Admin
28 Oct, 2015
ANCWL march insult to women
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja :UDEMWO Secretary General As the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO), we are overwhelmed at the stunt by the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) to take into the streets in defence of President Jacob Zuma. Their march shows clearly that Women’s League does not care about societal matters but their main objective is covering each other’s backs rather than the masses. This is an insult to women of this country that the ANCWL decides to stand by Zuma the very same thing they did when he was facing rape case and other cases. The current ANCWL President Bathabile Dlamini was at the forefront during that case against another woman. To us as UDEMWO, it appears clearly that their interest lies only in self-serving. The nation is currently faced with burning issues and we have never heard from the Women’s League and now they have courage to march protecting one man. The country would be a better place if they would use the same energy and heroism in matters that will benefit us all, specifically women. Instead of addressing the symptoms of Zuma’s blunders the ANCWL should find the root causes of him being ridiculed. They must look around to see which other Presidents were ever ridiculed more than him. The answer lies within the ANC. ANCWL must also remember that the President they are defending was elected by people and he must account to the citizens. End
Admin
28 Aug, 2014
The end of Women’s Month 2014 | UDEMWO
Issued by Mrs Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General At the end of Women’s Month 2014, we look to the future; the United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is worried that the National Development Plan is overall gender blind, disregarding women’s gendered practical, and strategic needs and concerns. Considering that this is the development map for South Africa we are dissatisfied with what our future prospects are. In addition, UDEMWO is doubtful that the sideways-move, to bring the Department of Women under the President’s roof, has any meaning. Since the establishment of this portfolio we have seen nothing but a waste of time and money. This is just another attempt at window dressing. Regarding the minister, after listening to Susan Shabangu’s statements at the Marikana Commission we are unconvinced that she is the right person for the job. Such insensitivity shown by a woman is beyond belief and a slap in the face of a community – especially the women and children – that is suffering. On behalf of women across the country, we ask President Zuma to clarify what the tangible outcomes are of his move. It is of no use to pay lip service to women’s empowerment. Being over 50% of our people, women must take their rightful place in our society and economy, and be given the power they deserve.
