COSATU TO DEMONSTRATE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE ZCTU!

 

Dear Cdes,

The solidarity from the COSATU is much needed and goes a considerable way in inlfuencing a vast number of cdes in South Africa that Robert Mugabe is no longer the 'hero' he was when he was leading the struggle for independence in Zimbabwe. The solidarity of COSATU is therefore very welcome and deserves our support.

Recently the government has shown ist disregard of social dialogue, banning political rallies and almost restarting a 'State of Emergency' in Zimbabwe. This a gangster state that has cornered that coercieve apparatus for its own class advancement and survival. Mugabe screams that his 'cabinet is corrupt' yet he appoints all of them back. Its a military-business-political cabal that disregards court orders.

At least Chavez had the temerity of not acting until the consitution has been reformed - in that way one might argue that Chavez acts within the Rule of Law!

Our solidarity must never be based on the simple fact that they 'are amongst the very few world leaders willing to confront head on the naked hypocrisy and general aggression of the US government, in particular now under the leadership of George W Bush'. Anti-imperialism, at least I thought, has moved away from clapping hands for everyone who defies 'the empire' to a solidarity that is based on what type of economy and politics is going on at the national level to reflect this anti-imperialism. Zimbabwe looted the DRC in the name of this anti-imperialism. Farms were distributed to colleagues -- the government's own Utete Commission said that -- contrast this with Cuba and Venezuela.

However it is my view that Mugabe can not be compared to Chavez or for that matter to Castro. To makes this comparison and conclusion shows a weak understanding of the Zimbabwean political economy. There is glaring evidence of the Harare government being concerned with its standing at the IMF (hence the paying of debt etc -- so as to improve credit ratings and borrow again - never mind Mugabe's own rhetoric -- Gono will be wincing). If Robert Mugabe was to, by grace, be offered an 'adjustment' loan he would run there.

COSATU has been making solidarity interventions on Zimbabwe which have been very strategic. This however does not rule out the fact that Mugabe must be exposed for the fraud he is. Pandering to his anti-imperialist rhetoric by comparing him to Chavez is dangerous.

In solidarity

Tinashe


On 3/5/07, Bongani Masuku <bongani@cosatu.org.za> wrote:

Dear Cdes,

The CEC of COSATU adopted a programme of action on the two countries, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, particularly around April, with the ZCTU stay away of 03 and 04 April in Zimbabwe, as well the 12th April commemoration of the king's decree that bans political parties and all other such freedoms since 1973 in Swaziland, as the target dates for action.

Programmes were adopted, but am just highlighting a caption of the media statement by the CEC released last week.

We are meeting with the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum in less than 30 m inutes time from now and the Swaziland Solidarity Network tommorrow at 5pm.

Regards,

COSATU CEC statement - 1 March 2007

The Congress of South African Trade Unions held a scheduled meeting of its Central Executive Committee from 26-28 February 2007, attended by the National Office Bearers and delegates from all 21 affiliated unions.


"On Swaziland,

COSATU will be mobilising its members to demonstrate at all the SA/Swaziland borders on 12 April 2007, in solidarity with the people and trade unions of Swaziland fighting for democracy and human rights. 12 April 1973 is the day that King Sobhuza banned all political parties and introduced a decree that remains in force taking away all peoples basic freedoms such a right to association, right to assemble and a freedom of speech.

On Zimbabwe,

COSATU will be demonstrating in all the establishments of the Zimbabwe government, such as their High Commission, in support of the general strike called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions on 3-4 April. Both the economic catastrophe and the attacks on human rights have worsened, as reflected in the swelling tide of migrants fleeing into South Africa, which his has led to widespread exploitation of these workers by unscrupulous employers who are taking advantage of their situation whilst at the same time distorting the South African labour market. The CEC resolved to struggle to organise and protect these and other vulnerable immigrant workers and to demand harsh penalties for employers breaking the labour laws.

COSATU does recognise the heroic role played by the Zimbabwe government and people in the liberation of our country. Further COSATU does appreciate that perhaps President Mugabe and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez are amongst the very few world leaders willing to confront head on the naked hypocrisy and general aggression of the US government, in particular now under the leadership of George W Bush. But that does not mean that COSATU will close its eyes when President Mugabe's government tramples on workers' and human rights whilst blaming all his country's problems to imperialists. Whilst it is true that the global balance of forces limits space for more radical change, he too must take personal responsibility for leading his country from being the breadbasket of our region and continent to being the basket case of our region and continent."


With Comradely Regards,

Bongani Masuku
International Secretary
COSATU HQ
Braamfontein

 

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