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05 Aug, 2020
R30m PPE scandal: AFU must restrain KZN social development officials’ property
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) calls on the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to urgently apply for an order of restraint of the property of the high-ranking provincial social development officials who have been accused of contravening the Public Finance Management Act and who face charges of misconduct over the dodgy procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as blankets. We commend the department’s move to suspend the implicated officials as announced by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for social development Nonhlanhla Khoza. However, suspending them and opening criminal cases are not enough, the AFU should obtain a restraint order to seize property before their potential conviction to ensure that the property is available to be sold later if needs be to recoup the R30 million. Furthermore, the department must take the public into confidence and indicate whether this is the only filthy transaction that these officials might have been involved in, if there are any other transactions, those too must be made known publicly. It is however an indictment of the department that it only ordered investigation, into what appears to be blatant theft, due to public pressure. Whether public pressure is exerted or not, the government owes it to the South African taxpayer to be transparent in all its dealings, especially where corruption is concerned. The UDM also calls upon the department to name and shame the involved service providers and to blacklist them so that they may not do any further business with the government. Issued by: Mr Boysey Gumede UDM KZN Interim Provincial Secretary
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05 Aug, 2020
Is dissolution of executive, in favour of a caretaker, not the answer to corruption?
Media release by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President To put things in perspective the start of South Africa’s steady descent into the depths of dishonesty and exploitation was Sarafina II, what followed was the Arms Deal, Oilgate, Travelgate, as well as the Chancellor House/Hitachi deal. Then it was Transnet, Prasa, VBS, PIC, relationships with the Gupta family, to name but a few headliners and most recently, the alleged corruption involving the R500 billion Covid-19 relief fund, which took an already despicable practice to new moral lows. How can the people of this country believe Ace Magashule when he says his party is “outraged and deeply embarrassed” by acts of corruption allegedly committed by some of its members and leaders in Covid-19 procurement across the country? Tenderpreneurship, (ab)using ties with family and/or friends, is certainly not new. South Africa has reeled from one scandal to another and the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) saw nothing wrong, and has, for years, allowed the comrades in corruption to perfect their craft. Now, suddenly, the ANC NEC woke up to the idea that, even if its legal to benefit at a suffering people’s expense, which has been its primary defence in the past, it is unethical. If it had not been for the Covid-19 experience, things would have merrily continued… as it turns out, some corruption are worse than others. Cadre deployment, as well as factional infighting, have paralyzed the state completely. That said, after a quarter of a century’s worth of corruption, the truth of the matter is that the governing party is incapable of rooting out corruption. Not only because of a lack of political will, but mainly because its entire leadership is tainted, and it is impossible for the accused to preside over the investigation, trial and punishment. Maybe the time is ripe for South Africans to consider, and debate, something a little more drastic i.e. should they not demand that the executive arm of government be dissolved and be replaced by a caretaker administration until the 2024 National and Provincial Elections? Such a structure could be comprised of representatives from civil society and the judiciary; with no political component. Parliament must be kept in place to play its crucial oversight role. Part of its mandate should be to develop legislation to specifically, and definitively, deal with corruption and the recovery of taxpayers’ stolen monies, as well as drafting a white paper on what kind of local government system this country requires as our current system is failing the people. Resuscitating our economy should be at the top of such a caretaker government’s agenda, as well as a review of the Chapter 9 institutions and addressing our collapsing infrastructure and waste management (our country is dirty). Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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29 Jul, 2020
Billion-dollar loans and budget adjustments are relegating our children to economic misery
No matter at which statistic or projection one looks, South Africa’s economy is in acute trouble and is being effectively paralyzed by government, despite their promises to the contrary. Our economy was standing with one foot in the grave before Covid-19 and the around US$10 billion South Africa borrowed from the World Bank, the BRICS New Development Bank, the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in the name of fighting the Coronavirus, is going to dig us, but mostly our children, into a deeper economical grave. To place things in perspective, it is reported that, South Africa’s debt levels will exceed 100% of gross domestic product by 2024/25. Have we not sold our souls to these banks, and for what? In the letter of intent to the IMF, government committed to introduce debt sustainability measures yet the United Democratic Movement (UDM) has been calling on government to introduce fiscal rules (debt management) since the end of 2018. The UDM furthermore believes that borrowing US$10 billion is one thing, and that seeing that this vast amount of money is spent in the right way, is another… especially given that government’s pre-Coronavirus modus operandi has been marred by rising levels of corruption and endemic wasteful expenditure. We must remember that the combined fruitless and wasteful expenditure for both completed and outstanding audits at municipalities was R3.12 billion, just for the 2018/19 financial year, and irregular expenditure had increased to R32.06 billion. When counting this with the provincial and national governments’ sins, we annually lose about R80 billion due to government failures. Also, let us remind ourselves, that President Ramaphosa is on record saying that State Capture cost South Africa R500 billion, and there are those who argue this is a conservative estimation. South Africans have already coined a new term, “coronapreneurship” and as much as President Cyril Ramaphosa talked tough about fighting corruption, we are of the view that a leopard does not change its spots, and to abuse another saying, the proof will be in the pudding. The UDM is extremely worried for South Africa’s socio-economic future and the impact this omnishambles will have on our people, but especially on the lives of the formerly disadvantaged and poor South Africans. The reality is this, if South Africa had managed its operations and money properly, we would not have needed to borrow any money from anyone. That we are in this position is the African National Congress government’s fault. Furthermore, the UDM is of the view that the Adjustments Appropriations Bill is nothing but a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul and the repercussions of reducing the ten currently affected departments’ budgets will be felt for years to come. The reduction of income across the various departments “due to restricted economic activity imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic” is cause for serious concern. However, using language which states that a virus had imposed restrictions on economic activity is a bit of a reach, as these are surely the decisions of the Ramaphosa administration. The main areas of concern for the UDM (both for the immediate future and on the long term) is the reduction in various infrastructure development and maintenance grants and provincial road maintenance, the non-filling of vacant posts across various departments, the reduction in the Integrated National Electrification Programme and large reductions in the urban and human settlements grants. Specifically, the R2.4 billion reduction in the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development budget baseline is a problem as this will surely impact on food security and the UDM believes that agriculture, as a main driver of the economy, should not be targeted. Tourism, which the UDM argues is one of South Africa’s main economic contributors and job-generating industries, is already vanishing and will suffer even more with the R1 billion (40.3%) cut to its budget. The massive reallocations in the education budgets are mindboggling, especially the proposed delay in the funding of the Historically Disadvantaged Institutions Development Programmes and Generation of Academic Programme and Technical, and impact on the Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges by delaying the operationalisation of new colleges and deferring the intake of the Centres of Specialisation Programme. The reduction on the Education Infrastructure Grant of R2 billon for infrastructure maintenance at schools, the eradication of mud schools, etc. is totally unacceptable. Once more, it is the poor and formerly disadvantaged that are paying the price. The proposed downward adjustment of the Department of Small Business Development’s 2020/21 main appropriation by R67 million, even if it is justified as being “non-essential goods and services”, is a case of a government shooting itself in the foot. Taking away R39 million from the Township Entrepreneurship Fund makes no sense either. The UDM is concerned that the adjustment budget shows the suspension of R257 million at the Department of Water and Sanitation. We also noted that, in terms of the department’s non-financial performance, 26% of its targets were not achieved as at the end of the fourth quarter of the 2019/20 financial year. This is a patent indication that a key service is not being delivered and it will be negatively affected by the proposed adjustment. Considering this turn of events, it is ironic that we must wash our hands as a tool to combat the spread of Covid-19. We noted that R3 billion has been earmarked for the recapitalisation of the Land Bank, but the UDM is of the view that the perennial bail-outs of the ailing, corruption-ridden, State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) has a knock-on effect on service delivery and that their reforms are long overdue. The Ramaphosa administration must find the political will to definitively deal with corruption and maladministration to bring SOEs back on course, streamlining and even possibly privatising them. The UDM appreciates that the Coronavirus pandemic has become the government’s central priority, but it cannot make sacrifices – on behalf of the nation – that are short-sighted and might end up being a case of throwing the baby away with the bathwater where long-term projects are concerned. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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24 Jul, 2020
UDEMWO welcomes the President’s intervention on schools
After numerous calls and press statements from various organisations, including the United Democratic Movement (UDEMWO), as well as frustrations from parents, sundry teachers’ unions and those who care for the younger generation and the nation at large, the President of South Africa finally took the brave and courageous decision to close schools for some time. UDEMWO welcomes President Ramaphosa’s intervention to close schools for four weeks, Looking from a climatological view, as the country, we will be seeing the back-side of the winter season so the young pupils being Grade R will go back to classroom when it is a little warmer. The Department of Basic Education should use this time to clean up schools, procure the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and monitor the infections, death and recoveries, no blanket opening of schools, our children are not weapons to fight coronavirus, they must be protected at all cost. UDEMWO also accepts the extension of the current academic year into 2021, should the community transmission of Covid-19 continue to increase, the nation must be prepared to sacrifice this school year. Our schools, students and teachers need all the support and compassion during this time. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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22 Jul, 2020
A farewell to Andrew Mlangeni
I first met struggle stalwart, Andrew Mlangeni in 1989, when we welcomed him and his colleagues, in Mthatha (then Umtata), after their recent release from jail. Thereafter we saw each other at other functions and meetings at Shell House. But one meeting I will never forget occurred in 1990, in Enkululekweni in Umtata, when Ahmed Kathrada, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Wilton Mkwayi, Elias Motsoaledi, John ‘Joe’ Nkadimeng, Walter Sisulu and OR Tambo met with Generals Matanzima, Mgwebi and I to discuss the so-called black-on-black violence. We were extremely impressed with their thinking and their line of questioning. One thing we agreed upon was that the plan was clear that De Klerk’s government wanted to discredit these leaders who did not have the tools necessary to defend themselves. The Andrew Mlangeni I knew was very humble and it always made an impression on me that he decided to stay in his original home in Soweto. When we played golf together with him and he beat us, I always jokingly asked him why he played so well as there was no golf course on Robben Island for him to have practiced and that this must be investigated. I last saw uTata uMlangeni earlier this month to present him with a gift for his birthday and wish him well, little did I know it would be the last time we would see each other. To his family, and particular his son Sello, his friends, and the African National Congress, our deepest condolences. He will live on in our memories. May his soul rest in peace. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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18 Jul, 2020
What would Madiba do? #StopTheDegeneration
There are remarkable lessons to be learnt from the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the man who managed to unite South Africans from all walks of life after having wasted away in prison for 27 years. His amazing lack of bitterness, cynicism and hostility at this personal injustice astounds to this day. We must understand that, by the time he walked this earth as a free man, the socio-economic conditions for the majority of South Africans were in dire straits and there was, and unfortunately still is after 26 years, a need to address the backlogs and imbalances of the past. We must also remind ourselves that, militarily speaking, there was no winner of a war between black and white. Our leaders soberly decided to negotiate a bloodless transition into a free South Africa and our journey to promote the quality of life for all South Africans had only then started. The Constitution, which Madiba played an integral role in crafting, does not mince words in terms of government’s obligation to ensure that all South African’s rights are protected and honoured. But, the results, so far, are embarrassing and the governing party has failed at designing implementable and sustainable policies that address these inherited socio-economic imbalances, or the set of challenges we have faced these recent years. Instead its policies and management style are laced with corruption, tribalism, nepotism and racism. It also has become a handy, knee-jerk excuse to blame apartheid for the governing party’s every failure. How could apartheid have caused their corruption and scandals, such as the Arms Deal, Sarafina 2, Transnet, Prasa, VBS, relationships with the Gupta family, the Eastern Cape “ambulance scooters” and the millions of Rands syphoned through municipalities, like with the recent OR Tambo water and sanitation projects? Apartheid, really? What the governing party does not seem to realise is that South Africa is in serious trouble with its lack of programmes to integrate South Africans and to address the existing socio-economic imbalances. A classic example of this is our government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, where South Africa has been caught off guard in terms of our infrastructure capacity and human resources. We have lost the plot and I cannot help to think: What would Madiba do? The spirit of reconciliation is a lesson he taught by example. How to listen to each other; to acknowledge the dignity and views of the person on the other side of an argument. Madiba also taught us to find common cause despite our differences, but we seem to have forgotten this lesson. Madiba would have been disappointed at what we have allowed ourselves to become. He would probably have told us on his Twitter account, that, #ColouredLivesMatter, #IndianLivesMatter, #WhiteLivesMatter, #BlackLivesMatter and ultimately, that #AllLivesMatter and that #AllSouthAfricansMatter. We have a lot of work to do to get back on track and achieve social-cohesion as South Africans. So, how would Madiba have counselled us? He would surely have pleaded with us to show respect to our fellow South African, no matter our colour, tribe, race, sexual persuasion, religious belief, physical inability, age and gender. We must constantly remind ourselves to stay the course and do what is right. We have many common causes, which, at the very least, is that we are all patriotic and love South Africa. Let us harness our rich diversity to address the challenges of our economy, education, health, and safety and security, etc. Let us honour what Madiba and his peers (who were black, white, coloured and Indian) fought for and transform South Africa into a united and winning nation. Let us, every year, as a birthday gift for Nelson Mandela, engage each other with an #AllSouthAfricansMatter attitude, especially when we disagree. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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13 Jul, 2020
Is our healthcare system actually ready for President Ramaphosa’s coronavirus storm?
We listened attentively to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent announcements regarding stricter regulations governing our lives in the face of the exponential increase of Coronavirus infections in South Africa. The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) has noted that the President couched this decision as being necessary to relieve the pressure on our healthcare system. An immediate ban on alcohol was also imposed, because of misbehaving citizens who land in hospital due to alcohol related injuries and this takes up much-needed bed space. What we do not understand is that Health Minister Zweli Mkhize was super confident that our healthcare system was ready to deal with an enemy that has felled first world countries’ healthcare systems. Now the President, in so many words, admitted that our healthcare system is in fact under severe pressure and is not ready, as there is, for instance, still a serious shortage of more than 12,000 health workers. We hear of hospitals that have no water, staff who receive substandard personal protective equipment, bulk Covid-19 infections of hospital staff and how fear and anxiety are causing panic among them. To make matters worse, we understand that analysis of the coronavirus’ genome sequence found a mutation, which makes the virus more infectious than the original strain; we better hope and pray this mutation does not happen in South Africa. The mysterious National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and Cabinet are making and breaking as they please and never unpack their decisions satisfactorily. We therefore call on Parliament, as the oversight arm of the state that holds the executive to account, to investigate our healthcare system’s state of readiness. Who was speaking the truth when? Something is severely wrong here. Lastly, the UDMYV feels strongly that the NCCC must go back to the drawing board and eliminate some inequalities in their regulations. If children are forced to go back to school and risk coronavirus infection, Parliament must, with immediate effect, suspend its hybrid model of sitting, and all Members of Parliament must go back to their benches to work. We do not understand why it is different strokes for different folks. Where we do agree with the President is that we must unite in making sure that we win the fight against the coronavirus, it is indeed in our hands (quite literally) and no one will help us, except us. Let us spread the message to wear masks and wash hands and hold each other accountable, we need to be responsible not just for ourselves, but also for others; especially the frontline healthcare workers who daily put their lives on the line to take care of ours. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDM Youth Vanguard
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06 Jul, 2020
UDM calls for referendum on the death penalty
Considering the calls from various sectors of our society for the death penalty to be reintroduced, especially in terms of gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, as well as child abuse and murder, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) reiterates its longstanding call that the government must allow for the voice of the people to be heard; it is time to have a referendum on the death penalty. The existing punishments for the guilty, are not a deterrent. Protection orders have become mere pieces of paper and ink and the perpetrators do not take them seriously, and the police fail to enforce them. The UDM calls upon the government of the day to take GBV seriously and to stop paying lip service as it makes no difference to the lives of those who live with daily abuse. Governmental leaders cannot take decisions alone behind closed doors, excluding the people who face these disastrous situations in our society. Let the people speak. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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01 Jul, 2020
Donald Trump’s so-called Israeli-Palestinian peace plan is a recipe for disaster
The long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is well documented, but United States President Donald Trump’s “peace plan” might put peace between Israel and the Palestinians even further out of reach. It is an extreme pity that former President Nelson Mandela’s efforts to end their struggle was left to peter out. However, history has taught us that, whenever the United States attempts to solve problems in the region it always appears to be that they support one faction or country against another, instead of following an inclusive approach. The United Democratic Movement believes that a deeply conceited United States is abusing its influence and power, to “give us an idea of what the world should look like according to Trump” (and therefore America). This style of diplomacy will surely not bring lasting peace to the region. South Africa, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, has a responsibility to oppose any act that might escalate an already untenable situation to full-blown war. We also call on the United States and her president to act soberly and to not abuse their might as their current pro-Israel stance is not conducive to finding a solution that will work for both sides.
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29 Jun, 2020
Transport Department must take SANTACO seriously
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disappointed with Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s failure to address disgruntled taxi drivers just a few days ago. This is not what is expected of a minister; he could have done better and not just throw tantrums, as the taxi drivers are justifiably frustrated, and they have been patient with the government for nearly three months. The taxi industry may not yet be formalised, but it should be respected, because it carries thousands of South Africans to and from work, and, should there be another taxi shutdown, the working class and ordinary citizens will be immensely affected. The UDM however does not support SANTACO’s call to load taxis to full capacity, as, by doing so, innocent people will be exposed to Covid-19 and a lot can go wrong with the few resources we have to fight this deadly virus. We also plead with commuters to meet government halfway, whilst rushing to and from their destinations, to curb the spread of this virus. The R5,000 once-off relief money offered by government is clearly problematic and we plead with Minister Mbalula to urgently meet with SANTACO and other taxi associations to negotiate a way forward. South Africa is faced by serious crises already – Covid-19 infections are exponentially increasing and the scourge of gender-based violence is marring our social landscape – the fight between SANTACO and the Department of Transport cannot be one of them. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
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26 Jun, 2020
Youth Power – Growing South Africa together in a time of Covid-19
Honourable Chairperson Honourable Members Fellow South Africans The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) salutes the frontline workers and those in healthcare who place their lives in the firing line, fighting the invisible enemy. We also would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families of those South Africans who have succumbed to the Coronavirus. The UDMYV also congratulates Prof Zeblon Vilakazi on being appointed as Chancellor of Wits University. We believe that adequate transformation will be seen at that institution. Honourable Chairperson, it is almost a decade since the inception of the first sitting of the South African Youth Parliament in 2011, an initiative that was welcomed by the UDM Youth Vanguard. Young people had gathered in this house to deliberate on the issues affecting young people, ranging from economic participation, prejudice, inequality, racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and unemployment. Little did we know that today we would gather in this house and still deliberate the very same issues, still seeking solutions. In fact, we now know, and Covid-19 has proven, that government has not been serious about solving our challenges as youth. The UDM Youth Vanguard believes that we find ourselves barely existing in a society of crumbs, whilst the rich, connected elite and the politically powerful enjoy themselves at the expense of the poor masses. Twenty-six years into democracy and South Africa ranks as one of the most unequal societies in the world, with the formerly oppressed still having no opportunities and living in squalor. Our mostly geriatric cabinet has no clue how to deal with young people or their plight. We have for years said that it is necessary to have young people in all kinds of decision-making positions. It is of no use to appoint a token young person as a minister who does not even deal with youth matters. Youth unemployment has increased dramatically because of the Covid-19 lockdown and the end is not in sight. Another thing the pandemic has proven, is our country’s lack of innovation and research tools. South Africa will need an economic repositioning, which focuses on youth and skills development. We no longer want to hear lip service; we want rigorous action. We must get past the stumbling blocks that hamper our progress as young people. As it stands our education system does not adequately prepare young people for the future, or the job market, it needs a massive overhaul. It generates dropouts and perpetual jobseekers. The UDM Youth Vanguard believes that there must be a greater focus on building young people to be job-creators – skilling them to, for instance, be innovators and artisans, work the land and produce food and start small businesses that can grow. Such a transformed education system must speak to today’s needs considering the current industrial revolution. We note that young graduates sit at home hoping for a better, viable economic homeland. Their NSFAS debts are accumulating interest, meaning even if they are employed, they are already sinking in financial deficits. The UDMYV proposes that government must be obliged to hire those who they invest in. Failing which, if a graduate sits for over 5 years being unemployed, his/her debt must be scratched. We further propose that for every R250 000.00 spent by government, must be equal to one graduate employed. Lastly, the UDM Youth Vanguard has a lingering question for President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Lindiwe Zulu. Where is their R350 Social Distress Relief Fund monies? Aphi ama R350 of the unemployed siyawafuna maqabane, the promise was made in April and still today millions of young people sifile yindlala, siphatshe imilomo as such millions of young South Africans are without data and do not have the privilege to watch this session on a paid television platform. We want the R350 to be a permanent grant for the unemployed and it should be increased to at least R1000 a month. I thank you.
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15 Jun, 2020
Gender-based violence: back in spotlight
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is enraged that gender-based violence (GBV) is on the rise during the Covid-19 lockdown. GBV has never dissipated; we live amongst abusers, rapists, and murderers in our communities. Simply put, being a woman in South Africa is dangerous. If a GBV crime is not featured in the media, it does not get the attention it deserves. We realise that there are many dynamics that play into the combating of GBV, but the South African Police Service is not doing its part. Seeing the Minister of Police inspecting “spaza shops” at the weekend, is extremely disturbing. It’s not his job! He should leave shop inspections to qualified environmental practitioners and address the life-threatening problems women are facing. UDEMWO is also disappointed that government is so silent about the R1,1 billion that was allocated to fight GBV in September 2019. Has the money done any good to fight GBV or are the comrades in corruption at it again? How long will hashtags trend in social media… with more GBV victims’ names added every single day: Naledi Phangindawo, Tshegofatso Pule, Simbongile Mnangcotywa and Sinah Molefe to name but a recent few. Enough is enough! Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
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05 Jun, 2020
World Environment Day 2020: #ForNature
As countries imposed lockdown procedures, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the impact humans have on the environment came into sharp focus. For example, the fact that there were fewer cars on the roads, planes in the sky and that dirty industries had temporarily closed meant that carbon emissions were reduced. We are operating under extreme circumstances at the moment, but the lesson we must learn from this experience is that modifying our behaviour is the only way to find long term solutions to the challenge of protecting our environment and biodiversity. Our actions are pushing nature beyond its limit and it will not be able to sustain humankind for much longer. When we damage or wipe out biodiversity, we are destroying the very system that makes our lives possible. South Africa is one of around twenty megadiverse countries in the world today. This makes us especially responsible to protect and preserve our environment for not only future generations, but for ourselves as well, because at the rate we are going, South Africa’s natural treasures will be erased in our time. Also, the unfortunate by-product of the Covid-19 lockdown is that circumstances as they are, are likely to destroy our tourism industry, which is a large contributor to our economy. Not only that, it is reported that the tourism industry employs more than 740,000 people, and the forecast of job losses in South Africa bodes ill for workers in this industry. Another harsh lesson lockdown has taught us, is that food security for the poor masses is fragile. We saw the desperation as people queued for food parcels as their meagre income gradually dried up. The first line of defence is quite simply to “go back to basics”; government should invest in educating our people about sustainable subsistence farming and encourage them to grow vegetable gardens (the latter is easily possible in the cities with urban gardening techniques). This could also have a positive effect on the environment as people would buy less mass-produced food. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President
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03 Jun, 2020
Youth Month: the need for urgent change
We are always reminded of the bravery of the young people of 1976, who took to the streets of South Africa to fight a system of injustice, prejudice, inequality, racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and suppression. They fought for a regime change and laws that would favour the majority and, in turn, all the people of South Africa. With freedom in 1994, there was a beam of light – it was a new day, a new dispensation, and the dreams and aspirations of all South Africans, especially the young, were awoken. Little did we know that our democratic society would breed greed, have poor leadership who lacked accountability and that the aspirations of the youth of ‘76 would be cast aside. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Youth Vanguard believes that we find ourselves barely existing in a society of crumbs, whilst the rich, connected elite and the politically powerful enjoy themselves at the expense of the poor masses. Twenty-six years into democracy and South Africa ranks as one of the most unequal societies in the world, with the formerly oppressed still having no opportunities and living in squalor. Our mostly geriatric cabinet has no clue how to deal with young people or their plight. We have for years said that it is necessary to have young people in all kinds of decision-making positions. It is, however, of no use to appoint a token young person as a minister who does not even deal with youth matters. We have an uneven society where a staggering 29% of its youth block is unemployed. To compound matters, youth unemployment must have increased dramatically because of the Covid-19 lockdown and the end is not in sight. Another thing the pandemic has proven, is our country’s lack of innovation and research tools. South Africa will need an economic repositioning, which focuses on youth and skills development. We no longer want to hear lip service; we want rigorous action. The UDM Youth Vanguard also believes that our education system needs a major overhaul as it mostly generates dropouts and perpetual jobseekers. There must be greater focus on building young people to be job-creators – skilling them to, for instance, be innovators and artisans, work the land and produce food and start small businesses that can grow. Such a transformed education system must speak to today’s needs considering the current industrial revolution. As we remember the youth of ’76, we call on all young South Africans to reflect and ask themselves what their role in society is and whether they think they have been playing that role. It begins with a right and responsibility to vote and to make the right choice i.e. to not vote based on sentiment. Our message to young South African’s is this: vote with your minds and realise that betting on the same horse for the past 26 years has gotten us nowhere; the UDM Youth Vanguard believes that the United Democratic Movement is deserving of your vote in the next elections. We wish everyone a well in celebrating Youth Month 2020. Issued by: Mr Yongama Zigebe UDMYV Spokesperson
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26 May, 2020
UDM KZN perplexed at renaming of Umzinyathi District Municipality to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in KwaZulu-Natal is shocked at the announcement made by Umzinyathi District Municipality Mayor PMS Ngubane, that the municipality is undergoing a name change to “Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi District Municipality”. The Umzinyathi community was taken by total surprise when we heard the announcement via uKhoziFM. What is at issue here is the constitutional mandate the directs municipalities as per Sections 152(1)(e) and 153(a) of the Constitution, which reads: S152(1) “ The objects of local government are: (e)To encourage the involvement of the communities and community organizations in the matters of local government “. S153(a) “A municipality must structure and manage its administration and budgeting and planning process to give priority to the basic needs of the community, and to promote the social and economic development of the community”. As far as the UDM in KwaZulu-Natal is aware, there was no consultation with the community, regarding the name-change, as is dictated by Section 152(1)(e) and for all intents and purposes, a name is being forced down their throats. If the community had been consulted, there would have been several, well-known local names that would have been thrown into the hat, such as Inkosi Simakade Mchunu, Mr FS Sikhakhane (former mayor of Msinga) and Bambatha kaMancinza. At the heart of the matter is a lack of prioritisation when a random name change is now more important than this municipality discharging its core functions. Section 153(e) explicitly directs municipalities to give priority to basic needs provision in its budgeting and planning. The Umzinyathi District Municipality is failing to provide water to its communities. One of the excuses is that it awaits financial assistance from the provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department, to fix 706 dysfunctional water hand pumps to the tune of R1.5m. Yet it has the audacity to splash scarce funds on a name change. The UDM in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the Umzinyathi District Municipality to correct its skewed priorities, halt the name change and re-channel those funds into fixing the 706 water hand pumps. This is the morally and constitutionally correct thing to do. — end — Issued by: Mr Boysey Gumede UDM KwaZulu-Natal Interim Provincial Secretary
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22 May, 2020
Covid-19 and government: a worst nightmare for women and children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is deeply perturbed by how life is turning out for many South Africans, especially women, as we daily hear of large numbers of retrenchments, due to the Covid-19 lockdown. This is hitting very hard in the cases of sole family-breadwinners. It was recently reported that there is a spike in child abandonment, which is attributed to the desperate choices of parents who are in the throes of financial hardship as the country experiences unimpeded job losses. According to Premier David Makhura, Gauteng, on its own, may lose about two million jobs, which means that child abandonment will likely increase. As much as it is good that abused women and children can contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre for assistance, children could be far more vulnerable as they have less resources, emotionally and physically, to make that life-saving call. UDEMWO is also worried that the government departments, which are supposed to look after South Africa’s most vulnerable, are failing them dismally. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the worst of them all, with shoddy service and poor communication around processes and forms. In addition, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu seems to not have her facts straight as she recently appealed for the distribution of food-parcels to not be politicised, yet this is exactly what the ruling party is being accused of lately, with evidence of this floating all over social media. There is something very wrong with this entire picture, as government seems to not realise how its inefficient systems are negatively affecting the poorest of the poor, who are fighting for their very existence. Government is not providing effective leadership and services where this is concerned. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
20 May, 2020
UDEMWO rejects reopening of schools
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) rejects the reopening of schools, on 1 June 2020 for Grade 7 and 12 learners, as announced yesterday by Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga and so approved by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC). The fact that the Minister herself had said that she cannot assure parents that there is no danger of infection, is proof that her department does not have a proper plan in place. We are concerned about the safety of both teachers and learners, especially in disadvantaged schools across South Africa. This move is a gamble with our children’s lives. The Minister also confirmed that a number of schools were either burnt or vandalised over the past two months, which makes the situation even worse. The UDEMWO calls on the Department of Basic Education and the NCCC to review this decision as the confirmed cases of Covid-19 are rapidly increasing on a daily basis. We realise the importance of education, but we cannot put the lives of future South African leaders in danger by taking them back to classrooms at this point in time. We have seen what happened in France where, within a week of reopening schools, they have reported 70 new Coronavirus cases. In South Africa, private schools could fairly safely reopen simply because they have fewer learners per class, but what about our overcrowded public schools where social distancing is not possible. Minister Motshekga must act like a parent in this matter. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
12 May, 2020
Unfair food parcel distribution: the ANC’s greediness is worrisome
The United Democratic Movement is disheartened by how government and SASSA are keeping quiet about African National Congress (ANC) officials, members and/or councillors unfairly distributing food parcels to the needy in various communities throughout South Africa. In some areas, food parcels are given to people along party affiliation. The ANC’s inhumane greediness is worrisome, as it is now common to read or hear about ruling party leaders, members and/or councillors being implicated in food-parcel corruption, with very little said or done by the party to stop this. The video circulating on social media of the deputy speaker of Mpumalanga’s provincial legislature, Vusi Mkhatshwa, delivering food parcels to his house is a total disgrace, especially since he is a senior government official. The ruling party by its own admission had agreed in many platforms that cadre deployment is not taking the country forward, yet it continues to allow its members to play crucial roles in our society, like distributing food parcels, during this challenging time of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, members of our communities are starving, yet, the state has done nothing to address this problem. The UDM calls on President Ramaphosa, and the ruling party, to take the nation into confidence about the numbers of government officials, ANC leaders, members or councillors that have been found wanting and also indicate what steps have been taken against them. The UDM is afraid that if no steps are taken against the suspected culprits, the R500 billion secured to flatten the curve of the Covid-19 pandemic will go down the drain, just like what happened with some of the funds that were meant to assist with the funeral of our world icon, former President Nelson Mandela. Once bitten, twice shy. Issued By: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
30 Apr, 2020
UDEMWO: Children going to school: is government really ready for this massive operation?
As we are amid the battle against the Coronavirus, we have heard government saying that strict health guidelines have been drawn up regarding the operation of schools, including limiting pupils to 40 in a class, compulsory mask-wearing and the sanitisation of hands, classrooms and scholar transport. However, since the number of infections is rising on a daily basis, even considering recoveries, how did government arrive at the decision to open schools so soon? The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) therefore calls on Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga to take the country, and parents, into confidence on whether her department is ready and able (financially and practically) to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for each and every school; for each and every child; each and every day. We have heard disconcerting stories that government cannot even provide enough PPE at our healthcare institutions, never mind institutions of learning! This especially is a massive concern for scholars in disadvantaged areas, where parents struggle to provide food for their children and PPE is financially out of reach. There are a number of other concerns, such as, how the department is going to resolve scholar transport? Children, under “normal circumstances”, are wrongly loaded into vehicles like sardines, how on earth will it be feasible to transport thousands of children, considering the need for social distancing? What control measures are going to be put in place to maintain social distancing during breaks? Also, if no more than two pupils should share a desk, how is government going to handle schools that have large volumes of school-goers? Even though we realise that lockdown and partial lockdown (level 4) is eating away at the school year, UDEMWO is of the view that government may be jumping the gun in opening schools. At this rate, we are running a real risk of allowing the Coronavirus to run rampant through our communities by opening schools at this point in time. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
25 Apr, 2020
UDM’s reaction Finance Minister’s briefing on the economic stimulus package
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has listened with interest to the details that Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced as part of South Africa’s response to the economic havoc the Coronavirus has wrought. He appears to have clarity of thought with regards to the economic policy interventions required, but the proof will be in the pudding where execution is concerned. The UDM is pleased to hear that the South Africa Reserve Bank (SARB) has been tasked to play a more central role in the R200 billion loan guarantee scheme. This is in line with our view that the SARB has a critical role to play in providing facilities to commercial banks in order for them to use such facilities for targeted sectors of the economy, such as small and medium enterprises, as part of a broader “Coronavirus Pandemic Response Programme”. We however reiterate our view that there still is scope for an expansionary monetary policy and that the central bank should further reduce the interest rate to provide South Africans with much needed relief. We had earlier suggested that insurers be brought on board, and we therefore welcome Minister Mboweni’s announcement that insurance companies will have to put in place a set of measures so that policy holders are not penalised for missing premium payments. It is however a pity that Minister Mboweni did not consider our suggestion, of a three-month moratorium on bond, car and other loan payments, which the UDM made earlier this week. We still feel that banks are in too much of a position of power as they have the discretion to say no to desperate loan holders who are struggling to meet their payments due to the economic impact of the Coronavirus lockdown. Another aspect the UDM believes should be considered is the fact that South Africans are going to experience serious cash-flow problems and it would be good if, for three months, no debit orders are reversed due to insufficient funds. A stay on bank account closures, due to bad bank account conduct, as well as bank fees would give our people a reprieve. In light of the fact that government will be reprioritising R130 billion within the current budget it is common cause that the minister will have to table a revised budget and we look forward to that. Issued by: Mr Bantu Holomisa UDM President
Admin
06 Mar, 2020
UDEMWO welcomes the forensic report of Enoch Mpianzi
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the forensic report of Enoch Mpianzi. The Gauteng MEC of Education Mr Phanyaza Lesufi has done a sterling job to make sure those that are implicated are brought to book timeously including the Headmaster of Parktown Boys. Though this will not bring closure to the Mpianzi family, but it is a warning to many more schools that Nyathi lodge is not a befitting camping site as Enoch is the fifth pupil to die there while taking part in a water activity. This institution should be closed as it has become a death-trap for our children. The Parktown Boys High School Governing Body’s silence is too loud, it raises so much concern, not only to the parents of children at the school but to South Africa as a whole. The UDEMWO would like to thank the South African Human Rights Commission for stepping in on this pernicious case and assisting the Mpianzi’s family when they had no one else to turn to. We hope this type of negligence will not happen to any of our schools, this should be a lesson learnt to everyone in the Education fraternity. Educators should treat leaners as their own children. Once again, To the Mpianzi’s Family. May you be comforted. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
