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11 Sep, 2014
Incident which unfolded at the Umtata High Court 10 September 2014
Motion without notice in the National Assembly on 11 September 2014 by ML Filtane, MP Motion without notice on the incident which unfolded at the Umtata High Court yesterday, 10 September 2014 I hereby move, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) move without notice, that the house; (1) Notes the incident which unfolded at the Mthatha High Court yesterday where two dangerous suspects died on the scene and one official was reported wounded, following a fierce exchange of gunfire with members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU – police), and correctional services officers (DC). (2) The two suspects; Sakhumzi Mvoko (30) and Yandisa Bila 32, jointly faced 17 counts of murder, armed robbery and rape. (3) They had allegedly terrorised the former Transkei area for many years. (4) Further Notes that, one suspect accessed a fire arm from a dustbin situated within the precinct of a court of law, thus raising serious questions about the state of safety of our justice officials and institutions. (5) Notes that in December 2013, two police officers were stabbed at the same Mthatha High Court by prisoners. (6) Further wish the injured officer a speedy recovery and hope that the investigation into the person who hid the fire arm in the dustbin could be concluded speedily with consequences. (7) The house commends the NIU and DCS officers for the swift reaction to a potentially disastrous situation. Thank you
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11 Oct, 2014
Tribute to a liberation struggle hero: Ndabambi Mthenjane
Motion without Notice in the National Assembly by Ms Majeke, MP Subject: Tribute to a liberation struggle hero: Ndabambi Mthenjane I move without notice on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement, that the house notes that: Mr Ndabambi Mthenjane an unsung liberation struggle hero passed away on 28 August 2014 at his Soweto home. Mr Mthenjane who turned 100 years on the 28 February 2014, is known for his firebrand activism with unlimited opinions about the struggle, spent most of his youth activism in Mpumalanga. Even though he was not a one of the renowned freedom fighters, he will be remembered as an activist who contributed in the fight against oppression. He surely joins other struggle stalwards for whose contribution today we enjoy freedom. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Thank you
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10 Sep, 2014
Follow-up question: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Follow up questions to the Governance Cluster – Question 107 – Hon Filtane – Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minster, the Auditor General’s Report (2012-13) for municipalities shows an increase on the Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure of 31% of which 41% is attributed to EC Municipalities including the KSD Municipality wherein more than R7 m has been reported to have been spent irregularly, unauthorised and fruitlessly. What is the department’s plan to deal with what AG has identified as lack of internal controls and its root causes? Are there new time lines if any to ensure clean audits across all municipalities given that the “clean audit” targets for 2014 have not been met? Question 102 – Hon Majeke – Public Service and Administration Minister, is government considering or prepared to consider an investigation into occupationally specific dispensation pay for teachers, as one of the interventions towards improving quality of our education and keep the profession attractive?
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08 Sep, 2014
Distasteful Claims that Madonsela is a CIA plant
Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General The barrage of attacks, both on the person and office, of the Public Protector are becoming more and more creative. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted the claims that she is on the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) payroll and we find it distasteful. The sounds coming from the peanut gallery are a desperate attempt at discrediting a constitutional body that is doing its job properly. These statements, such as what Deputy-Minister Kebby Maphatsoe made at the weekend, is a clumsy attempt to protect President Zuma at all cost – even at the expense of our august Parliament and the credibility of the ruling party. For a Cabinet Minister to make such a statement is unbecoming. The UDM would ask the Deputy-Minister, should he have irrefutable truth that indeed Advocate Madonsela is on the CIA’s payroll, he should share that with the public. The UDM also noted that the ruling party had stopped at nothing to defend former Electoral Commission Chairperson Pansy Tlakula. The fact President Zuma’s office and his party has said nothing in defence of the Public Protector is extremely ironic.
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04 Sep, 2014
UDM: Why can’t the Dalai Lama visit South Africa?
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR BONGANI MSOMI, UDM SECRETARY GENERAL The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wants to know why the Dalai Lama is, yet again, barred from entering South Africa. Maybe it’s third time lucky? How ironic that a peaceful leader, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, cannot visit South Africa to attend the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, whilst we are proud of those South Africans who have been bestowed the same honour. Now we hear that other laureates will not come if the Dalai Lama is not permitted to enter the country. What a poor peace summit it will make when the host country, for some unknown reason, denies the Dalai Lama access to this international event. The rest of the world must be raising their eyebrows. The UDM believes that it is plain and simple; there is a pattern forming. Government must come clean and say why it does not want the Dalai Lama to come to South Africa. Hiding behind bureaucracy just does not cut it anymore.
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04 Sep, 2014
UDM Women’s organisation: reaction to rape of Bongiwe Mnguni
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes it is a travesty that women in the workplace, both in the private and public service, are not safe from sexual harassment, abuse, violence and rape. One of the main reasons why people with much needed skills, such as doctors and nurses, leave for greener pastures is that they are not safe at their places of work. We have much sympathy with, Ms Bongiwe Mnguni, a nurse who was beaten and raped at the Helen Joseph Hospital. We hope that she fully recovers from this horrific experience; our hearts go out to her. Although Ms Mnguni has suffered much harm to her body, mind and soul, we commend her for the courage to speak out. Hopefully this act will encourage more abused women to come forward. We also hope that Ms Mnguni will not leave the matter there. The police must investigate the incident and arrest the monster who attacked her. This man deserves nothing more than to rot in jail for the remainder of his years. UDEMWO believes that the hype created during Women’s Month and the 16 Days of Activism is all for nought. Government throws big parties under the name of sensitising the nation to the plight of women and girl-children. Journalists write endless stories during those times. They seem to be forgetting the rest of the year. Looking at this from a man’s perspective, they feel left out when all of government’s efforts are targeted at women’s issues – government should give some attention to this. The big picture looks bleak and UDEMWO calls on government to urgently make the places of work of their employees safe. Identifying the problem and talking about solutions is not enough – do something and find the criminals who makes us live in fear.
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02 Sep, 2014
UDM: Holomisa reacts to Pansy Tlakula’s resignation
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR BANTU HOLOMISA, MP – UDM PRESIDENT The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes that Advocate Pansy Tlakula has resigned as Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). She has at last seen the light, but it is a pity that she was forced to do so at great cost to government and political parties. There are now no more excuses; the Electoral Commission must immediately implement all the findings of the Public Protector, including those that fingered certain IEC officials. Let this be a lesson to other people in high places who believe they are untouchable and above the constitutional organs and courts of this country Read more on SABC
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28 Aug, 2014
The end of Women’s Month 2014 | UDEMWO
Issued by Mrs Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General At the end of Women’s Month 2014, we look to the future; the United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is worried that the National Development Plan is overall gender blind, disregarding women’s gendered practical, and strategic needs and concerns. Considering that this is the development map for South Africa we are dissatisfied with what our future prospects are. In addition, UDEMWO is doubtful that the sideways-move, to bring the Department of Women under the President’s roof, has any meaning. Since the establishment of this portfolio we have seen nothing but a waste of time and money. This is just another attempt at window dressing. Regarding the minister, after listening to Susan Shabangu’s statements at the Marikana Commission we are unconvinced that she is the right person for the job. Such insensitivity shown by a woman is beyond belief and a slap in the face of a community – especially the women and children – that is suffering. On behalf of women across the country, we ask President Zuma to clarify what the tangible outcomes are of his move. It is of no use to pay lip service to women’s empowerment. Being over 50% of our people, women must take their rightful place in our society and economy, and be given the power they deserve.
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28 Aug, 2014
Threat to Julius Malema ’s life: two wrongs do not make a right
Statement by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General Much opinion has been expressed at the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) recent outburst in Parliament; 1) some agree wholeheartedly with the message and the lack of adherence to Parliamentary decorum, 2) some agree with the message, but do not agree with the EFF’s manner in expressing themselves and 3) some cannot stomach the message nor the flare-up. Be that as it may, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that bussing in African National Congress members to Parliament to threaten Julius Malema ’s life is not on. There are internal rules and regulations that govern the conduct of Members of Parliament, as well as mechanisms to handle situations where that code of conduct has been breached. Two wrongs do not make a right. Read more on the issue on ENCA
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27 Aug, 2014
SA’s trigger happy police
Media statement by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General Understandably so police brutality is an emotive issue in a country with our history. However, we never in our wildest dreams thought that, post-1994, we would again see brutal police violence. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is concerned about the number of incidents of late of egregious police brutality and indiscriminate use of force. The ill-considered “shoot first-ask questions later” rhetoric by senior politicians and police officers sketches a bleak picture of a “new policing policy”. This is evidenced by Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega’s attitude towards the Marikana Massacre and now Free State MEC for police, Butana Kompela, has defended violent police action in Henneman where four alleged criminals were killed. The passing of Andries Tatane in 2011 and the death in 2013 of a Mozambican taxi driver after being dragged behind a police van – to name but two – are still fresh in our memories. When the families of Elais Thage and Tsholofelo Mothobi buried their children at the weekend much animosity was directed our police services. The UDM does not dispute that the police has a tough job and we support zero-tolerance to crime, but to laugh off police brutality makes a mockery of our laws and is immoral. Experts have said that it is not small number of officers who act illegally, but that the problem is systemic and widespread, and that it is going to keep on happening. In some instances communities feel justified in retaliating. Despite what our police leaders seem to be proponents of South Africa cannot tolerate a trigger happy police force. In this regard we believe that intensifying police training, especially in the code of conduct, and revisiting the curriculum to enhance overall levels of competence and capacity would be part of the solution. Those officers who make themselves guilty of abusing their positions of trust, should not be defended; they should face the full might of the law. We are hopeful that our new Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko, will well acquit himself of his job. The UDM however suggests that he institute a judicial commission of inquiry into police brutality to get to the bottom of this scourge.
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26 Aug, 2014
Link between civil disobedience and poor service delivery
Government has blinkers on when it comes to the consequences of poor service delivery, particularly at local government level. Disingenuous representatives of government stand on their soapboxes shouting that they are doing their jobs. Judging by the volcano of protests against poor service delivery that erupts every now and again in all corners of the country, this is patently untrue. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is of the view that government either willfully downplays incidents or meets service delivery protests with vicious action using its security organs to silence any dissenting voice. To add insult to injury the ANC brotherhood instantly closes ranks when it comes to criticism levelled at them – even if it is constructive criticism. Much of the civil disobedience we see is a symptom of poor service delivery and it also is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, one can hardly blame a frustrated citizenry – who have no water, electricity, etc. – when they demonstrate and protest. On the other hand, where does one draw the line? We after all do not live in a lawless society and those who break the law must be arrested, make their cases in court and accept the judgements if they are guilty. One can philosophise indefinitely, but there is a fine balance between action and reaction and once the precedence of unmitigated violence has been established it spirals out of control and becomes the norm. What however boggles the mind is: why does government (at all three tiers) refuse to see this and intervene timeously, or even better, do their jobs right in the first instance? It is statements such as “…we don’t know how long the committee will take…” (after Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele announced an audit into Daveyton residents’ housing complaints) that elicits chaos. The problems should have been proactively addressed and the mayor should have had his answers ready. Media Statement by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General
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26 Aug, 2014
Attack of the public protector and her office
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) congratulates the public protector for her sterling work in defence of the constitution – its institutions and the rule of law – against those who are devoted to promote corruption and who blatantly refuse to account to the people. The ruling party’s recent attacks on the office of the public protector and her person are nothing but a desperate attempt to dodge accountability. President Zuma must man-up, stop avoiding questions and uphold his oath of office. It is clear, from the ruling party and its travellers’ statements that they wish to use the parliamentary ad hoc committee on Nkandla as another escape route to sidestep the requirement that the president is accountable to ordinary citizens. In the same vein and it appears that a dictatorship is developing in our country where the entire people of South Africa will have to defend their hard won democracy and reject abuse in the name of the majority. The UDM advises Advocate Madonsela to consider court action to defend her office against the unwarranted and arrogant attempts to defend the president.
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15 Aug, 2014
Multi Party Forum on the decision of the Constitutional Court on the matter of the IEC Chairperson
Statement on behalf of the Multi Party Forum on the decision of the Constitutional Court on the matter of the IEC Chairperson We welcome the Constitutional Court decision on the matter of the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission Advocate Pansy Tlakula. This decision vindicates the findings of the Public Protector and two other credible institutions that pronounced on the matter. We take our hats off to the whistle blowers who helped root out this maladministration and abuse of public monies. Advocate Tlakula and the African National Congress should hang their heads in shame and respect the decision of the highest court of the land.
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09 Aug, 2014
Women’s Day 2014
LOOKING BACK 2014 is certainly an auspicious year with the commemoration of a number of milestones, such as the sixty years that have passed after the adoption of the Women’s Charter of 1954. As is right, we take the time to, as a nation, make introspection on the role that women play in our society; in particular the contributions they made in the struggle against apartheid and the years before and thereafter. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN It is worrisome that some experts, such as Professor A Gouws (who is imminently qualified to speak on the issues of women and gender equality), have charged that the National Development Plan (NDP) was overall, gender blind, disregarding women’s gendered practical and strategic needs and concerns. These, if taken into account, should lead to a redistribution of resources and economic growth. There is a single specific reference to women in the NDP . This is very disturbing. Therefore, despite the programmes of your department, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to have society acknowledge women’s stake in a prosperous South Africa. We might have differing views on the NDP, but that does not change the fact that government will be charting its course according to this policy. We simply have to build its strengths and buttress the weaknesses. MOVING WOMEN’S AGENDA FORWARD Whilst acknowledging the women who paved the way for our freedom, we must have a forward perspective at this point in time of South Africa’s growth. It is imperative that we move the women’s agenda forward – which is our apt theme this year. I however I find the international women’s day’s slogan more fitting: “Inspiring change”. The foundation has been laid and we must therefore inspire change and build with haste. Women must not only inspire their sisters young and old, but so our men. Men and boy children must be inspired to give women the respect that they deserve and acknowledge their human capital – or should I say “female capital”. The cycle of violence and abuse, the belittling women and blind patriarchy must be broken. With women constituting over 50% of the South African population, it is imperative that we must break down the walls of ignorance and provide opportunities for women to learn and to exchange information on issues of mutual interest to advance gender equality. We know what must be done, the question is… how do we put action to the words and more importantly, how do we sustain momentum. South African is privileged to have a whole department dedicated to this cause, but we are not “feeling the change”. The department has been riddled with problems and has not had the impact it should. The Minister would surely agree with UDEMWO that things have to change. In fact, positive change should already have been seen and felt shortly after President Zuma created this department. We ask when will we see the paradigm shift necessary in the work of the department? When will women, especially those in the farthest corners of this country, feel the abundant progress? UDEMWO’s slogan is: “Fight against poverty”. Instead of us taking punches from the relentless attack of poverty, we need to take the fight to its doorstep. We stand with our hands reaching, as we have since 1997, and we wait for you to take our hands. To my sisters in other parties, it is clear that we need to rise above party political lines and stand together as women before it is too late. We will look to the ministry in the next five years for leadership. Talk to us. We might not all be academics, but we certainly have the necessary experience in our field of expertise: that of women and girl children. We want you to be our ally to “Fight against Poverty”. Wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo
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01 Aug, 2014
Question for written reply: In respect of mining operations in North West Province and Limpopo Province
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY Mr HB Holomisa, MP to ask the Minister of Minerals Resources: In respect of mining operations in North West Province and Limpopo Province: 1) Were any royalties or future considerations preserved in terms of item 11 (1) or 11 (3) of Schedule II, Transitional Arrangements, of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002; 2) If so, which are the affected a) mines, b) traditional communities; and c) mineral or mining leases or licences; 3) Have any of the recipients contemplated in sub-items (1) and (3) informed the Minister of the need to continue to receive the royalties as contemplated in sub-item (5) of item 11; 4) Have all of the recipients referred to in part 1 complied with the requirements of sub-item 6 (a) and (b) of the Transitional Arrangements and, if not, which recipients have not complied; and 5) Has the minister determined any terms and conditions as contemplated in sub-item (7) and, if so, what were those terms and conditions.
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24 Jul, 2014
Multi-Party Forum’s comment on appeal lodged by IEC Chairperson Pansy Tlakula
Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP – UDM President and Chairperson of the Multi-Party Forum We confirm that we yesterday received court papers as submitted with the Constitutional Court by the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Advocate Pansy Tlakula. We have filed our answering papers. The political parties that are part of this action will be guided by the Constitutional Court and we hope that the matter will reach conclusion as soon as possible. In the meantime, we call on the Electoral Commission to deal decisively with the other recommendations of the Public Protector, amongst others that: • the disciplinary processes be started against all staff members who were fingered in Advocated Madonsela’s report; • the lease agreement, found dubious by no less than three independent and credible institutions, be cancelled. The Commission’s indecisiveness, regarding the implementation of the Public Protector’s findings and recommendation, make us doubt their commitment to the promotion of the ethics of good governance. The excuse advanced in the past about waiting for legal opinion must not be used to kick to touch
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07 Jun, 2014
Condolences with the passing away of Mama Epainette Mbeki
We today say a sad farewell to a daughter of the Transkei; Mama Epainette Mbeki. She was unyielding in her support of her husband, Govan Mbeki, during the struggle years. After Oom Gov was sentenced to life imprisonment, she had to make yet another enormous sacrifice when her children were forced into exile. To say that Mama Epainette was a strong woman is an understatement; she was a rock upon which the apartheid regime broke itself. How happy she must have been to again see her family after those troubled years and to see her surviving children rise to such great heights. She had a role to play and she did it with unflinching determination. She was a proud but humble soul and her words about her sons spoke volumes: “They are grown men. They are very busy and I am also busy. But they always call every now and then when they want advice from their mother.” For my part, I will always remember when she came for a visit at my office when I was the head of Transkei. She would walk straight to the guards at my door and ask them whether “that boy”, referring to me, was inside. The guards let her through without blinking. After taking a few minutes to talk about the purpose of her visit, we would launch into an in-depth conversation about politics. At private functions at home, after everyone had left, I would invariably find myself engaged with Mama on the topic of politics. This habit of hers continued even after 1994. During the time when Thabo was President she would not shy away from directly asking me what we were doing to improve the quality of life of our people. To the Mbeki Family, God sent you and South Africa, an angel. After having led a meaningful life, she has now gone back to our Father. It brings a smile to our faces to know that she will be reunited with her beloved husband for all eternity. Our condolences with her loss. May her soul rest in peace.
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15 May, 2014
Looming labour problems in entire mining industry
The protracted labour unrest at Marikana is probably a taste of what is soon to hit the entire mining industry. Mining houses in other sectors must prepare for the likelihood that their employees will soon follow suit and go on strikes – or even wild cat strikes – especially if Lonmin and Amcu find resolution on the remuneration of Lonmin’s workforce in the platinum sector. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is of the view that the so-called “BEE partners” – in other words the ruling party elite – have a sizable stake in the success of the mining conglomerates. The implication thereof is that government cannot mediate in good faith. Why? Because the very same government mediators and the BEE partners meet each other at the ruling party’s NEC meetings. We must realise that South Africans who have been employed in mines since the advent of democracy are of a different generation. Their fathers and grandfathers were exploited in the worst possible way and the workforce of today have strong views about reasonable employment and what they consider a decent wage. The mining houses must wake up and smell the roses. The UDM has long advised, and reiterates its call, that unions and mining houses should deal directly with each other to counter the erosion of constructive negotiation. We implore the leaders of both the unions and mining houses to take responsibility and act in a mature way to reach agreement that is to the benefit of all parties. Regarding the future, it would be prudent for the leaders, in all the different mining sectors, to be proactive and start their discussions early before they are caught in untenable situations.
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01 May, 2014
Workers’ Day 2014
Workers’ Day is a celebration of labour and the working classes. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) recognises the right of employers and employees to organise themselves to campaign and lobby the aspirations of their members. Given our history it is clear that labour organisations have a role to play in society and are a strong voice of social conscience. After all, this country must never return to a situation where our people are exploited as slaves and a source of cheap labour. Although we celebrate this day with those who have jobs, we think of the millions of South Africans who do not have work. We must not only concern ourselves with the rights of workers, but also with the right of all South Africans to work and to contribute to the economy. The labour disputes – such as the current ones in the mining industry – makes it clear that where labour is directly affiliated and dependent upon a political master, it does not serve its primary purpose. The ruling party has presided over so-called ‘jobless growth’ – which simply means that it has steered the economy into a direction that does not create jobs or increase the overall wealth of the country. With elections around the corner, we hope that South Africans will vote for job creation – in other words, a vote for the UDM.
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09 Apr, 2014
Holomisa pays tribute to a friend and comrade on the 21st anniversary of Chris Hani’s assassination
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) pays tribute to a friend and comrade, the late Chris Hani, on the 21st anniversary of his assassination. The unwarranted murder of Chris Hani robbed South Africa one of its most charismatic and principled sons thus drastically changing the course this country would have taken. Hani’s unshakable belief in the eradication of poverty, prosperous and corruption free South Africa, amongst many other noble ideas, would have undoubtedly steered this country firmly towards the original values as enshrined in the constitution. We must never forget, as we look back towards the tragic moments of his brutal killing, that his untimely death united our people who became more resolute that our freedom could no longer be delayed. However, 20 years later corruption is now pulling the rug right under our feet. The promise of that freedom and the dream of 1994 of re-construction and development, and better life for all, has become illusive for the majority. We in the UDM believes that South Africa today requires a leader, like Hani, who has a passion for the poor, justice, equality – and therefore the love of a nation. South Africa yearns for a true and steadfast leader whose belief in integrity, the unity and prosperity of our people will touch millions in this country. In commemorating Hani’s life we remember him with fondness believing that he had planted enough seeds for South Africa to be able produce another outstanding leader like him during these troubled times.
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08 Apr, 2014
ANC imbedded within IEC
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Advocate Pansy Tlakula, has brought the Electoral Commission into disrepute in terms of Chapter 2, Paragraph 9 (c) of the Electoral Commission’s act (51 of 1996) which states that: “ (9) No members of the commission: (c) may, by his or her membership, association, statement, conduct or in any other manner place in jeopardy his or her perceived independence, or in any other manner harm the credibility, impartiality, independence in integrity of the commission. “ Adv Tlakula’s association with a senior leader of the African National Congress (ANC), namely the chairperson of the finances portfolio committee, has compromised the Commission’s integrity and independence. Adv Tlakula not only broke the rules when she was Chief Electoral Officer, but also in her position as the Chairperson of Electoral Commission when she flatly refused to cooperate with the forensic audit sanctioned National Treasury as endorsed by Parliament. The United Democratic Movement is not surprised that the ANC is defending Adv Tlakula’s actions, because they firmly embedded within Independent Electoral Commission – this despite two credible organisations finding that she is on the wrong side of the law.
