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30 May, 2019
UDMYV: Young leaders in government is encouraging
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDM Youth Vanguard) is pleased to note that this time around there are many young faces in cabinet and that some of the provincial MECs hail from the youth’s ranks. The UDM Youth Vanguard strongly feels that it will be in the best interest of the young people of South Africa if our debates in terms of unearthing common ideas to find solutions to our plight, should be inclusive. We all have something to contribute. We call on the young members of the executives to have open and wide-ranging discussions on political, social and economic challenges facing young South Africans. We therefor hope that these young people in our government will bring about the new ideas and innovations South Africa needs to become a winning nation. The UDM Youth Vanguard wishes them all well in their tasks ahead. Issued by Mr Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary, UDM Youth Vanguard
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28 May, 2019
Good luck to the newly sworn-in premier of KwaZulu-Natal and his executive
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), welcomes the KZN premier and the provincial MECs to their new roles. We are encouraged that none of them are known for the bad odour of corruption and we advise them to maintain that status. As the premier prides himself for picking young and new blood in his executive, the KZN UDM hopes that such will bring about innovation in service delivery as, mostly, innovation is associated with the young and the new. We call on the new KZN provincial government to attend to the following issues as priorities: Corruption-ridden municipalities. Very poor state of roads marred with dangerous potholes. Community-based farming projects, and Capital Infrastructure projects in rural areas in order to attract property developers and business. Good luck to the new team as the KZN UDM will be at our posts as a credible and responsible political party. Issued by: Boysey Gumede UDM-KZN Provincial Secretary
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24 May, 2019
Funds allegedly siphoned off from uMzinyathi district municipality service providers
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal, is appalled at a recording we have in our possession, where the voice of the uMzinyathi district mayor is allegedly having a fishy conversation with one of the municipal executive managers. In the recording, it sounds as if the mayor instructed this official to confront the municipal manager about funds that the municipal manager had apparently siphoned off from two municipal service providers (allegedly to the tune of R1,8m and R3m respectively) but had apparently failed to pay it over to the Inkatha Freedom Party’s coffers. Even though the speaker did not mention the IFP by name, he simply referred to ‘Umtwana’, it is common cause that both the mayor and the municipal manager are IFP deployees. This kind of tapping of funds, raises a lot of questions e.g. 1. Is the awarding of municipal tenders, legitimate and above board? 2. Are these service providers’ work of compromised quality to make room for kickbacks? 3. Were the earmarked development projects started off at all? The UDM reiterates its view that corruption remains corruption even if it is not committed by the usual suspects like the alleged VBS looters, and the Bosasa and PIC scandal mongers. The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal will gladly make the recording available to the mayor and invites him to explain the content of the voice clip. Issued by Mr Boysey Gumede Interim Provincial Secretary UDM in KwaZulu-Natal
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23 May, 2019
UDMYV: Young parliamentarians have a big task ahead
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard congratulates all the young persons who were sworn into the sixth democratic parliament. It is encouraging to see that quite a number of the members of parliament who took the oath yesterday represent the youth of South Africa. Yet, this happens at a time where our youth faces many challenges, such as plummeting unemployment prospects, the lack of fee free education and the struggle to start and finance their own businesses. Although some strides have been made, we still have a long way to go in terms of youth development. Our education system does not deliver innovators and entrepreneurs, but rather produces employees with no prospect of being employed. This constantly excludes young people from economic participation and wealth creation. We encourage young parliamentarians to run with youth issues, that position those matters, at the apex of the parliamentary agenda. One of those important issues are the eradication of sexism, gender-based violence and societal ills, like teen pregnancy. Not enough attention is paid to our young women in order to help them thrive in leadership roles and their professional lives. We don’t want to be paid hackneyed lip service, we demand change, and we call on all young parliamentarians to focus on an action orientated plan that comprehensively addresses our plight. A country that does not take care of its youth is a country going nowhere fast. We call on all young people to pressurise decision making bodies to give us hope that our dawn is nigh. Issued by Yongama Zigebe Gauteng Provincial Secretary UDM Youth Vanguard
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22 May, 2019
The 6th parliament will make or break South Africa
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is cautiously optimistic about South Africa’s future as our 6th parliament is established today. However, only time will tell whether the next five years will in fact bring to life President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed new dawn. As per the UDM’s longstanding advice, we in particular await President Ramaphosa’s substantial reduction of cabinet and that the rotten apples will not find their way back into positions of power – as they have already bobbed up on the ANC’s candidates lists. As the majority party, it is time for the ANC to put an end to its political squabbling, which relegates South Africans as victims of their internal machinations, political pushing and pulling and cadre deployment. The UDM also cautions President Ramaphosa that he should make certain that the separation of powers between politicians and officials are clear. In the past these lines have been blurred and it should not be tolerated. We wish all members of this 6th parliament all the best of luck in disposing their mandate as entrusted to them by the South African electorate. There is no place in parliament for complacence on the one hand, and arrogance on the other. There must be a clear realisation that the next five years has the potential to make or break this country. In particular, we wish President Ramaphosa well in his endeavours to root out corruption in government and establishing a committed civil service that takes our people’s needs seriously. Rest assured the UDM will be at its post as a credible, responsible and effective opposition. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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21 May, 2019
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
On this day, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we are reminded of how we should respect one another’s constitutional rights and, specifically, each South African’s right to cultural expression. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) believes that cultural diversity drives change, not only with respect to economic growth, but it also assists our society to achieve sustainable development, which in turn reduces poverty. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for stability, development and social cohesion in our country. On this score, South Africa still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, there is a palpable feeling of unease amongst our people, which is born out by the results in our just passed election. From the UDM’s perspective, we cannot afford to lose more time in forming a cohesive society and to unleash the creative power inherent in our diversity to transform South Africa into a winning nation for all who live in it. It is not only incumbent on government to promote social cohesion, but it is each of our responsibility to learn about each other’s cultures and live-out our constitutional rights, responsibilities and ideals. The UDM therefore calls on all South Africans to reach out to one another and respect each other’s beliefs and traditions, so that we may be a unified nation. Issued by: Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa UDM Deputy President
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11 May, 2019
UDM’s reaction to election 2019 results
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes to thank South Africans who took part in the 2019 national and provincial elections and in particular those who voted for the UDM and placed their trust in us. We are surprised and disappointed at the UDM’s performance and we will have to go back to the drawing board to determine where we went wrong, with our eyes firmly on an improved result in the 2021 and 2024 elections. We have noticed the lower percentage of voter turnout and the effect that it might have had on the election results. The UDM definitely takes issue with the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) handling of these elections. There were far too many big mistakes on their side that negatively impacted on whether this election was indeed free and fair. In particular, the Commission’s handling of the complaints will be the final test that will make or break the IEC’s reputation and credibility. Although many will indeed be disappointed with their results, we congratulate our colleagues in other parties who have improved on their past performance. Our final thanks go out to the UDM’s activists on the ground who had worked themselves to a standstill. We appreciate your tireless contribution to our campaigns. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
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30 Apr, 2019
Funding for rain disaster in Durban should be diversified
Whilst the United Democratic Movement (UDM), commends the intervention of both the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the President, the UDM is of the view that the funds should be diversified to; 1. Offer immediate help to the victims; 2. Attend to the water-drainage infrastructure which seems to be inadequate, to cater for heavy storms in order to deal with communities’ anxiety due to the uncertainty of being the next victims should there be another bout of heavy rains. In all this, the committed funding should be made public for all to know! Issued by: Mr Boysey Gumede Provincial Secretary
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30 Apr, 2019
eNCA is biased towards some political parties
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDM President The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is shocked and offended by eNCA’s style of running its programming in the run-up to the 8th of May elections. We were invited to a party panel discussion to unpack our manifesto, on the 2nd of May, just to be unceremoniously disinvited, because only the “three big parties” will be given an opportunity to participate. The political playing field is level at this point in time, there cannot be so-called big or small political parties as we are all competing as equals in this election race. Also, an anonymous source informed us that the producer of the show had been removed and that the new producer is a Democratic Alliance sympathiser. Is eNCA slip showing? We believe that eNCA is a biased broadcaster that is not serious about promoting multi-party democracy in South Africa. The UDM will lodge a complaint with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDM National Treasurer
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27 Apr, 2019
Dedicating Freedom Day 2019, to Thuli Madonsela
South Africa started well in 1994 as we continued on the road of the noble ideals of protecting human rights and promoting the freedom of our people. There is much to be proud of, but the hard reality is that corruption, lies and mismanagement has been tearing at our socioeconomic fabric to the point where this nation has been brought down on its knees. It is for this reason that the United Democratic Movement dedicates Freedom Day 2019 to Professor Thuli Madonsela, our brave former Public Protector. The quiet, but firm style with which she ran her term of office is much to be admired and she earned the hearts of a grateful nation. Her mettle, professionalism and resolve saw Professor Madonsela stare down the lion’s maw when she pronounced on corruption in the highest office of the land and state capture. If not for her, this country would have gone down the drain of dishonesty of the highest order. It is time for South Africans to claim back their country from the corrupt and the delinquent. The 8th of May will be a watershed election and the voter must no longer be fooled by shiny parades and rallies that is held to mask how deep the rot has spread. The UDM wishes all and sundry a blessed Freedom Day. Statement by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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16 Apr, 2019
UDM posters in KwaZulu-Natal being continually removed from street poles
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), expresses concern and disgust at the provocation by some counter-revolutionary elements of society, who only target and remove UDM posters. This has been happening in Mangosuthu Highway in Umlazi, in the Durban city centre and in other areas in the province. It seems that our presence and the people’s overwhelming welcoming of the UDM across the province, sent an unexpected shock to some parties, which gives them shivers down the spine. The UDM won’t be deterred as a resolute force to outroot thievery and corruption in both local and provincial governments. We shall replace our posters publicly and invite the media, the Independent Electoral Commission and law-enforcement agencies to be present to witness when such posters are removed again. Event: Replacement of posters removed from Mangosuthu Highway, starting from Mangosuthu University of Technology highway, all the way down to Mega-City shopping centre. Date: Thursday, 18 April 2019 Time: 10h00 UDM Secretary General, Mr Bongani Msomi, accompanied by both the KZN provincial and iTheku regional leaderships, shall address the media at 10h30, under the Mshiyeni Hospital Bridge! For further inquiries, contact Mr Dih Msomi Provincial Executive Committee Member 061-372-4371
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06 Apr, 2019
#ShutAlexandraDown civil protests is the ANC’s legacy
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has noted the volatile situation in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Much of this unhappiness stems from the African National Congress’ (ANC) misuse of billions of Rands allocated to the Alexandra renewal project during the era of former President Thabo Mbeki. RDP houses in Alexandra Extension 7, were apparently sold to non-South Africans and this explosive situation has the potential to spill over to xenophobic attacks. In addition, the ANC had relegated hundreds of families to live in shacks in the informal settlements, depriving them from living a life of dignity and prosperity. The irony is that the ANC is leading this protest, using it for electioneering at the expense of the poor residents. The ruling party has done this country immeasurable damage with its don’t care attitude. Come 8 May 2019, the electorate must make an enlightened decision and should not vote for it. Issued by: Cllr Thandi Nontenja UDM Councillor in the City of Johannesburg
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29 Mar, 2019
Personal bribes paid to ruling party top 6?
The latest shock in the state capture debacle, that some of the ruling party’s top 6 had allegedly personally pocketed millions of rands from Bosasa coffers, will undoubtedly have a very negative effect in the eyes of potential investors. The whole system is contaminated. Given that President Ramaphosa could possibly be implicated, seriously jeopardises South Africa’s current administrative machinery, and will erode the last shred of dignity it possesses. The country is sick and tired of wave upon wave of corruption revelations crashing down on us. This causes the nation anxiety about the future of our country. We also note that, former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi is quoted saying that: “I know of large donations given to the top 6 at one stage of 10 to R12 million…”. At how many “stages” were the top 6 allegedly bribed? The United Democratic Movement therefore advises President Ramaphosa and Justice Zondo to urgently get the police, the Hawks and a team of forensic auditors involved at this stage. A docket must be opened so that the NPA can decide if these alleged villains can be prosecuted. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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04 Mar, 2019
UDEMWO: Women are not punch bags
Women abuse has become our daily bread, we are sick and tired of waking up to outrageous stories that revolves around women abuse. We are absolutely shocked and disturbed by a video of kwaito star Mampintsha that is making the rounds on social media showing that he is seemingly beating his girlfriend Bongekile Simelane, better known as ‘Babes Wodumo’. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes that all men, especially those in the limelight, who abuse women, influence boys and creates a mind-set that it is normal or acceptable behaviour. What has this generation turned into? We weep for South African women who experience domestic violence with no significant action taken to punish perpetrators. Because of this, women abusers have this mentality that when they mistreat women, they will not face severe consequences. For how long are we going to have men abusing women and get away with it. Women are abused by men who are supposed to love and protect them at all cost; they are not punch bags and sex objects. Domestic violence cannot be treated as insignificant and inconsequential crime. UDEMWO is of the view that legislation should deal with abusers in stricter punitive terms. We call upon the powers that be to develop harsher means to deal with abusers. As long as our justice system is lenient on perpetrators, we are far from conquering women abuse. Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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01 Mar, 2019
UDEMWO abhors the murder of rural women accused of witchcraft
We find it extremely difficult to digest the fact that three women, who hail from the Alfred Nzo district municipality in the Eastern Cape were, late last year, burnt to death because they had allegedly been witchcraft practitioners. This can only be described as the worst aberration of what might be called “mob justice”. It was recently reported that elderly women in the Eastern Cape are physically abused, raped and killed, because they practised witchcraft. They feel that they are in fact persecuted, in this manner, for the mere fact that they have grown old and wrinkled. This kind of inhumanity is spine-chilling; who would have thought that this world would change to a horrific and evil place where women are killed in such a brutal way based on groundless accusations and false pretences. There cannot be any justification for harming any person because of unfounded allegations that they practice so-called witchcraft or not. In the eyes of the law, murder is murder and the perpetrators of these depraved crimes should be caught, prosecuted and jailed. The United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) understands that these women have asked government for protection and to be moved away from their communities for safety reason. This would mean that they will in essence be banished and torn away from their loved ones. UDEMWO does not agree that, to isolate these women based on spurious allegations, is a viable long-term solution. Our constitution protects our rights to have inherent dignity and the right to have our dignity respected and protected. UDEMWO therefore condemns this violence and brutality in no uncertain terms, but even more so when it happens to our elders. We are so frustrated and aggravated that the women in this country are faced with different forms of abuse left right and centre, yet women’s minister Bathabile Dlamini is nowhere to be found. She should be the champion of women in all of our struggles. Lastly, UDEMWO believes that government must play a greater role in demystifying traditional practices within the confines of the law. It should step up its efforts to educate citizens on the role that such practitioners play in our society and broaden its information campaign to change people’s perception so that they can honour the fact that their fellow citizens and they have equal rights. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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28 Feb, 2019
UDEMWO slams ANC and ANCWL’s hypocrisy re women abuse
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disgusted that yet another African National Congress (ANC) leader has been accused of women abuse. As the story unfolds, we note that these accusations constantly rotate amongst the ruling party’s prominent male leaders. Some of those alleged culprits have been Danny Jordaan, Marius Fransman, Mduduzi Manana, and more recently Pule Mabe and Zizi Kodwa. And, lest we forget, their very own, former president Jacob Zuma. Even though he was acquitted, the consequences of his actions left a bitter taste in the mouth. In fact, one could conclude that this is an ANC culture. The ANC and its Women’s League (ANCWL) never ceases to amaze. We, in particular, point out the ANCWL’s flip-flopping when it comes to either condemning or defending their male counterparts. South African women must pull the wool from their eyes and realise that the ANCWL are sell-outs with double standards. Where on earth were they when Jacob Zuma was faced with rape allegations? Bathabile Dlamini was at the forefront, supporting him while he was singing “Umshini wami” at court. It was also reported that the ANCWL went so far as to say that the late Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo ‘Khwezi’, “should feel lucky to have been raped by such a handsome man”. What more should we expect from the ruling party’s male leaders? In fact, who is next? Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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01 Feb, 2019
Hoërskool Driehoek shock; accident must be investigated
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at Hoërskool Driehoek that claimed lives of three school children, while many others were injured. The collapse of the walkway raises serious concerns over the safety of our pupils whilst on school premises. We call on the basic education department and all those in authority to investigate the cause of the accident. The department must also ensure that pupils, teachers and parents receive counselling. We send a message of condolence to the family and friends of those learners who have lost their lives. We also wish a speedy recovery for all the injured children. We keep you in our prayers. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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24 Jan, 2019
SA’s education system is ruining learners’ futures
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) notes with concern the 2018 matric pass rate. The “so-called” improvement of 79.4% in 2018 to 76.5% in 2017 is only a dream. After scrutinising the results, it is crystal clear that something is not adding up. Another concern is that so many pupils have made it to the newspaper and moreover have “obtained bachelors” as per the minister of basic education Angie Motshega. However, they cannot be accepted in institutions of higher learning and education. This contradicts the lie that the country has been made to believe. There is so much that is wrong with the existing education system. So much noise has been made before about the passing mark. What we witness currently is the fruits of the flopped curriculum system. We have also been made aware that some of the universities have raised their points for admission. This means these institutions do not have confidence in the education system. We wonder what Umalusi is doing regarding to whether it has something to do with the adjustment results. How is it that a matriculant passes with flying colours only to find out that s/he does not qualify to be a university student. The point system is hitting them hard while their matric results are speaking another language. In our understanding, the current education system is more about numbers than quality of education. Minister Motshega and her department, together with all those involved, are in denial. To them it is all about higher percentages of pass rates at the expense of the blameless children who will tomorrow not be eligible to get proper jobs due to the quality of the education they received. Swift investigation into the results must be done. We cannot endorse a system that will in no time backfire; not only in the futures of our children, but the country as a whole. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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28 Dec, 2018
Clifton Beach incident
The City of Cape Town (CoCT) needs to account for what happened in Clifton beach on Sunday, 23 December 2018, when a paramilitary private security company, Professional Protective Alternatives (PPA) acted unlawfully by asking holiday makers to leave the beach after eight in the evening. Whatever their reasoning, short of an emergency situation, this was a clear contravention of the National Enviromental Management: Integrated Costal Management (ICM) Act 36 of 2014. From media reports and contradicting statements of the CoCT and PPA it is obvious that the company was acting on tacit agreement with the city’s security arrangements. The CoCT is denying this yet we’ve not seen it institute criminal charges against the company. The Camps Bay Ratepayer Association who’ve been alleged to be the ones paying PPA have also distanced themselves from its actions. It stands to reason that the CoCT would have then laid criminal charges against PPA if they were not in cahoots with them. If the company acted with any form of arrangement with the CoCT, then the city must explain under which laws the arrangement was made. We urge the relevant national departments and parliament to prioritise the process of bringing the CoCT to book should it emerge that they acted illegally. We also ask that they be put under scrutiny and sharp review in terms of the municipal by-laws, in particular the CoCT to make sure they’re in line with our constitutional imperatives. Such actions of blocking people’s access to public spaces were always going to produce a vehement outcry from our people in whom the experiences of apartheid are still raw as an open wound. We commend our people, those in Cape Town in particular, for being vigilant in guarding their human rights. Such actions of pure classism and racial profiling by private and public security personnel around the Atlantic Seaboard are common, but should never be tolerated by poor people in particular. Cape Town is notorious for racial incidences during holidays, something that should bring shame to most of us who love this city. On the other hand, we’re glad when the whole world is exposed to extant racism that still abounds within this city. CoCT is probably the worst South African city that still operates with apartheid geography, economic access, mores and sociabilities. Black people, in particular from other cities, towns and provinces, feel as though they’ve travelled on a time scale machine into the eighties when they visit Cape Town. Each year we get promises from authorities to clamp down on the scourge racism. Yet it has become so endemic that it is the very city administrators that are now bringing segregation by the back door. The UDM is a party of all South Africans and with them we stand in the fight against racism and corruption. We urge people of Cape Town in particular to be vigilant about who they vote into power. There are many political parties that are wolves in sheep clothings out there; who’re closet racists that want to bring us back to the dark times of apartheid by the back door.
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05 Dec, 2018
Sexual abuse of children living with disability
As the world this week marked the international day for persons living with disabilities, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is extremely worried about the continued abuse of children living with disabilities in special schools across the country. The recent revelations, of sexual abuse of children living with disabilities, made by SABC 1 current affairs programme, Cutting Edge, send chills down the spine. The programme showed that child abuse should in fact be a matter of national concern; in particular where it concerns children living with disabilities. It is sickening that those in positions of trust are the main culprits in sexually abusing these most vulnerable children. Teachers are the very people who are supposed to protect them. Teachers who rape and abuse children living with disabilities are no longer educators, but are monsters who prey on innocent lives. It is clear that the system is failing our children and we cannot fold arms whilst they are suffering. What are the concerned government departments doing about this egregious abuse of children’s rights? One solution to this disturbing problem is that special schools should be regularly inspected to ensure that our children are safe, healthy and flourishing. We regrettably live in a society where persons living with disabilities are treated as if they are something less than human and the stigma attached to persons living with disabilities crushes their lives. Efforts to educate the nation about people living with disabilities should be intensified. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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30 Nov, 2018
Aids Day 2018: a message to South Africans
As South Africa and the world mark another Aids Day tomorrow, it is comforting to know that many lives have been saved through access to antiretroviral treatment. It is however heart-wrenching that the number of people infected has escalated from 4,25 million in 2002 to 7,52 million in 2018. In as much as we have seen the decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2007 and 2018 of more than 160 000, the number of infected individuals is extremely worrisome. It is clear that there is still a long way to go to eradicate HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the country, especially in rural and afar villages, many still have difficulties in accessing ARVs and it is incumbent on government to ease access to lifesaving drugs. Government must intensify its awareness campaigns as vulnerable South Africans, especially poor women and children, still bear the brunt of this scourge. We each have a responsibility to let our actions count. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore continues its call, to young and old, to protect themselves and those they love. Know your and your partner’s HIV status, be faithful, condomise and take your medication as required. It is each and everyone’s dream to see South Africa and the world beating this pandemic and the UDM encourages all South Africans to care about this serious issue and to change their behaviour. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
