Admin
20 Aug, 2015
UDM wins Ward 30 in the Nelson Mandela Metro
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is pleased to win Ward 30 in the Nelson Mandela Metro By-Elections that were conducted yesterday. This is a big achievement for us as a Party and it shows that UDM is growing. We would like to congratulate Councillor Mandla Faltein for his undying hard work. Well done to him for all the effort. Faltein grew up within the Party and he knows the philosophy of the Organisation of putting people first. He is the conveyor belt between the members of the community and municipality. We would also like to thank the community that has helped in this victorious win. We also thank the team that has worked tirelessly in making sure we get this victorious achievement. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. If it was not for the community members, we would have not made it. As the UDM we would like to pledge to the voters that they will never be alienated by the Party. End
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12 Aug, 2015
UDM condolences to the Orange Farm fire victims
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi: UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to convey a message of condolence to the family of 5 children who lost their lives during a shack fire in Orange Farm, Johannesburg. This is such a tragic and it could have been avoided if the ANC led government had fulfilled its promise of eradicating shack building throughout the country by the year 2014 which has come and passed. 8 years ago, ANC made a promise to the nation that by the year 2014 shacks all over the country will be history. As UDM we feel that the ANC must be held accountable for all the lives that are lost in shack fires. ANC must answer to the nation as to what happened to the promise of getting rid of shacks in the country. The ruling party must begin to take seriousness in the plight of citizens of this country and stop making promises they cannot fulfil because this has led to the influx of people moving in to shacks with the hope that they will secure RDP houses as promise and it turned out to be all false hence the congestion we are experiencing. End
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12 Aug, 2015
UDEMWO calls for the protection of rape victims
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are saddened to witness growing numbers of abuse towards women while we are still celebrating the women’s month in South Africa. The rape of the 23 year old woman in Nkanini – Khayelitsha while her boyfriend was shot and killed trying to protect her is really inhumane that is why we are calling upon the South African Police Service officials to make swift actions in arresting those involved in this ruthless incident. Once the culprit is arrested, the Department of Justice must make sure that the culprit does not get to see the sun again and must rot in jail without bail mean while the Correctional Service must make sure that culprits are not being considered for parole. Once you violate one’s right you must forfeit yours. We are also calling upon the Social Development MEC in Western Cape, Albert Fritz to make sure that the victim gets all the support and protection she needs as she is at high risk because she knows her attacker. What is sadder is the fact that those involved in the crime are from our very communities. We also urge members of community to hold hands in protection of women and children. We cannot afford to see women and children being victims of crime and as UDEMWO, we feel that government has not done much in making sure that women and children’s rights are protected and that is why as UDEMWO, we demand that government come up with a clear strategy in curbing violence against women and children. There are so many campaigns in relations to this by non-governmental Organisations and other interest groups however, the role of government is the missing link in this dire situation. End
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06 Aug, 2015
UDM Parliamentary Caucus denounces the Ad-hoc Committee on Nkandla as flawed and against the law
Statement by UDM President Bantu Holomisa After deliberations this morning the Caucus resolved as follows regarding the Nkandla Ad Hoc committee: 1. The new Ad-hoc committee process has not changed the original position of the UDM that the President must not use the Executive and Parliament to undermine the report of the Public Protector, but should in line with legal prescripts; approach the appropriate court for a judicial review. 2. Irrespective of the findings and recommendations of the Ad-hoc committee given the fact that the ANC bulldozed parliament on this matter, the fact does not change that, this matter is not for parliament but between the President and the Public Protector. Anything to the contrary borders on the conflation of the doctrine of the separation of powers, between the legislature, the judiciary and the executive. UDM will always and in the interest of Constitutional Democracy, refuse to break this fundamental principle. 3. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the independence of Chapter 9 Institutions as they strengthen our democracy. To this end, we support the report of the Public Protector on Nkandla and firmly believe that, only the court of law can review its findings and remedial actions. 4. Consistent with the Executive Members Ethics Act and the Constitution of the Republic, it is the President who can make a legally valid decision not to comply with the remedial actions made by the Public Protector, only if such is based on rationality and cogent reasoning, as the Cape Town High Court determined. 5. This matter must not only be a private property of political parties as it affects all citizens. As a result, we call on all organs of civil society to join the campaign to save this country and its resources for the benefit of the poor. 6. We call on organs of civil society to approach the courts of law to challenge this abuse of power in Parliament by using the institution to protect the President. Thank you
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17 Jul, 2015
President Zuma to look into issues raised by Bantu Holomisa: Moretele Local Municipality
Issued by the Office of the Presidency President Jacob Zuma has assigned the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) to look into the issues raised by United Democratic Movement leader and Member of Parliament, Gen. Bantu Holomisa on the challenges facing Moretele Local Municipality, in the North West Province. General Holomisa has written to the President raising concerns about service delivery matters such as water and sanitation, roads infrastructure, public works programmes and general management of the municipality. The DPME will liaise with the province and other affected Departments. Enquiries: Harold Maloka – Maloka.harold@gmail.com or Harold@presidency.gov.za
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16 Jul, 2015
UDEMWO is devastated by the recent horrific attack against a 14 year old girl in Grabouw
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) we are devastated by the recent attack on the 14 year old girl in Grabouw, Western Cape. We would like to convey our message of support and wish her a speedy recovery from this horrific attack. This young girl has shown bravery after her brutal attack and was able to name the culprit. This incident is taking us back and reminding us of what happened to Anene Boysen who was also brave enough to name her attackers and the justice system failed her and many women of this country by letting one of the attackers walk free because of lack of evidence. We hope this time the hand of justice will do the right thing and be for the victim other than the perpetrator. Such individuals who abuse women and children in any how do not deserve to be part of our communities and that is why we want him to rot in jail for the horrendous act he has committed. We hope that the sentencing will be a lesson to other perpetrators out there. The abuse of women and children is growing everyday in this country and we cannot fold arms and watch, something needs to be done to curb this problem in this country. As UDEMWO, we are calling upon the Department of Social Development to make sure that women and children are protected. End
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22 Jun, 2015
UDEMWO calls for thorough investigation on Saint Barnabas Hospital, Eastern Cape
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are angered by the ignorance and inhumane treatment by the health workers at Saint Barnabas Hospital in Libode, Eastern Cape. Refusing to pay attention to a sickly person is something else but refusing to render the necessary help for a rape victim is grossly inhumane. Rape issue is a very sensitive matter and the more you do not follow all the necessary precautions is the more the crucial evidence can be missed and for a doctor to refuse to treat a victim is not acceptable at all. It takes a lot of courage for a victim to take the step of seeking assistance and to shun the victim kills the victim and this exacerbates the stigma of the gruesome act. UDEMWO is calling upon the Health MEC in the Eastern Cape to get thorough investigation into the matter and punitive measures should be put in place for those involved. Doctors or any other health workers should remember, they are at hospitals to deal and help patients and if they are unable to help community members in time of need, this means they are in a wrong field and must go elsewhere and do as they please. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General
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12 Jun, 2015
UDEMWO is pleased by the court’s decision to deny bail against Christopher Panayiotou
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased with the way National Prosecuting Authority has so far handled the Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused case of murdering the innocent Jayde Panayiotou. Panayiotou and the men accused of killing this young woman do not deserve to be back in our communities as they pose a danger not only to the community but to those close to them. They have displayed clearly that they are not human beings with their behaviour. NPA denying bail for these cruel culprits brings hope to women and children in this country. It also sends a strong message to criminals as we are not safe in our own communities because of such inhumane individuals who abuse and murder us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. As much as we appreciate this denial of bail against the men but we would like to see the hand of justice being served. As UDEMWO, we would like to see synergy amongst the government departments i.e. South African Police Service, Department of Justice and Correctional Service as these departments play an vital role and they should complement one another in making sure that the rights of women and children are protected. UDEMWO is once again calling upon the Department of Correctional Service to review the parole system as we feel that it is not applied appropriately. It favours the culprits more the victims of crime. Remember, when you violate someone’s rights you should forfeit yours. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
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09 Jun, 2015
Police must refrain from using grenades and live ammunition when dispersing members of the public
It is with great sadness that during the Youth Month in South Africa we hear of a sad event of a student that was shot and seriously injured by police. This shows that as a country, we are still far from being free. The act by the South African Police Service officials have once again taken us aback and reminded the nation of the sad times during the apartheid era when students were shot and killed for demanding their right to education. The shooting of an 18 year old student Mawande Ngoyo from Lindelani Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape who is in a serious condition in hospital is really saddening and is raising question of whether as South Africans are we free indeed. Everyday we hear about brutal acts of police when dealing with public protests and this is deeply worrying that live ammunition are being used. As the United Democratic Movement, we are against the vandalism of properties when members of the public are not happy with service delivery and other things but the use of live ammunition is not acceptable at all. We therefore are calling upon the Police Minister, Nathi Nhleko, to come up with ways of dispersing and dealing with large gatherings. We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Mawande. Statement issued by UDM SECRETARY GENERAL – Mr Bongani Msomi
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12 May, 2015
Dr Ruth Mompati Was A True Example Of Imbokodo
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and saddened by the death of the struggle veteran Dr Ruth Mompati. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mam’ Ruth. She was a true representation of Imbokodo and as women in South Africa, we are forever grateful. She gave and served the country tirelessly when South Africa was experiencing hardships. Mam Ruth was one of the brave women who took to the streets heading to the Union Building in 1956 marching against the carrying of passes and permits by women. She paved a way for the significant change of women in leadership we see today in the country. She was one of the inspirational women leaders who we all looked up to irrespective of political affiliation one belonged to. May her soul rest in peace. End
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07 May, 2015
UDEMWO Calls For Reviewal Of The Parole System
Statement by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation condemns the gruesome killings of women throughout the country. We are also calling on the Department of Correctional Service to explain how the parole system works. One of the accused in the recent murder case of the young teacher, Jayde Panayiotou in Eastern Cape has been in and out of prison for serious cases which include robbery and possession of illegal firearm which we view under serious charge and we are asking ourselves how was he able to be given parole. Three (3) months of being a parolee he is now facing a murder case, what does this say about the justice system of this country. It is even saddening to learn that Jayde’s husband is also in custody for his involvement in the murder of his own wife. This shows clearly that women in this country are not safe and always living in fear of not knowing what is going to happen to them. Everyday we are being abused and killed by those who supposed to love and protect us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. Men have forgotten and abandoned their role as protectors and builders of the nation. South Africa is known for the Spirit of Ubuntu but that is fading by day. As women we are not safe at all even in our homes. We are victims of crime everyday without protection and that is why we are calling for the hand of justice to prevail and not grant bail for those involved in the murder. We are also calling upon the Department of Correctional Services to view their parole system as we feel that somehow it is not applied appropriately. End
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26 May, 2015
UDM sympathises with the Marikana Massacre victims and their families
The decision to take President Jacob Zuma to court by the family members, injured workers of the Marikana massacre and AMCU is the best action to force Zuma to release the findings of the investigation. As the United Democratic Movement, we are in full support of this decision and we hope he will realise the importance of the findings being made public as it is not just a report for the family and the injured miners but a closure of what happened to their loved ones on the 16 August 2012 who were victims in the hands of police while they demanded a better life in the work place. It’s been more than 4 weeks since Zuma received the report but up to now he has not made it known. To South Africans, this is a sign that government does not care about the poor. It is unfair to the victims who lost loved ones while others were brutally injured and now the North West police commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo is evacuating her office at the end of the month while the report has not been made public and she is one of the main state officials to answer to what happened on that day when police officers went berserk killing innocent souls for demanding their rights. Mbombo is not retiring but playing hide and seek, running away from what is in the report. This shows clearly that the delay by Zuma is a way of protecting those close to him and this is disgusting. Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Bongani Msomi
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22 May, 2015
ETolls is just money laundering scheme for greedy individuals
It should be remembered that when Parliament approved guarantees for staging 2010 World Cup, as per Fifa demands. These guarantees were intended among others to improve stadiums, road infrastructure in the host cities. At no stage did parliament or government implied that such an expenditure would be claimed back by the state through schemes such as etolling. What is coming out clearly here is that some comrades became greedy and saw an opportunity to use the already improved infrastructure to generate money for themselves. This is another money laundering scheme similar to Chancellor House/Eskom/ Hitachi deal which led to ANC cashing more than R50 million last year from bogus shares. As United Democratic Movement, we are disappointed everyday by the so called ANC government. South Africans voted for freedom not to buy freedom as we see today. This must be legally challenged as it is not acceptable at all. This is a wake up call not only for the Gauteng citizens but South Africans to keep eyes open when they are in front of a ballot paper next time. Statement by UDM President Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
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20 May, 2015
Sport and politics cannot go together
On behalf of the United Democratic Movement, I wish to congratulate Dr Danny Jordaan for his appointment as Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Metro, Port Elizabeth. He is a well-known figure especially in the soccer fraternity and has achieved a lot in his life including being the President of South African Football Association, serving in FIFA and other Committees in Sport. However, as much as we don’t have anything against him, since this is a political appointment – The UDM hopes that he would do the right thing by resigning in his position as President of SAFA. The independence and neutrality of SAFA must be protected and not be blemished by politics. The SAFA Committee can say anything but must keep in mind that, politics are not like any other industry and they must compare apples with apples. Jordaan is now going to take orders from the ANC headquarters, so whatever that he will be doing or saying, people will not be able to see him as an independent person. Let us save our sports from this political game. Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General
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14 May, 2015
UDEMWO is calling on parents to keep an eye on children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is worried about the growing number of children missing throughout the country. Everyday we hear of these missing children and most of them go missing while playing around their communities. This shows clearly that our children are no longer safe in their own communities. We are calling on parents to keep a closer look on their children and members of the community can play a big role in making sure that our areas are safe for the upcoming generation. Let us go back to Ubuntu where your child is my child. According to Missing Children SA, a child disappears every six (6) hours in the country and most of them are not found or found dead. We cannot fold arms and watch while we are losing these precious souls in their own space. We are calling on South Africans to hold hands and protect our little ones. Reasons behind these disappearances are not clear but they continue taking place and we cannot allow this. We are also calling on government to tighten up the laws relating to protection of children. Those who are involved in cases relating to children must rot in jail. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
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07 May, 2015
UDEMWO calls for reviewal of the parole system
Statement by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation condemns the gruesome killings of women throughout the country. We are also calling on the Department of Correctional Service to explain how the parole system works. One of the accused in the recent murder case of the young teacher, Jayde Panayiotou in Eastern Cape has been in and out of prison for serious cases which include robbery and possession of illegal firearm which we view under serious charge and we are asking ourselves how was he able to be given parole. Three (3) months of being a parolee he is now facing a murder case, what does this say about the justice system of this country. It is even saddening to learn that Jayde’s husband is also in custody for his involvement in the murder of his own wife. This shows clearly that women in this country are not safe and always living in fear of not knowing what is going to happen to them. Everyday we are being abused and killed by those who supposed to love and protect us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. Men have forgotten and abandoned their role as protectors and builders of the nation. South Africa is known for the Spirit of Ubuntu but that is fading by day. As women we are not safe at all even in our homes. We are victims of crime everyday without protection and that is why we are calling for the hand of justice to prevail and not grant bail for those involved in the murder. We are also calling upon the Department of Correctional Services to view their parole system as we feel that somehow it is not applied appropriately. End
Admin
10 Mar, 2015
Udm Women’s Organisation Laments The Domestic Violence By Police Officers
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Madindi family who lost their daughter Vuyiswa and her mother Sbongile during a shoot-out spree by an off duty Constable Rhulani Nkuna in Meadowlands, Johannesburg. The Madindi relatives are the latest victims of domestic violence by a police officer who also shot himself dead. This incident is of many which occur exactly three days before the world celebrates International Women’s Day. UDEMWO laments the action by the officers in blue uniform that has become a norm throughout the country. Women and children in South Africa no longer feel safe and protected in the hands of the police while they are there to protect them. We would like to call upon government to take a closer look on the regulations that allow off duty police officers to carry service pistol. The bill of right states that everybody has a right to live and this means women and children have that right to live too. UDEMWO would also like to wish the tenant who was injured during the shooting, a speedy recovery. Issued by: Sipho Mawoko MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER UDM NATIONAL OFFICE Contact numbers : 012 321 0010 / 073 3708327
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27 Nov, 2014
16 Days of Activism 2014
It’s that time of the year again. And every year I wrestle with how we feel about the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence and Abuse against Women and Children campaign that kicks off on November and runs until December 10. Although the campaign is held for only sixteen days, for it to be successful it rests on each individual and the nation as a whole in taking action for the security, protection and safety of our women and children against abuse and violence UDEMWO is of the view that it is not enough that we only have 16 days to fight against the violence and abuse of women and children and therefore makes a call to the government and stakeholders to take action and make it an everyday lifestyle and everyone’s first agenda in their day to day lives. If one were to look at high profile cases like Shrien Dewani and Oscar Pistorius, the feeling is that the country’s justice and security systems is not strong enough to protect our women and children against this scourge. Our borders are easily accessible to anyone who feels like coming to our country to commit all sorts of crime and get away with it. The UDEMWO calls upon the government to increase safety and security at the country’s borders. Looking at the Oscar Pistorius trial the question arises as to whether he received a just and suitable sentence for the death of Reeva Steenkamp and if not, are women safe and protected? Doesn’t his sentencing not encourage other men to kill, abuse and violate women’s knowing that they will get light sentences or community service? Doesn’t this then promote mob justice as sentences are not suitable to the crime committed and therefore not acceptable to communities? How safe are women and children in their own homes and communities? Victims of sexual offences and domestic violence are often highly-stigmatised. Because far too many South Africans condone such violence, women often feel obliged to protect members of their families who have committed such crimes and decide on keeping quiet about it because they are afraid that the perpetrator will get few years of imprisonment and still come back to abuse or kill them or the perpetrator is the breadwinner. Action needs to be taken from grassroots level and the government needs to do more in fighting this criminal activity. The way we socialise our boys and girls must talk to addressing the scourge by treating them as equals and giving them an equal platform in taking action with regard to any activities within the school and community environment. The government safety and security agency must claim back the street back to the community.
Admin
16 Sep, 2014
Motion without Notice: Toddler Dies In Drain
Motion without Notice in the National Assembly by CN Majeke, MP Subject: Toddler Dies In Drain I move without notice on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM): that the house: (1) notes that on Saturday, 13 September of 2014, a toddler in Uitenhage died after falling into an uncovered storm water drain; (2) further notes that the residents in the community are reported to have frequently complained to the municipality that the storm water drain was a safety hazard, until the 17-month-old Joslynn Olifant drowned in it; (3) extends our deepest condolences to Joslynn Olifant’s family; and (4) calls on the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the untimely death of the toddler, and ensure that appropriate remedial action is taken. I thank you
Admin
16 Sep, 2014
Motion without notice on Ward 45, Buffalo City Municipality Councillor’s burnt home
Motion without notice on Ward 45, Buffalo City Municipality Councillor’s burnt home by CN Filtane (MP) I move without notice on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM): that the house: (1) Notes that on the evening of Tuesday the 9th of September 2014, Buffalo City Ward Councillor, Gideon Norexe’s house was allegedly burnt into ashes by angry residents. (2) Further notes that incidence took place just two weeks after the alleged assault of Mr Norexe by two residents. (3) Acknowledge the right of citizens to demand speedy services delivery without damage to human life and properties. (4) Condemn this act as illegal and uncalled for. Thank you
Admin
11 Sep, 2014
Motion without notice on Bryan Habana in the National Assembly
I move without notice on behalf the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) move without notice: That the house (1) Notes that Brayan Habana, who was born on the 12 June 1983 in Benoni, Johannesburg, Gauteng has contributed significantly on the field of play, Rugby. (2) Habana has proved without reasonable doubts his talent when in 2007 Rugby World Cup was named one of the best players and at the time he was 24 years old. (3) We recall one his best moments during the final 2007 World Cup tournament where he intercepted the ball from the centre of the field to score a try that took South Africa to the second World Cup victory. (4) The house and the country should note that Habana has played 99 games for South Africa; the match between South Africa and Australia marked 100 games for Habana. (5) This outstanding achievement for Habana should be celebrated by all patriots and continue to unite South Africa as a sporting nation. (6) His contribution to South African Rugby is a shining example to be emulated by generation and generation to come. Thank you
