Admin
15 Jun, 2017
UDM will spend Youth Day with fire ravaged communities #KnysnaFires
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) commiserates with the Garden Route communities who have lost so much in the fires that ravaged their lives. In particular, we express our condolences to the families and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives. We commend the work of our firefighters and other rescue services professionals who had to operate in the most unthinkable circumstances. Those who volunteered their time and resources to assist in the evacuation of people and animals are our heroes. The Nation’s response to this disaster, as well as to the storm wrecked communities, shows that we are a compassionate people, willing to sacrifice and help each other in time of desperate need. As we pick up the pieces, the UDM is pleased to join hands with the hundreds of thousands of South Africans in lending a helping hand. UDM Deputy-President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP will spend Youth Day (on Friday, 16 June 2017) with the affected communities to assist with their basic and immediate needs. Press Release by UDM Deputy-President, Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP
Admin
09 Jun, 2017
UDM calls for plan and timelines of the revitalisation and revamping of inner city of Tshwane
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General UDM calls for plan and timelines of the revitalisation and revamping of inner city of Tshwane The United Democratic Movement (UDM) appreciates the commitment made by the City of Tshwane to revitalise and revamp the inner city. We hope that the renovation of old buildings in the central business district is part of this and will be a priority. This will help to bring down the high rate of crime that is currently taking place in these buildings and in the streets. Most of the streets with these buildings are difficult to walk pass by because muggers commit crimes and hibernate into them. It becomes very difficult for security agencies to apprehend them. These buildings are a hazard and they make innocent people more vulnerable. Some of these buildings are also used as brothels and drug dens. They also harbour illegal immigrants. With these renovations we hope to see a huge difference. People will be able to walk free along the streets in the CBD. However, as the UDM, we want to see the plan and timelines of the revitalisation and revamping of the inner city. The society is sick and tired of unfulfilled promises made by authorities. The landlords of these buildings must also play a vital role in their renovations and they must begin to take responsibility of what is happening in them. End
Admin
06 Jun, 2017
Appointment of “sex- and pals-for-jobs” officials EC Legislature: Aloota Continua big time
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is shocked to learn that two senior managers at the Eastern Cape Legislature, implicated in a sex-for-jobs and jobs-for-pals scandal, have been rewarded with senior posts in another department. Human Resources management head Malibongwe Ngcai and strategic manager Basil Mase are now heading Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. This is a farce and it is saddening that corrupt officials are rewarded for their misdeeds. It is unfortunate that the ruling party does not realise the negative impact cadre deployment has on the nation. No one even wonders why the officials who are high up in hierarchy are implicated in such acts. The looting of the state resources is continuing unabated and no wonder the country has been degraded to a junk status. End
Admin
02 Jun, 2017
UDEMWO calls for justice on child abusers
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General As the country commemorates another week of Children’s Week, the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) calls for the hand of justice not to be lenient to children abusers and murderers. Children have become vulnerable in the hands of evil doers and they must pay for their actions. Since the beginning of the year, more than 19 children have been killed in the Western Cape province alone while the killings continue throughout the country. This includes the cannibalism that took place in Port St Johns. This gives a clear indication that we are living in a cruel society. Most of these children died in the hands of the people close to them or someone they know. It cannot be that we continue living in such a society. We want justice to be served and a lot more needs to be done in making sure that children are protected and they feel safe. Everyday a child dies horribly and perpetrators continue to live amongst the community where they committed crimes. This must stop. The government together with all the stakeholders involved must come forward and tell the community about its plan to curb the crimes. We believe that the community has a vital role to play in making sure that the children are protected. We must go back to basics where my neighbour’s child is my child. End
Admin
30 May, 2017
Safety of Women in South African society: Minister Shabangu is a hypocrit
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked by the events surrounding the death of Eskom employee Thembisile Yende. She disappeared for almost two weeks and finding her body at her place of work is concerning in the extreme. The suspicious circumstance around her death is compounded by the fact that her car was apparently parked outside the offices, yet a police search did not reveal that she was, dead or alive, locked inside. It becomes quite worrying if women cannot even rely on the police to locate missing persons; in particular the more vulnerable women and girl-children. This is another example of how exposed the women has become in the South African society of today. We have a patriarchal, male dominated, culture in this Country where women are deemed second-class citizens. It does not help when the very minister, responsible for promoting our cause, makes hypocritical statements about a victim of violence being “internally weak”. Minister Shabangu is inefficient and is definitely not doing our cause any favours. President Zuma would have been well-advised to have removed her in his recent Cabinet reshuffle; we need a minister in this portfolio that is uncompromising in fighting for women’s rights. Minister Shabangu must be proactive in addressing the recent increase in gender-based violence. This phenomenon shows that she and her department are, or at least have been, complacent. She clearly has no concrete plan of action to address this issue and UDEMWO wants to see a bigger budget allocation to finding effective tools to address gender violence and changing societal perceptions, as well as male attitudes. UDEMWO calls on the South African Police Services to speedily get to the bottom of this case and find the perpetrator/s of this heinous crime. End
Admin
25 May, 2017
UDM welcomes investigation into billions of rand lost due to negligent health care workers, statement by Bongani Msomi
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is shocked by the exorbitant amount of tax payers’ money that is lost because of the Department of Health’s negligence. Spending R43 billion on lawsuits is ridiculous and it is even more concerning that nothing much is being done to put a stop to the wastage. We cannot be losing money, and especially not such a large amount, due to the carelessness of medical practitioners and health workers. Reports in the public domain allege that some universities, such as University of KwaZulu-Natal, sell medical qualifications to dropouts and/or undeserving graduates. This alleged practice could be exacerbating the problem and can be avoided if proper vetting is done. If bogus doctors are identified, the Department must “blacklist” them so that they are not employed anywhere in the public service. Patients who use our public health care facilities deserve better.
Admin
23 May, 2017
UDM condemns taxi violence in KZN
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is saddened by the on-going taxi wars that continue to take innocent lives in KwaZulu Natal. The wars have been going on for some time and nothing effective has been done to stop them. Innocent people are being killed. Taxi operators, taxi associations and security agencies must find ways to resolve these problems of routes. The situation is not acceptable. The recent shootouts at Nongoma and Mbumbulu claimed lives of four passengers plus two drivers respectively. UDM calls upon the Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula and the MEC for Safety and Security in KZN, Mxolisi Kaunda to do all in their power to stop this carnage. The MEC must also come clean and take the nation in his confidence about what he together with his department have done to address the backlog issuing route permits. Enough is enough. End
Admin
22 May, 2017
No bail for suspects
Statement issueb by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the arrest of three men relating to the rape and horrendous murder of four women two weeks ago in Soweto. The arrest brings hope that the criminals will face the music for their action. As UDEMWO, we call for no bail for the culprits. We are also concerned that the police refused to attend to crime scenes citing their safety above of the citizens. The recent reports of the 13 year old teenager who went missing three weeks ago and the parents received no assistance from the police until the media intervened. Kabelo Matsatsi, the father reported the event but police officials refused to help. We condemn the misconduct by police. It is unacceptable. We are asking ourselves if the safety officials will not be able to attend to these crimes who will? How many more girls/women must die before something is done? We would also like to see synergy amongst the government departments i.e. South African Police Service, Department of Justice and the Department of Correctional Service as these departments play a vital role. They should complement one another in making sure criminals face and suffer the consequences of their acts. This is a national crisis; it must be attended to with urgency. End
Admin
16 May, 2017
Avoidable WSU violence takes a life
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the strongest terms condemns the destructive behaviour of some Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students. The reported fight between WSU medical students and the fatal stabbing of a final year medical student, Lwando Mantshontsho, is shocking and seems quite senseless; it is difficult to grasp what has happened. Parents send their children to university in the hope that they will live and learn in a safe environment, yet they are exposed to danger from fellow students. This is not acceptable. Judging our students by this behaviour, forces us to doubt the quality of the future leaders of this country. WSU students have long complained about lack of security on campus and not much has been done. How many more students and/or staff must be injured and lives lost before action is taken. We call upon all the stakeholders involved to take rapid action. University management must prioritise campus safety so that staff and students can work in an environment conducive to learning. The UDM hopes harsh sentences will be meted out against those found guilty and that it will be a lesson to other criminals in the making. Justice must take its course as our society does not deserve such people. Our condolences to the family and friends of young Lwando. We also wish speedy recovery to those in hospital Issued by: UDM Secretary General Mr Bongani Msomi
Admin
12 May, 2017
ANC hypocrisy too thick to swallow; Molefe “re-redeployment”
If it was not for the serious implications of the ruling party deployment agency; one might be tempted to laugh at the situation around the reinstatement of Mr Brian Molefe as the Eskom Chief Executive (CE). Exasperated opinions by, or on, Mr Molefe, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Browne, the ruling party and the Eskom Board falls from the sky like hail stones on a tin roof. According to the ruling party, Mr Molefe’s reinstatement “…is reckless and feeds into the perception that the government is lacklustre in dealing with corruption…”. What a loaded phrase and how ironic from whence it came given the South Africa post-cabinet reshuffle. The ruling party, in an official statement, said that it “… will seek an engagement with Comrade Lynne Browne, the Minister of Public Enterprises, under whose authority Eskom…”. Read between the lines that the Minister is no longer accountable to Cabinet and Parliament, but directly to the Comrades in Luthuli House. President Zuma’s foible of blurring the lines between State and Party is seemingly contagious. We also hope that it is not lost on South Africans that today the ruling party has big issues with Brian Molefe as Eskom CE, but it’s fine for him to represent it (and the people) as a Member of Parliament. Funny logic this, or is there something we are not being told? President Zuma’s midnight shuffle was the tip of the iceberg of ruling party infighting spilling over onto an unsuspecting populace. Corruption, and inefficiency has become the hallmarks of the Zuma administration. These are the facts; like it or not. Those voters who have not yet done so, it is time to open your eyes and see what is straight in front of you; Captain Zuma will doggedly salute the status quo and remain at the helm of the sinking ship of South Africa, whilst listening to the dying band as it is submersed with the rest of us. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
Admin
12 May, 2017
Condolences to Karabo Mokoena family
Statement issued by UDEMWO Secretary General, Ms Thandi Nontenja The brutal murder of Karabo Mokoena, allegedly at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, brings great sadness to the women of this Country. We had hoped that she would be found alive and well after she went missing late last month, only to be shocked to learn of her brutal passing. It is most disturbing that this seems to be, once again, one of those horrendous crimes committed by someone a woman or girl should be able to trust. Women continue living in fear of the unknown in their own living spaces. We cannot say enough about the need to stop women abuse and murder; there must be a change of heart and in the actions of many men in this patriarchal society. Meanwhile, UDEMWO welcomes the 20-year sentence of the ANC Youth League’s Patrick Wisani for the murder of his girlfriend, Nosipho Mandleleni. This judgment cannot bring her back but it is lesson for other would be offenders. We hope to see greater punitive measures applied to guilty evildoers. We are disappointed that the Department of Women, which is supposed to champion us, being so quiet. This is a proof that Government continues to fail women. End
Admin
08 May, 2017
Vuwani no-show: A sign of disrepect
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General – Bongani Msomi It is with sadness that we witness the belittling behaviour of President Jacob Zuma towards the people of this country. His no-show at Vuwani, at the weekend, displays the clear arrogance of his government and his party. There have been widespread service delivery protests but nothing changes. Citizens need to realise that the ruling party does not consider them and that it is time to make different choices. President Zuma and his allies should be made to feel the anger of the citizens; the only ways to do this is for South Africans take back their power and punish the ruling party in 2019. President Zuma must stop taking people for a ride and they must stop allowing this to happen.
Admin
03 May, 2017
Open Letter by Thandi Nontenja to Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato
Mr Dan Plato Western Cape Minister of Community Safety 35 Wales Street 5th Floor Cape Town 8000 Dear Mr Plato UDEMWO calls for quick intervention on crimes against the women and children on the Cape Flats The unabated incidents of rape and murders, on the Cape Flats, targeted at women and children caught our attention. Since the beginning of the year, several women and children have fallen victim to such crimes and we are worried that not enough is being done to eradicate this phenomenon. Gang related violence, drug and alcohol abuse seem to be endemic to these areas. The situation is out of control with the City of Cape Town Metro Police reportedly saying that teams will only enter ‘red zones’ in large numbers to avoid potential threats and attacks from residents. There is obviously a challenge with the affected communities not trusting the police and this must be addressed without further delay. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, would like to know what drastic interventions, if any, you and your department are taking to deal with the problem. It cannot be that we fold our arms while these terrible crimes continue; something must be done to restore dignity to these citizens and heal the ills in this society. We urge that you and all the involved stakeholders to come up with strategy that will see to the safety and protection of the vulnerable. In the meantime, we welcome the arrest of the four suspects in the horrendous murder of four-year-old Iyapha Yamile in Khayelitsha over the long weekend. May justice be swift. Yours in Nation building Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
26 Apr, 2017
Nuclear deals: Western Cape High Court judgement is an indictment of a Government involved in sneaky deals
Statement issued by UDM President Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the Western Cape High Court ruling in favour of the case brought against Government by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute. This ruling is a good lesson for Government to understand and accept that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable Constitutional dictates. Government must stop trying to sneak such deals without the knowledge of the people. The ruling is also in favour of the millions of citizens who would have had to service this long-term debt for a deal that could have bankrupted the national fiscus. South Africa’s economy has already been downgraded to junk status and therefore would not have been able to raise external funds without punishing the poorest of the poor. The UDM warns Government leaders to stop placing their personal interests and that of their party ahead of the people of South Africa. End
Admin
26 Apr, 2017
ANC must stop looting state resources
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi Eastern Cape is one of the worst struggling provinces with severe challenges such as poor infrastructure. It is with great sadness that we observe those who are in power abusing resources meant for uplifting the poor. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is however happy to note that action has been taken against those who allegedly stole from the state purse. The recent court appearance of the former Amathole district municipality mayor Nomasikizi Konza, as well as Buffalo City Metro mayor Zukiswa Ncitha with their co-accused, bodes well. It gives us hope as a country that the Hawks have finally woken up to smell the coffee and are doing their job. We hope to see a maximum punishment being meted out to all found guilty. The leadership of the ruling party seems to be in denial while the state is being looted. It is high time that they own up to the widespread corruption within the ranks of their political deployees and officials.
Admin
21 Apr, 2017
UDM condemns police killings
Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi The United Democratic Movement (UDM) sends condolences to the family and friends of the brutally killed police officers while on duty. As UDM, we note with shock and concern the increasing numbers of officials killed throughout the country. The recent killings bring much alarm and it warrants that something should be done urgently. We cannot carry on as if nothing happened. The attack on police is an attack to the citizens. UDM calls on community members to help in the protection of the police. They must be allowed to do their job without fear. When a police officer dies, not only the family is affected but the whole community and nation at large. The police must be trained in such a manner that will allow them to defend themselves when they are attacked. We wish to extend a speedy recovery to the police officer who was wounded during shootout in Soweto. We hope he gets well soon. We call on the security agencies to work tirelessly to arrest the culprits. We hope they will get arrested and brought to book. End
Admin
19 Apr, 2017
Political intolerance : Councillors involved in Johannesburg violence
STATEMENT ISSUED BY UDM JOHANNESBURG COUNCILLOR, MS THANDI NONTENJA The political scene in the Greater Johannesburg City Council leaves much to be desired. The fact that an Integrated Development Plan summit in Midrand was violently disrupted and resulted in the injury of several persons is deplorable. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) takes a dim view of this kind of political intolerance which harks back to a violent past and we condemn it in no uncertain terms. It is reported the African National Congress (ANC) councillors instigated the situation and one cannot help but think that the ANC is hell-bent on destabilising the Johannesburg coalition government. The ANC must take responsibility for their actions and explain to the voters in Johannesburg why they don’t want to accept the outcomes of the 2016 Municipal Elections. They lost the battle and their actions reeks of sour grapes. These actions are disadvantaging the community who have now deprived of the opportunity to submit their wish lists. We hope that the injured persons soon recover and that the police take the guilty persons and/or parties to task. End
Admin
13 Apr, 2017
UDM’s well wishes for Easter Holiday
Statement by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General As we approach the holiday season, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) calls on drivers to be more vigilant and ensure that travellers reach their destination safe. We must curb the incidents of road rage; drivers and passengers must not be impatient. Pedestrians also must abide by the law and rather use bridges to cross highways. They must also not jay-walk while intoxicated. Let there be no injuries and fatalities as we usually witnessed, we can achieve this by making sure that drivers obey the rules of the road and rest if tired. The UDM also calls for visibility of law enforcement officials – it is their job to keep roads and people safe. Owners must ensure that their vehicles are road worthy. Please accept our well-wishes for those who observe Easter and those who are due for a period of respite, should come back rested. End
Admin
10 Apr, 2017
UDM condemns ANC Youth League political intolerance
Statement issued by Bongani Mosmi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is stunned and disappointed by the violent behaviour displayed by the ruling party’s youth league, African National Congress Youth League towards anti-Zuma protesters. ANC is supposed to be the custodian of our constitution which guarantees the freedom of association. The attacks and threats are totally unacceptable. We are observing the similar behaviour even to the officials who are ANC members in the Tshwane Metro and other areas who refused the permission to the organisers of the protest march. South Africa is a free country and this must stop. End
Admin
10 Apr, 2017
#ZumaMustFall: The Opposition is united in Putting South Africa, and Its Citizens, First
Joint media statement As leaders, we shall never abandon our responsibility to put South Africa first. Accordingly, the leadership of the African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, African People’s Convention, Congress of the People, Agang SA, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement have agreed to give expression to this commitment. We want to make every effort to rescue South Africa from this one-man-made quagmire. President Jacob Zuma, with the blessing and help of his sycophants, is actively undermining the work of our Chapter Nine institutions. The Constitutional Court found that he acted illegally; failed to uphold; defend and respect the Constitution with his disregard of the Public Protector’s remedial action on the Nkandla corruption. He is in violation of the Constitution and his oath of office, which makes Mr Zuma ineligible to be President of the Republic. President Zuma’s midnight cabinet reshuffle started a domino effect, with the rand tanking, South Africa’s downgrading by two ratings agencies, as well as the downgrading of some banks and Eskom. “Junk status” makes South Africa an unsafe investment destination and international banks will think twice before lending money to us. Our credibility is shot and the knock-on effects in terms of the cost of living is going to hit our poor people the hardest. The influence of the Gupta family on our President, including several ministers, means President Zuma has been bought by the highest bidder and that South Africa is being run from Saxonwold. From Wednesday, 12 April 2017, onward, the aforementioned political parties shall embark on a programme of periodic mass action to ensure that South Africans, and their country, are protected from the brutal hand of Mr Jacob Zuma. We now announce – to all South Africans, Africa and the world – that we have declared 12 April a “National Day of Action”. We are happy to report that there already are many civil society organisations on board, like SaveSA, as well as South Africans (from all walks of life) who have indicated that they identify with this cause. They have expressed their willingness to do everything within their power to make the “National Day of Action” a success. As part of our programme, political parties across the Country will mobilise their members and structures to engage in activities geared towards forcing the ruling party to recall their deployee. Or, to exert enough pressure that President Zuma will do the honourable thing and resign. We will have, and plan to, engage civil society formations, as well as our colleagues in other political parties to mobilise support for the people’s “National Day of Action” at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. We plan to engage in various activities – such as the “National Day of Action – over the coming days, weeks and months to show common cause i.e. to rescue South Africa from a slippery-slope. We extend an invitation to all South African citizens, other political parties, labour organisations, traditional and religious institutions and any other interested parties to participate in all the other protest activities in the pipeline. We also, and very specifically, extend an invitation to the ruling party, that claims to be the leader of society, to occasionally act with the people, and for the people. If they fail (as is their standard operating procedure) to hear the loud cries of South Africans to remove their “junk status” President, the people must unite in dictating their own destiny and punish the African National Congress in the 2019 National and Provincial Elections. END
Admin
06 Apr, 2017
UDM calls for investigation into death of poisoned minors
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to convey a message of condolence to the families of two minors that were killed after an alleged consumption of food poison in the Western Cape meanwhile others are still in a critical condition in hospital. This is tragic and we are calling for a speedy investigation into finding the origins of the food they had ingested and someone must be brought to book for this tragedy that led to people losing lives while others are in a bad state. UDM also wishes a speedy recovery to those who still fighting for their lives in hospital and we hope they will be discharged soon. End
