rory Riordan, that the reports were not formally released to Maimane and that he had not given any authorisation for them to be released. This is laughable; who then gave the report to Maimane? In reaction, Trollip spoke only to the draft report and tried to wangle himself out of his self-made sinkhole of lies with the following lame story: “When I received the draft report compiled by PwC from the city manager, I sent them to my party leadership in order that they could get an insight into my concerns and that they should allow access to the respective co-governance leaders for the same reason.” “It was sent to their party leadership… I certainly did not leak the report to Mr Maimane or the leaders of our coalition partners. “I report to my party leadership and in a coalition to the coalition partners. When I raised concerns about the issues under councillor Bobani’s stewardship, it was Bantu Holomisa who requested the evidence/ report. When given to him, he said Mr Maimane and I kept it in our briefcases.” So, I ask again, as I 00have many times; as did the media; as did NMBMM councillors: Where is your proof that Bobani has done anything wrong? If the DA is all about good governance and accountability, there surely should be no reason to keep the reports under lock and key. Something is definitely rotten in the state of Denmark! It is a fact that Trollip, refused all suggestion of reconciliation for the benefit of service delivery. The champion of baasskap defied and undermined the coalition leaders. He very publicly insulted me for simply asking proof of the wild accusations against Bobani and then him and his leader disparaged the UDM and me personally. In a show of his true colours, he has crowned his neglect of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, by leaving for the DA congress without council appointing a caretaker mayor in his absence (whilst he is away on party?political business). Trollip clearly justifies his mendacity, now and in the past, by simply restating the facts as and when it is necessary to create a new reality to hide the knavery, just as he did when he lied to the Weekend Post. It baffles the mind that he gets away with this deceit. Does the entire DA (its leaders and members) condone this kind of behaviour, thus deceiving the South Africans who voted for their party? It is clear that some media houses, especially Media24, has no shame in showing support of the DA. Does the media not have a responsibility to impartially and correctly inform news consumers? A few days ago, the former Die Burger editor and now political commentator Henry Jeffreys, said that Trollip had struggled to establish an effective and efficient relationship with his deputy, and alienated the Economic Freedom Fighters with his outspoken criticism. Jeffreys went as far as saying that Trollip cannot remain mayor and that the DA must make another plan to manage the NMBMM coalition. This from a former editor of a Media24 newspaper who is a DA supporter! All councillors, from all political parties, are encouraged to vote with their conscience on the motion of no confidence against Trollip at the council. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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06 Apr, 2018
UDEMWO hopes for justice to be served, no-one is above law
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is waiting in anticipation as things unfold , as Mr Jacob Zuma’s day in court has finally arrived. We have been waiting for this day for so long and it has finally come. It is a dream come true for many South Africans. It is true that no one is above the law. Mr Zuma, like many others who have done the country wrong, will finally have a chance to defend himself. For many years, the country waited for such a day after the National Prosecuting Authority dropped all the charges against Zuma. It was a shameful day for the country but today we see a turn of tables. Those who violated and use power should be brought to book and face the consequences of their wrong-doing. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja
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04 Apr, 2018
UDM Youth Vanguard pays its respects to a woman of note: uMama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) grieves the passing away of the woman of who breast-fed the nation; hence we call her “The Mother of the Nation”. The UDM Youth Vanguard pays its respects to The Mother of the Nation who dedicated her entire life to the struggle. We join fellow South Africans in lauding a woman who distinguished herself as an unrelenting campaigner for the human rights of the oppressed masses of the past. In those years, non-white women where certainly the utmost marginalised and vulnerable members of society: she did the women of this country proud. Mama Winnie should therefore be admired by young South Africans as an example of what it means to have tenacity and to work hard to achieve one’s goals (even such a lofty goal as fighting for the liberation of an entire people). Mama Winnie, you set an example during each phase of your life, that should teach young people (especially young women and girls) what it means to be a strong and dedicated. Mama, the spirit you displayed must remain an inspiration to the young to continue with the struggle to transform South Africa into a Winning Nation. The UDM Youth Vanguard wishes that the Madikizela-Mandela families must mourn the passing away of uMama without tears; only because she had worked tirelessly and had done her part to make this Country free of minority domination and social cruelty. May your soul find rest in right place in Paradise; which we believe is better than Eden. Rest in peace Mama wesizwe soMzantsi Afrika. Issued by: Mr Mbongi Majija Chairperson of the UDM Youth Vanguard National Task Team
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03 Apr, 2018
UDEMWO mourns the passing of the Mother of the Nation
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) joins the nation in mourning the passing of the phenomenal woman of our time. Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is one of the few women (if any) who is admired by most women across the political sphere. Mama lived with the poorest of the poor; she shared so many pains with those forgotten citizens of this country. UDEMWO salutes her for all the hard work and dedication she has displayed for all her life. She was such a humble and down to earth mother of all. Her strong and phenomenal character gave a real definition of a true Mbokodo. Many women around the country and the world were inspired by her spirit. UDEMWO chooses to continue with the legacy of strong and dedicated women for the betterment of this country. We will always remember the role she played during hard times of this country. When she selflessly dedicated her life during apartheid era. In spite of all the hardships she went through, she always wore that beautiful smile. She is without a doubt “The Mother of the Nation”. Rest in peace Mama.
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02 Apr, 2018
Lala ngoxolo Mama Winnie
As South Africa moves farther and farther away from the dreadful and dark years of apartheid, we are more frequently confronted with the passing of those who played critical roles in the struggle. Today, we say goodbye to a woman who will be remembered as a feisty and vocal freedom fighter who did not hesitate to speak her mind; she certainly stirred lively debate wherever she went. After the Rivonia Trial; she became Madiba’s public face during the 27 years of his imprisonment. She also sacrificed almost three decades of her life during which she and uTata should have been free to go about their daily lives as a normal family with human rights and civil liberties. But that was not this couple’s fate; they had a higher calling! She was herself never deterred from playing the role she had to; which saw her go to jail several times and she found herself harshly exiled in Brandfort. Often were her children ripped from her arms whilst the security forces found reasons to apprehend her. When one visits the cell in which she had been incarcerated at the Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, a chill runs down one’s spine when one grasps what a black woman’s life was worth in those years and what they had to endure in that miserable cage. She sometimes made for a controversial figure and whether one agreed with her views or not, one must admire the fact that she never lacked the courage of her convictions. She called a spade a shovel; and then some. She was strong, passionate, articulate and charismatic. She did not shirk confrontation, but also had a sense of humour and a light-hearted side. Ulale kakuhle Mama; I will personally miss you, but, on behalf of the United Democratic Movement I want to pass our condolences to the entire family and the extended family of the Madikizelas and the Mandelas, as well as the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We also pay our respects to the African National Congress as her lifelong political home.
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28 Mar, 2018
UDM’s well wishes for Easter holidays
As many South Africans make their way to different destinations these Easter holidays, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on drivers to be vigilant, cautious and obey road signs. They must ensure that travellers reach their destination safe. Motorists must curb roads rage. The drivers and passengers are urged to always exercise patience and be considerate of other road users. Pedestrians must also abide by the law and rather use bridges or areas marked for them to cross highways; they must also not jay-walk while under influence. Let there be no injuries and fatalities as we had witnessed in the past years. The scourge of deaths on roads can be stopped if all road users understand that there is no need for over excitement during holidays. The UDM also calls for visibility of law enforcement officials – it is their job to ensure that road users are safe. Owners must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. The UDM take this opportunity to wish well all those who observe Easter and those who are due for a period of respite, should come back rested. UDM also extends the message of condolences to the family and friends of those who were involved in a bus accident that took place in Ngcobo today. Those in hospital, we wish you a speedy recovery. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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26 Mar, 2018
UDEMWO welcomes laying of rape charges against Danny Jordaan
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) applauds Jenifer Ferguson for her bravery and boldness for finally laying charges of rape against South African Football Association boss Danny Jordaan. We have been waiting for this day and for all women, this is hope. Ferguson’s step will pave a way for other women to speak up. It goes back to say, ityala aliboli. We continue to be in dismay of how much damage has been done by those in high places. Women in this country have no place of safety. Many women decide to keep quiet after their ordeals because of the stigma and all sorts of ill treatment they get from the society. It is even saddening that someone powerful as Mr Jordaan can be named in such an alleged crime. No one is above the hand of justice and we hope that no stone will be left unturned to reveal the truth. Mr Jordaan has been crying foul. It is his time to prove that he is innocent. We hope that the hand of justice will do its course. UDEMWO, will continue to stand with Jennifer and all other women who continue to endure abuse in the hands of those they trust.
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16 Mar, 2018
#ZumaCharges #ShaunAbrahams has at last brought Zuma’s chickens home to roost!
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes today’s announcement that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will reinstate fraud and corruption charges against former President Jacob Zuma. The chickens have come home to roost! After keeping the Nation in suspense for nine years, Mr Shaun Abrahams has finally manned up and has done what should have been years’ ago. If the African National Congress (ANC) had not pressurised the former NPA boss Mokotedi Mpshe, this case would have been over and done with long ago. The ANC should hang its head in shame given the Zuma administration’s distractions. That this has happened, in part, due to sustained pressure from the opposition and civil society, which is a sign that some of the checks and balances of our democracy is healthy and hail. Mr Zuma should be sued for the R15 million of taxpayers’ money that he has squandered on legal fees to defend his dubious deeds. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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16 Mar, 2018
Yongama Zigebe, of the UDM Youth Vanguard, takes the education campaign to the North West
The youth and locals of Rustenburg (in the North West) will have an opportunity to be exposed to the many exciting careers paths available to those on their road entering the South African job market or those who consider making a change from their existing work paths. UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng Provincial Secretary Yongama Zigebe, who is also the Founder of the Yongama Levertte Foundation, will be one of the facilitators at the Annual Mamoretse Book and Career Fair. There is a dearth of information on career opportunities available to learners. The Mamoretse Book and Career Fair is a community development initiative that seeks to promote literacy and assist learners to make informed career choices. In making informed subject choices at secondary level, young South Africans will ensure their prosperous futures and enable them to contribute to the economic development in their own communities and South Africa at large. Details are as follows: Date: Saturday, 17 March 2018 Time: 10am Venue: Mamoretse Community Hall in Rustenburg
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15 Mar, 2018
UDEMWO: Health department’s abject failure: as mortuary workers continue with strike, bordering on the inhumane
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is extremely concerned over the ongoing, illegal strike by mortuary workers; especially in Gauteng. UDEMWO feels uncomfortable using the phrase: “bodies are piling up”; but that is a hard fact – there is no delicate way to describe this atrocious situation. Families are already distressed over losing their loved ones and are now subjected to a prolonged wait before they can give them a dignified burial. Aside from the morality of what is happening, with forensic pathology officers downing tools; the growing backlog of autopsies has surely degenerated into a health risk. The families must not suffer and continue being in anguish for something that could have been avoided. If the striking workers have been given a final warning to resume their normal duties or face disciplinary action as they are in contradiction of a 2016 Labour Court interdict judgement, why does the powers-that-be tolerate the situation? The Gauteng health department continues to be in the news for all the wrong reasons. If it is not money laundering, it is patients who die because of departmental incompetence (Life Esidimeni); a lack of medical professionals in state hospitals, over-exerted staff, as well a drug shortages, medical supplies and equipment. Without even discussing the merits of the workers’ grievances, enough is enough. The national department of health must act speedily and solve the on-going problem; it is clear that the Gauteng health department is not getting anywhere. Our health departments exist to help those in need but instead, fail at every turn and is in breach of the South African Constitution which clearly states that: “Everyone has the right to have access to health care services”. “Everyone has a right to dignity.” Maybe the Constitution does not go far enough and should include the word “quality”. This is in violation of Human Rights. Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, must pull up his socks, those of his MECs, as well as departmental officials (at both national and provincial levels); those who fail to do their jobs must be given the boot and replaced with competent professionals. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General
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06 Mar, 2018
#AddressTheVotersRoll – #UDMYV says SA youth must register and take their right to vote seriously!
The UDM Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) encourages the youth of South Africa to register in their numbers on the 10th and 11th of March 2018 and to take the determined step to vote in the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. Those who have already registered, must make time to ensure that their names and correct physical addresses appear on the voters roll. Go to the IEC’s website to check your information on the voters roll or SMS your ID Number to 32810 (R1.00 per SMS). The UDMYV believes that young South Africans have an obligation to register and to vote. For, if you decline to register and/or boycott the vote, it means you have given away your right to influence the course the country takes in the five years after 2019. Snubbing registration and refusing to vote is not rebellion against the African National Congress (ANC) government; it is in fact giving the very same ANC government permission to continue looting state resources that should be spent on youth advancement, skills development and job creation for young South Africans. We therefore call on our fellow young country men and women, to register in your millions and in 2019, choose to vote for leaders who are not corrupt, racist, criminals who run our country like thieves dressed in saintly skins. We must vote for leaders who will create opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, jobs as well as enabling youth to become wealth creators in their communities. The UDMYV has placed it faith in the United Democratic Movement, as the party which espouses these ideals, and which has the right people for the job; a party that is conscious of the plight of young South Africans and creates space for us to make our voices heard to determine our own future. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng, Provincial Secretary secretarygp@udmyv.co.za or yludwe@yahoo.com Or for more information contact: Mr Andile Jabavu UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng, Provincial Chairperson chairpersongp@udmyv.co.za Mr Katleho Mothamaha UDM Youth Vanguard Gauteng, Provincial Public Liaison Officer plo@udmyv.co.za
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05 Mar, 2018
UDM NEC’s plans and checks readiness for 2019
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) National Executive Committee (NEC), met at the weekend, to discuss several issues of national importance and gauged the Party’s readiness for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections in terms of its planning. Amongst its plans had been to host election workshops and meetings, in 2018/9, in the lead-up to the elections. The UDM in the Western Cape has already indicated that they are geared to host a mass meeting on 17 March, whilst the Party in Gauteng shall be ready to engage with the public on 21 March. The UDM in the Eastern Cape will follow in their tracks on the 27th of April. We will of course be mobilising communities to register new voters and to encourage existing ones to check their address information on the voters roll at Independent Electoral Commission’s registration weekend on the 10th and 11th of March. We will keep the nation abreast of any changes and additional events on our calendar as time progresses. A National Elections Workshop of the UDM will have its own strategy session, in the third week of May, where the draft manifesto will be presented and to keep its finger on the pulse of the Party’s nationwide campaigns. In addition, the UDM’s national leaders have been invited to, on the 12th of March, visit the Entlangwini Palace to meet with the King, AmaKhosi and the community. The NEC also discussed the status quo of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipal Council and noted that the Economic Freedom Fighters called for the removal of Mayor Trollip. The “new dawn”, promised at this year’s State of the Nation Address, was discussed and the UDM NEC expressed the opinion that it sounds a hollow prospect, as events unfold, with some of the prime suspects in state capture surviving the recent cabinet reshuffle. With this move, President Ramaphosa has already started off on the wrong foot and the UDM NEC believes that South Africa is in for more-of-the-same. The involvement of former President Zuma in the African National Congress’ (ANC) electioneering activities, casts doubt that it is at all serious about its plans to eradicate corruption. Mr Zuma’s token removal only happened, because the opposition and civil society put so much pressure on the ANC that they no longer had room to manoeuvre. Their keeping Mr Zuma at the forefront of their election work is like asking a bank-robber to guard the money. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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27 Feb, 2018
President Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle is a major disappointment
The United Democratic Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) would like to express concern over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle. At most this cabinet represents the old order of former President Jacob Zuma and is divorced from the supposed “New Dawn” that the African National Congress (ANC) claims to espouse. How else would the President explain the retention of people such as Ms Bathabile Dlamini, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane (as the face of government), Mr Malusi Gigaba, Mr Sfiso Buthelezi and Mr Kebby Maphatsoe? It is quite clear that President Ramaphosa puts the ANC’s needs before those of the country. Signs are clear that the ANC will never change and therefore the United Democratic Movement must stand up to lead the people of South Africa. The absence of young persons in this cabinet is very disappointing especially in the ministry of sports and recreation where an opportunity was missed to bring in a young person. The reappointment of Mr Nhlanhla Nene, as finance minister, is however welcomed and the UDMYV wishes him well in filling that position. The UDMYV would like to challenge President Ramaphosa to put his foot down and lead the country with conviction. He promised to trim his cabinet and he has failed to do so owing to his party’s internal politics. We call on the people of South Africa to note this anti-climactic moment and hold President Ramaphosa and the ANC to account in the 2019 national and provincial elections. Issued by: Katleho Mothama Political Liaison Officer, UDMYV Gauteng plogp@udmyv.co.za Yongama Zigebe Provincial Secretary, UDMYV Gauteng secretarygp@udmyv.co.za yludwe@yahoo.com
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27 Feb, 2018
UDEMWO: The Ramaphosa cabinet is an insult to SA women
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disappointed by President Ramaphosa’s choice of ministers. While we notice with disgust the recycling of the Zuma cabinet nothing would have prepared us for Ms Bathabile Dlamini as the Minister of Women in the Presidency. The fact that the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League decided to elect her as its president does not necessarily mean that she is capable to do the important work this ministry needs to do. South African women deserve better that this hogwash and the President must realise that elevating Bathabile Dlamini into his office is incomprehensible and a grievous insult to the women of this country. This cabinet reshuffle brings us to the realisation that there is no difference between the Zuma and the Ramaphosa administrations. As former President Zuma once said that the ANC is bigger than the nation. President Ramaphosa is giving a nation recycled persons (some with dubious records) in his effort to keep the so-called unity within the ANC. As far as UDEMWO is concerned, there is no Ministry for Women in South Africa despite the many challenges that women are currently facing in this country. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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16 Feb, 2018
UDMYV: Some SONA2018 announcements give hope to young South Africans
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) has taken note of the State of the National Address delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 16 February 2018. This on the back foot of many young people of South Africa who continue to be marginalised due to lack of job opportunities in the country. The UDMYV welcomes the President’s commitment to “move young South African’s to the centre of the national economic agenda.” Some of the initiatives announced today include: 1. A jobs summit 2. Launch of Youth Employment Service Initiative 3. Establishment of a Youth Working Group represented by all young South Africans. 4. Creation of one million internships in three years. The UDMYV supports these initiatives in principle and would avail its machinery for the success of these programmes as the UDMYV recognises that the exclusion of young people from economic activity is an injustice to the black child in particular. We also hope that these programmes are not designed to appease the African National Congress Youth League whom we believe are enemies of the President in his party’s factional battles. The UDMYV therefore calls for wide representation and inclusion of all youth formations in these programmes. We shall also continue to work with the United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) at all tertiary institutions to make sure that free education is implemented in order to benefit the millions of young South Africans who seek to venture into higher education and training. The economy needs a new approach that will attract international investors and create jobs. The UDMYV believes that manufacturing through localisation will indeed help to achieve this and that ratings agencies will upgrade South Africa out of junk status. Issued by: Katleho Mothamaha UDMYV Political Liaison Officer, Gauteng plo@udmyv.co.za Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Provincial Secretary, Gauteng Secretarygp@udmyv.co.za yludwe@yahoo.com
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13 Feb, 2018
Success! UDM reaction to “Suspect Number One”; Jacob Zuma being recalled
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the decision to recall Mr Jacob Zuma as the President of the Republic of South Africa (SA). It has taken far too long for this to happen, once it became patently clear (years ago) that he was not fit to hold the highest office in the Country. We can rightly say that the African National Congress (ANC) only reached this decision because of the continued, consistent pressure exerted by opposition parties; civil society; and the media, who played a critical role in exposing institutionalised corruption such as #GuptaLeaks. It is encouraging that those who campaigned for Mr Zuma to vacate his office, had free access to media and radio talk shows. This demonstrates that the tools of democracy and a free society, as provided by our Constitution, work. The ANC’s much vaunted self-correcting nature is a damp squib. South Africans, especially eligible voters, have realised that the ANC has lost its moral high-ground and had relinquished its status as South Africa’s liberation movement. If it wants to be taken seriously, the ANC – which have been protecting Mr Zuma, at all cost – must own up to this mess and immediately charge Mr Zuma and his fellow gangsters. In the end him and his colleagues your deployees! Regarding the future, the UDM is positive, but recognise that it will take the nation years to recover from the damage caused by the tangible effects of Mr Zuma’s administration on the lives of our people on a daily basis. It will also take time to convince the international community, the ratings agencies, and investors that South Africa no longer has a weak and corrupt government that easily succumbs to the influence of pirates and privateers. However, only half the battle has been won at this time. All patriotic South Africans, opposition parties, civil society, and the media should not now rest and lower their guards. We must ensure that the culprits face the full might of the law and that the billions of stolen Rands be returned to the last cent! South Africa has learnt several harsh, but valuable lessons in this experience. One thing that should be done to curb corruption in Government – perpetrated by political deployees and officials alike – should be the appointment of specialist investigating units, with forensic auditing capacity, as well as dedicated courts to expedite the prosecution of offenders. We hope that Mr Zuma’s departure from office also signals a departure from this almost cult-like hero-worshiping of certain individuals just because they have “struggle credentials”. Struggle credentials do not maketh the man! There is no place in our history for people who have tarnished the legacy of our freedom fighters; we must draw a line in the sand and start from scratch to create a corruption-free government that works in the service of the people. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
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09 Feb, 2018
President Zuma’s alleged demands of ANC Top Six is ridiculous: why are you even negotiating?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) hears that the African National Congress (ANC) Top Six is considering President Zuma’s alleged demands that he will only bow out if his forthcoming legal fees are waived and the safety of his family is guaranteed. Who will foot this bill? Surely not the tax paying South African? One wonders how many people will qualify to be Zuma-family members? Why must we pay for Mr Zuma’s legal fees? Seemingly the soon to be former president is a suspect of a different kind… why must he be treated any differently from any other suspected criminal and get special treatment? How can the ANC conduct these backdoor negotiations on behalf of the South African taxpayer? This is not your territory; it’s not your money to commit or spend! ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, you and your colleagues must stop this nonsense and these backdoor negotiations must be dropped; the Country can no longer be held at ransom. The ANC deployed Mr Zuma and you should “redeploy” him with the same ease! Let’s go ahead with the Motion of No-Confidence so that we can say goodbye to Mr Zuma and continue with the business of Parliament and Government’s work. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
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25 Jan, 2018
President Zuma signs state capture commission TOR; but what will it uncover?
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes, and of course welcomes, that President Zuma at last, on the 23rd of January, signed the terms of reference (TOR) for the judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector, including organs of state. We hope that the six months, it will take Deputy Chief Justice Zondo and his Commission to conduct the inquiry will kick off as soon as possible and no time is wasted, or the process further delayed. Time is of the essence and South Africa must lance this boil and get to the bottom of the question of state capture. Although the TOR seems quite inclusive, in terms of whom and which entities should be investigated, the UDM wonders who else will go down on the sinking Zupta ship? Who also had their hands in the cookie jar? The Nation might be in for a rude awakening. Let’s hope for the best. The UDM wishes the Deputy Chief Justice Zondo and his Commission the best of luck in timeously completing this onerous task; the country’s future rides on your shoulders and if we are to clean-up our government, you will have to leave no stone unturned. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
