October 2004
October 2004 press releases are stored here.
Independent Democrats Calls on the Government to Scrap the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor project as a dangerous White Elephant
2004-10-05. The Independent Democrats is deeply concerned that the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor is rapidly becoming another dangerous white elephant. “The allocation of an additional R500 million to the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company announced by the government on Tuesday 26 October 2004 for unforeseeable and unavoidable extra expenses is yet another indication that this project is proving to be an expensive white elephant for the country,” stated Lance Greyling environmental spokesperson for the Independent Democrats.
CAPE JUDICIARY IS UNTRANSFORMED
2004-10-06. There are people in the judiciary who are not accepting the transformation of the Judiciary in South Africa. This criticism goes to the Cape Bar Council too.
ID STATEMENT ON MPs AND JUDGES PAY INCREASE
2004-10-07. The Independent Democrats note that the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of the Public Office Bearers has made a recommendation to President Thabo Mbeki for a 7% pay increase for Members of Parliament and the Judiciary.
ID LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRATEGIC WORKSHOP
2004-10-12. The Independent Democrats held a strategic workshop in Cape on the 11th and 12 of October 2004 under the theme: "Taking Politics Back to The People" The workshop for the first time brought under one roof ID public representatives from all three spheres of government; National, Provincial and Local to discuss how the ID can service communities effectively on the local government level.
PERMISSION TO TESTFY IN SHABIR SHAIK TRIAL GRANTED
2004-10-14. The Independent Democrats Leader, Patricia de Lille, will definitely take the stand and give evidence in Mr Shabir Shaik trial as subpoenaed by the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA). This follows the granting of permission, in terms of Section 10 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act: 2004, by the National Assembly Speaker, Baleka Mbete.
ID OBJECTS TO THE UNDERHAND METHODS OF THE DEAT IN PONDOLAND
2004-10-15. The ID calls for the DEAT to live up to its Minister's commitment and institute a comprehensive public participation process over the future of the Pondoland Region.
TSVANGIRAI'S ACQUITTAL A VICTORY FOR OPPOSITION POLITICS AND INDEPENDENT JUDICARY IN ZIMBABWE
2004-10-15. The Independent Democrats congratulate Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, Leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) for his strength and visionary commitment to bringing about democratic changes in Zimbabwe, and on his acquittal on treason charges.
The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step
2004-10-20. Much has been achieved with regards to the elimination of unfair discrimination on the basis of race, and to a lesser extent gender, in the past 10 years of our democracy. Unfortunately, disabled individuals and their families, remain effectively excluded from mainstream South African society as a result of unfair discrimination through the failure to reasonably accommodate their physical and mental impairments.
Independent Democrats statement on Parliamentary travel voucher scam investigation
2004-10-26. The Independent Democrats find the lack of progress in the Parliamentary Travel Voucher scam investigation inexcusable and call for swift action from law enforcement agencies investigating the matter in order to restore the tarnished image of parliament.
Transformation of the Judiciary is long overdue, says the ID
2004-10-26. The Independent Democrats has noted with shock the statement attributed to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Chief Whip, Mr Koos van der Merwe who was quoted as saying "white men need no longer apply for judicial posts, particularly when they are up against black candidates"
Independent Democrats statement on Medium Term Budget Policy Speech
2004-10-26. Although the Independent Democrats welcome Finance Minister's commitment to improve the remuneration of civil servants, the ID is however disappointed that the Minister did not commit his department to introduce tax incentive to retain scare skills.
Agricultural Credit Scheme Fund, a step in the right direction
2004-10-27. The Independent Democrats welcome the announcement that R1 billion has been set aside to revive the Agricultural Credit Scheme.
Time for South Africa to re-visit its quiet diplomacy in Zimbabwe
2004-10-27. The Independent Democrats denounce the deportation of COSATU delegates who were on fact-finding mission in Zimbabwe. The ID respects the sovereignty of any country; Zimbabwe included, but believes that harsh measures taken to cover-up the oppression of Human and Workers Rights in Zimbabwe calls for a strong condemnation from the South African government.
The Independent Democrats call for the abandoning of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Project
2004-10-27. The Independent Democrats is deeply concerned that the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor is rapidly becoming another dangerous white elephant.
