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15 Nov, 2019
KwaZulu-Natal precarious weather
The United Democratic Movement would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones in the past 3 days, due to the severe and dreich weather in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The Party also sympathises with the members of different communities that their properties were destroyed by adverse weather. Some of the havoc that has been witnessed like the over flooding along the N2 near the old International Airport can be blamed to the poor performance and negligence of the Department of Transport or SANRAL and eThekwini Municipality for failing to curb this from happening. This has been a problem from time immemorial whenever there are heavy rains. One does not need to be an engineer to realize that the drainage system that is there is not working The UDM calls on the Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu and the KZN Provincial Government to give this matter an urgent attention and do whatever in their power to provide shelter and basic necessities to the communities that are affected by these hazardous weather conditions. All the victims that deserve to be helped must be assisted irrespective of their political affiliations as it has been happening in the past. A special plea is also made to all the motorists to be extra cautious on the roads by not putting their lives and of the passengers on danger, as seen on the videos that are circulating on Social Media. They must not dare the over flooded low bridges. It is dangerous. Lastly, the UDM proposes that the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to declare State of Emergency to the ravaged districts in the Province. — end — Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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14 Nov, 2019
Condolences with passing of Xhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu
We have learnt with shock of the untimely passing of the AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu. His death is a terrible loss for the Xhosa Nation and South Africa. King Zwelonke was an outspoken and independent individual who did not shy away from expressing his opinions – especially when things were not right in our country. On behalf of the United Democratic Movement and myself, I express our condolences with his family and the Xhosa people. May his soul rest in peace. Statement by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
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12 Nov, 2019
KZN provincial government is extravagant
The United Democratic Movement is perturbed by the news that the MEC for Education in the Province is using a hired motor vehicle for his official business that is costing taxpayers a whooping R100 000 per month. This is unbelievable if one considers that the ANC claims to be the government of the people and which represent the poorest of the poor. This is an illustration that the ANC led government does not practice what it teaches. The same government has made a lot of noise that it is going to do everything to save but look at this. This country is a now replica of Animal Farm. In five months’, time with this money a big luxurious motor vehicle in the range of a Toyota Fortuner can be easily bought. The big question that the UDM is asking, is this procurement of this hired motor vehicle in question a result of gross negligence or incompetence of officials or the department itself? Does this mean the motor vehicles of the state are not insured with a benefit of a provision of hired vehicles if it happened that they are booked for service or repairs? Courtesy cars should be available, This raises so much concern. The UDM KZN calls upon the Office of the Premier to do a proper investigation on this matter that will among other things find those involved who did not do their work. Whoever found wanting must pay back the money that has been spent unwisely. This is pure wasteful expenditure. End// Issued by: Boysey Gumede UDM-KZN Interim Provincial Secretary
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06 Nov, 2019
A teacher dies: Keiskammahoek tragedy
The United Democratic Movement is disheartened by the sad news of the passing of an educator at Sivuyile Primary School in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape. The video of a heated argument between an Educator and a learner started circulating on social media late last week. The UDM is truly disappointed by this behaviour of the learner which is rapidly becoming a norm in our schools. The parents are to blame for allowing their children to take mobile phones to schools and the Department of Basic Education as well for failing to come to the rescue of the teachers who are subjected to the trauma of being abused by the learners. The teachers are not safe in schools and there is very little that they can do to instill discipline to rude learners. As a result of this emotional abuse they are exposed to, they end up being victims of depression. As of now, there are quite a number of educators whose attendance is regular because of the depression. The learners know it is not acceptable to bring phones in school premises but they continue to bring them because they are aware that the educators irrespective of whatever provocation there is very little that they can do. The learners have rights. An educator cannot confiscate a mobile phone from a learner in a classroom without being chastised. The UDM calls on the Eastern Cape Education MEC, Fundile Gade to take educators into confidence on his plan that he has that will prevent this from happening again. The death of this educator must be really a wake-up call for the education stakeholders and the Country as a whole. Many Educators are experiencing depression due to the conditions they undergo whilst on duty. May the Soul of the late Educator rest in eternal peace. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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23 Oct, 2019
UDM reaction to Mmusi Maimane’s resignation
The past few days has certainly been interesting in terms of changes to the South African political landscape. Not only has senior leader, Herman Mashaba, announced that he can no longer remain a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), now its federal leader Mmusi Maimane has resigned. The pressure brought on by Ryan Coetzee, Tony Leon and Michiel le Roux’s scathing report deprives the DA’s branches of an opinion on the matter. The tail seems to be wagging the dog. It seems as if the DA is showing its true colours; the project to transform the DA has taken a serious knock and I dare say, could now come to a grinding halt. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
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15 Oct, 2019
Water issues in Msinga and the prevailing corruption: KwaZulu Natal
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), in KwaZulu-Natal, pleads with the Umzinyathi District Municipality, the Water Services Authority responsible for water supply in Msinga Local Municipality, to at least respect the law under which it is established, The Water Services Act. This municipality has displayed unwillingness, pure disregard and arrogance in servicing people of Msinga with water. The town of Pomeroy in Msinga, was yet again brought to a standstill today (15 October 2019), due to water protests in the area. Water supply is just not there! The District Mayor attributes his municipality failure to theft of diesel for generators to pump water (Isolezwe: 23 September 2019, page 28). This is in direct contrast to the fact that Umzinyathi District Municipality, two months prior to his statement, had just paid R4, 8million towards generators’ diesel between July and August. Why would the municipality pay so much and still no water two months after? This leaves much to be desired! The Human Rights Commission is currently engaging this municipality on its deliberate failure to provide Msinga inhabitants with a plan of water provision (KZ1920 / 0310), the complaint referred to it by the UDM on behalf of Msinga Community. PREVAILING CORRUPTION PRIORITIZED OVER WATER PROVISION It is shocking that this municipality, in just two months (July and August 2019) had the audacity to spend R1 777 870-00 on security services without following proper processes to award a tender – simply a deviation loophole, despite the fact that the municipality has full-time employed security personnel. Disrespect of the municipality’s funds earmarked for development projects and service delivery, saw this municipality spending R39 120 on Chicken Licken on one day (08 August 2019), instead of discharging its core functions, that is, of supplying the basic water to the people of Msinga among others. Access to clean water by communities at large is a right. These rampant spending, are among 58 transactions that were processed on deviations (without following processes), in a matter of two (2) months (July and August 2019). Accordingly, the UDM in KZN, calls on Mr Hlomuka, the honourables KZN MEC of Cogta and Dr Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Cogta, to play their part by intervening on this serious and deliberate failure, notwithstanding the fact that the Human Rights Commission is playing its part to ensure that Msinga inhabitants rights to water are enforced. The UDM-KZN also calls upon IFP to recall its scandalous Mayor that is operating against its main principle “TRUST US”. This Mayor does not care about the suffering of MSINGA community.
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15 Oct, 2019
The incarceration of a #FeesMustFall student continues: Khanya Cekeshe
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard is very much dismayed by the decision of the Johannesburg Magistrate Court in dismissing Khanya Cekeshe’s application for bail and denying him leave to appeal his conviction and sentence. This can easily be construed as a rigid application of the law to a political case as the fees must fall protest was a political protest and such an important element cannot be neglected. Another factor is the glaring incompetency of Cekeshe’s previous lawyers in the matter who because of lack of knowledge ill-advised its client and such renders the trial unfair as correctly argued by Cekeshe’s new legal representatives. The very painful part about this case is the fact that Cekeshe is the only student that is languishing behind bars for a call for free education which was later affirmed by the government in power by its pronouncement made on the 16th of December 2017, on free education, other fellow #feesmustfall activists are free, some are under house arrest, Why can’t the Department of Justice do the same for Khanya? He is no criminal nor a threat into the community. When one looks at the decision of the court, it becomes clear that a number of factors were not considered especially the reasons behind violent protests that have become the norm of the day. Our government does not take serious peaceful negotiations. The only language that it is prepared to listened to is when communities or students resort to embark on violent protest actions. So, in this case of Cekeshe, the government is part to blame. The UDMYV doesn’t condone violence but Cekeshe is none other than a victim of circumstances. The UDMYV fully supports the call by the legal practitioners to petition the High Court in this matter. We also appreciate the change of heart to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services by considering a Presidential pardon because He said he had no support towards the #feesmustfall activists not so long along. As we celebrated his appointment to be a Minister as a young person, now he must give us another reason to celebrate him by doing his work which is assisting young people that are hungry for education such as Khanya Cekeshe. We also call on every young person in this country to supplement the legal advocacy done by Cekeshe’s lawyers by using other forms advocacy to put pressure on the state to release Khanya and allow him to go and spend time with family.
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10 Oct, 2019
South African Post Office Service Sucks: Poor service delivery
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disheartened by the poor service rendered by the Post Office, The Tramshed branch in Pretoria (Tshwane) cbd to be precisely has been offline for quite some time. The customers are receiving a raw deal. This post office cannot provide basic services to its customers, for example, one cannot apply for a post box or pay for television licence or do transactions on the atms that are lying there and collecting dusts or certifies documents, etc Not so long ago, Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has promised an improvement and efficiency within the Post Office, none of that has taken place. When the Minister was re-appointed, the UDM had so much confidence on her but now one can see through her that that she was rhetoric when she committed herself in making the post office more efficient and that it will operate like full- fledged commercial bank. Seemingly, her priorities are skewed as her interest is more on 4IR conferences in each month. On the other side she is taking decisions to shut down some of the branches that are most effective branches, like the one at Arcadia, in Pretoria. The unemployed youth is applying and certifying at the Post Office because it is more convenient to get things done at one place, than having to go to the South African Police Service and then go elsewhere to send documents. The pensioners have been encouraged to make use of Post bank facilities but the big question are, how is this going to be possible if the post office can be “Offline” for months? If a post office in the capital city is failing to deliver basic services, how much more in the rural areas? This is not only affecting the communities but the morals of the Post office staff, it is tiring to tell people one thing that “We are offline”. What happened to the principle “Batho-pele?” The UDM calls on the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal services to take serious of her portfolio and mandate of her department. The role that this SOE plays is central in servicing the communities but its performance leaves a lot to be desired.
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18 Sep, 2019
Violence against women and children, and crime in South Africa
Honourable Speaker, Mr President and Deputy President, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Honourable Members. 1. Introduction The United Democratic Movement (UDM) commends the fact that Parliament is debating solutions to gender-based violence, child abuse, rampant crime in general, as well as lawlessness. We are here today in response to the brave women of this country who said: “No more!”. This House and the Executive must prioritize finding solutions, even if it means that we must reconsider budget allocations as the President has already indicated. 2. Safety and security: a constitutional mandate Everyone living in this country must, at all times, be protected and should feel safe in their homes and on our streets. For the Executive to act decisively and to make manifest the constitutional mandate of safety and security for the people, it might mean that our civil liberties could be affected. 3. Proposed SADC accord One other matter which I would like to raise is that of striking an accord between SADC countries to address security and home affairs issues. Cross-border crime, moving stolen vehicles and livestock, as well as the burning of trade-goods, should be a thing of the past. Our economies must be protected, for if one country is unstable, all are affected. 4. Xenophobia Regarding the recent xenophobic attacks, we condemn it in the strongest terms. I however wish to mention that South Africa is the only country that does not have refugee camps, with non-South Africans being integrated into our society since 1994. We indeed have people from the rest of the continent, Europe, America and the Far East who live peacefully, and prosper in South Africa. 5. Closing Mr President, if one looks at the vast amounts of money that is syphoned away through corruption, our obsolete military equipment, poor training and equipping of our security services and the criminal justice system, it is clear that we still have much work to do. I thank you.
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18 Sep, 2019
University of Zululand : Vulnerability of Students
The United Democratic Movement notes with concern the vulnerability of students who resides in private accommodations that are not part of the university’s residences and it supports the initiative of students for embarking on a protest demonstration. The students opt to lodge or stay at private accommodation because the university is failing to provide with them adequate accommodation in its residences. They do not have a choice but for them to be near the campus, they have to look for accommodation where ever they can find refuge. In most cases, this scenario compromises their safety. What is more disturbing, these attacks to students by thugs have been going on for decades now, yet, the University has failed to come up with a lasting solution. Other than being attacked, students are being robbed of their belongings while attending lectures at day broad light. The UDM is of the view that the University must come closer to the owners of these properties which are being used by the students and form partnership with them which will among other things ensure that students are always in a safe environment. The University must take full responsibility of the safety of the students irrespective whether they stay inside or outside campus. One of the options that the university may be required to do, is to assess and check whether these properties are fit for habitation of the students. The Management of the University of Zululand cannot abdicate from its obligation of taking care of the welfare of the students. The UDM calls on Vice Chancellor Mrs Xoliswa Mtose to attend to this matter promptly. Parents are sending their children to school for a better future, only to return home heartbroken or dead. Issued By: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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10 Sep, 2019
Open Letter to President Ramaphosa: gender-based violence
Dear Mr President Recently, the country has been ravaged by news of gender based violence, women being abducted, raped and murdered. This is an everyday life for women in this country hence now we have the #AmInext movement, because honestly we are constantly stressing about who is going to be a victim of these atrocities ravaging our communities. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation call on you Mr President, to speedily act on this, as women are under attack, the time for speeches and dialogues around these issues is over. We would like to see a government that implements change and not just talk about it. One of the things we would like to see is co-operation between the Departments or Ministries that fall under the cluster of peace and security. There seems to be no synergy and this is a contributing factor to the rise in violence in this country. If the SAPS manage to arrest the criminal; Justice will release him either on bail or on lack of evidence; if Justice sentence the criminal, Correctional Services will release him on parole. The UDEMWO call upon the government either amend the laws of this country as the law is currently favouring the criminals at the expense of the victims, or bring back the death penalty. Had it not been for Luyanda Botha, the late Uyinene Mrhwetyana’s murderer being released on parole from his previous convictions, the young girl would be still alive, pursuing her dreams. The question still remains, how did Luyanda end up working for a state owned enterprise with criminal records? Mr President, The Government continues to fail us! The Department of Women’s voice is not being heard, Minister Maite-Nkoana Mashabane is not vocal and not seen taking part in bringing about solution in the threatening situation, which is claiming lives of women especially in the past week. UDEMWO believes that when one tramples the other person’s rights, he must forfeit his rights. Enough with the lip service, Action must be taken NOW! Issued by Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary
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03 Sep, 2019
Violence against women: Punishment of women abusers is a laughing stock
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organization is disheartened by violence against women and children that is currently taking place throughout South Africa, Uyinene Mrwetyana a young girl who had a bright future was deprived an opportunity to achieve her goals and dreams, she didn’t just die, she was brutally murdered. Jeighandre Jegels a boxing champion from the Eastern Cape was also killed by her Police Officer boyfriend. A body of a young lady who was raped and murdered was discovered yesterday in a school premises at Kwa Mashu, north of Durban The UDEMWO calls on the African National Congress government to stop gambling with young women’s lives, just two years ago, we lost Karabo Mokoena and nothing was done, the government had to wait for next victims to act as if they care. In the case of Mrwetyana, it is alleged that the perpetrator has a criminal record, which takes us back to the call made by UDEMWO that government departments should work in a synergy. Early paroles dished out to criminals perpetuate criminal acts against women and children. On a daily basis women and children go missing, simply because they are not protected by the government. They are soft targets for the perpetrators. The state security agencies are to blame, they do not seem to have a plan to fight and curb the scourge. As much as some of these crime offenders face jail time, it seems this type of sentence do not act as a deterrent factor. The UDEMWO believe it is high time that a referendum is conducted to determine whether a death penalty should be brought back or our courts continue to meter out these sentences that are not effective. Women and children deserve better and the government must make it a point that they are protected twenty four hours a day where they are, in their homes or streets. The UDEMWO is calling upon the government and relevant departments to effectively prioritise the safety of women and children. The government MUST STOP this habit of quickly sending condolences to the families of the victims but must act fast and swiftly in apprehending and putting perpetrators behind bars. Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary
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28 Aug, 2019
UDM statement on the IFP’s newly elected leadership
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) would like to congratulate the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) on its successful National Elective Congress held from the 23rd to the 25th of August, 2019. It is heartening that this National Elective Congress was able to elect a new leadership without any issues. The UDM would like to also commend the retired Party President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi for leading the Organisation for the past 44 years. He had to steady and steer the ship during hard times and the IFP became a force to be reckoned with under his leadership. His contribution to the politics of the Republic of South Africa, Africa and the world cannot be denied. The UDM also wishes the newly elected IFP President, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, and his executive the warmest congratulations. The Party offers the IFP President most sincere wishes for a successful term as the leader of a political party that has played a pivotal role in shaping the politics of the Country. We as an organisation take this opportunity to reaffirm our unequivocal commitment in strengthening democracy in our beloved country. In conclusion, the UDM looks forward to a cordial working relationship with the IFP in advancing our common objective of building our country into a Winning Nation.
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14 Aug, 2019
UDMYV: Return of “drug mule” Babsie Nobanda
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard would like to congratulate Nolubabalo “Babsie” Nobanda for taking her destiny into her own hands whilst imprisoned in Thailand for drug smuggling. She is returning home with a degree in communications obtained from the University of South Africa. However, we are concerned that she is coming back to a country with an alarming 29% youth unemployment, which is one of the major contributing factors to our young people finding themselves in conflict with the law and in dire trouble as Ms Nobanda did. The South African government needs to heed the call of the United Democratic Movement for an urgent Economic Indaba, where all stakeholders can converge under one roof and come up with a solution to the major economic and socio-economic challenges facing this country. Government alone will not in any way help the youth of South Africa out of poverty and unemployment. We call on all South Africans to stand up for their own country and take it back into our own hands and build it with greatness. Let us have a country where our youth are not forced to make irrevocable decisions to their own detriment, as Ms Nobanda did. Ms Noloyiso Nontenja National Task Team Secretary
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08 Aug, 2019
Women’s Day: 25 years on and women are still under attack
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation would like to wish every woman out there, a good Woman’s Day. We are the mothers and daughters; we are well-able and there is absolutely nothing a woman cannot do. However, how do we celebrate Women’s Month if there is, in fact, nothing to celebrate? Twenty-five years down the line and women in this country still live with a target on their backs; as somehow lesser human beings, only there to be beaten, raped and killed. The ruling party, which should be leading the women’s cause, has done nothing much to change women’s lives when it comes to addressing the scourge of abuse. Paying lip-service is simply not enough and having a useless ministry of women is a waste of time. For instance, in our rural villages, women accused of witchcraft are made to face mobs of killers and our government sits with its arms folded. Where are government’s far-reaching programmes needed to stem the tide of women abuse? Women are the thread that hold our societies together and the ruling party government does not seem to care about their wellbeing, their livelihood or their safety. This is unacceptable and we cannot tolerate this any longer.
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03 Jul, 2019
The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the IFP to come clean on its forever lasting investigation of its uMzinyathi District Municipality Mayor
On 24 May 2019, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) exposed, in the form of recordings, the until then, widely speculated allegations of corruption of the Inkatha Freedom Party’s (IFP) uMzinyathi District Municipality Mayor. The allegations pertained to the siphoning off of funds from that municipality. In an Isolezwe newspaper article on the 3rd of June, IFP Spokesperson, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, was quoted saying that the IFP was investigating the matter. On 7 June, during a live talk-show hosted by Ikhwezi FM, the mayor, who was cornered by the UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Secretary, admitted that the voice on the recordings was his. He therefore owned up to the content of those recordings. More allegations of corruption, where the mayor was involved, were published by the Daily Sun on 28 June. Mr Hlengwa was again quoted saying that the IFP was investigating that matter too! The IFP does not seem to be in the least concerned about these compromising claims and allegations about their deployed mayor, whom has apparently rendered the district as a total failure in the core function of providing water to this community; yet the yearly budget is committed and exhausted without any provision of what it was earmarked for. The UDM calls on the IFP to come clean about whether its mayor is siphoning off funds from this municipality’s service providers as a directive from itself or not. If not, the IFP must respect the community of the uMzinyathi district by removing their seemingly corrupt mayor with immediate effect and conclude its never-ending and ineffectual investigation into these allegations. Statement issued by Mr Boysey Gumede UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Secretary
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28 Jun, 2019
Response to the premier’s Eastern Cape SOPA delivered by the Honourable FG Mahlati, UDM Member of the Eastern Cape Legislature
Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker Honourable Premier and Members of the Executive Honourable Members of the Legislature Officials present here Distinguished guests and visitors at the gallery Be greeted in Jesus’ name. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, we wish you all of the best and happiness in your new venture, may this journey take you to the way of success. The Eastern Cape is faced with many challenges, like poor housing development and houses that were built without proper infrastructure. The lack of proper planning of housing projects results in delays in the timeous implementation of a number of projects. The government must strive to improve planning for housing projects to prevent unnecessary time wasting which results in serious cost implications. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) also commends the Honourable Premier for the rollout package of basic services such as electricity, water, sewage, sanitation to 700,000 indigent household in our province, but the government has allowed corruption to flourish for a long time, which is a very serious concern. This has spread like cancer cells throughout the public service. We support the strategies that are in place to fight this fiscus gobbler that has caused so much damage and hurt to the people of this province. The UDM is more concerned about the shortage of educators, and non-teaching staff such as administrators as well as securities. There is also a shortage of water and sanitation facilities in most rural schools. The Honourable Premier must ensure that this is also addressed. Our children are faced with societal challenges such as crime, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. The educators always fear for their lives because they might not know what a child is going to do. We want the government to place more focus on these problems. The Honourable Premier must put in place a monitoring mechanism and proper plans on how it intends to deal with the shortage of qualified mathematics and science educators in our public schools. There is also the need for food security for our disadvantaged people because the absence of proper food is a serious main contribution to chronic diseases. Such intervention can help to alleviate hunger, poverty and disease in our society. There is still a need for government to focus on educating nurses on how to treat their patients considering the Batho Pele principles; there are many people that still complain about the conduct of our nurses. We do not know if the complaints by the public are ever taken into consideration by government. There are serious challenges of medico-legal claims which leads to unexpected serious and unnecessary expenditure by the government. We appreciate the effectiveness of education and advocacy on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, but the growth rate of these diseases is still alarming. The bulk of the budget of the province is spent on the department of health, but there is still more to be improved. The current socio-economic situation in the Eastern Cape requires that a greater effect is made to address job creation so that fewer and fewer people need to depend on social grants. Poverty has reached inter-generational levels. The condition of the roads, especially in rural areas, leaves much to be desired. One hopes that the budget of relevant department will cater for this painful need. Public Works needs to embark on a programme of regularly attending to public buildings; especially hospitals. There cannot be unhealthy people in unhealthy buildings. The officials of the department of social development often find their buildings uninhabitable resulting in the loss of productive time. Your address shied away from these issues, yet they cry for the attention of a caring government. I thank you.
Admin
28 Jun, 2019
Violent service delivery protests claim lives: this is not on!
The United Democratic Movement has observed that there have been too many service delivery protests around South Africa, prior to elections and after. We hoped to see less of these occurrences, especially after elections, but seemingly they are increasing on a daily basis. We saw what happened when the red ants overran Alexandra in Johannesburg, when the life of a three months old baby was claimed. Yesterday in Philippi (Cape Town), another four-months’ old infant lost her life because of the use of teargas. Not only was an infant deprived of life, but two persons, trying to get away from stone throwers, were killed. This is a travesty. South Africans endure the pain of being neglected by government whilst it continues to pay lip service when it comes to service delivery. Government never honours its promises. Instead of helping people, government responds to them with violence. How long should we see such events? How long should the people of South Africa suffer, when they are only asking for basic necessities such as; shelter, water and roads, to name a few. To the families of those whose lives were lost, may you be comforted. Issued by Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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19 Jun, 2019
Youth expectations for SONA: #DataMustFall
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s expected state of the nation address (SONA), must be solution orientated with a clear plan and time frames for its implementation. We as young people, and as the majority of the population, need things to happen and happen fast. We cannot have another rehash of old promises that raise our hopes with every SONA, only to be disappointed. We are expecting to hear more from the president in terms of job creation and strengthening the economy with youth participation in particular. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard has been consistent in its call that young South Africans must become wealth creators. It is therefore incumbent on government to create an economic environment that fosters entrepreneurship. We however wish to raise one significant point, which we hope that President Ramaphosa will touch on. We are of the view that exorbitant data charges need his immediate attention. To be youth inclusive we need a government that is serious about creating opportunities for young people in this digital era. Data must completely fall as it hampers learners’ studies, fetters youth looking for jobs and their registration of small businesses, etc.. Young South Africans must stand up and join us in this quest as we use the internet to access all opportunities. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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14 Jun, 2019
Youth Day 2019: economic emancipation for the young
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard is concerned about the state of our nation since tough economic times leave the youth of South Africa out on the margins of economic participation. Our youth has for the past 25 years under democratic rule, been fighting for economic freedom, but in vain. We have been let down by the failure of every administration put in place to fulfil the promises made over the years. Since 1994 we have been out in the economic cold and had no say; nor had we become drivers of our economy due to the lack of leadership and political will to implement the so-called good policies that are meant to see young South Africans becoming economic drivers. With every recession and economic downfall, young South Africans take a huge knock as they are the majority of the population. Our education system is a major role player in marginalising the youth by not empowering them. It therefore, needs a complete overhaul in order to produce young South Africans who are job creators, innovators and not just job seekers and dependants. The UDM Youth Vanguard calls upon President Cyril Ramaphosa to take young people into his confidence, as there cannot be anything about young people without them. The youth must be directly involved in economic policy formulation and implementation. The president missed a critical opportunity to have a young deputy minister in the presidency responsible for women, youth and persons with disabilities, as that office is crucial to drive youth development, empowerment and creating synergy between all departments to drive youth economic participation. We invite interested young people to come together under one roof on the 17th of June for a Multiparty, Stakeholders Youth Symposium under the theme of “Youth and Democracy in 25 Years” at the Braamfontein Civic Centre, Old Council Chambers, in Johannesburg, at 10:00am. This will afford us young South Africans an opportunity to engage, debate and come up with solutions on how we can solve the challenges faced by South Africa pertaining to the youth. We wish all young South Africans a peaceful and reflective Youth Day, taking on the lessons learnt from the youth of 1976. The youth of today must honour our heroes and heroines by taking charge of their destiny. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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05 Jun, 2019
UDESMO: Violence at schools and universities must stop
It is with deep despondency that the United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) heard of yet another act of serious violence at one of our institutions of learning, this time at Forest High School in Johannesburg. There were also reports of two Walter Sisulu University students who were killed at the weekend, at what is known as a “Freshers’ Braai”. South Africans have been bombarded with stories of severe bullying, sexual predation, violence and murder at our schools and universities just within the past year. It is a sign that something is drastically wrong at our institutions of learning. We need to understand that institutions of learning are microcosms of the communities in which they are geographically located. If drugs, alcoholism, gangsterism and violence are prevalent in the community, one can be sure that these social ills and criminal elements will reflect in the school environment. At our universities in particular, excessive alcohol abuse at what is colloquially know as “bashes” is rife. Taking a long-term view, the underlying socio-economic factors that negatively impact on our society should be addressed, which will in turn mirror in our institutions of learning. To address the immediate crisis, we need an urgent multi-stakeholder engagement to come up with practical solutions on how to keep our young people and teachers safe in our schools and universities. UDESMO believes that there should be closer cooperation between government, communities, institutions of learning and the police services. Moral decay is really threatening the velocity of our democracy and If nothing happens now, we are running a risk off a lawless nation. Issued by: Mr Akhona Bavu UDESMO Eastern Cape Chairperson
