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11 Mar, 2016
UDEMWO calls for action to arrest Mafevuka’s killers
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we welcome the arrest of the suspects in the murder case of the 16 year old teenage girl, Franziska Blochliger in Tokai early this week. We commend the police and everyone who made the arrest possible and we hope that the case will not drag long before the alleged perpetrators are brought to book for their horrendous action. In comparison, it is saddening to learn that not much has been done regarding the investigation into the murder of the 19 year old Sinoxolo Mafevuka who was raped and murdered in Khayelitsha almost two weeks ago. To us this is a matter of concern. It leaves us with many questions of whether is it a matter of the other family having means to hire investigators to dig deep in order for things to happens or is it the law enforcement that is dragging feet. The South African Police Service never ceases to let women and the country down. As UDEMWO, we are calling on police to do more and make sure that the perpetrators are brought to book. We would be pleased to see the very same energy used in Tokai arrest being used for Mafevuka family. Statement issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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08 Mar, 2016
Isilimela Road in Port St Johns and the Mthatha High Court
Statement by Mr Mncedisi Filtane (MP) in the National Assembly Responding to the much published potential loss of the public monies, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) member of the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Mr. Mncedisi Filtane, fielded this question to the Department: “What is that the department if doing about a much publicised potential loss surrounding the stalled road construction of the Isilimela Road in Port St Johns and whose contract value is R200 million?” The department made a commitment in the Portfolio Committee meeting, that it will investigate the matter, working with the Provincial Department of Public Works and thereafter, present a report to the committee soon. The United Democratic Movement welcomes this speedy response and commitment. We hope the investigation will ensure that the much needed road is constructed with speed and that public monies are not wasted. We further welcome a commitment made the by Minister of Public Works with regard to the Mthatha high court infrastructural upgrade. During 2015, this matter was raised with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services. Amongst issues raised was the infrastructural decay of the high court. Today, the Minister of Public Works, pronounced that the Mthatha high court will be attended to, from the 1st of April 2016 and a progress report will be presented to the Portfolio Committee at the end of the first quarter of the year, which is the end of June. We also welcome this commitment and looking forward to the upgrading of the Mthatha High Court so that it can provide qualitative services to the people.
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22 Feb, 2016
UDM condemns service disruptions by ANC in Ingquza Hill Municipality
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) condemns the disruption of public services due to internal strife amongst the African National Congress members in the Ingquza Hill Municipality. Most affected areas include ward 21 eMcobothini, ward 20 Hombe, and ward 16 Nkunzimbini. It is reported that this problem started three weeks ago when community members affiliated to the ruling party were not pleased with the Ward Councillors that are deployed in the affected areas. This has led to the angry members to take to the streets, blocking the streets with big stones leading to pupils not going to school, burning tyres and in some schools teachers were forced out of classes by these members. Today, many shops in town were forced by the protesting community members to close down. This only means that businesses and owners who have nothing to do with the turmoil within the ANC are also negatively affected. We will not tolerate the abuse of innocent people by the ruling party and its members. Their in-fights must not affect the ordinary person in the street. As the UDM, we condemn this action that has led to many disruptions in Ingquza and calling upon the ANC leadership in that area to intervene and solve whatever problems they are faced with. People have a right to free movement. Statement issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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18 Feb, 2016
SONA Debate: UDM comments on the reply by the President
The United Democratic Movement welcomes the comment made by the President in response to our call for an All-Inclusive National Economic Transformation Indaba. Notwithstanding his fears, we remain convinced that South Africans from all political and socio-economic persuasions are prepared to do everything possible for the growth and development of our economy. As South Africans did with the political transition, decided to embrace each other irrespective of different ideological positions and a painful experience, surely there is a possibility that they can find each other on the economic ground. The fact that captains of industry are not only prepared but ready to engage with labour movements, all parties confirmed the need for something drastic to be done in the economic front, should be a positive indicator. In any event, South Africa has been able to find each other on the National Development Plan. Indeed and as we have proposed, the process towards the Indaba should be preceded by a National Summit which shall agree on the national framework that will guide the Indaba and reduce areas of disagreement. Such will address his fears. However, the fact the President elected not to consider the following, has appalled UDM. 1. Whilst the President has re-iterated government’s commitment to fight corruption, we thought that he would specifically provide leadership on the questionable transactions taking place in the Public Investment Corporation, where pension monies of the poor working people are flowing into the back pockets of the cronies of the ruling elite. These include the deals done to benefit amongst others, the consortiums called Kilimanjaro Sakhumnotho and a not-for-profit organisations, “Global Fund for Christ”. These include provided funds of many of the ex-mine workers who have been marching between the Union Buildings and Parliament with no answer. 2. This also includes the crisis in the Construction Education and Training Authority, where corruption whistle blowers are reported to SACP leaders for reprimand. The levies paid by poor workers are being abused just under the nose of the Minister of Higher Education and Training who is an SACP chief. 3. The abuse of public funds through the so-called ‘War on Leaks Project’ launched by the President in Port Elizabeth, where only those young people associated with the ruling party gets jobs. Effectively, this projects funds campaign activities of the ruling party’s volunteers. We thought that the President would condemn the usage of public money by government leaders of the ruling party assisted by government officials. We also thought that the President would take the nation into his confidence and explain why after such painful experience the country has gone through due to his actions, he remains in office. This is so important given the fact that some of these actions have compromised the national legislature and members of the cabinet. In this regard, UDM shall continue to make a call for the revolutionary consciousness of Mr Zuma to prevail and for him to vacate the Office of the President with dignity. Statement issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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18 Feb, 2016
Bantu Holomisa writes to the Speaker of the NA re Gupta Family
• Mining Minister’s Gupta Trip • Name: Van Rooyen’s two Gupta ‘advisers’ who almost hijacked SA Treasury • Duarte denies abuse of office • Why the Gupta family’s alleged deal with Denel is dubious • Denel and Gupta venture ‘illegal’ • Gupta-Zuma Firm gets 10th of Richards Bay Coal Export Rights • Nuclear energy: Gupta’ power play (Shive Uranium) Dear Honourable Speaker THE THREAT PRESENTED BY THE GUPTA FAMILY TO THE SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY’S RESOURCES. The widely reported proximity between our head of state and the Gupta Family has reached unprecedented proportions and therefore demands an immediate intervention by an appropriate national legislative body. The reported transactions, some of which are attached, exposes that critical and strategic industries are targeted for influence and capture by this family and its associates, chiefly amongst others being the son of the President. Further disturbing reports are that, the cabinet seem to have been co-opted to an extent that they are obliged to be paraded during breakfast shows of SABC 2, organised by the New Age of the same family. These breakfast shows are directly funded by State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) yet our public broadcaster (SABC) gets zero and all the millions go to the Gupta family. The capture and control of the cabinet by this family has since gone beyond the breakfast shows, today the nation knows that, recently, the Minister of Mineral Resources accompanied this family to Switzerland to help snatch yet another coal mining deal. Already, some of the members of the cabinet are publicly undermined and embarrassed; as witnessed in the recent illegal joint venture with a State Owned Enterprise, Denel without the knowledge of the minister and compliance with the relevant regulatory framework, (PFMA) of our country. We are now told that the same family is snatching another coal exports rights through Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Once again, a direct family member of the President is part of this, we read. During the turmoil in our National Treasury caused by an abrupt and most devastating decision to unceremoniously remove a performing minister; the one-week minister came carrying as his hand bag, two so-called advisers, with highly questionable academic qualification, and not only allegedly linked to the same family, but one being a son in law of the Deputy Secretary General of the ruling party. These disturbing reports are a source of discomfort and threat to the already devastated economy of the country. They further undermine, the confidence of both local and outside investors. There is no reasonable and mindful business person who would be encouraged to invest his or her wealth in a country whose economy is run by a family. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement, request the Office of the Speaker to direct the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to conduct hearings based on amongst others, these serious reports and allegations which are already undermining our economy and the country’s security. Kindly find attached reference articles listed above. Kindly advise Mr. Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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11 Feb, 2016
UDM SONA Expectations
Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa The United Democratic Movement expects the President to outline: How is the government going to bring concrete and realistic solutions to our economic woes: Instead of the consumptive policies that the current leadership is obsessed with characterised by targeted corrupt consumption like in the case of pension fund in which Nedlac failed to play its role. It would be a bold and positive stance if the President was to announce the appointment of a steering committee to prepare framework for an inclusive Economic Indaba, which would among others, come up with a comprehensive and implementable plan with time frames to take our economy forward. High on the agenda of the Inclusive Economic Indaba would be the issue of land, role of the state, business and labour in addressing the triple challenges facing the country, being unemployment, inequality and poverty. The SONA must also provide an answer to the questions: • How can we make sure that we invest on the majority citizens of this country as opposed the so – called BEE deployees who have no control and ownership of the economy; • How do we deal with tensions between labour, government and business; and • How do we extricate ourselves from the tinge of corruption, sadly perpetrated by country’s leadership. End
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03 Feb, 2016
Zuma must go
Zuma has no respect for the people of this country. He has embarrassed his own colleagues in the ruling party, in the process compromised the morale fibre of this country. His pronouncement is nothing less of electioneering. The people of South Africa must continue to hold the President and government to account. His attempt to want to avoid further embarrassment and ridicule by the Constitutional Court, should be rejected at all costs. The Constitutional Court must proceed to confirm powers of the Public Protector. We reject his reference to AG. Public Protector’s remedial actions must not be amended by Zuma who is the main culprit. Public Protector said figures must be determined by National Treasury and SAPS not AG. In the meantime ANC must do us a favour and call him back. He is a liability. South Africa deserves better. Statement issued by UDM President Bantu Holomisa
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01 Feb, 2016
UDM calls for Commission Of Inquiry on ARV crisis, Free State
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi. UDM Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement (UDM), we are stunned by the dire situation of ARV treatment shortage for HIV positive patients in the Free State province. The problem has led to many patients defaulting on their treatment as they have not received medication since October last year while at some parts of the province the problem began as early as June. We cannot fold our arms and watch while innocent lives are suffering and denied an access to their basic right to health. Patients cannot afford to stop taking Anti-retrovirals after have already started in taking them because this will put them in danger of developing resistance to the drugs. Such scenario affects CD 4 count negatively This has gotten out of hand. UDM is calling upon the Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to walk the talk that his government is changing lives for the better. A speedy intervention to resolve this crisis is needed. Our people deserve better. With more than 20 years into democracy we cannot have such situation where the masses are not taken care of. It is high time that the government and stakeholders involved come up with a lasting solution in the Province. The Minister must also institute a Commission of Inquiry on the failure of officials to execute the plan of the Department. This is a disgrace and embarrassment to the Nation. End
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26 Jan, 2016
UDEMWO has no confidence in police
University of Cape Town. As women we are left with a question of how many innocent women must fall victim of this horrendous crime before swift actions can be taken to put an end to this and protect them. We are even more disappointed by the South African Police Service officials who are dragging their feet to arrest the perpetrators. If our government and all other stakeholders involved have money to pay for security during student protests, we strongly believe that they have the money to hire security companies at the institutions for the protection of women. UDEMWO is calling for stringent security measures at the university and all other higher learning institutions throughout the country. It is sad to know that the very places that are supposed to be safe are the most vulnerable to acts of crime. End
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22 Jan, 2016
UDM welcomes the appointment of new Police Commissioners
Statement issued by Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the appointment of the two Commissioners, Lieutenant General Baile Brenda Motswenyane who will be at the helm of the North West Police while Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Elvis Julathe will be in control of the gangster riddled Western Cape Province. We hope that the newly appointed Commissioners will bring a positive change and turn things around in the provinces and in the South African Police Service as a whole. The Western Cape is currently battling with high number of gangster-related issues including drug dealing and crime. We hope that Lieutenant General Julathe will bring strategies to curb the escalating problems and not be a part of them. The nation is waiting to see the Commissioners proving and showing that they are appropriate incumbents. The citizens deserve better. The country has witnessed the failure of the police in executing their duties in a number of aspects, failure to get convictions on serious or high profiled criminal cases, the killing of innocent protesters during service delivery protests etc. We are calling upon Lieutenant General Motswenyane to make sure that these mistakes are put to a stop. End
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20 Jan, 2016
UDM calls for National Pension Fund Forum
Statement issued by UDM President – MP, Bantu Holomisa The furore on the Tax Laws Amendment Act and Tax Administration requires an action by all contributors. This is more urgent given that the Public Investment Corporation Fund is now targeted as the next stop for huge transactions to the ruling party and its big business friends. UDM calls for a National Pension Fund Forum which will amongst others, consider the following: • Monitoring of all decisions taken by the relevant authority over the fund with regard to all movements of the fund; • Insist that the Auditor General SA, conduct a regular and random audit of the fund; • Ensure that all monies managed by the fund are invested properly for the benefit of all those who contribute; • Ensure that the fund is not used to fund the elite projects intended to benefit the private pockets of those in the leading faction within the ruling elite; • Mobilise and ensure that all contributors are regularly informed and consulted on major decision affecting their monies; and • Conduct an audit of how the fund has been managed over the last 24 months including all transactions thereof. This forum should convene before the effect date of this new law. South Africa has for a recent past, been governed by a crop of leaders whose loyalty is less to the country and its people. At the helm of which is a state President, who proudly proclaims that his political party comes first to the country, and acting in a manner that undermines confidence to the country and its credibility. Surely, he and his travellers can’t be left unchecked when dealing with monies of the workers. They cannot be trusted with workers hard earned savings, as they continue to bankrupt the country on daily basis. It is therefore logical for them to check for another source to advance their looting agenda and feed their bottomless pockets. Let the people take full control of their monies now, leaving it in the hands of the hyenas of this world, will be suicidal. Thank you
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20 Jan, 2016
ANC must refrain from violence
As the United Democratic Movement, we are disappointed by the ANC member, Bongani Mkongi, who holds a high position in the ruling party who took to social media calling upon ANC members for the burning and killing of innocent lives that were inside a block of flats where a ”Zuma Must Fall” banner was hung. This is unacceptable. His comments have shown clearly that the ruling party and its leaders do not care about the citizens but only care for their own. The UDM is calling for punitive measures against Mkongi or any person who thinks they can make statements that could possibly incite violence. This country has passed the hard times where people were killed by those in power for no reason. The South African Constitution states clearly that everyone has a right to live and we will not allow this country to be run like in the past. His apology is not enough as the damaged has been done already. If the ANC is truly against Mkongi’s irresponsible comments, it must take harsh actions against him. The nation is waiting and watching what the ruling party will do. Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Bongani Msomi
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24 Dec, 2015
Christmas and New Year’s message from Bantu Holomisa
Fellow South Africans, I herewith extend my heartfelt wishes for a peaceful 2015/2016 festive season. As we bid farewell to this year we are appreciative of our achievements and mindful of the challenges we face. 2015 was a good year for the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the nation. It is a year in which my family and I celebrated my 60th birthday. My extended family and friends celebrated this achievement both in Gauteng and in Mqanduli – where my roots are. I thank all citizens for taking the time to join me and my family as we marked this milestone. The leadership of the UDM continues to serve the party, and the nation, as we promised this time last year. Indeed, we provided clear and successful leadership in fighting for clean governance and, amongst others, we helped the IEC to cleanse itself. We also increased our positive contribution to shape the legislative regime that takes forward the interests of the citizens in both the national and the Eastern Cape legislatures. This is the year in which the citizens of this country in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Ward 30, entrusted their livelihood to the leadership of the UDM. Once again, I humbly say thank you to the people of this area; we shall not disappoint you. In 2015 the UDM successfully held its our 5th National Congress. This congress will provide a firm base to sustain the vision and mission of the Party, with very clear and practical resolutions to be implemented. In this regard, I thank all UDM members for their work. Indeed, the UDM is a party to be reckoned with, as it brands itself to be relevant in the 21st century. We are currently in a drive to ensure that all citizens join our movement toward the realisation of our noble dream. This is the basis of our campaign theme for the 2016 Municipal Elections: “Put Communities First. Save South Africa – Live the Dream”. In few days’ time, the 2015 matric results will be announced. I wish to congratulate the class of 2015 in anticipation. I hope that these results will bring hope for better and quality education for the nation. Accordingly, I must congratulate the class of 2015 from all tertiary institutions for putting the need for free quality education high on the agenda of the nation. The UDM believes that education is the cornerstone of our developmental agenda. The year 2016 is the year for the citizens of this country to determine their destiny by electing leaders who will represent their aspirations. The UDM is ready to give citizens an opportunity to govern directly by electing their own representatives. Let us begin 2016 with the commitment to make our democracy and freedom a reality. Accordingly, the UDM will continue to make South Africa and its people a priority. Amongst others, we shall do everything possible to ensure that our country is provided with the leadership it yearns for and deserves. The critical challenge of addressing poverty, inequality, unemployment and the inherent cancer of corruption, shall remain high on our agenda. Our efforts to fight these scourges are important in order to raise the floor of prosperity and it must go hand-in-hand with democracy and freedom. The robust and open debate in our National Assembly enhances accountability and responsiveness, as well as the health of our multi-party democracy. Accordingly, the UDM shall continue making sure that this centre of power conducts its constitutional mandate in accordance with the prescripts of the law and the relevant rules and regulations. The Public Protector and other institutions of democracy continue to do well for our democracy. The UDM will continue in the new year to support these institutions and defend the gains of our democracy. The number of road accidents on our roads remains unacceptable. In this regard, the UDM calls on all citizens to respond to the important messages communicated to ensure safety on our roads. Similarly, we must double our efforts to reduce fatalities in our traditional circumcision schools. On behalf of the UDM, I wish fellow South Africans safe passage and happy and successful 2016.
Admin
14 Dec, 2015
Newly elected UDM national office bearers
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is pleased to announce the new National Office Bearers that will be at the helm of the Party for the next five years. The new leadership is as follows: President: Bantu Holomisa Deputy President: Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala Chairperson: Zolisa Lavisa Deputy Chairperson: Mncedisi Filtane Secretary General: Bongani Msomi Deputy Secretary General: Bongani Maqungwana National Treasury: Thandi Nontenja National Financial Planner Fundraiser: Maureen Vogel National Organiser: Bongani Phenyane National Deputy Organisers: Moyiseli Nkcinkca & James Ndlovu
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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.
