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13 Dec, 2015
UDM 5th National Congress resolutions
Having met on its 5th Congress, the United Democratic Movement strives to create a South African government that responds to the socio-economic challenges confronting the nation. The UDM fifth Congress laid another brick towards building a firm foundation for the development and fine-tuning of Party policies on wide ranging issues of the nation. The Congress was extremely concerned with the rate of corruption within our country that has reached a stage of being a threat to our national security. It mandated its leader in parliament to sponsor at the National Assembly a “Bribery Bill” as part of the aggressive fight against public and private sector corruption. The UDM will lobby and mobilise for national government to revisit the tax system and tighten financial controls as part of the mechanisms to fight the illicit financial flows and its adverse impact on the economy. To compel all companies directly investing into the South African economy to have local content on ownership and preconceived obligation to reinvest certain percentage of its profits within the country. The Congress further mandated the National Executive Committee to continue lobbying other political parties, civil society organisations and the nation at large for a National Indaba on Economic Transformation in order to develop a blue print of the economic transformation path and to develop a national blue print on spatial local economic development to avoid the capital outflow in the guise of rural and local economic development initiatives. The UDM has decided to continue being part of radical campaign for a free quality education and lobby all sectors of society for the realisation of sustainable development and human dignity for all. The Congress denounced the decision to sack the Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene, as irrational and not meeting up to the S1(c) demands of the national constitution. The UDM is against the deployment of ruling party cadres without skills into high position of power within the state and/or state companies. This practice not only promotes inefficiency and corruption, and is fast turning the country into a Banana Republic. The Congress resolved to radically campaign and mobilise South African society against the elite projects, like E-Tolls and Nuclear Energy Plants, intendent to fund the ruling elite friends and the confers of the ruling party. The UDM believes the falling prices of renewable energy technology makes it the only sensible option for sustainable development that is couched on the protection of our environment. Therefore the UDM aligns itself with the aggressive campaigns for Green Energy. The Congress mandated the National Executive Committee (NEC) to develop and adopt a re-branding strategy that would make the party relevant to the demands of the 21st century. This include attracting into its fold all sectors of society in particular youth, students and professionals. The Congress adopted the 2016 Local Government Elections – Manifesto whose theme is: “Put Community First – Save South Africa – Live the Dream”. It further directed all its structures branches to be part of social audits in their respective communities to ensure the monitoring and evaluation of service delivery. UDM, will create inclusive and independent ward committees that represent and account to citizens of a ward than to a party councillor. These ward committees will be responsible for coordinating development of ward based plans to be included in the municipal IDP. Consultation with communities will mean, under UDM council; that citizens of a ward will be responsible for identifying their challenges, solutions and be central in implementing their developmental plans. UDM will not give priority to its members who are councillors over the citizens of a ward and a municipality. Any UDM councillor that is alleged of corruption or any other act that is against the people will be swiftly removed. The Congress was totally against the new elite systems that contravenes poor people’s Constitutional rights to Basic services like water and electricity. It mandated the National Executive Committee to convene a National Policy Conference within eighteen (18) months from the date of the Congress. We believe in a UDM that serves the people that people serving it. This is so, because UDM firmly accept that first is the country and its citizens.
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03 Dec, 2015
UDEMWO pleased by SCA verdict: Oscar Pistorius
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is delighted by the new ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal that has found Oscar Pistorius guilty of murder of Reeva Steenkamp. As UDEMWO, we welcome this verdict. The overturning of the court judgement brings hope in the justice system and to women and children that are victims of crime. We hope that the justice system will continue to deal with lawbreakers and not be lenient against them. As the case is going back to the High Court and Judge Thokozile Masipa will once again preside, we hope that it will not drag for a very long time as we feel this is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
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23 Nov, 2015
UDEMWO calls for swift action by MEC Qedani Mahlangu
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the news of a possible risk of babies going blind due to power outage at one of the biggest hospitals in Africa, Chris Hani Baragwanath. It is with great sadness that such an unfortunate event is not taken serious by the health authorities instead the Department of Health in Gauteng is busy playing hide and seek while the health of those innocent babies is at risk of being permanently blind. The power outage could have been avoided. Government has the money for all the lavish lifestyle for the leaders but the important and basic things as health are being taken for granted. Millions of rands are wasted in building and upgrading Nkandla, funding private jet for president while the masses are suffering. UDEMWO is calling upon Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu to a make swift intervention on this problem and other challenges that Gauteng hospitals are faced with. This unfortunate incident adds up to all the misery in health facilities in that province. It has been forever since the Department Of Health was confronted with issues of health such as community members sleeping on the floors at health facilities while others lost lives. What is even sad to this is the fact that the Department of Health in Gauteng is denying the problem to ever exist in that hospital. As UDEMWO, we say more could be done to curb this problem and other problems that hospitals are facing. An immediate action must be made by Health authorities to save these innocent babies. End
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11 Nov, 2015
UDM welcomes sentencing of Mido Marcia’s killers
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi As the United Democratic Movement (UDM), we welcome the sentencing of the eight (8) police officers who were involved in the horrendous assault that led to the death of Mozambican taxi driver Mido Marcia in Daveyton in 2013. The sentencing sends out a clear and strong message to all other officers and criminals who think they are above the law. We hope that the justice system will continue to deal with lawbreakers and not be lenient against them. Such people do not belong in our communities. We hope that the sentence will also be a lesson to other law enforcement officials who abuse their power. End
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28 Oct, 2015
ANCWL march insult to women
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja :UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are overwhelmed at the stunt by the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) to take into the streets in defence of President Jacob Zuma. Their march shows clearly that Women’s League does not care about societal matters but their main objective is covering each other’s backs rather than the masses. This is an insult to women of this country that the ANCWL decides to stand by Zuma the very same thing they did when he was facing rape case and other cases. The current ANCWL President Bathabile Dlamini was at the forefront during that case against another woman. To us as UDEMWO, it appears clearly that their interest lies only in self-serving. The nation is currently faced with burning issues and we have never heard from the Women’s League and now they have courage to march protecting one man. The country would be a better place if they would use the same energy and heroism in matters that will benefit us all, specifically women. Instead of addressing the symptoms of Zuma’s blunders the ANCWL should find the root causes of him being ridiculed. They must look around to see which other Presidents were ever ridiculed more than him. The answer lies within the ANC. ANCWL must also remember that the President they are defending was elected by people and he must account to the citizens. End
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26 Oct, 2015
UDM wishes matriculants luck
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi,UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes the Matric class of 2015 the best of luck with their final exams that have commenced today throughout the country. These exams are crucial in determining your future through education and all of your efforts and hard work will improve your chances of making better career choices. The country has witnessed many protests that have led to the disruption of school attendance but we are confident that with your commitment, you have stayed, and continue to stay focused. As UDM, we also urge the matriculants to go out there and make the nation proud. End
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19 Oct, 2015
UDEMWO condemns Kensington attack
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) condemns the ruthless and inhumane incident that took place over the weekend where a young woman was gang raped by 12 men in front of their partners while the other woman managed to escape. Their partners were then tied up and drowned in a dam in Kensington, Johannesburg. This is such a disgusting and dreadful attack that cannot be overlooked. The law enforcement officials must hunt those involved and bring them to book for the terrible attack they have committed. At times like this, we find ourselves calling for the return of death sentence towards the criminals because of such incidents. It is such a horrific society we live in. Humans have turned into monsters towards their very own. UDEMWO would also like to convey a message of condolence to the deceased families and wishes a speedy recovery to the affected women. The quietness of the Women’s Ministry is deafening.
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09 Oct, 2015
UDM reacts to SCA decision on SABC coup
Statement issued by President Bantu Holomisa, MP Statement on the Supreme Court of Appeal Judgement delivered on the 8th of October 2015 on a matter between SABC, Minister of Communication, Chief Operations Officer of the SABC and the Democratic Alliance The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on the 8th of October 2015. This judgement vindicates what we have always understood to be the powers of the Office of the Public Protector. When everybody was shouting in Parliament about Nkandla, UDM soberly advised the President to take the report, findings and remedial actions of the Public Protector for judicial review. Yesterday’s SCA judgement has boxed the President into that corner in vindication of sober analysis and advice by the UDM. The SCA said amongst others…”an affected person” or institution aggrieved by a Public Protector’s findings could, in “appropriate circumstances” challenge it by way of review application. It further said “moreover, an individual or body affected by any finding, decision or remedial action taken by the Public Protector is not entitled to embark on a parallel investigation process to that of the Public Protector, and adopt the position that the outcome of that parallel process trumps the findings, decision or remedial actions taken by the Public Protector…” On the 20th of March 2015, I personally and as the Leader of the UDM in Parliament, penned a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, amongst others, highlighting to her the process that the NA was about to embark on, of referring the report of the Public Protector to the Minister of Police was flawed and that UDM shall not be part of undermining a Chapter Nine Institution and breaking the law. We were ignored. On the 6th of August 2015, during the question and answer session to the President, I asked the President: “Mr. President, The Public Protector investigated your private property, made findings and took appropriate remedial actions against you Not the cabinet nor this parliament, don’t you consider to save this House and the nation, by simply applying for a Judicial Review given that you have challenged her findings and this House cannot act as an appeal authority on a matter that DOES NOT BELONG HERE”. I see now other parties who were so keen in participating in a parallel process that seek to undermine a Chapter Nine Institution, have also came to this conclusion, and in the usual manner, act as if this has always been their stance. They can have their stolen thunder for the good of the nation. In light of all this, the UDM supports the call to establish a review board to find ways to strengthen Chapter Nine Institutions, such as the Public Protector’s Office and others. Clarification about legal powers of these institutions needs to be made if they are to play a complimentary oversight, assisting Parliament to do its work. Chapter Nine Institutions are there to help Parliament with oversight issues, and not merely act as watchdogs. Parliament needs to work in support of these institutions not to assist the axe against them.
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07 Oct, 2015
Harsh measures against “baby dumpers”
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General In the wake of new born babies being abandoned and deserted throughout the country, the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is calling for harsh actions against those responsible for these inhumane acts. The abandonment of babies has become a norm and it is not acceptable at all. This is a problem that has gotten out hand. A lot must be done by government with society to deal with this problem. Campaigns must be in place in educating young women and make sure that this does not continue as it does now. A number of new born babies were reported to be found abandoned in different places in the country this week even though women have options of taking their babies into places of safety. This shows clearly that there is a serious problem with our society. It is high time that we as communities stop looking the other side while the moral fibre of our societies is being dehumanized. Communities need to speak out on such incidents happening in their neighbourhoods. It is high time we go back to the spirit of Ubuntu. There is absolutely no justification into why someone would dump or kill a child in this day of access to clinics and other non-governmental institutions that offer help. UDEMWO calls for punitive measures to those who abandon or kill babies. They have a right to life too. End
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01 Oct, 2015
UDM calls DA to order
Statement by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa-UDM Chief Whip The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disturbed and disappointed by the racist social media post attributed to the Democratic Alliance (DA) Honourable Dianne Kohler-Barnard. There is no other way to read and understand these reckless comments than as pure racism and an endorsement of the apartheid system. We cannot allow Honourable Kohler-Barnard to glorify and romanticize the diabolic system of apartheid. She will recall that under PW Botha’s regime black people were treated as sub-human. Her remarks seek to inculcate the notion of white supremacy, while at the same time firmly entrenching the perception of black incompetence. The fact that we have a ruling party that has decided to prioritise the looting of state resources and protecting its corrupt leaders over improving the material and socio-economic conditions of our people does not justify a call for a return to the apartheid system. We call on the DA to deal with this matter once and for all. End
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29 Sep, 2015
March against corruption on 30 of September 2015
The march against corruption on the 30th of September 2015, is consistent with the UDM position well-articulated in our 2014 Manifesto. Indeed corruption undermines and destroys the liberties enshrined in the country’s constitution, for which many paid the supreme price. This country can never succeed in eradicating poverty, create employment and reduce inequality if corruption is allowed to be the order of the day. The gains of our freedom and rights of citizens are undermined. The recently reported corruption court case in the United States in which the ANC is alleged to have benefitted through its infamous Chancellor House, is but one in many. If the ANC is serious about clear and corrupt free governance, it must simply pay back the money it benefitted through corrupt activities. South Africans should not allow the ruling party’s extortions of money from companies doing business with its government. The VW scandal could negatively affect job creation in South Africa. In this regard, we shall be part of the masses of the people of this country who commit to fight against the looting from the poor by both those who control the public office and the private sector. As UDM, we have a clear record of fighting corruption and we shall not be stopped. I call on all members of UDM and citizens in general to join the march against corruption on the 30th of September 2015. End
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29 Sep, 2015
Weapons in Radovan Krejir’s cell is pure anarchy
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi: UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement is calling for an end on access of mobile phones and dangerous weapons inside correctional service centres. The Party has been calling for stringent security measures to be put in place in prisons to avoid crimes that are being done by prisoners while incarcerated. The access to these weapons and equipment show clearly that the police officers, prison warders and everyone else are not safe. It is unfortunate that some of the same officials or warders are to blame for this anarchy. How can a prisoner be able to possess such dangerous weapons as we have seen in Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir’s case? He was found with a possession of a number of illegal dangerous weapons including a 9 millimetre pistol.The Correctional Minister Michael Masutha owes the nation an explanation. The Correctional Services Department’s mission is to provide safe environment for South Africans or citizens against the perpetrators of law transgressors but it is failing because of corrupt personnel. An investigation must take place to determine those responsible for the distribution and they must be brought to book. End
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14 Sep, 2015
UDM reacts to the appointment of Mthandazo Ntlemeza as new head of the Hawks
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the appointment of Mthandazo Berning Ntlemeza as the new head of Hawks. It remains to been seen whether the statement made by the Pretoria High Court Judge, Elias Matojane, who earlier this year found him as a liar and dishonest person was untrue and baseless. We hope that Ntlemeza is not blowing his own horn and start to deliver. It is up to him to prove that what were said by the Judge were just comments as Minister Nathi Nhleko has said in defending his appointment. We also hope that this is not another cadre deployment. End
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07 Sep, 2015
UDEMWO reiterates call for the review of the parole system
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is calling for denial of parole to a man who shot and injured his ex-wife Precious Eland and while on bail he shot and killed his lover, Mabel Kobe. As UDEMWO, we have been calling for the reviewal of the parole system as we believe that it is not being applied appropriately. Once more, the justice system has failed to protect women in this country. How does one get a bail out for serious cases as murder and attempted murder? How many women must die, killed by this monster before justice is served? This man has shown that he has no respect for women and for law and it is disgusting. Eland has complained to the authorities about getting threatening calls from the man who shot her 17 times leaving her for dead. The very same man who killed his lover and a known killer is about to walk free while the victim is living a life of fear. Justice must prevail; he must rot behind bars and suffer for his actions. As UDEMWO, we are calling for the denial of parole of this man and for protection of victim. We are disappointed by government together with the Justice Department. This has proved without doubt that women in this country are not protected even by government. Once more, UDEMWO is calling for the reviewal of the parole system and will continue with the call until justice is served. End
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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
