"This summary of splits taking place within the SA labour and political scene is a useful overview.
The more the DA pushes for a 2 party state and with voters appearing to have bought into this line of thinking at the last National election - the more the need for a strong Multi -Party Democracy is obvious - we are a diverse society and without representation in Parliament for all segments of society - there is great potential for unrest and violent demonstrations!
The ACDP has a 20 year track record in Parliament, Provincial Legislatures and Local Councils and is committed to a 'shared future' for all who live in South Africa. We view the divisions caused by 'power mongering' as enormously destructive, undermining Nation Building and NOT in the interests of the people of South Africa!"
Overview: A proliferation of, often opportunistic, new political parties in the run-up to national election is to be expected under the South African constitutional dispensation.
Much of the present trend however, seems to contain elements of more fundamental social developmental and economic policy than just superficial, opportunistic issues. Among the main drivers are basic economic policy, the issues of corruption, poverty, inequality, unemployment, service delivery, and quality of political leadership.
At present the biggest potential threatening fracture has as its centre the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and its governing alliance with the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Speculation is mounting that the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) could split from Cosatu, backed by Vavi- supporting unions.
Historically, in many African countries liberation was eventually followed by a parting of ways between political and labour movements.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Cosatu’s largest union, emerged weakened from last year’s mine unrest. It lost some 90,000 members, mostly to AMCU.
The transformation of South Africa’s broader political-electoral sphere perhaps goes back to, among others, the formation of the Democratic Alliance (DA), with much of the New National Party leadership component subsequently joining the ANC and the breakaway from the ANC and formation of the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
Since then have come various splits in the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the formation of new parties, the most recent being the National Freedom Party (NFP), the formation from the ranks of the ANC of the Congress of the People (Cope), the launch of Dr Mamphela Ramphele’s Agang, the formation of the Socialist and Workers Party (WASP) in the wake of the labour unrest in North West, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) by the expelled ANC youth leader Julius Malema.
On the front of organised Business there has also been a number of early shakeouts and realignments, mostly still divided along racial-political lines.
Going forward it is however, not only the ANC that will be affected by the realignment taking place.
Agang is, for instance, likely to have an impact on the support of the DA in next year’s general elections.
And, while many write off Malema’s EFF as a “joke” that will be short-lived, he and his fellow EFF activists do enjoy a certain rapport with and support from the most impoverished communities, especially in the North West mining areas.
In community-based political struggles related to poverty and service-delivery in informal shack settlements independent organisations like Abahlali baseMjondolo have sprung up, while Malema’s EFF, WASP and others are also seeking to gain a foothold.
While it maybe argued that such developments are good for democracy, broadening diversity and the scope for debate and participation, it also serves to heighten political intolerance and violence. The natural successor to these is often political repression.
The ruling party is perhaps at its most vulnerable ever and for the first time since 1994 faces a very serious prospect of a split.
While nowhere near being toppled yet, or even being dramatically weakened, the ANC’s influence and grip on power is being seriously challenged and is slipping.
Whether the current shifts and realignments of players in the socio-political arena will be in South Africa’s best interest in the long run, or whether good or bad will come from it, remains to be seen.
For now South Africa lives in challenging if not dangerous times.
(Summary of a more comprehensive report - shortened ).
27 August Edition of The Intelligence Bulletin.
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
ACDP welcomes Russian support for investigations into chemical attacks
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
27th August 2013
ACDP welcomes Russian support for investigations into chemical attacks
* Cautions against Western powers escalating situation forcing world powers to take sides
* Unilateral attacks in retaliation could have unintended consequences and prove disastrous for all concerned
"The ACDP welcomes Russia's more reasonable response in not opposing investigations into chemical attacks, by UN chemical weapons experts.
"It will be important for global powers to work together to find ways to help Syria move forward and to minimize the potential for loss of life and further destruction," Cheryllyn Dudley said.
ACDP MP and Member of the International Relations Committee in Parliament said today that: "The ACDP recognises legitimate concerns that the Syrian situation presents a significant threat but cautions against Western powers moving ahead of themselves and exacerbating the situation or even escalating it by forcing world powers to take sides actively."
Russia warned Western powers on Monday against any military intervention in Syria, saying the use of force without a United Nations (UN) mandate would violate international law and that Washington and its allies would be repeating "past mistakes" if they intervened in Syria.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has said Russia and China would probably veto a Security Council vote to allow strikes against Syria.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague, however, said it would still be possible to respond to a chemical weapon attack without the Security Council's backing.
"Any change of government in Syria must be the result of a political process and relevant political pressure must be put on the present regime - Russia will be key in this regard".
"Unilateral attacks on Syria in retaliation to use of chemical weapons could have many unintended consequences and prove disastrous for all concerned," Dudley added.
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
27th August 2013
ACDP welcomes Russian support for investigations into chemical attacks
* Cautions against Western powers escalating situation forcing world powers to take sides
* Unilateral attacks in retaliation could have unintended consequences and prove disastrous for all concerned
"The ACDP welcomes Russia's more reasonable response in not opposing investigations into chemical attacks, by UN chemical weapons experts.
"It will be important for global powers to work together to find ways to help Syria move forward and to minimize the potential for loss of life and further destruction," Cheryllyn Dudley said.
ACDP MP and Member of the International Relations Committee in Parliament said today that: "The ACDP recognises legitimate concerns that the Syrian situation presents a significant threat but cautions against Western powers moving ahead of themselves and exacerbating the situation or even escalating it by forcing world powers to take sides actively."
Russia warned Western powers on Monday against any military intervention in Syria, saying the use of force without a United Nations (UN) mandate would violate international law and that Washington and its allies would be repeating "past mistakes" if they intervened in Syria.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has said Russia and China would probably veto a Security Council vote to allow strikes against Syria.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague, however, said it would still be possible to respond to a chemical weapon attack without the Security Council's backing.
"Any change of government in Syria must be the result of a political process and relevant political pressure must be put on the present regime - Russia will be key in this regard".
"Unilateral attacks on Syria in retaliation to use of chemical weapons could have many unintended consequences and prove disastrous for all concerned," Dudley added.
ACDP calls on Parliament to take action against IEC Chairperson
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
27th August 2013
ACDP calls on Parliament to take action against IEC Chairperson
• IEC Chair should have declared relationship and recused herself from procurement process
"The ACDP calls on Parliament to consider action to be taken against IEC Chairperson Pansy Tlakula. It is reasonable to expect the IEC Chairman to have declared her relationship and recused herself from the procurement process," ACDP Member of Parliament Cheryllyn Dudley said today.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has recommended that Parliament consider taking action against Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Pansy Tlakula.
Tlakula had a ‘grossly irregular’ role in the procurement of the Riverside Office Park building in Centurion for the IEC's head office, the protector said in Pretoria on Monday.
In a probe into the matter, Madonsela found improper conduct and maladministration on Tlakula's part, and a conflict of interest involving a co-director, with whom she was accused of being romantically involved.
She recommended that the IEC review its agreement with Abland, which was awarded the contract to lease the Riverside Office Park building.
Tlakula is accused of having a romantic relationship with Parliament's finance portfolio committee chairperson Thaba Mufamadi, who owns a 20% stake in Abland by virtue of their co-directorship in Lehotsa Investments (Pty) Limited.
Madonsela found that Tlakula had failed to disclose her business relationship with Mufamadi to the bidding team, which compromised her independence and objectivity.
“Tlakula was highly involved in initiation, evaluation and adjudication of the bids for the procurement of the building,” said Madonsela.
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
27th August 2013
ACDP calls on Parliament to take action against IEC Chairperson
• IEC Chair should have declared relationship and recused herself from procurement process
"The ACDP calls on Parliament to consider action to be taken against IEC Chairperson Pansy Tlakula. It is reasonable to expect the IEC Chairman to have declared her relationship and recused herself from the procurement process," ACDP Member of Parliament Cheryllyn Dudley said today.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has recommended that Parliament consider taking action against Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Pansy Tlakula.
Tlakula had a ‘grossly irregular’ role in the procurement of the Riverside Office Park building in Centurion for the IEC's head office, the protector said in Pretoria on Monday.
In a probe into the matter, Madonsela found improper conduct and maladministration on Tlakula's part, and a conflict of interest involving a co-director, with whom she was accused of being romantically involved.
She recommended that the IEC review its agreement with Abland, which was awarded the contract to lease the Riverside Office Park building.
Tlakula is accused of having a romantic relationship with Parliament's finance portfolio committee chairperson Thaba Mufamadi, who owns a 20% stake in Abland by virtue of their co-directorship in Lehotsa Investments (Pty) Limited.
Madonsela found that Tlakula had failed to disclose her business relationship with Mufamadi to the bidding team, which compromised her independence and objectivity.
“Tlakula was highly involved in initiation, evaluation and adjudication of the bids for the procurement of the building,” said Madonsela.
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Notice of Condolence Mr Ntopile ‘Prof’ Kganyago
NOTICE OF CONDOLENCE
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP
22nd August 2013
ACDP says ‘Prof’ Kganyago was a courageous pioneer
We have lost a principled and compassionate man through the death of Hon Kganyago, Deputy President of the UDM. He served as a Member of Parliament from April 2004 and was Deputy Minister of Public Works for five years.
He was affectionately known as “Prof” because he was well educated, highly regarded as a teacher, and known as an eternal student, always asking questions and never too old to learn.
The ACDP recognizes Hon Kanyago as a courageous pioneer that helped establish his party at a time when the political situation was volatile.
He had a full and productive life holding a Master's degree in School Psychology, a BA and a BEd. Psychology, guidance and counseling were close to his heart and he served as Head of Psychological Services in the Education Department in the '70s.
I served with Hon Kanyago on Basic Education and on committee trips we often had time to chat. One story that he told me about his very much younger days sticks in my mind – partly because it caused me some sadness and despite his chuckle, I suspect it was a slightly painful memory for him too. He told me that when he was still just a boy he was an apprentice to an electrician and was often up in the roves of houses in ‘white areas’ – he said he would never forget the fright he got one day when he misplaced his foot and fell through the roof of a house - into the bedroom of a little girl who had stayed home from school because she was sick that day. The little girl screamed and screamed uncontrollably repeating the words “’n swart duiwel, a swart duiwel”!
I am not sure why he shared that particular story but it appeared to be important to him – and so – with a heavy heart I share it with you.
We will miss you Hon Kanyago and our prayers are with your wife and family, colleagues and friends during this sad time -rest in peace.
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP
22nd August 2013
ACDP says ‘Prof’ Kganyago was a courageous pioneer
We have lost a principled and compassionate man through the death of Hon Kganyago, Deputy President of the UDM. He served as a Member of Parliament from April 2004 and was Deputy Minister of Public Works for five years.
He was affectionately known as “Prof” because he was well educated, highly regarded as a teacher, and known as an eternal student, always asking questions and never too old to learn.
The ACDP recognizes Hon Kanyago as a courageous pioneer that helped establish his party at a time when the political situation was volatile.
He had a full and productive life holding a Master's degree in School Psychology, a BA and a BEd. Psychology, guidance and counseling were close to his heart and he served as Head of Psychological Services in the Education Department in the '70s.
I served with Hon Kanyago on Basic Education and on committee trips we often had time to chat. One story that he told me about his very much younger days sticks in my mind – partly because it caused me some sadness and despite his chuckle, I suspect it was a slightly painful memory for him too. He told me that when he was still just a boy he was an apprentice to an electrician and was often up in the roves of houses in ‘white areas’ – he said he would never forget the fright he got one day when he misplaced his foot and fell through the roof of a house - into the bedroom of a little girl who had stayed home from school because she was sick that day. The little girl screamed and screamed uncontrollably repeating the words “’n swart duiwel, a swart duiwel”!
I am not sure why he shared that particular story but it appeared to be important to him – and so – with a heavy heart I share it with you.
We will miss you Hon Kanyago and our prayers are with your wife and family, colleagues and friends during this sad time -rest in peace.
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
ACDP says crime and violence in schools has always been a shared responsibility
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
13th August 2013
ACDP says crime and violence in schools has always been a shared responsibility
• commends and encourages DBE & SAPS renewed efforts
• concerned decisive efforts have taken too long
The ACDP welcomes increased efforts by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to promote and prioritise the school-based crime prevention programme. “Safety in schools must be a top priority and the ACDP supports all efforts to prevent young people from involving themselves in criminal activities” ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said.
DBE Deputy Minister Surty said the aim of the Partnership Protocol signed on 11 April 2011, is to render a ‘school-based crime prevention service that is pro-active, to build and promote cordial and positive relationships between schools, police stations, children in general, communities and the police’. The Deputy Minister of Police Ms Sotyu emphasised that the protocol is important for its ‘clear guidelines on how and who responds in situations of crime at schools’, and to ‘instil sound values for the positive development of young people into responsible citizens who revere the constitution’.
The main objective is to establish ‘safe school committees’ across the country.
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said: “The issue of crime and violence in our schools is a shared responsibility and these two government departments are best placed to tackle the problem – this however has always been the case and while the ACDP commends and encourages the two departments in their efforts we are concerned that they have taken so long to move decisively on this important initiative”!
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
13th August 2013
ACDP says crime and violence in schools has always been a shared responsibility
• commends and encourages DBE & SAPS renewed efforts
• concerned decisive efforts have taken too long
The ACDP welcomes increased efforts by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to promote and prioritise the school-based crime prevention programme. “Safety in schools must be a top priority and the ACDP supports all efforts to prevent young people from involving themselves in criminal activities” ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said.
DBE Deputy Minister Surty said the aim of the Partnership Protocol signed on 11 April 2011, is to render a ‘school-based crime prevention service that is pro-active, to build and promote cordial and positive relationships between schools, police stations, children in general, communities and the police’. The Deputy Minister of Police Ms Sotyu emphasised that the protocol is important for its ‘clear guidelines on how and who responds in situations of crime at schools’, and to ‘instil sound values for the positive development of young people into responsible citizens who revere the constitution’.
The main objective is to establish ‘safe school committees’ across the country.
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said: “The issue of crime and violence in our schools is a shared responsibility and these two government departments are best placed to tackle the problem – this however has always been the case and while the ACDP commends and encourages the two departments in their efforts we are concerned that they have taken so long to move decisively on this important initiative”!
ACDP calls on the departments of Higher and Basic Education to work together on relevant programs to promote Technical Schools as institutions of choice for learners
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
13th August 2013
ACDP calls on the departments of Higher and Basic Education to work together on relevant programs to promote Technical Schools as institutions of choice for learners
• welcomes measures to improve enrolment numbers at Technical High schools resulting from Ministerial Task Team set up to look at challenges
“The ACDP welcomes measures to improve enrolment numbers at Technical High schools which have been struggling to attract learners”, ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today. The enrolment figures in 2007 were at 119 000 and in 2013 it is 45 000.
A Ministerial Task Team set up to look at the challenges facing technical schools has drafted a Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Technical Schools which will allow for specialization in Civil Technology, Electrical Technology and Mechanical Technology - supported by Technical Mathematics, Technical Science and the current Engineering Graphics and Design.
Before the subjects are introduced, an audit of available resources i.e. infrastructure, equipment and educator competence will be done – as well as an assessment of financial implications for implementation and sustainability.
“Continuous Professional Development of educators must ensure competent teaching and skills development, and collaboration with business and industry professional bodies, Higher Education Institution sector, organized labour and statutory bodies must be prioritized”.
The ACDP calls on the departments of Higher and Basic Education to work together on relevant programs to promote Technical Schools as institutions of choice for learners.
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
13th August 2013
ACDP calls on the departments of Higher and Basic Education to work together on relevant programs to promote Technical Schools as institutions of choice for learners
• welcomes measures to improve enrolment numbers at Technical High schools resulting from Ministerial Task Team set up to look at challenges
“The ACDP welcomes measures to improve enrolment numbers at Technical High schools which have been struggling to attract learners”, ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today. The enrolment figures in 2007 were at 119 000 and in 2013 it is 45 000.
A Ministerial Task Team set up to look at the challenges facing technical schools has drafted a Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Technical Schools which will allow for specialization in Civil Technology, Electrical Technology and Mechanical Technology - supported by Technical Mathematics, Technical Science and the current Engineering Graphics and Design.
Before the subjects are introduced, an audit of available resources i.e. infrastructure, equipment and educator competence will be done – as well as an assessment of financial implications for implementation and sustainability.
“Continuous Professional Development of educators must ensure competent teaching and skills development, and collaboration with business and industry professional bodies, Higher Education Institution sector, organized labour and statutory bodies must be prioritized”.
The ACDP calls on the departments of Higher and Basic Education to work together on relevant programs to promote Technical Schools as institutions of choice for learners.
ACDP pleased to hear failed Outcome Based Education (OBE) behind us.
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
13th August 2013
ACDP pleased to hear failed Outcome Based Education (OBE) behind us.
• Welcomes report of smooth process and support of educators
The ACDP is pleased to hear Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga say that Outcome Based Education (OBE) is safely, permanently and firmly behind us – that the process has been smooth and that it has received support from educators.
The Minister has explained that during the strengthening of CAPS (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements) content was specified, sequenced and paced per grade in order to provide teachers with the confidence to teach and assess learners - and that support has been provided to subject advisors through the orientation process.
CAPS is being incrementally implemented as follows: Foundation Phase and Grade 10 were in 2012; Intermediate Phase and Grade 11 in 2013 and Senior Phase and Grade 12 in 2014.
The ACDP notes that 8268 Grade 10-12 subject advisors and 1600 subject advisors responsible for Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase have been trained so far. We also welcome reports that Provinces have trained teachers in CAPS and are continuing to support its implementation.
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
13th August 2013
ACDP pleased to hear failed Outcome Based Education (OBE) behind us.
• Welcomes report of smooth process and support of educators
The ACDP is pleased to hear Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga say that Outcome Based Education (OBE) is safely, permanently and firmly behind us – that the process has been smooth and that it has received support from educators.
The Minister has explained that during the strengthening of CAPS (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements) content was specified, sequenced and paced per grade in order to provide teachers with the confidence to teach and assess learners - and that support has been provided to subject advisors through the orientation process.
CAPS is being incrementally implemented as follows: Foundation Phase and Grade 10 were in 2012; Intermediate Phase and Grade 11 in 2013 and Senior Phase and Grade 12 in 2014.
The ACDP notes that 8268 Grade 10-12 subject advisors and 1600 subject advisors responsible for Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase have been trained so far. We also welcome reports that Provinces have trained teachers in CAPS and are continuing to support its implementation.
ACDP says children must not be put at increased risk as budgets are balanced
ACDP says children must not be put at increased risk as budgets are balanced
• applauds Children’s Institutes relentless efforts to assess and publicise adequacy of social development budgets for funding of Children’s Act services
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today that “it is unacceptable for us to allow children to be put at increased risk due to budget constraints”.
She also said that “the ACDP applauds the Children’s Institute for their relentless efforts to assess and publicise the adequacy of social development budgets for funding of Children’s Act services”.
Historically social welfare services for children have been seriously under-funded and in 2005 government was funding no more than 25% of the cost of implementing the old Child Care Act in South Africa.
“In 2010, the Children’s Act raised hopes as it clearly recognised government’s constitutional obligation to provide children with adequate care, protection and social services - holding government primarily responsible for providing and funding a wide range of welfare services for children”.
The Children’s Institute maintains that ‘given the historically low funding base for this area of services, if we are to achieve the objectives of the Children’s Act we need to see continuous above average real budget growth in the sub-programmes that house children’s welfare services’.
“The ACDP acknowledges the legitimate concern that our presently high level of unemployment is placing families under material and psychological stress to make ends meet - and that children are at a greater risk of vulnerability, under-development, abandonment, neglect and abuse”.
The ACDP calls on the Ministers of Finance and Social Development – and Members of Parliament to ensure that the budget allocations for programmes and services that strengthen and support vulnerable families will genuinely be able to lessen this risk and keep children safe.
South Africa has high rates of child abuse, abandonment and orphaning.
• applauds Children’s Institutes relentless efforts to assess and publicise adequacy of social development budgets for funding of Children’s Act services
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today that “it is unacceptable for us to allow children to be put at increased risk due to budget constraints”.
She also said that “the ACDP applauds the Children’s Institute for their relentless efforts to assess and publicise the adequacy of social development budgets for funding of Children’s Act services”.
Historically social welfare services for children have been seriously under-funded and in 2005 government was funding no more than 25% of the cost of implementing the old Child Care Act in South Africa.
“In 2010, the Children’s Act raised hopes as it clearly recognised government’s constitutional obligation to provide children with adequate care, protection and social services - holding government primarily responsible for providing and funding a wide range of welfare services for children”.
The Children’s Institute maintains that ‘given the historically low funding base for this area of services, if we are to achieve the objectives of the Children’s Act we need to see continuous above average real budget growth in the sub-programmes that house children’s welfare services’.
“The ACDP acknowledges the legitimate concern that our presently high level of unemployment is placing families under material and psychological stress to make ends meet - and that children are at a greater risk of vulnerability, under-development, abandonment, neglect and abuse”.
The ACDP calls on the Ministers of Finance and Social Development – and Members of Parliament to ensure that the budget allocations for programmes and services that strengthen and support vulnerable families will genuinely be able to lessen this risk and keep children safe.
South Africa has high rates of child abuse, abandonment and orphaning.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Questions for the Minister of International Relations
QUESTIONS
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
5 August 2013
ACDP Member of Parliament and Chief Whip, Cheryllyn Dudley, is to pose the following question to the Minister of International Relations:
· Whether South Africa has made any representation to His Excellency Hassan Rouhani President of Islamic Republic of Iran concerning Saeed Abedini (known as Saeed Abedinigalangashi in Iran);
· Whether any diplomatic intervention is possible in view of the fact that Iran has unconditionally accepted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a signatory to the international civil, economic, and cultural covenants;
· Are we correct in our understanding that Article 18 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights holds all signatories accountable to honoring their citizens’ freedom of religion and religious expression?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Saeed Abedini - a young father who is currently being held in ward 350 of Evin Prison in violation of both Iranian and international law. Mr. Abedini has been sentenced to eight years in prison because his participation in peaceful religious gatherings in private homes was viewed as a threat to Iran’s national security. According to the Iranian Constitution he possesses the legal right to exercise his Christian faith, which includes the right to freely worship God in a peaceful gathering.
Iran has also unconditionally accepted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a signatory to the international civil, economic, and cultural covenants. Article 18 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights hold all signatories accountable to honoring their citizens’ freedom of religion and religious expression. Iran has also obligated itself to respect the peaceful assembly of religious minorities within its borders.
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
5 August 2013
ACDP Member of Parliament and Chief Whip, Cheryllyn Dudley, is to pose the following question to the Minister of International Relations:
· Whether South Africa has made any representation to His Excellency Hassan Rouhani President of Islamic Republic of Iran concerning Saeed Abedini (known as Saeed Abedinigalangashi in Iran);
· Whether any diplomatic intervention is possible in view of the fact that Iran has unconditionally accepted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a signatory to the international civil, economic, and cultural covenants;
· Are we correct in our understanding that Article 18 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights holds all signatories accountable to honoring their citizens’ freedom of religion and religious expression?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Saeed Abedini - a young father who is currently being held in ward 350 of Evin Prison in violation of both Iranian and international law. Mr. Abedini has been sentenced to eight years in prison because his participation in peaceful religious gatherings in private homes was viewed as a threat to Iran’s national security. According to the Iranian Constitution he possesses the legal right to exercise his Christian faith, which includes the right to freely worship God in a peaceful gathering.
Iran has also unconditionally accepted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a signatory to the international civil, economic, and cultural covenants. Article 18 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights hold all signatories accountable to honoring their citizens’ freedom of religion and religious expression. Iran has also obligated itself to respect the peaceful assembly of religious minorities within its borders.
Friday, 2 August 2013
WC School Closures overturned
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
2nd August 2013
Western Cape High Court judges ruled that both the reasons given for the closure of WC schools and the public consultation process that followed were inadequate.
They set aside Western Cape education minister Donald Grant's decision, made in October to go into effect from December 31.
He and his department were ordered to pay the legal costs of the schools and their governing bodies.
The ACDP welcomes the court ruling which confirms the irrational nature of the DA's actions.
The court also found the public consultation process to be an "artificial formality" that fell short of what was reasonably expected.
Grant announced last year that 27 schools faced possible closure for various reasons.
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
2nd August 2013
Western Cape High Court judges ruled that both the reasons given for the closure of WC schools and the public consultation process that followed were inadequate.
They set aside Western Cape education minister Donald Grant's decision, made in October to go into effect from December 31.
He and his department were ordered to pay the legal costs of the schools and their governing bodies.
The ACDP welcomes the court ruling which confirms the irrational nature of the DA's actions.
The court also found the public consultation process to be an "artificial formality" that fell short of what was reasonably expected.
Grant announced last year that 27 schools faced possible closure for various reasons.
ACDP says survey shows most farmers absorbing the new minimum wage
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
2nd August 2013
Positive trend re permanent jobs is encouraging for career farm workers
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today that "the hysteria and threats of significant job losses when the minimum wage for farm workers was increased by 52% in March this year - we are please ro note - has proved unfounded."
At the time The ACDP welcomed the increase which meant workers would earn a minimum of R105 a day but pointed out that this would still leave farm workers and their families with little chance of combating the poverty and poor nutrition which is their daily reality.
The quarterly labour force survey released this week shows that Agri employment between March and June dropped by 26,000 - "a mere 3.5% reaction to the increase - with most farmers absorbing the new minimum wage" ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today.
"Economists from the Pretoria and Stellenbosch Universities confirmed that predictions of job losses were exaggerated!" Cheryllyn nDudley said.
A recent trend shows a large shift from casual and seasonal labour to permanent labour on farms - with an emphasis on more skilled labour.
"This is a positive trend which is encouraging for career farm workers" Dudley said.
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
2nd August 2013
Positive trend re permanent jobs is encouraging for career farm workers
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today that "the hysteria and threats of significant job losses when the minimum wage for farm workers was increased by 52% in March this year - we are please ro note - has proved unfounded."
At the time The ACDP welcomed the increase which meant workers would earn a minimum of R105 a day but pointed out that this would still leave farm workers and their families with little chance of combating the poverty and poor nutrition which is their daily reality.
The quarterly labour force survey released this week shows that Agri employment between March and June dropped by 26,000 - "a mere 3.5% reaction to the increase - with most farmers absorbing the new minimum wage" ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today.
"Economists from the Pretoria and Stellenbosch Universities confirmed that predictions of job losses were exaggerated!" Cheryllyn nDudley said.
A recent trend shows a large shift from casual and seasonal labour to permanent labour on farms - with an emphasis on more skilled labour.
"This is a positive trend which is encouraging for career farm workers" Dudley said.
What Now?
Zimbabwe's leading domestic election monitoring agency cried foul on Thursday over this week's poll, saying the credibility of the vote was "seriously compromised" by irregularities on polling day. Officials from the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) said urban voters, who mainly favour Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, had been turned away from polling stations in their thousands.
The people's choice is no choice at all...
Ruled by a dictator/lunatic
or
Take to the streets like Egypt inviting violent clashes, sacrificed lives and on- going mayhem - allowing space for a military take over.
What my Irish Granny would describe as " BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA"!
We can probably guess the SADC and AU response will be weak - but clearly - no-one in the world seems to have any answers - the soft underbelly of democracy being exposed - yet again!"
The people's choice is no choice at all...
Ruled by a dictator/lunatic
or
Take to the streets like Egypt inviting violent clashes, sacrificed lives and on- going mayhem - allowing space for a military take over.
What my Irish Granny would describe as " BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA"!
We can probably guess the SADC and AU response will be weak - but clearly - no-one in the world seems to have any answers - the soft underbelly of democracy being exposed - yet again!"
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