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12 Jun, 2015
UDEMWO is pleased by the court’s decision to deny bail against Christopher Panayiotou
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased with the way National Prosecuting Authority has so far handled the Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused case of murdering the innocent Jayde Panayiotou. Panayiotou and the men accused of killing this young woman do not deserve to be back in our communities as they pose a danger not only to the community but to those close to them. They have displayed clearly that they are not human beings with their behaviour. NPA denying bail for these cruel culprits brings hope to women and children in this country. It also sends a strong message to criminals as we are not safe in our own communities because of such inhumane individuals who abuse and murder us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. As much as we appreciate this denial of bail against the men but we would like to see the hand of justice being served. As UDEMWO, we would like to see synergy amongst the government departments i.e. South African Police Service, Department of Justice and Correctional Service as these departments play an vital role and they should complement one another in making sure that the rights of women and children are protected. UDEMWO is once again calling upon the Department of Correctional Service to review the parole system as we feel that it is not applied appropriately. It favours the culprits more the victims of crime. Remember, when you violate someone’s rights you should forfeit yours. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
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09 Jun, 2015
Police must refrain from using grenades and live ammunition when dispersing members of the public
It is with great sadness that during the Youth Month in South Africa we hear of a sad event of a student that was shot and seriously injured by police. This shows that as a country, we are still far from being free. The act by the South African Police Service officials have once again taken us aback and reminded the nation of the sad times during the apartheid era when students were shot and killed for demanding their right to education. The shooting of an 18 year old student Mawande Ngoyo from Lindelani Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape who is in a serious condition in hospital is really saddening and is raising question of whether as South Africans are we free indeed. Everyday we hear about brutal acts of police when dealing with public protests and this is deeply worrying that live ammunition are being used. As the United Democratic Movement, we are against the vandalism of properties when members of the public are not happy with service delivery and other things but the use of live ammunition is not acceptable at all. We therefore are calling upon the Police Minister, Nathi Nhleko, to come up with ways of dispersing and dealing with large gatherings. We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Mawande. Statement issued by UDM SECRETARY GENERAL – Mr Bongani Msomi
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12 May, 2015
Dr Ruth Mompati Was A True Example Of Imbokodo
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and saddened by the death of the struggle veteran Dr Ruth Mompati. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mam’ Ruth. She was a true representation of Imbokodo and as women in South Africa, we are forever grateful. She gave and served the country tirelessly when South Africa was experiencing hardships. Mam Ruth was one of the brave women who took to the streets heading to the Union Building in 1956 marching against the carrying of passes and permits by women. She paved a way for the significant change of women in leadership we see today in the country. She was one of the inspirational women leaders who we all looked up to irrespective of political affiliation one belonged to. May her soul rest in peace. End
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07 May, 2015
UDEMWO Calls For Reviewal Of The Parole System
Statement by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation condemns the gruesome killings of women throughout the country. We are also calling on the Department of Correctional Service to explain how the parole system works. One of the accused in the recent murder case of the young teacher, Jayde Panayiotou in Eastern Cape has been in and out of prison for serious cases which include robbery and possession of illegal firearm which we view under serious charge and we are asking ourselves how was he able to be given parole. Three (3) months of being a parolee he is now facing a murder case, what does this say about the justice system of this country. It is even saddening to learn that Jayde’s husband is also in custody for his involvement in the murder of his own wife. This shows clearly that women in this country are not safe and always living in fear of not knowing what is going to happen to them. Everyday we are being abused and killed by those who supposed to love and protect us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. Men have forgotten and abandoned their role as protectors and builders of the nation. South Africa is known for the Spirit of Ubuntu but that is fading by day. As women we are not safe at all even in our homes. We are victims of crime everyday without protection and that is why we are calling for the hand of justice to prevail and not grant bail for those involved in the murder. We are also calling upon the Department of Correctional Services to view their parole system as we feel that somehow it is not applied appropriately. End
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26 May, 2015
UDM sympathises with the Marikana Massacre victims and their families
The decision to take President Jacob Zuma to court by the family members, injured workers of the Marikana massacre and AMCU is the best action to force Zuma to release the findings of the investigation. As the United Democratic Movement, we are in full support of this decision and we hope he will realise the importance of the findings being made public as it is not just a report for the family and the injured miners but a closure of what happened to their loved ones on the 16 August 2012 who were victims in the hands of police while they demanded a better life in the work place. It’s been more than 4 weeks since Zuma received the report but up to now he has not made it known. To South Africans, this is a sign that government does not care about the poor. It is unfair to the victims who lost loved ones while others were brutally injured and now the North West police commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo is evacuating her office at the end of the month while the report has not been made public and she is one of the main state officials to answer to what happened on that day when police officers went berserk killing innocent souls for demanding their rights. Mbombo is not retiring but playing hide and seek, running away from what is in the report. This shows clearly that the delay by Zuma is a way of protecting those close to him and this is disgusting. Statement issued by UDM Secretary General, Bongani Msomi
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22 May, 2015
ETolls is just money laundering scheme for greedy individuals
It should be remembered that when Parliament approved guarantees for staging 2010 World Cup, as per Fifa demands. These guarantees were intended among others to improve stadiums, road infrastructure in the host cities. At no stage did parliament or government implied that such an expenditure would be claimed back by the state through schemes such as etolling. What is coming out clearly here is that some comrades became greedy and saw an opportunity to use the already improved infrastructure to generate money for themselves. This is another money laundering scheme similar to Chancellor House/Eskom/ Hitachi deal which led to ANC cashing more than R50 million last year from bogus shares. As United Democratic Movement, we are disappointed everyday by the so called ANC government. South Africans voted for freedom not to buy freedom as we see today. This must be legally challenged as it is not acceptable at all. This is a wake up call not only for the Gauteng citizens but South Africans to keep eyes open when they are in front of a ballot paper next time. Statement by UDM President Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
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20 May, 2015
Sport and politics cannot go together
On behalf of the United Democratic Movement, I wish to congratulate Dr Danny Jordaan for his appointment as Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Metro, Port Elizabeth. He is a well-known figure especially in the soccer fraternity and has achieved a lot in his life including being the President of South African Football Association, serving in FIFA and other Committees in Sport. However, as much as we don’t have anything against him, since this is a political appointment – The UDM hopes that he would do the right thing by resigning in his position as President of SAFA. The independence and neutrality of SAFA must be protected and not be blemished by politics. The SAFA Committee can say anything but must keep in mind that, politics are not like any other industry and they must compare apples with apples. Jordaan is now going to take orders from the ANC headquarters, so whatever that he will be doing or saying, people will not be able to see him as an independent person. Let us save our sports from this political game. Statement issued by Bongani Msomi – UDM Secretary General
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14 May, 2015
UDEMWO is calling on parents to keep an eye on children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is worried about the growing number of children missing throughout the country. Everyday we hear of these missing children and most of them go missing while playing around their communities. This shows clearly that our children are no longer safe in their own communities. We are calling on parents to keep a closer look on their children and members of the community can play a big role in making sure that our areas are safe for the upcoming generation. Let us go back to Ubuntu where your child is my child. According to Missing Children SA, a child disappears every six (6) hours in the country and most of them are not found or found dead. We cannot fold arms and watch while we are losing these precious souls in their own space. We are calling on South Africans to hold hands and protect our little ones. Reasons behind these disappearances are not clear but they continue taking place and we cannot allow this. We are also calling on government to tighten up the laws relating to protection of children. Those who are involved in cases relating to children must rot in jail. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General
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07 May, 2015
UDEMWO calls for reviewal of the parole system
Statement by Thandi Nontenja: UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation condemns the gruesome killings of women throughout the country. We are also calling on the Department of Correctional Service to explain how the parole system works. One of the accused in the recent murder case of the young teacher, Jayde Panayiotou in Eastern Cape has been in and out of prison for serious cases which include robbery and possession of illegal firearm which we view under serious charge and we are asking ourselves how was he able to be given parole. Three (3) months of being a parolee he is now facing a murder case, what does this say about the justice system of this country. It is even saddening to learn that Jayde’s husband is also in custody for his involvement in the murder of his own wife. This shows clearly that women in this country are not safe and always living in fear of not knowing what is going to happen to them. Everyday we are being abused and killed by those who supposed to love and protect us. We are living a life of fear in the hands of those we call loved ones. Men have forgotten and abandoned their role as protectors and builders of the nation. South Africa is known for the Spirit of Ubuntu but that is fading by day. As women we are not safe at all even in our homes. We are victims of crime everyday without protection and that is why we are calling for the hand of justice to prevail and not grant bail for those involved in the murder. We are also calling upon the Department of Correctional Services to view their parole system as we feel that somehow it is not applied appropriately. End
Admin
10 Mar, 2015
Udm Women’s Organisation Laments The Domestic Violence By Police Officers
As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Madindi family who lost their daughter Vuyiswa and her mother Sbongile during a shoot-out spree by an off duty Constable Rhulani Nkuna in Meadowlands, Johannesburg. The Madindi relatives are the latest victims of domestic violence by a police officer who also shot himself dead. This incident is of many which occur exactly three days before the world celebrates International Women’s Day. UDEMWO laments the action by the officers in blue uniform that has become a norm throughout the country. Women and children in South Africa no longer feel safe and protected in the hands of the police while they are there to protect them. We would like to call upon government to take a closer look on the regulations that allow off duty police officers to carry service pistol. The bill of right states that everybody has a right to live and this means women and children have that right to live too. UDEMWO would also like to wish the tenant who was injured during the shooting, a speedy recovery. Issued by: Sipho Mawoko MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER UDM NATIONAL OFFICE Contact numbers : 012 321 0010 / 073 3708327
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27 Nov, 2014
16 Days of Activism 2014
It’s that time of the year again. And every year I wrestle with how we feel about the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence and Abuse against Women and Children campaign that kicks off on November and runs until December 10. Although the campaign is held for only sixteen days, for it to be successful it rests on each individual and the nation as a whole in taking action for the security, protection and safety of our women and children against abuse and violence UDEMWO is of the view that it is not enough that we only have 16 days to fight against the violence and abuse of women and children and therefore makes a call to the government and stakeholders to take action and make it an everyday lifestyle and everyone’s first agenda in their day to day lives. If one were to look at high profile cases like Shrien Dewani and Oscar Pistorius, the feeling is that the country’s justice and security systems is not strong enough to protect our women and children against this scourge. Our borders are easily accessible to anyone who feels like coming to our country to commit all sorts of crime and get away with it. The UDEMWO calls upon the government to increase safety and security at the country’s borders. Looking at the Oscar Pistorius trial the question arises as to whether he received a just and suitable sentence for the death of Reeva Steenkamp and if not, are women safe and protected? Doesn’t his sentencing not encourage other men to kill, abuse and violate women’s knowing that they will get light sentences or community service? Doesn’t this then promote mob justice as sentences are not suitable to the crime committed and therefore not acceptable to communities? How safe are women and children in their own homes and communities? Victims of sexual offences and domestic violence are often highly-stigmatised. Because far too many South Africans condone such violence, women often feel obliged to protect members of their families who have committed such crimes and decide on keeping quiet about it because they are afraid that the perpetrator will get few years of imprisonment and still come back to abuse or kill them or the perpetrator is the breadwinner. Action needs to be taken from grassroots level and the government needs to do more in fighting this criminal activity. The way we socialise our boys and girls must talk to addressing the scourge by treating them as equals and giving them an equal platform in taking action with regard to any activities within the school and community environment. The government safety and security agency must claim back the street back to the community.
Admin
16 Sep, 2014
Motion without Notice: Toddler Dies In Drain
Motion without Notice in the National Assembly by CN Majeke, MP Subject: Toddler Dies In Drain I move without notice on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM): that the house: (1) notes that on Saturday, 13 September of 2014, a toddler in Uitenhage died after falling into an uncovered storm water drain; (2) further notes that the residents in the community are reported to have frequently complained to the municipality that the storm water drain was a safety hazard, until the 17-month-old Joslynn Olifant drowned in it; (3) extends our deepest condolences to Joslynn Olifant’s family; and (4) calls on the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the untimely death of the toddler, and ensure that appropriate remedial action is taken. I thank you
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16 Sep, 2014
Motion without notice on Ward 45, Buffalo City Municipality Councillor’s burnt home
Motion without notice on Ward 45, Buffalo City Municipality Councillor’s burnt home by CN Filtane (MP) I move without notice on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM): that the house: (1) Notes that on the evening of Tuesday the 9th of September 2014, Buffalo City Ward Councillor, Gideon Norexe’s house was allegedly burnt into ashes by angry residents. (2) Further notes that incidence took place just two weeks after the alleged assault of Mr Norexe by two residents. (3) Acknowledge the right of citizens to demand speedy services delivery without damage to human life and properties. (4) Condemn this act as illegal and uncalled for. Thank you
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11 Sep, 2014
Motion without notice on Bryan Habana in the National Assembly
I move without notice on behalf the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) move without notice: That the house (1) Notes that Brayan Habana, who was born on the 12 June 1983 in Benoni, Johannesburg, Gauteng has contributed significantly on the field of play, Rugby. (2) Habana has proved without reasonable doubts his talent when in 2007 Rugby World Cup was named one of the best players and at the time he was 24 years old. (3) We recall one his best moments during the final 2007 World Cup tournament where he intercepted the ball from the centre of the field to score a try that took South Africa to the second World Cup victory. (4) The house and the country should note that Habana has played 99 games for South Africa; the match between South Africa and Australia marked 100 games for Habana. (5) This outstanding achievement for Habana should be celebrated by all patriots and continue to unite South Africa as a sporting nation. (6) His contribution to South African Rugby is a shining example to be emulated by generation and generation to come. Thank you
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11 Sep, 2014
Incident which unfolded at the Umtata High Court 10 September 2014
Motion without notice in the National Assembly on 11 September 2014 by ML Filtane, MP Motion without notice on the incident which unfolded at the Umtata High Court yesterday, 10 September 2014 I hereby move, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) move without notice, that the house; (1) Notes the incident which unfolded at the Mthatha High Court yesterday where two dangerous suspects died on the scene and one official was reported wounded, following a fierce exchange of gunfire with members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU – police), and correctional services officers (DC). (2) The two suspects; Sakhumzi Mvoko (30) and Yandisa Bila 32, jointly faced 17 counts of murder, armed robbery and rape. (3) They had allegedly terrorised the former Transkei area for many years. (4) Further Notes that, one suspect accessed a fire arm from a dustbin situated within the precinct of a court of law, thus raising serious questions about the state of safety of our justice officials and institutions. (5) Notes that in December 2013, two police officers were stabbed at the same Mthatha High Court by prisoners. (6) Further wish the injured officer a speedy recovery and hope that the investigation into the person who hid the fire arm in the dustbin could be concluded speedily with consequences. (7) The house commends the NIU and DCS officers for the swift reaction to a potentially disastrous situation. Thank you
Admin
11 Oct, 2014
Tribute to a liberation struggle hero: Ndabambi Mthenjane
Motion without Notice in the National Assembly by Ms Majeke, MP Subject: Tribute to a liberation struggle hero: Ndabambi Mthenjane I move without notice on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement, that the house notes that: Mr Ndabambi Mthenjane an unsung liberation struggle hero passed away on 28 August 2014 at his Soweto home. Mr Mthenjane who turned 100 years on the 28 February 2014, is known for his firebrand activism with unlimited opinions about the struggle, spent most of his youth activism in Mpumalanga. Even though he was not a one of the renowned freedom fighters, he will be remembered as an activist who contributed in the fight against oppression. He surely joins other struggle stalwards for whose contribution today we enjoy freedom. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Thank you
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10 Sep, 2014
Follow-up question: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Follow up questions to the Governance Cluster – Question 107 – Hon Filtane – Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minster, the Auditor General’s Report (2012-13) for municipalities shows an increase on the Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure of 31% of which 41% is attributed to EC Municipalities including the KSD Municipality wherein more than R7 m has been reported to have been spent irregularly, unauthorised and fruitlessly. What is the department’s plan to deal with what AG has identified as lack of internal controls and its root causes? Are there new time lines if any to ensure clean audits across all municipalities given that the “clean audit” targets for 2014 have not been met? Question 102 – Hon Majeke – Public Service and Administration Minister, is government considering or prepared to consider an investigation into occupationally specific dispensation pay for teachers, as one of the interventions towards improving quality of our education and keep the profession attractive?
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08 Sep, 2014
Distasteful Claims that Madonsela is a CIA plant
Statement issued by Mr Bongani Msomi, UDM Secretary General The barrage of attacks, both on the person and office, of the Public Protector are becoming more and more creative. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted the claims that she is on the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) payroll and we find it distasteful. The sounds coming from the peanut gallery are a desperate attempt at discrediting a constitutional body that is doing its job properly. These statements, such as what Deputy-Minister Kebby Maphatsoe made at the weekend, is a clumsy attempt to protect President Zuma at all cost – even at the expense of our august Parliament and the credibility of the ruling party. For a Cabinet Minister to make such a statement is unbecoming. The UDM would ask the Deputy-Minister, should he have irrefutable truth that indeed Advocate Madonsela is on the CIA’s payroll, he should share that with the public. The UDM also noted that the ruling party had stopped at nothing to defend former Electoral Commission Chairperson Pansy Tlakula. The fact President Zuma’s office and his party has said nothing in defence of the Public Protector is extremely ironic.
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04 Sep, 2014
UDM: Why can’t the Dalai Lama visit South Africa?
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR BONGANI MSOMI, UDM SECRETARY GENERAL The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wants to know why the Dalai Lama is, yet again, barred from entering South Africa. Maybe it’s third time lucky? How ironic that a peaceful leader, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, cannot visit South Africa to attend the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, whilst we are proud of those South Africans who have been bestowed the same honour. Now we hear that other laureates will not come if the Dalai Lama is not permitted to enter the country. What a poor peace summit it will make when the host country, for some unknown reason, denies the Dalai Lama access to this international event. The rest of the world must be raising their eyebrows. The UDM believes that it is plain and simple; there is a pattern forming. Government must come clean and say why it does not want the Dalai Lama to come to South Africa. Hiding behind bureaucracy just does not cut it anymore.
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04 Sep, 2014
UDM Women’s organisation: reaction to rape of Bongiwe Mnguni
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes it is a travesty that women in the workplace, both in the private and public service, are not safe from sexual harassment, abuse, violence and rape. One of the main reasons why people with much needed skills, such as doctors and nurses, leave for greener pastures is that they are not safe at their places of work. We have much sympathy with, Ms Bongiwe Mnguni, a nurse who was beaten and raped at the Helen Joseph Hospital. We hope that she fully recovers from this horrific experience; our hearts go out to her. Although Ms Mnguni has suffered much harm to her body, mind and soul, we commend her for the courage to speak out. Hopefully this act will encourage more abused women to come forward. We also hope that Ms Mnguni will not leave the matter there. The police must investigate the incident and arrest the monster who attacked her. This man deserves nothing more than to rot in jail for the remainder of his years. UDEMWO believes that the hype created during Women’s Month and the 16 Days of Activism is all for nought. Government throws big parties under the name of sensitising the nation to the plight of women and girl-children. Journalists write endless stories during those times. They seem to be forgetting the rest of the year. Looking at this from a man’s perspective, they feel left out when all of government’s efforts are targeted at women’s issues – government should give some attention to this. The big picture looks bleak and UDEMWO calls on government to urgently make the places of work of their employees safe. Identifying the problem and talking about solutions is not enough – do something and find the criminals who makes us live in fear.
Admin
02 Sep, 2014
UDM: Holomisa reacts to Pansy Tlakula’s resignation
STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR BANTU HOLOMISA, MP – UDM PRESIDENT The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes that Advocate Pansy Tlakula has resigned as Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). She has at last seen the light, but it is a pity that she was forced to do so at great cost to government and political parties. There are now no more excuses; the Electoral Commission must immediately implement all the findings of the Public Protector, including those that fingered certain IEC officials. Let this be a lesson to other people in high places who believe they are untouchable and above the constitutional organs and courts of this country Read more on SABC
