25 May 2013, Africa Day Celebration

Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance in Action

The ACTION Support Centre (ASC) and the Proudly Africa Campaign will participate in the Africa Week Street Festival in support of Africa Day, May 25th, 2013.

Coming as it does at a time when the unity of our continent remains threatened by mercenary unprincipled elements intent on holding our continent back we need to use this occasion to galvanise all progressive forces behind a solid unifying agenda towards an Africa that takes its rightful place on the global stage.

From May 19th to 27th 2013, the African Union (AU) had its 21st Summit at the AU's headquarters in Addis Ababa, under the theme 'Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance’.  This included a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the AU, established in 1963 as a vehicle for economic and political cooperation amongst African states. South Africa began celebrating Africa Day upon liberation from the Apartheid regime in 1994.  The ACTION Support Centre acknowledges the important contribution of Nkosasana Dlamini Zuma who acts as Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The future Africa can come alive now, with the contribution and participation of all of us in a celebration of the essence of being African, in memory of those we have lost along the way and in laying the foundation for those that have yet to come. The spirit of UBUNTU, of togetherness, of each of us being connected to all of us, will resonate from the streets of Yeoville and reverberate across the borders and boundaries that will eventually be shown to be the false dividers of our connected continent that we are intent on exposing and tearing down.

The ACTION Support Centre reflects and remembers those lives lost in the 2008 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, marked this year with its fifth anniversary. We remember past African leaders, Nkwameh Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, Patrice Lumumba and others for their commitment to combat the injustices and indignity of discrimination, poverty and oppression of Africa’s diverse peoples. 

The ACTION Support Centre celebrates the increased momentum behind the realisation of an African Renaissance.  Equally, we celebrate numerous efforts and undertakings to establish and maintain peace in countries such as Burundi, South Africa, the DRC, Egypt, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Liberia.

The ACTION Support Centre recognises the need to consolidate and share information, experience and training across multiple levels; and to build stronger linkages between community-based movements and national, regional and continental decision-making bodies.  We recognise the need to lobby and advocate the media to cover the many stories of hope, love, peace and progress emerging from our continent.

The ACTION Support Centre calls for a renewed strengthening of efforts and collaboration through nonviolent means, to stand in solidarity with one another against xenophobia, which is continuing to create divisions within our communities and societies.  We call for collaboration with and support for the AU as it seeks to further establish policies and frameworks as a continental governing body in the face of disunity.

The ACTION Support Centre supports the freedom struggles of people everywhere, and especially in the DRC, Palestine, Madagascar, Tibet, Syria, Swaziland, Western Sahara, and Zimbabwe, and the struggles to implement political agreements. We support efforts to harness local conflict transformation efforts behind a collective agenda and to protect communities from violence wherever there is a need, including in Mali, Central African Republic, Myanmar, Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Egypt and South Africa.

The ACTION Support Centre will celebrate Africa Day, May 25th, in collaboration with local organisations and activisits in Yeoville, Bellevue, Johannesburg.  ASC will be hosting one of five stages at the Africa Week Street Festival on the Corner Kenmere and Hunter Streets along Rocky-Raleigh Street in Yeoville.  Between 12:00 and 17:00 we will be filling our stage with a number of African solidarity-focused performances and addresses, in the spirit of celebrating our cultural diversity, promoting social cohesion and championing human and people’s rights.

ASC is the Africa regional hub for organisations working in the fields of conflict and development.  ASC is part of a global network of individuals and organisations committed to transforming conflict around the world, ACTION for Conflict Transformation, and amplify the voices of communities through a focus on; human rights, capacity building, lobbying and advocacy, people to people solidarity, development, grassroots mobilisation, building movements, facilitating dialogue, training and initiating innovative forms of organising.

The Proudly African Campaign is a CALL TO ACTION to all AfriCan people across Africa and around the world to begin to think and act creatively and collectively and find solutions to Africa’s numerous challenges.

The Campaign seeks to give an opportunity to all Africans, including those in the Diaspora, to engage one another in an honest debate about Africa’s challenges, its position in the global socio and political economy and the future Africans seek for themselves.

For more information please contact:

Kate Gardner             Philani Ndebele 

kate@asc.org.za       philani@asc.org.za

+27 83 527 6784       +27 76 942 3565

Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance in Action

The ACTION Support Centre (ASC) and the Proudly African Campaign, in collaboration with a range of civil society organisations, will be hosting a stage at the Africa Week Street Festival in Yeoville, Bellevue on Saturday May 25th. 

 The Africa Week Street Festival will celebrate 50 years of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), and acknowledge the fifth anniversary of the xenophobic attacks that devastated South African communities in 2008. The event seeks to give an opportunity to all of us Africans, from South Africa and across the continent, to engage with one another in the collective sharing of music, song, dance, craft, clothing, food, film and art in an open vibrant community space.

During the festival celebrations, ASC and Proudly African Campaign will be hosting one of five stages at Corner Kenmere and Hunter Streets along Rocky-Raleigh Street in Yeoville.  Between 12:00 and 17:00 we will be filling our stage with a number of African solidarity-focused performances and addresses, in the spirit of celebrating our cultural diversity, promoting social cohesion and championing human and people’s rights.

Africa Day marks the day in 1963 of the formation of the Organisation for African Union (OAU), established as a vehicle for economic and political cooperation.  In 2002 the OAU became the current body, now called the African Union (AU).  South Africa began celebrating Africa Day upon liberation from the Apartheid regime in 1994.  Today, we acknowledge the important contribution of Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma who acts as Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

In addition to a celebration of 50 years of the AU, South Africans and members of the African Diaspora, remember 5 years since xenophobic attacks claimed the lives of over 60 migrants and South African nationals in May 2008.  5 years on, South Africans are still trying to understand the motivation for such violence.

A wide number of civil society activists and organisations, including the ACTION Support Centre, dedicate their time and energy to promoting peace, tolerance and solidarity within communities around the country, with a view to preventing such attacks in future and shifting the attitudes underlying such behaviours. 

The ACTION Support Centre is the Africa regional hub for organisations working in the fields of conflict and development.  ASC is part of a global network of individuals and organisations committed to transforming conflict around the world, ACTION for Conflict Transformation, and amplify the voices of communities through a focus on; human and people’s rights, capacity building, lobbying and advocacy, people to people solidarity, development, grassroots mobilisation, building movements, facilitating dialogue, training and initiating innovative forms of organising.

The Proudly African Campaign is a CALL TO ACTION to all AfriCan people across Africa and around the world to begin to think and act creatively and collectively and find solutions to Africa’s numerous challenges.

The Campaign seeks to give an opportunity to all Africans, including those in the Diaspora, to engage one another in an honest debate about Africa’s challenges, its position in the global socio and political economy and the future Africans seek for themselves.

For more information please contact:

Kate Gardner                   Philani Ndebele 

kate@asc.org.za              philani@asc.org.za

+27 83 527 6784               +27 76 942 3565

SDC Press Statement

SDC congratulates the historic and highly successful International dialogue on Swazi National elections and calls for unity of action, new resolve and boldness!

The Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) takes this opportunity to extend warm and heartily appreciations to all who made it to the historic joint hosting of the watershed International dialogue on the coming tinkhundla elections in Swaziland, which was jointly held with the Wits SRC and various internationally renowned and respected organisations.

It was a weekend of interesting, critical and very robustly yet honest discussions. The Swazi progressive forces, working together with all international organisations, academics, policy makers, embassies and respected personalities gathered at Wits University in Johannesburg to engage on and clarify the following;

1.  Understanding the tenets of a democratic electoral system and how these compare with the current electoral system in Swaziland.

2.  To explore the current Swazi electoral system in detail, in particular how political power is formed, coalesced and contested and the pitfalls and opportunities in this process.

3.  To draw comparisons between the Swazi and other regional and international electoral systems/models, including a closer look at the Swazi constitution, SADC protocols and the role of national interest groups in electoral systems.

4.  To maximise cooperation and unity amongst those involved in the campaign for democracy and human rights inside Swaziland.

5.  To build a global progressive movement and momentum towards supporting democracy and human rights in Swaziland as part of the global progressive agenda for social justice

This gathering had to take place outside the country, because in Swaziland it is illegal to hold such a gathering, including to speak up against oppression, to raise differing views with those held by the absolute monarchy and who stand up for their inalienable rights to organise, freely associate and create a balanced and fair space for public debate. This was well proven when the SDC and Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF) tried to hold a Public debate on the coming elections inside Swaziland on the 12th April, as well as when the Swaziland Diaspora Platform tried the same in Manzini on the 20th April, 2013. They were all violently disrupted and dispersed.

We are proud of the hard work put in by the SDC Swaziland Chapter and its close associates, particularly as led by the SUDF, which closely liaised with the South Africa Chapter and its constituent components outcomes and our international partners from beyond the region and continent that supported and worked with us in this regard.

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, in the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

We are confident that the different views expressed have united the Swazi progressive and civil society forces more, because what came out clearly was that all Swazis and their organisations are united in calling for a credible multiparty democracy, though they may not necessarily agree on how, which is a normal and healthy part of any evolving society.

Emerging inspired from this gathering, we wish to assure Swazis and the world at large that a full report together with a clear way forward on what needs to be done, when and how, as well as with whom will be released in close collaboration with our partners inside Swaziland, who are trusted and reliable allies in this drawn-out cause.

Our life, future and hope are entirely dependent on the sustenance of this critical wave and tide to be espoused in the coming bold programme. We pledge to endeavour to do all within our powers to ensure that tinkhundla is out and multiparty democracy is finally ushered in.

We call on, first and foremost Swazis themselves, wherever there are, to stand up decisively and fight for their country, their dignity and their proud identity, free from royal domination and subjugation. Only then will the worlds democracy-loving community stand up firm in support of the Swazi people at this dire situation and hour of need and desperation.

 For more information please contact: 

 Wandile Dludlu: + 268 76111676, wandidludlu@yahoo.com 

Nthando Khumalo, +268 76411070, nkhanyetistarr@gmail.com

Stephen Faulkner +27 82 817 5455, steve.faulkner@samwu.org.za

Philani Ndebele +27 76 942 3565, philani@asc.org.za

Richard Smith, Steering Committee Representative to the ACTION Support Centre and Corlett Letlojane, Director of the Human Rights Institute of South Africa, will be making presentations and responding to questions.

In an attempt to contextualize the mainstream media efforts to explain the role of the SANDF in the CAR this seminar will explore the underlying shifts in global power and the African Union and South African International Relations agendas.

 11am - Tuesday 14 May 2013 - Ceasefire Campaign Boardroom

This is an opportunity to explore the International and African agendas at play in Central Africa and the underlying principles and responsibilities that inform the South African and African Union international relations and human security agenda.

About the Ceasefire Campaign and the ACTION Support Centre

The ACTION Support Centre is the Africa regional hub of a global network of individuals and organisations committed to transforming conflict, ACTION for Conflict Transformation. At the centre of the ASCs work is a strong focus on relationship building within and between organisations, movements and individuals. Through our work we have learned that robust and durable relationships are essential to the long-term transformation of communities. Innovative learning processes use a conflict transformation framework to link personal, relational and systemic forms of change, connecting practitioners and organisations across multiple levels.

The Ceasefire Campaign has its roots in the anti-apartheid struggle and has been in existence since 1993, just before the first democratic elections. The organization aims to promote non-violence, peace, arms reduction, and demilitarization. Our programme includes participation in local and international campaigns against violence, arms and war.  The organization does nonviolence training and regularly holds seminars, workshops and film screenings as part of its advocacy programme and efforts to share information

Contact Details

 The Ceasefire Campaign 

Sky Mzobe  Kate Gardner

011 403 5315 / admintz@sn.apc.org 

The ACTION Support Centre

011 482 2453 / kate@asc.org.za

http://ceasefire.org.za/site/  www.asc.org .za

• To understand the tenets of democratic electoral systems and compare these with the current electoral system in Swaziland.
• To explore the current Swazi electoral system in detail, in particular how political power is formed, coalesced, and contested and the pitfalls and opportunities in this process.
• To draw comparisons between the Swazi and other regional and International electoral role of different national interest groups in electoral systems.
• To build a global movement and momentum toward supporting democracy and human rights in Swaziland as part of the global progressive agenda for social justice.
• 
  

The Dialogue will be moderated by renowned South African academic and political analyst Professor William Gumede. The following Swazi political parties have confirmed their participation at the Dialogue; Sive Siyinqaba Sibahle Sinje, the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) and the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS).
Speakers at the event include Professor Steven Friedman (Centre for the Study of Democracy), Professor PQ Magagula (Swazi political analyst), Muzi Masuku (Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa), Hleli Luhlanga (Pro elections participation advocate), Advocate Pansy Tlakula (Chairperson of the South African Electoral Commission and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression for the African Union), the High Commissioner of Lesotho, H E LL Khechane-Ntoane and Ebrahim Fakier from the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa.

In addition we also have confirmation of the participation of the America, German,  and European Union Ambassadors. The South African High Commissioner to Swaziland and other South African government representatives have also been invited to participate in the event.

We anticipate an open and vibrant dialogue among varying participants with a range of viewpoints.

The media is invited to participate.

For further information please contact;

In South Africa:
Pearl Pillay, International Affairs Officer Wits SRC 2012/13
Mobile: +27 82 6084000
Email: pearlpillay@rocketmail.com
In Swaziland:
Nthando Khumalo, Dialogue Coordinator in Swaziland
Mobile: +268 76411070
Email: nkhanyetistarr@gmail.com

Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez has passed away ‘after battling a tough illness for nearly two years’. A number of persons celebrated the news by honking their car horns. Reaction of his class enemies tell the cause Chávez stood for. Identity of his class enemies tells the class position Chávez chose. The cause and the class position make Chávez part of people, part of people’s history, part of class struggle toilers carry forward.

It was not his personal cause. It was a cause an old republic created with its failures, a cause determined by the society’s history. It was a cause the multitude demanded. It was a cause to which exploitation and inequality, injustice and lies, all practiced by the elites, provided the rationale. The cause was not driven by a personal vendetta.

So, Chávez stood for the excluded, for the poor, for the prisoners of poverty, for the captives of starvation. So, Chávez stood for the shackled, for those compelled to live with indignity and dishonor. So, Chávez stood for labour tied to the yoke of capital, to the yoke of capital’s dictatorship and tyranny. So, began the historic political journey by Comandante Chávez.

Thus, a ‘sin’ was committed in the court of the rich, the propertied classes, the appropriators, the land speculators, the oil wealth thieves, the world capitalist system. Hence Chávez turned on a sworn-in class enemy of the powerful, of the key keepers of property, of the custodians of undue privileges.

Chávez united workers, peasants, small and medium business people, women, indigenous communities, youths and students, professionals, members of the military, and activists and almost the entire leadership in the camp striving to make a forward journey, a new political practice for exercising national sovereignty and independence free from all external influences and interferences. He forged the largest progressive social-political force in Venezuela. Over the years, he led a struggle so that power belongs to the people, not to the rich.

He engaged the armed forces en masse into activities aimed at social protection and national development. An archaic state machine was pressed to gear a transformation process, frustrating at times, yet a challenging task.

Chávez made unique effort by cementing a Bolivarian civic-military political force relying on the people’s yearning for freedom and dignity. The aim was to reconstruct state institutions, a transformation process, and claim people’s sovereignty with the goal of transforming the social, political and state structures.

He mobilized the poor and the most excluded parts of the society. This was his constituency and strength. In response, the rich tried to flood mass psyche with lies-stuffed media, and employed Guarimba, violent mobilizations using firearms, to provoke the government to resort to repressive measures.

Despite conspiracies the people of Venezuela achieved victories over the years. The latest victories include the people’s patience and unity in the face of propaganda on the health condition of Chávez and electoral victory by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela in 20 of 23 states.

Chávez initiated unique experiments. With the existing reality these are difficult indeed. These provide people spaces for learning, getting mobilized, taking leadership roles, initiating plans, increasing awareness.

Venezuela can be called a land of cooperatives. Thousands of cooperatives are being organized in spheres of the society. There are thousands of farming cooperatives. It’s an initiative to change the way food is produced and to move towards sustainable and community-based food production. Lands expropriated from land speculators are being used to achieve food sovereignty. There are cooperatives of taxi drivers, janitors, small producers…

Chávez initiated projects for the benefit of the people, especially the poor. At the centre, it’s the Bolivarian Revolution. There are missions, projects, for heath, education. The housing program constructs dignified homes for the poor. More than half-a-million houses for the poor have already been constructed. The public housing program plans to construct two million homes in the next six years. A project of Community Urban Agriculture with an aim to produce food free of agro-chemicals by not damaging soil and recycling organic waste has been initiated. The project contributes to attaining food sovereignty and breaks down alienation in community. People are initiating ‘socialist’ direct community production enterprises. Alternative, free and community media aims at promoting feminism, gender diversity and wages an anti-patriarchal fight. There is effort to initiate a new type of policing aimed at dealing with the problem of crime through prevention and community engagement.

Mass debate over Venezuela’s Socialist Plan of the Nation 2013-2019 was initiated. People participated in hundreds of assemblies to specify the draft plan proposed by Chávez. On this plan he was re-elected as president. It’s part of the struggle he began.

The struggle, a persistent fight to collectively transform the society, goes on. Thousands of revolutionary social movements join together to consolidate the Great Patriotic Pole, a platform of all the popular organizations and political parties supporting the Bolivarian Revolution. Peasant organizations with thousands of people are struggling for ‘Democratic Radicalization’ and Land Reform, and against bureaucracy as bureaucracy sabotages socialism. It’s people’s fight against bureaucracy. Their demands include acceleration of the land reform program and the elimination of corruption and obstacles to construct of a socialist economy. Workers are struggling to run industrial units properly. They are getting mobilized.

These are part of a fight for what Chávez called 21st Century Socialism. It’s a long struggle. A bitter and longer struggle is there in the coming days. Already there are news of destabilization plans by the right wing and their international masters.

The people are rallying together to mourn the death of their president. They are expressing the defiant hope: ‘The struggle has already been ignited.’ People gathered in Plaza Bolivar, in front of Miraflores Palace, in central squares across the country voiced ‘Chávez lives, the struggle continues’, ‘people united will never be defeated’, the Venezuelan bourgeoisie ‘will never return to the Miraflores Palace’. These hopes keep Chávez alive.

It is people, their steadfastness, awareness, organization, unity that will determine the future path. The voice of the people is saying to the Comandante, Alo Presidente (Hello President), ‘Nobody is Surrendering Here’.

We have noted that there are state-sponsored elements that seek to divide Swazi workers and note that, even in South Africa, when the giant of the organised working class, COSATU was born in 1985 at the height of apartheid repression, the apartheid regime and its tribal political proxies formed the United Workers Union of South Africa (UWUSA) to rival and divide workers, but also divert attention into worker against worker, black against black and ethnic group against another ethnic group, away from the real enemy, the apartheid regime.

It is now public information that COSATUs launch was perceived by the Inkatha Freedom Party as a threat and direct challenge to its tribal base, leading to the party launching its own union federation, UWUSA at Kings Park stadium in Durban. An estimated 60 000 people, many of them not even workers, the reports indicate, attended the launch, bussed in by the IFP from all over the country.

The then Weekly Mail broke the following story, The Government of President F. W. de Klerk admitted secretly giving Inkatha $87,000 to pay for two rallies in 1989 and 1990, ostensibly to promulgate its opposition to sanctions. It said the United Workers Union of South Africa, Inkatha's satellite labour union, received another $525,000.

This brief narrative provides very interesting and useful lessons for TUCOSWA and the rest of the international trade union movement involved in engaging talks about uniting workers in various countries, particularly those facing repressive regime and their state-sponsored machinations to undermine, weaken and defeat the unity, resolve and determination of a united working class.

TUCOSWA has been banned almost its entire life, because it unequivocally proved itself as part of the progressive, fighting and organised detachment of the global working class movement that, by its mere existence, shake the foundations of any oppressive and exploitative regime. It pronounced unequivocally, that its future is a Swaziland free from oppression, corruption and founded on the ideals of human dignity and the rule of the people. It never saw itself as separate or waging a different struggle from that waged by the rest of the fighting masses of Swaziland, including and in particular, those from the ranks of the radical and progressive movement for change, which is not seeking to massage the regime, but change the crisis situation facing the majority of the people of Swaziland.

By banning TUCOSWA, Mswati III was banning all workers the world over and sending a message that the solution to any challenge to absolute and corrupt power is banning those who stand for real change, democracy and workers power. In that way, you resolve the problems of the ruling class, but not the problems of the majority of the suffering people, which are of no concern to despots anyway.

We need to ask ourselves why the Swazi regime is able to openly attack the trade unions and democratic forces at this time, and especially so when the International Labour Conference is about to commence in Geneva, and where the special reference against Swaziland is to be tabled?  The answer must surely be found in the fact that not a single national government in the Southern African region has condemned the arrest and detention of our comrades in Swaziland. In fact they have been deadly silent.  There has not even been a murmur of diplomatic disquiet! Imagine what would have happened if leaders of the Front Line States had turned their backs on the struggle against apartheid! They would have been condemned as sell outs, and held to account by their own people. The African Union as a whole is not much better, and appears to be unable to express an independent view even in line with its own statutes and declarations. The South African Government must break from the tradition of quiet diplomacy and taking a lead from the recent African National Congress (ANC) to  publicly condemn the attacks on the people of Swaziland, and do all that they can to put  pressure on the Royal Regime to take a genuine, not phoney road to democracy.

There is no doubt that Mswati III knows that if his neighbouring states are not raising objections to his repressive ways, and are continuing to bail him out through SACU receipts,  then all the noise that is made in Geneva at the ILO remains completely harmless.  That is why we must redouble our efforts to push democratic governments to stand up and denounce Mswati III, and side with the people of Swaziland and isolate those who continue to plunder and empty the treasury with one hand, and fill the prisons with innocent citizens with the other.  

This is the more the reason why the international trade union movement, civil society, and progressive forces all over the world and all democracy-loving peoples of the world cannot afford the luxury of sitting idle and watching Swaziland on fire, particularly workers the most critical detachment of the struggling and democratic masses.

This is why we call for a global Democratic Tsunami, whose wave shall not rest until Mswati III is forced to admit that there can be no peace and stability without TUCOSWA and the progressive forces in general. TUCOSWA stands for justice, peace and dignity for all and without that, there shall be no peace and lasting solutions to the crisis the country finds itself in.

We support and stand ready to offer concrete solidarity to the coming programme to be announced by TUCOSWA and the broad democratic movement in seeking to take the struggle to new heights. We must take the struggle to the comfort of the royal family and their friends, who are living flamboyantly in a war zone, where only workers and political activists are being targeted, persecuted, arrested and detained, as well as killed for their resolve to stand up against oppression and demand dignity for all the people.

We will engage in the following and other activities;

• Refuse to handle goods and services to the Swazi ruling elite, primarily the royal family.
• Refuse to handle arms and other repressive machinery, which is being used to further the persecution of the Swazi workers and people in general.
• Organise continuously; marches, pickets and rallies to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. In this regard, the following comrades are key;
• Bheki Dlamini, SWAYOCO President and PUDEMO NEC member, who has been in jail for almost five years now.
• Wonder Mkhonza, SPRAWU Secretary General and PUDEMO National Organising Secretary arrested recently.
• Amos Mbedzi, member of the ANC and SACP in South Africa sentenced to 85 years in jail.
• Maxwell Dlamini, SWAYOCO Secretary General and PUDEMO NEC member recently re-arrested.
• Zonke Dlamini, PUDEMO member and activist arrested for years now.
• Various other SWAYOCO members jailed during the 19th April 2013 Rally.

For more information and detailed programme of action please contact:
Philani Ndebele: 076 942 3565 (philani@asc.org.za)

Pan-Africanism is an idea that surfaced in the early 1900s. It was conceived during a time in which the people of Africa were looking for a way to achieve peace, solidarity, independence, and power. Africas unique history of almost complete colonization has greatly complicated any attempts at forming stability within the continent. Today, Africa continues to be plagued by civil wars, ethnic and religious tensions, political corruption, and famine. Possible solutions to Africas largely impoverished state continue to be discussed regularly, to not much effect. Pan-Africanism seems to provide an answer to Africas problems.

The African people, although not a strictly homogeneous race, possess a common fundamental sentiment which is everywhere manifest, crystallizing itself into one common controlling idea. -Pixley Seme, The Regeneration of Africa

Most would agree that the positive effects of pan-African nationalism are clear. With a unified movement and voice, Africa would be able to successfully compete with major global powers like the European Union, the United States, and northeast Asia. Pan-Africanism seeks to revive a continent after a history of external control, exploitation, and ethnic warfare. As evidenced by the success of other transnational organizations like the EU, increased collaboration and non-zero sumness only serves to benefit all members of the party. A pan-African economy would utilize all that Africa has to offer in its rich and plentiful mineral and resource deposits. Africa would have a much stronger stance in the global economy, thus paving the path for further development in education, social rights, and medicine. One of the greatest leaders in recent African history, Kwame Nkrumah, was an outspoken advocate for pan-African nationalism. Nkrumah wrote many analyses of the ever-changing sociopolitical status of Africa, and he often highlighted the importance of unifying the continent in order to achieve prosperity. While Nkrumah is well-known for leading Ghana into an independent nation, he was also one of the founding members of the Organization of African Unity (or the OAU), one of the first pan-African organizations. At the time of its establishment, the OAU was mainly purposed with assisting African nations in achieving independence (and, in that sense, it was quite successful).

However, the OAU had no economic power in other African nations, nor did it have a military force. Despite the oft-occuring warfare within Africa, the OAU wished to abstain from interfering with the internal affairs of African nations. Soon after the establishment of the OAU, many other pan-African organizations arose, all with the same purpose of increasing Africas global power through increasing Africas own unity. In 2002, the OAU gave way to the African Union, which engulfed the same objectives as the OAU in addition to others, putting strong emphasis on the promotion of human rights. The AU now contains a peacekeeping force in addition to various branches and assemblies, such as the African Court of Justice, the Pan-African Parliament, and the Peace and Security Council.

So, since the benefits to pan-African nationalism are so clear, why has it not been fully implemented? The truth is this: while pan-Africanism provides an excellent model for Africa to become a global power, it is terribly idealistic and seems to disregard the ethnic diversity that has actually divided Africa for so long. There are over 3000 ethnic groups within Africa (depending on ones definition of ethnicity) and perhaps more than 2000 distinct languages. Besides ethnic diversity, there exists large divides between socioeconomic classes, and many ethnic groups are often underrepresented and/or oppressed. This high level of diversity and inequality makes it extremely difficult for a pan-African union to be effective. In addition to that, colonial borders have paid no attention to actually ethnic divisions, which further complicates the formation of a unified government. Privileged individuals in African society dont easily relinquish their sovereign. This is an issue that any transnational organization will face.

In Africa where so many different kinds of political, social and economic conditions exist it is not an easy task to generalise on political and socio-economic patterns. Remnants of communalism and feudalism still remain and in parts of the continent ways of life have changed very little from traditional times. In other areas a high level of industrialization and urbanization has been achieved. Yet in spite of Africas socioeconomic and political diversity it is possible to discern certain common political, social and economic conditions and problems. These derive from traditional past, common aspirations, and from shared experience under imperialism, colonialism and neocolonialism. There is no part of the continent which has not known oppression and exploitation, and no part which remains outside the processes of the African Revolution. -Kwame Nkrumah, Class Struggle in Africa

Pan-African nationalism is, in essence, a wonderful idea. Even though the practicalities that exist due to the ethnic divisions in Africa make it seem near-impossible to implement, a desire for voice as well as better livings conditions continues to grow amongst individuals in Africa. However radical it may seem, pan-Africanism is one of the few solutions that could possibly overcome Africas history of oppression and exploitation.

http://world-history.nmhblogs.org/2013/03/31/the-pros-and-cons-of-pan-african-nationalism

2. We welcomed and supported SADCs lead role as guarantor of the Global Political Agreement. We also commended SADCs continued efforts, in particular those of the South African facilitation team, in encouraging Zimbabwes political parties to work together for the full implementation of necessary reforms ahead of elections. The breakthrough leading to the recent constitutional referendum was testament to these efforts. We re-emphasised our commitment to support SADC in their efforts to facilitate the GPA and the roadmap for elections.

3. In our discussions, we strongly welcomed progress on the new constitution and the referendum that was held on 16 March. We looked forward to the implementation of the remaining democratic reforms in the GPA and roadmap, and recognised the work of the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) in supporting this.

We welcomed calls by Zimbabwes political leaders for peace and non-violence and the statements by party leaders that Zimbabweans should be able to choose their own government in free and fair elections, and to be able to vote without fear or intimidation. We look to all Zimbabweans, including state institutions and the security sector, to heed these calls. We expressed concern about current harassment of civil society and reports of political violence and strongly urged that such incidents should cease. We stressed the importance of a vibrant civil society to Zimbabwe’s development.

4. We welcomed the effective SADC observation of the constitutional referendum and SADC’s stated intention to observe the elections, consistent with the SADC Guidelines. We discussed the importance of long term SADC observers covering the period in the run-up to, during and after elections. A wide range of international observers would contribute to building confidence and help enhance the credibility of the poll and the strength of the government elected.

5. We took note of views from all representatives from the Government of National Unity including on; the importance of full implementation of the GPA, the facilitation role played by SADC, their request for a lifting of international sanctions, peaceful free and fair elections, and respect for the rule of law.

6. In our discussions, we reaffirmed the commitment of our governments to work with any government emerging from free and fair elections, which are credible, peaceful and transparent. Where relevant, we confirmed our governments plans to review their targeted measures following such elections.

7. Since the inception of the Government of National Unity the international community has increasingly shifted its support from humanitarian aid towards transitional and longer term development assistance. Over this period, our transitional development support has amounted to around US$2.6 billion. We noted that aid from international donors, deployed in line with Zimbabwean priorities, has been instrumental in improving food security and agriculture, in delivering of basic services such as health, education, and water and sanitation, and in the strengthening of democratic processes.

8. We acknowledged the good work being done by the GNU to stabilise the economy and welcome the ongoing engagement and support of the multilateral agencies and international financial institutions. We recognised the importance of Zimbabwe tackling its external debts. We stand ready to support the GNU to discuss this further with the IMF, and welcomed progress by the GNU and IMF towards a Staff Monitored Programme.

9. We stressed that transparency and integrity in economic and financial governance and extractive industry management are essential to combat poverty and corruption, and contribute to inclusive economic growth. It is critical that Zimbabwe’s natural resources are utilised for the benefit of all Zimbabweans and that ownership and revenues from mineral extraction are fully transparent and accountable. We look forward to strengthening our commercial ties with Zimbabwe to help accelerate its path towards prosperity.

10. We will continue to work closely with partners in the country, region and wider international community. For our part, we collectively stand ready to broaden, deepen and harmonise our engagement and support as the country moves further down the path of democracy and respect for human rights, with credible elections being a crucial element in this respect. This would create the conditions for Zimbabwe to develop its natural potential, attract foreign investment and move beyond the need for international development assistance.

11. We look forward to continuing to engage constructively with the GNU and the region in order to support the Zimbabwean people in achieving a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, the EU, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America.

The International Relations Committee of COSATU gathered at the Head office of the Federation on the 7th March, 2013, discussed a wide range of critical international issues as instructed by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) to take forward in more concrete terms the resolutions from Congress in the midst of intensifying global challenges facing the working class.

The IRC is comprised of all affiliates of COSATU and does invite alliance partners, who also play a critical role in our joint programmes in pursuit of a better world and the emancipation of humanity.

The strategic priorities identified from the programme of action, included;

• Strengthening South-south relations, prioritising Africa
  
• Transformation of the international trade union movement toward a progressive force in the global space, with special focus on using SIGTUR and other such strategic vehicles
  
• Fighting against the domination of the world by a few countries and their monopoly control over global affairs and towards serving the interests of the poor and developing countries. In this regard, BRICS must be explored as a possible space and further tilted towards serving that agenda
  
• Working with progressive forces, the alliance being the centre, towards a progressive global movement for a new and just world order
  

It started by a moment of silence in honour of a fallen giant and great legend, the late President of the Venezuelan people, Commander Hugo Chavez Frias. The IRC reaffirmed the statement released by the federation saluting the contribution of this great legend in the world-wide working class struggle to emancipate humanity from the clutches of imperialist oppression, domination and poverty.

The IRC deliberated on a number of issues related to its programme for the year and the consolidation of its 3 year programme following the finalisation of the adoption of the 11th National Congress, International resolutions by the constitutional structures of the federation.

While it had lengthy discussions on a number and many of these issues, it then decided to express an opinion on a few of the most pressing ones, at the moment;

1. BRICS Trade Union forum – the federation’s CEC has finalised a coherent programme on this matter and the IRC processed them accordingly and a public statement shall be released by the leadership of the federation soonest. But COSATU is indeed hosting the BRICS trade Union forum during the BRICS heads of states summit in Durban. The dates of the forum shall be the 23-25th March, 2013

2. World Social Forum in Tunisia – the IRC received a report from the comrade who represented the federation in the last Preparatory, International Council in Tunis, a few weeks ago and processed a process towards effective participation in this historic and important gathering taking place on the 26th- 30th March in Tunis. A full statement shall also be released by the leadership in due course on this matter.

3. The brutal murder of Mido Macia, a fellow worker and taxi driver from Mozambique who died in the hands of South African Police. The IRC discussed at length the unacceptable and barbaric nature of the killing of our fellow African in Daveyton and reaffirmed the Congress resolutions on the need to intensify the struggle against xenophobia and all forms of prejudice and discrimination. It also received and acknowledged a letter from the General Secretary of the Mozambican trade union federation, OTM-CS, Comrade Alexandra Candido Munguambe, who raised the issue very strongly and called for more solidarity and action against such inhumane acts. The federation is processing as response to OTM-CS and shall make it public after due processes. IRC also paid tribute to the outstanding role Mozambican workers played in the development of the South African economy and the sacrifices in the struggle against apartheid, therefore affirming the centrality of the unity of the African people, particularly the sister peoples of these two countries who have lived together for years, particularly working together in the mines and farms. But decisive action and unity is what the IRC concluded its discussions with and shall forward concrete measures to that effect for due consideration by the senior constitutional structures of the federation.

4. On Western Sahara prisoners – IRC unequivocally condemned the occupying Moroccan government for the sentencing of the 25 human rights and political activists on the 17th February, 2013 by a Moroccan Tribunal, following 27 months of detention. Morocco is desperate to go to any extent in order to defend its policies of colonialism and occupation against the people of Western Sahara. IRC condemned Morocco and called for more concrete solidarity with the suffering peoples of Western Sahara.

5. On the Zimbabwean Referendum – the IRC noted that the situation in Zimbabwe has the dangerous potential of degenerating further into a deeper crisis, unless the ruling regime in particular and all parties in general, are willing to go to any extent to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Global Political Agreement as underwritten by SADC, with the facilitation of our President, Jacob Zuma. It further noted that the referendum and constitution-making process are but elements of a broader package of reforms to which all parties must fully adhere and abide by towards a free and fair elections, conducted under a peaceful and enabling environment. IRC also endorsed the programme towards a proper engagement with ZCTU, support for its work and the strengthening of the sister trade union movement as a whole in that country, towards playing an active role in the processes.

6. On the banning of TUCOSWA in Swaziland and holding of undemocratic royal elections by the tinkhundla regime – The IRC noted that the tinkhundla regime in Swaziland under king Mswati has intensified its brutal repression over the past few years since the promulgation of the Swaziland Terrorism Act in 2008. In that regard, the trade union movement, particularly TUCOSWA, progressive political parties, PUDEMO in particular whose members are still languishing in jail to-date, elements of the judiciary and media as well as progressive civil society in general are the prime targets of the tinkhundla state. In this regard, the IRC decisively condemned the banning of TUCOSWA by the royal judiciary and the Mswati regime. It further saluted all affiliates and progressive structures all over the world who have stood resolutely with TUCOSWA during these difficult times, despite state infiltration and agents that are being used to weaken and try and undermine the unity and strength of the trade union movement in Swaziland, acting on the instructions of those whose agenda they serve. In this regard, the IRC further extended its full support to TUCOSWA and the progressive trade union movement for their principled stand in opposition to the royal and stage-managed pseudo-elections, which were compared to the apartheid designed tri-cameral system and bantustan elections in South Africa during the struggle days. Therefore, the National Prayer day organised by TUCOSWA is fully supported and the ILO must again be used as avenue to further intensify the struggle against the Swazi regime.

7. On the Israeli apartheid week (11TH March – 17th March) – the IRC reaffirmed decisively the full support of the federation for the anti-apartheid global movement against the occupation of Palestine by Israel. It committed itself to playing its part, whatever the challenges of time pressures and workers struggles we have to take up, but not to forget the importance and centrality of the struggle against Zionism, apartheid, fascism and colonialism as a struggle for a new and just world order. Israel is a threat, not only in the Middle east, but to the whole world and humanity must act with decisiveness to confront this reality. The IRC reaffirmed the centrality of the Coalition for a Free Palestine as key coordinator in that regard and commit to take up our own part. Meanwhile, affiliates shall be identifying BDS areas under their jurisdiction for further processing towards harnessing the movement to isolate the apartheid state.

8. The IRC Popular Handbook for shopstewards – The department, working with NALEDI under the leadership of the IRC was mandated to finalise the Shopsteward Handbook on International work of the federation in very simple terms of for all shopstewards and members of unions, written in simple and easy-to-use format.This is not a full report of the whole day discussions, but a summary of those issues that were felt must immediately be communicated and clarified

Happy Birthday TUCOSWA

The Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF) wishes to salute the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) on this their one-year anniversary. A year ago the workers of Swaziland united to form this champion of workers in our beloved county. A year ago the oppressor shivered to the bone as this giant was born. And a year later they continue to shiver, sending their troops, armed and batoned to disrupt and stop a simple prayer in celebration of TUCOSWA’s first anniversary.

As yet another peaceful planned prayer was stopped by the brute force of the Mswati regime, demonstrating that our country is nothing more than a police state, as the SUDF, we celebrate the existence and bravery of workers under the banner of TUCOSWA. This year represents a struggle for better wages, a struggle for conducive and decent working conditions for all workers and their families, but primarily it represents one year of united worker struggles against the heart of oppression and feudal dictatorship driven by the Tinkhundla system of misrule.

We salute TUCOSWA, who has zealously soldiered on in the midst of the internal onslaught waged and paddled by the enemy through co-option and persistent undermining of the progressive path taken by workers of this country. The continued ban on the Federation are embossed stripes of the potent power that workers posses.

As the SUDF, we endeavor to advance this struggle to its total and logical conclusion. We pledge our total commitment and loyalty to the cause that TUCOSWA stands for.

Workers united will never be defeated!

Viva TUCOSWA viva!

Viva SUDF viva!

Viva SDC viva!

By David Sengeh

As a Sierra Leonean living in the country during and after the decade-long civil war, I know the positive impact of humanitarian aid on the economic growth of a country. In fact, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has launched a challenge to encourage people to tell the world that aid is working. On the opposite end of the spectrum, development economist Dambisa Moyo has outlined why aid is "dead" in Africa: She argues that billions of aid dollars have left Africa worse off than if there had been little or no such spending for the past 50 years.

From my perspective, there is a bigger question than whether development aid to Africa is good or bad. My concern lies in the sad reality that many young people in Sierra Leone continually expect either the government or a non-governmental organization to solve their problems.

The culture of aid — embodied by large numbers of influential development organizations — is pervasive in our societies, often leaving many young entrepreneurial citizens unable and unwilling to take action to address local challenges. Continuous aid removes agency from the recipient and often leaves a bulk of those people with limited self-efficacy.

Instead of directly addressing the continent's socio-economic and leadership problems, many have depended on an ecosystem of unilateral aid that has not had nearly the transformative effects that we need in order to build the 21st-century Africa.
So, mine is a call to try something new.

As a doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, I am given an unbridled creative freedom, immense resources and an inspirational network of doers. I believe that empowered young people anywhere can develop solutions for challenges within their communities using tools, resources and networks locally available to them. I believe that strategies which nurture and cultivate talented youth would be formidable, and transformative.

To test this idea, we launched Innovate Salone, the first-ever nationwide innovation challenge in Sierra Leone, implemented by Global Minimum Inc. (GMin), an organization I co-founded seven years ago. We were overwhelmed to see more than 300 young people in Sierra Leone implement feasible solutions for challenges of health, agriculture, education and arts in their communities.
At MIT's Media Lab, we continually come up with ideas, design prototypes, test them and then iterate on those ideas. (I specifically focus on the design of comfortable prosthetic sockets and wearable mechanical interfaces.)

By the same token, the Innovate Salone platform is an iterative program that gives young people in Sierra Leone the opportunity to impact and enhance community at a local level to promote larger national development. Right now, there is an opportunity to capture the energy of young people around the world to be transformed into active fuel for problem solving.

As we have seen from the exciting activities of young inventors in Sierra Leone, the technology developments of young entrepreneurs in Kenya, and the revolutionary impact of young activists captured by the Arab Spring, with the right set of actors and tools, the paradigm of "aid to" the developing world can be transformed to one of "made in" the developing world.

In a series of coming posts, I will harness this platform to introduce these amazing talents, and to spread their stories of invention. For example, 16-yr old Kelvin Doe, a maker and finalist of Innovate Salone 2012 was enabled to develop a community radio station he built for his community out of recycled materials in addition to his home-made batteries and generator.

Kelvin’s experience captured by a viral YouTube video has been viewed over 4 million times and has continued to inspire other young people in Sierra Leone and around the world. It is my hope that through them, we can imagine a new Sierra Leone, and a new Africa.

This is because South Africa is Africas powerhouse and a major player in world affairs. Of the millions who have placed their hopes on Zuma, there is a section that has sought protection from South Africa having left their countries because of political and economic pressure.

In this crucial time in the Southern Africa region, special focus is on Zimbabwe and Swaziland – two neighbours beset by political and economic problems which are a drawback to South Africas progress.

Transform SA spoke to the leadership of the Diaspora from these countries, to find out what they would like to hear from President Zuma, and this is what they had to say:

Lucky Lukhele of the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN):

Our hope is that as the Swaziland Solidarity Network a South Africa based organisation our President His Excellency Jacob Zuma will be more precise and drive for action regarding the resolutions taken in Mangaung about Swaziland.

They are the most progressive resolutions ever taken by the ANC on Swaziland. All what we expect is action on those resolutions. And we appreciate that they are not outside the SADC Protocol. All we need is for the President is to direct the Ministry of International Relations to take action on the resolution.

We call on South Africa to open up support for Comrade Amos Mbedzi, a South African hero who is wrongfully and illegally incarcerated in Swaziland by an oppressive regime that is denying people of their human rights whilst squandering the people’s wealth.

We note with hope that the South African government constantly intervenes for citizens convicted in other countries for drug related crimes. We urge the South African government to do the same for its citizen and hero Comrade Amos Mbhedzi. He did not embarrass anyone. He is our Che Guevara.

It is a fact undisputable that South African Business is the biggest loser when it comes to this. There are many South African companies which have interests in Swaziland.

If Swaziland is ushered into democracy, Business South Africa wins. It means that there will be fewer people fleeing the country into South Africa; Swaziland would have good schools so that Swazi children would not have to go to South African schools in order to get a good education.

This appeal also goes to our neighbours Mozambique.

Philani Ndebele of the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum (ZSF):

The Zimbabwe Diaspora expects President Jacob Zuma (as the facilitator of the Zimbabwe GPA) to be clearer and accountable on the progress made so far in addressing the Zimbabwe political impasse as it continues to affect the region.

The President in his State of the Nation address must highlight the urgent need to respond immediately to the impending constitutional stalemate between the principals in Zimbabwe.

He needs to persuade intentional spoilers to follow the process of the GPA and work with Zimbabwe in ensuring a constructive outcome to the Constitution making process, a level playing field for a Referendum and an election whose outcome will be accepted by all parties.

The President must highlight the urgent need to deploy the SADC Technical Team to work alongside the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) and seek ways of expanding this team to support the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ahead of the much anticipated Constitutional Referendum and Elections.

He must also unveil a plan that seeks to involve civil society in SADC decision making processes particularly with regards to Zimbabwe.

This will ensure a full implementation of the GPA guidelines an investigation on how security formations such as the Joint Operations Command are undermining and circumventing the transition process.

This also includes an immediate deployment of South African and regional civic monitoring groups to ensure the creation of an enabling environment towards free and fair elections.

Written by: Musa Ndlangamandla – Transform SA Ad Sales/Editorial Executive.

The ACTION Support Centre and the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum message of condolences on the passing on of Professor John Makumbe

The ACTION Support Centre (ASC) and the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum (ZSF) join with so many others who knew Professor John Makumbe in offering our deepest condolences on his passing. We are deeply saddened by his sudden departure and extend our message of comfort to his family. We have lost a rare academic, a friend, and a profound motivator.

The ASC and ZSF will always remember him for his significant and lasting contributions to our work. He was readily available to add value to critical discussions sessions organized by ASC and ZSF in Zimbabwe and across the region. This will be forever cherished.

Hamba Kahle Qhawe Lethu, Go well our Hero and the white man of Buhera

Issued by the ASC and ZSF

The Bosco Declaration on International African Solidarity

We, the undersigned participants and supporters of the International African Solidarity Festival (IASF), endorse this statement.

Gathered for a festival of learning and exchange, bringing together over 350 peace and solidarity activists, including unionists, artists, leaders, community workers, and conflict transformation practitioners, led by ACTION members from across Africa and around the world, representing over 35 countries, held at the Bosco Youth Centre, in Walkerville South Africa on the 3rd and 4th of November 2012, under the banner: Celebrate, Consolidate and Strategise

We hereby affirm the common humanity that is at the core of African culture and draw attention to the great potential of Africa’s people to take the lead in the transformation of African societies.

We celebrate:

• Numerous efforts and undertakings to establish and maintain peace in countries such as Burundi, South Africa, the DRC, Egypt, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Liberia,
• An overall decrease in armed violence across the continent, bolstered by efforts being made by African leadership to seek and implement African solutions to Africa's problems,
• The existence of growing solidarity movements such as the Swaziland Democracy Campaign, the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum, the Somali Solidarity Campaign, the Friends of Cuba and other efforts in the DRC, Western Sahara and Ethiopia, which form part of a wave of progressive activism intent on contributing to Africa's renewal
• The role women continue to play in building peace through non-violent struggle. This role was globally recognised when the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325, as well as subsequent resolutions, calling for greater representation of women at all levels of political leadership, peace building, peace negotiations and peacekeeping. 
• The increasing attention being paid to African solutions to restorative justice - merging the best of African practice with international alternatives that can often complement and strengthen what is already there,
• Increasing recognition of local mediation efforts led by insiders working alongside the growth of local micro-level mechanisms and infrastructures for peace to find more realistic, innovative and durable solutions to violent conflict that serve as alternatives to efforts imposed or initiated from the outside,
• The growing recognition of the need for a unified and collaborative partnership of Africans that can protect the continent and its citizens against emerging forms of imperialism,
• The shifting understanding surrounding the notion of national sovereignty and the growing willingness of African governance structures to intervene where peoples rights are being violated and citizens are being targeted by repressive regimes,
• The emergence of organised forms of African Youth intent on taking forward a non-violent agenda empowered in their self-belief that the youth are a powerful force for social, cultural and personal transformation that can resist the efforts to subvert and manipulate their contribution.

We call for the energetic and engaged strengthening of:

• Existing solidarity networks that enable a deep-rooted process of learning and sharing across the continent and around the world,
• African women's movements, and movements of African feminists in Africa and around the world
• Initiatives that recognise the value of learning exchanges, participatory training processes and information and experience sharing as key initiatives for empowerment and personal growth,
• Efforts to challenge systems that prevent citizens from accessing human and peoples rights and to work actively and in solidarity with community based rights activists intent on protecting and empowering Africa’s people against internal and external threats,
• Activities that raise awareness of poverty and inequality as forms of structural violence and that work with marginalised and excluded people to defend and assert the universal right to dignity.

We call on African leaders at multiple levels, including government, private institutions and organs of civil society:

• To step up efforts and implement effective mechanisms to redistribute resources and establish mechanisms that effectively measure levels of inequality in an African context and that ensure that efforts to reduce levels of inequality lie at the heart of policy decisions that are taken.
• To recognise that people have a right to public education on, and to mobilise in defence of, human and people’s rights in relation to the state and public life,
• To inculcate pride, dignity and independence as a thread running through all education systems, both formal and informal,
• To work with the highest organs of the state to resist cosmetic changes that allow for powerful international entities to conduct “business as usual” while ordinary Africans are deprived of dignity and basic socio-economic rights,
• To recognise Africa’s youth as major force and voice within society and urge the youth to facilitate the involvement of all Africans in the running of our daily lives.
• To adopt Action Plans for the implementation of Resolution 1325 and related UN resolutions on women and peace and to remove all obstacles to the advancement and full participation of women.

  We note:

• The dire need for visionary and transformative leadership at all levels of African society including within the civic movement across civil society sectors,
• That while in many contexts the political and social systems have changed, making it easier to manage the tensions that are inherent in societies emerging from contexts of violence, the overarching economic systems and the inequalities and poverty that characterise these systems, remain a deep source of tension across the continent,
• That conflicts are exacerbated in contexts involving natural resource exploitation and are escalated even further in communities affected by the extractive industry,
• The long term tensions that form part of the context in countries emerging from years of violent conflict lasting for generations, and that they require constant attention at multiple levels over many decades,
• That there are significant and unnecessary gaps between the substance of peace agreements forged at an international level and the real challenges of implementing these agreements on the ground,
• That African nations continue to be hobbled by substantial barriers to trade and are bound by unfair trade agreements and economic systems that expose vast numbers of Africans to poverty and inequality,
• That despite the growth of an African middle class, high levels of poverty remain, and in many contexts poverty indicators are getting worse not better,
• That poverty is a form of structural violence that acts daily to disempower and marginalise the majority of Africans,
• That the sense of alienation from society is compounded as the gap between rich and poor widens, creating dangerous and ravaging levels of inequality,
• That the youth of Africa, representing almost 60% of the continent’s population are an enormously important potential force for widespread transformation,
• That efforts to build a diverse and unified youth are still largely uncoordinated and disconnected,
• That there are few connections made or maintained between similar struggles waged against the same issues affecting the majority of people in African and around the world.

We hereby renew our commitment to:

• Support the freedom struggles of people everywhere, and especially in Cuba, the DRC, in Palestine, and in Madagascar, Tibet, Syria, Swaziland and the Western Sahara, and Zimbabwe, and the struggles to implement political agreements, harness local conflicts behind a collective agenda and protect communities from violence wherever there is a need, including in Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Egypt and South Africa.
• Consolidate existing coalitions and strengthen networks, including supporting the establishment of cooperative partnerships between local stakeholders and learning between communities to engage and link with different initiatives at all levels
• Use local micro-community knowledge to develop alternative solutions to Africa’s challenges and avoid over-structured, complex and expensive solutions that ignore local approaches that are often already working
• Increase civil society representation in a broad based alliance of democrats as we build and implement a Proudly African Campaign - an inspiring and galvanising intercontinental initiative based on dignity, African ingenuity (including arts and technologies) and transformation
• Support and encourage organised youth movements as a visionary force that would be well placed to drive and lead an African process of transformation and renewal
• Develop an African renewal programme, driven by all sectors, that will build leadership institutions to produce visionary value driven leaders groomed on the continent, by the continent and for all the people of Africa
• Develop and communicate a clear role for the African Diaspora that finds ways to harness their skills and participation in building new institutions and contributing directly to the transformation agenda
• Include art and culture as methodologies for peacebuilding and socio-economic and political transformation, using social commentary to subvert power
• Develop campaigns that deepen an awareness of the continental and global context within which transformation is taking place and seek to make the connections between dynamics at local, national, regional and international levels
• Recognising the impact of individual and collective trauma on African communities and work to deepen and extend initiatives aimed at processing and overcoming the debilitating impact of this trauma
• Encourage existing efforts to build social cohesion and promote dialogue
• Initiate new forms of organisation that create spaces in which people feel involved in decision making, and part of a collective group with common purpose organised behind a shared value driven agenda
• Explore the emerging idea of an African Solidarity Caravan that travels from Cape Town to Cairo connecting conflict transformation, peacebuilding and solidarity activists through a series of solidarity events hosted by local networks intent on taking forward the vision of a world of justice and peace in which the basic needs of people are met and peoples’ rights and dignity are respected. The African Solidarity Caravan will also include a festival in Addis Ababa and will seek to hand over a declaration of solidarity to the AU through the chair Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Adopted on this day:  10th November 2012, Guided by the discussions between ACTION members, comrades, colleagues and friends at the International African Solidarity Festival and informed by the thematic workshop discussions held at the Bosco Centre, Walkerville, South Africa

Endorsed by:

Organisations

The ACTION Support Centre (ASC), TIS-DAI, Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Synod of Livingstonia; Children of the Earth, Zimbabwe Organisations for the Youth in Politics (ZOYP), Uthungulu Community Foundation, The Association for Global New Thought, Embrace Dignity, Network Movement for Justice and Development, Partners in Conflict Transformation, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, PAZci, Soyden

Individuals

Philani Ndebele, Sipho Theys, Fatima Swartz; Richard Smith; Jabu Dada; Busisiwe Zuma; Kate Gardner, Allie Malkin; Allie Denburg, Caryn Abrahams, Sirat Aden Ali, Isabella Matambanadzo, Najah M Adam, Ela Gandhi, Julie Sennoga, Joshua Kitakule, Paul Frestus Mvula, Moses Mkandawire, Nina Meyerhof, Itumeleng Moabi, Chris Mkhize, Dr. Barbara Fields,  Benjamin Powers, Godfrey Phiri, Brian Mazibuko, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, Paul Koroma, Feyyaz Muhammad, Ahmed Moalin, Ahmed Said Nur, Anna Ndhlovu,  Faisal Said Mussa, Georgina Sango, Iman Icar, Lona James Elia, Muhammad Feyyaz, Osman Garad Sofe, Osman Mohiadin Moallim, Patience Chiradza, Pretty Mncube, Rana Nourallah, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, Tiro Dipudi, Yasmin Abass, Yasmine Fakhry, Zack Kassim,  Godfrey Phiri, Thelma Thontsi, Colin Haskins, Idah Leeu, Badirile Rapodile, Patience Salane, Tony Mathipa, Sesupo Makue, Axbaab Abdi, Tumelo Motaung, Keamoeetswe Phiri, Amin Salat, Brian Mazibuko, Siraje Abdi, Thabang Mabuza, Tshepi Phalane, Puneet Dhamija, Itumeleng Moabi, Ilan Solomons, Sylvia Aguilera, Pablo Varas

To endorse the declaration please send your name and surname as a signatory to philani@asc.org.za.  The names will be published on our website and facebook pages.

Issued by: The ACTION Support Centre 

Press Statement

International African Solidarity Festival

The Action Support Centre (ASC) held a successful International African Solidarity Festival (IASF) on 2-4th November 2012 at the BOSCO Centre in Walkerville South Africa.

Held under the banner: “Celebrate, Consolidate and Strategise:” the IASF brought together more than 350 ACTION members and partners from across Africa and around the world.

Over 35 countries were represented including delegates from Democratic Republic of Congo, Cambodia, Egypt, Syria, Somalia, Somaliland, Swaziland, the Phillipines, Uganda, Zimbabwe, together with a strong contingent of participants from all the provinces of South Africa. 

The IASF offered solidarity activists an opportunity to share wisdom, knowledge, ideas and insights; providing a space for deepening the culture of people-to-people solidarity through learning and exchange.

It was a moment of reconnection and a shared celebration of successes, and an opportunity for collective strategising about the future.

The vibrancy that drove the thematic workshop discussions and the depth of information sharing, re-energised and renewed the collective commitment of ACTION members and partners to a transformative agenda.

The discussions focused on exploring opportunities and deepening an understanding of the challenges facing Africa, as well as the complex global context within which the transformation of the continent is taking place. 

The Thematic Workshop discussions were informed by expertise drawn from different backgrounds across the world.

Elinor Sisulu, Isabella Matambanadzo and Bishop Paul Verryn addressed the Cultural Evening, with their presentations connecting the people and deepening solidarity.

The Cultural Evening included live performances from local artists, poetry, traditional dances, music, and great African food. People danced and celebrated long into the night.

Robust workshop discussions guided by 8 key pillars addressing broad issues such as peace and transformative justice, solidarity, human rights, African Renaissance, culture, poverty and inequality, and the role of youth. Emerging from these discussions, IASF participants committed themselves to the following:

• Support the struggles of the people of the DRC, Palestine, Madagascar, Tibet, Somali, Syria, Swaziland, Western Sahara, Burma and Zimbabwe
• Consolidate existing coalitions and strengthen networks, including establishing traditional structures and mechanisms to empower communities to engage and link with different initiatives at all levels
• Use indigenous knowledge to develop alternative solutions to Africa’s challenges
• Increase civil society representation in a broad based alliance of democrats as we build and implement a Proudly African Campaign - an inspiring and galvanising intercontinental initiative based on dignity, African ingenuity (including arts and technologies) and transformation
• Support and encourage organised youth movements as a visionary force that should drive and lead an African process of transformation and renewal
• Develop an African renewal programme, driven by all sectors, that will build leadership institutions to produce visionary value driven leaders groomed on the continent, by the continent and for all the people of Africa
• Develop and communicate a clear role for the African Diaspora that finds ways to harness their skills and participation in building new institutions and contributing directly to the transformation agenda
• Use art and culture as methodologies for peacebuilding and socio-economic and political transformation that goes beyond divisions by using social commentary to subvert power
• Develop campaigns that deepen an awareness of the continental and global context within which transformation is taking place and that seek to make the connection between dynamics at local, national, regional and international levels
• Recognising the impact of individual and collective trauma on African communities and work to deepen and extend initiatives aimed at processing and overcoming the debilitating impact of this trauma
• Encourage existing efforts to build social cohesion and promote dialogue
• Initiate new forms of organisation that create spaces in which people feel involved in decision making, and part of a collective group with common purpose organised behind a shared value driven agenda
• Explore and initiate the emerging idea of an African Solidarity Caravan that travels from Cape Town to Cairo connecting conflict transformation, peacebuilding and solidarity activists through a series of solidarity events hosted by local networks intent on taking forward the vision of a world of justice and peace in which the basic needs of people are met and human rights and dignity are respected

For more inform contact:

Philani Ndebele (Campaigns Manager) The ACTION Support Centre (ASC)

Cell: +27 (0)76 942 3565 or +27 (0)73 371 7724

Email: philani@asc.org.za

Press Statement

International African Solidarity Festival

Date: Saturday, 03 November 2012

Time: 2pm

Venue: BOSCO Centre, Walkerville, Johannesburg, South Africa

All Media Invited and for accreditation and more information contact Philani Ndebele @ philani@asc.org.za/ +27 (0)76 942 3565

The Action Support Centre (ASC) proudly hosts the International African Solidarity Festival (IASF), the first international and continental event since the International Forum in 2004. Organised under the banner: “Celebrate, Consolidate and Strategise” the IASF aims at deepening people-to-people solidarity through learning and exchange, re-energising and renewing the collective transformative contribution of ACTION members and partners, and create a space for collective discussions on Africa and the rest of the world’s contemporary challenges. Furthermore, the festival will develop strategies and provide evidence that another world is possible, by bringing the future into the present.

Year 2012 marks the ASC’s ten-year anniversary of supporting community driven efforts to transform conflicts across the continent. As part of these celebrations, more than 200 practitioners, including ACTION members from across Africa and around the world, with over 35 countries represented including representatives from Democratic Republic of Congo, Cambodia, Egypt, Syria, Somalia, Somaliland, Swaziland, the Phillipines and Zimbabwe, as well as a strong contingent of participants from in and around South Africa will convene at BOSCO Centre for the IASF.

The IASF will start with a plenary session at 14h00 on Saturday 3rd November, followed by breakaways into Thematic Workshops led by various experts such Elinor Sisulu, Bishop Paul Verryn, Bella Matambanadzo, Stephen Faulkner, Zingiswa Losi and many others . Each Thematic Workshop will run for 3 hours, followed by a plenary wrap-up, leading into the Cultural Evening that will begin at around 19h00. The Cultural Evening will be an evening of live performances from local artists, poetry, traditional dances, music, great African food, key note address and speeches and general revelry.

The following are 8 key pillars that will guide the Thematic Workshop discussions:

• Narative Story Telling
• Restorative Justice and Reconcilliation as Essential Tools for Societies in Transition
• Organising Youth as a Non-Violent Force for Transformation
• Building a culture of Peace and People-to-People Solidarity
• Exploring Opportunities and Challenges for Africa's Renewal in the 21st Century
• Establishing Infrastructures for Peace at Multiple Levels
• Art and Cultural Expression as Subversive Forms of Protest
• Transforming the Indignity of Poverty and Inequality

All media is invited to be part of this celebration and in-depth discussions.

For more inform contact:

Philani Ndebele (Campaigns Manager) The ACTION Support Centre (ASC)

Cellphone: +27 (0)76 942 3565 or +27 (0)73 371 7724

Email: philani@asc.org.za

 Leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were arrested  Wednesday, September 13, while protesting at the offices of the Chronicle newspaper. The group was holding a demonstration demanding the resumption of the Constitutional reform exercise. The reasons for their arrests were unknown. Additionally, the police arrested eight other activists earlier in the day without charge. According the the MDC Assembly of Women, the continued harassment of these two women bears testimony to the reality that Zimbabwe is still a police state four years after the formation of the inclusive government.

 Williams and Mahlangu were released late Wednesday, along with the other activists, after being held for two and a half hours Bulawayo Central Station. They were told they were being taken there to meet the police chief at Bulawayo Central Station, Inspector Rangwani. Following almost three hours of waiting, they were informed that the inspector was on leave and that no meeting would in fact occur. Mahlangu believes that this was an attempt to take her off the streets for two and a half hours in an effort to prevent the protest. Williams, worried that something worse could have happened, thanked Zimbabweans for their concern over their welfare. Subsequently, WOZA has lodged a complaint letter against the Bulawayo police, accusing them of  both tribalism and selective application of the law. Williams also reiterated that demonstrations will continue until government moves forward to the All Stakeholders Conference and a referendum. WOZA is demanding that negotiations by the political parties come to an end, and Zimbabweans are allowed to decide their own Constitution.

 The Action Support Center (ASC) expresses its solidarity and support for the efforts of WOZA.  In August 2012, WOZA and a number of other groups and delegations were a part of the Zimbabwean Learning Exchange facilitated by ASC, which reflected on the constitution making process, the implications of a contested constitutional referendum and an election process without a clear constitutional framework in place.

 The ASC would reiterate the resolutions of the Declaration, which are to:

• Invigorate efforts to end the abuse of the rights of citizens, the marginalisation of people from decision making and unaccountable leadership, the misuse of public funds, and all forms of autocratic and militarised behaviour, particularly in Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
•  Pledge solidarity with the struggles of the people across the region and commit ourselves to finding ways of building unity and cohesion between progressive forces.

Issued by the ASC

--

05 September, 2012

PRESS STATEMENT: SDC - South Africa Chapter puts up great Picket at Swazi Consulate with allies

View today’s Picket pictures here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.427261063975844.123640.138326089536011&type=1

The SDC South Africa Chapter is very proud of the great turn out, highly spirited and very inspiring Picket organised today during lunch time at the Johannesburg Consulate of Swaziland.

The Picket, though announced at very short notice was able to draw in unexpected numbers and many thanks to our allies and sister organisations and those affiliated to the SDC. Amongst these organisations are; COSATU, Swazi Diaspora Platform, the ITUC-Africa and the members of its Human and Trade Union Rights Commission from various countries, the Public Services International (PSI), Zimbabwe Diaspora Forum together with the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum, Palestine Solidarity Alliance, various NGOs and organisations of Civil society, as well as social movements from townships.

It is even more worth noting that there was in attendance the former President of SAMWU, Petros Mashishi, various Presidents and General Secretaries, as well as technocrats of various COSATU affiliates. Lastly, we were also graced by the presence of the Head of International Relations of UNISON, Britain, Comrade Nick, who has been to Swaziland several times and is a well known friend of the working and struggling masses of that sister country, particularly his close working relationship with TUCOSWA.

The first to take podium was none other than the courageous second Deputy President of COSATU, Zingiswa Losi, who affirmed COSATU’s unwavering support for the cause of the Swazi people, not matter what opportunists and detractors have to say. She affirmed that as the gathering was in motion, COSATU activists were inside Swaziland and others were to join and be in the trenches with the struggling masses of Swaziland. Finally, she affirmed that COSATU shall not be diverted or intimidated from its path of supporting all, wherever they happen to be, who call for support for their just cause for democracy and social justice and Swaziland is no exception. She also indicated that, despite being thrown out of the country several times, she will always be in and out of Swaziland to support TUCOSWA and the rest of the progressive movement.

Notably, also were the profound words of the General Secretary of the ITUC Africa, Comrade Kwasi Adu Amankwah, who made it clear that he is leading a delegation of trade union leaders and activists from about 16 countries all over Africa, from the DRC, Togo, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Senegal, Angola, Nigeria, the East African Trade Union Council, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Ghana and the headquarters in Lome.

Important information was related about the ever growing numbers from all over the world, including Europe, Asia and Latin America, as well as North America who have taken active interest in Swaziland and have sent various delegations, which number was shocking when revealed in a meeting behind closed doors and not specifically mentioned at the rally.

The Swazi Diaspora Platform represented by its active spokesperson, Ntombenhle Khathwane and a delegation of Swazis based in South Africa made it clear that they shall not allow their country to be dragged down by greed, corruption and oppression by a tiny royal minority, while the rest of the Swazi people are suffering. They have taken a decision to make a decisive contribution towards change and democracy and are impressed by the ever growing numbers of Swazis throwing their weight behind the SDP, particularly after its very successful Political Alternatives Indaba recently.

The Zimbabwean groups were represented by Sox Chikorera, a well known activist and cadre who has been inside Swaziland several times and has been forced out of the country by the state security forces, but remains determined to support the Swazi people, unwaveringly.

Amongst those who were part of the Picket was the President of NUMSA, Cedric Gina, the Treasurer of NUM, David Macatha and others who joined in due course.

The SDC salutes all the organisations, activists and individuals who attended and those who apologised, but pledged their full and unequivocal support for the cause and the work of the SDC and the rest of the struggling masses of Swaziland.

The gathering made it clear that the bravery and courage of the Swazi people is inspiring and worth all the support we can amass, even when there are attempts by the state to divide the progressive movement and divert attention from the real and burning issues as raised by the 3 days of successful action inside the country led by the SUDF, SDC, PUDEMO, SNUS, The Concerned Churches Forum, the Swazi Diaspora Forum, the Foundation for Socio-economic Justice in Swaziland and the giant new federation, TUCOSWA. These organisations know that no struggle will be won through pity-seeking mechanisms, change of heart by the state and its leaders, boardroom manoeuvres, as opposed to mass power and real struggles on the ground and that is where attention must be paid.

There are announcements that shall be made in due course about the on-coming activities, which, for security reasons, shall be announced in due course.

For more information please contact:

Stephen Faulkner +27 82 817 5455

Philani Ndebele +27 76 942 3565 

The Global Week of Action on Swaziland has Taking Off! URGENT SOLIDARITY ACTION REQUIRED

Reports from Swaziland indicate that the levels of mobilisation inside Swaziland this year have reached unprecedented levels. Marches in rural and urban communities have been very well attended, and the reaction of local people has been very supportive. Trade Unions, Civil Society Organisations and Faith Based Organisations have combined to maximum effect and Churches and so far the police and security forces have been forced to allow the people to exercise their democratic rights. As the Global Week of Action gathers momentum, we want to be able to show here in South Africa that our comrades in Swaziland are not alone, but that they have the support of a very wide section of the community. Please respond to the call, and join the protest this Wednesday!

Plan of Action in Swaziland

Attached to this message is a detailed plan of action of activities inside Swaziland and the motivation for what the Global Week of Action is hoping to achieve. Of extra special interest is the Peoples Summit which is taking place on Thursday 6th September in Manzini, and the national march taking place on Friday 7th to the Royal Palace at Ludzidzini

Plan of Action in South Africa

• There are a range of activities taking place in South Africa, and among the most important is an eventon WEDNESDAY 5th September 11.00am gathering outside COSATU in Braamfontein. We will then move at 12.00 and build a Human Solidarity Chain for Democracy in Swaziland around the perimeter of the Bram Business Park where the Swazi Consulate is housed. Bring your banners! Bring your friends and comrades!  For more details contact Stephen Faulkner 082 817 5455 or Philani Ndebele 076 942 3565.
• On Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th September a special meeting of the Human and Trade Union Rights Committee of the InternationalTrade Union Congress-Africa takes place in Joburg and Swaziland will be featuring high on the agenda,  If you would like to participate please let us know and we will help with credentials and further details.  
• On Wednesday 5th in Mpumalanga, there will be a picket at the Oshoek Border Gate, organised by the Mpumalanga COSATU Province, and comrades and friends are asked to assemble at 10am sharp. For more details contact the COSATU Provincial Secretary, Comrade Fidel Mlombo, on 082 7195699.
• Press Briefing: There will be a special Press Briefing on Saturday 8th September which will include a report back from an Eminent Persons Observer Group and others who have participated in events in Swaziland. Details to follow.

 For up to date information on what’s happening in Swaziland and in other parts of the world contact.

Mary Pais Da Silva +268 76030076 or Wandile Dludlu +268 76111676

The Global Week of Action on Swaziland (GWoAS) started on a high today with an official launch in Matsapha hosted by the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA), along with spirited fights on the streets which saw several activists being brutalised by police officers in Manzini, Nhlangano  and Siteki.

The Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF) and its campaign wing, the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC), is inspired by the defiance, resilience and bravery of activists across our beloved country who, despite the hostile clampdown by the police, managed to launch the GWoAS in a militant way.

The leadership of TUCOSWA, the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) and the Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF) together committed to escalate the growing momentum for democratic change, with the next focus being the planned march under the theme of Education for All.  This march will be led by TUCOSWA and SNUS tomorrow in Mbabane.

Despite today's public holiday, and in the face of police hostility and brutality, we still managed to draw a considerable number of people to the streets!

We remain unfazed and committed to democracy no matter how difficult the conditions can be. It is for this reason that we invite all democracy loving people of our motherland and the world to join us in the march in Mbabane tomorrow, as well as in the People’s Summit on Thursday. Join us for the march at  9am in Mbabane!

We would like to thank our fraternal partners from different countries who have joined us in the trenches and are sharing with us the pain of our struggle.

We also welcome the moral and spiritual support from the Concerned Churches’ Forum in our journey to freedom.

For regular updates check our Facebook page: Swaziland Democracy Campaign.

Tomorrow’s logistics for all those coming for the marches:

Manzini: departure at William Pitcher @ 8.30am (contact 76835661)

Piggs Peak:  departure at Bus Rank @ 7am (contact 76647687)

Siteki: departure at Bus Rank @7am (contact 76184467)

Nhlangano: departure at Bus Rank @ 7am (contact 78214409)

Mankayane: Bus Rank @ 7am (contact 76373821)

 29 August 2012

 A strong representative delegation of organisations from Mozambique,Swaziland, , South Africa and Zimbabwe and from respected organisations such as the ACTION Support Centre (ASC), Bench Marks Foundation, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Grace to Heal, Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice (FSEJ), National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), PROPAZ-Mozambique, , Restorative Justice, Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organisations (SCCCO), Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA),  Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF), Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), Youth Initiative for Democracy in Zimbabwe (YIDEZ) and Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) met in Harare, from 22-23 August 2012. The interconnections between civil and human rights and the rights of workers are at the centre of our collective purpose.

 We deliberated on Building and Strengthening People-to-People Solidarity in the Region, focusing on analysing the Zimbabwe Global Political Agreement (GPA), reflections on theconstitution making process, the implications of a contested constitutional referendum and an election process without a clear constitutional framework in place. Lessons were drawn from these discussions and were further strengthened through an analysis of the Swaziland crisis, including sharing insights and strategies for strengthening the Swaziland Mass Democratic Movement and assessing the role of civil society in socio-economic and political issues in the region.

 The tragic events at the Lonmin mine in Marikana, North-West Province, South Africa, overshadowed the learning exchange and served to remind us of the indivisibility of our struggles for freedom and the deep structural causes of violence that affect all of us across the continent.

 Acknowledging our past efforts and recognising the need to strengthen our collaborative intention to build a culture of solidarity in seeking to address the challenges we face in the SADC region:

 We resolve to:

•  Invigorate our efforts to end the abuse of the rights of citizens, the marginalisation of people from decision making and unaccountable leadership, the misuse of public funds, and all forms of autocratic and militarised behaviour, particularly in Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
•  Pledge our solidarity with the struggles of the people across the region and commit ourselves to finding ways of building unity and cohesion between progressive forces.
•  Send our condolences to the families of those who perished and were injured in the tragic event in Marikana. Those who are found to be responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable. The events at Marikana are also symbolic of the deeper tensions in our society and will require a concerted collective effort in support of fundamental transformation. 

 We call on Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of states to:

• Urgently include civil society voices in the current ongoing efforts to resolve the Zimbabwe impasse and to respect the views of citizens who are participating in the constitution making process.
• Respond immediately to the impending constitutional stalemate between the principals in Zimbabwe and persuade intentional spoilers to follow the process of the GPA and walk with Zimbabwe in ensuring a constructive outcome to the Constitution making process and a level playing field for an election outcome that is accepted by all parties.
• Seek active ways of involving civil society in SADC decisions and work with civil society to make existing structures more effective in serving the collective voice of civil society, including the SADC Council of NGOs.
• Immediately deploy the SADC Technical Team to work alongside the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) and seek ways of expanding this team to support the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
• Ensure the full implementation of the GPA guidelines and investigate how security formations such as the Joint Operations Command are undermining and circumventing dialogue processes.
• Work together with JOMIC and civic monitoring groups to ensure the creation of an enabling environment towards free and fair elections.
• To recognise the severity of the Swaziland crisis and work urgently to establish frameworks that facilitates the protection and respect of human rights and the democratisation of the Swaziland governance system.

 We call on all progressive forces worldwide to support the 2012 Global Week of Action on Swaziland organised by the Swaziland Democracy Campaignand progressive Movements in Swaziland (3-7 September 2012) under the theme A Call for Multiparty Democratic Elections and A Peoples Government Now.

•  Finally we express our solidarity support for the associated call for the:
•  The re-registration of TUCOSWA with immediate effect.
•  Immediate unbanning of all political parties, freeing of political prisoners, and the return of all exiles.
•  Right to free media expression and an independent judiciary
•  Genuine and all -inclusive political dialogue to end 39 years of Tinkhundla misrule.
• End to the corrupt, undemocratic royal Tinkhundla regime and put in place a process towards a democratic and all-inclusive interim government to prepare the ground for democratic elections. Including mass civic education to empower especially rural population on their rights and importance of their participation in building a democratic Swaziland.
•  Introduction of economic recovery plan to address poverty and hunger, driven by a democratic government and civil society.

The Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) welcomes the progressive outcome of the ANC Policy Conference on Swaziland. The ANC has resolved to continue to stand in solidarity with the struggling people of Swaziland and have adopted a resolution calling for the democratisation of Swaziland and the unbanning of political parties. In effect the ANC has unequivocally provided support for the key demands of the Swazi democracy movement of which the SDC is a part.  Well done ANC delegates! We salute you!

Especially important has been the need to ensure that the Swazi regime  must unban political parties, and democratise before an MOU can be signed on the proposed bail out and other matters. This is a lever  that should not be lost along the way.

Adoption of this policy has provided impetus for democracy campaign actions. Swazi democrats will be inspired to fight on to ensure the success of the 3-8 September 2012 Global Week of Action on Swaziland, and to redouble efforts to ensure the demise of the despotic system of tinkhundla!

As we salute the ANC we also call on them to go further! The Swazi royal elite and all their cronies must be isolated and be exposed for their greed, corruption, repression and unjust rule! We hope ANC branches will now seize the opportunity to join in the many campaign activities planned for September and beyond. We look forward to seeing ANC leaders on democracy pickets and marches!

Swaziland is entering a decisive moment. Democratisation is not going to happen if left up to the Royal Elite to introduce it. They need to be pushed! That’s why the ANC in Government must support Swaziland’s suspension from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the  Commonwealth and the African Union (AU) until is enforces the agreed democratic standards. Further, the ANC must support the democracy movements call for smart, targeted sanctions against the royal elite and their cronies. They must also support the release of Swayoco 

President, Bheki Dlamini, and all other political prisoners languishing in Mswati’s jails. This is what was demanded for South African liberation, and must be reciprocated now!

The ANC now has the policy to support the SDC’s Global Week of Action on Swaziland, under the theme of free and multiparty democratic elections and a Peoples Government NOW! Well done ANC! Lets work on this together! Forward to a democratic Swaziland!

Build and Support the Global Week of Action on Swaziland!

Expose the Corruption and Repression of the Swazi Elite, Smart
Sanctions Now!

Reject the Tinkhundla Royal Elections and Demand Multiparty Democracy
and a Peoples Government Now!

For further information please contact:

Stephen Faulkner on +27 82 817 5455or Philani Ndebele on +27 76 942
3565 

As King Mswati Arrests Democracy Activists, Bans Marches, Criminalises Trade Unions, Attacks Students and Church Organisations Protesters in Joburg Deliver an Unforgettable Birthday Gift to Him.

April 12th marks 39 years of dictatorial misrule in Swaziland. 39 years of chronic poverty for the people of Swaziland, and 39 years of gross corruption and selfish wealth accumulation for a Royal Elite and their sycophants. Despite being in the top 100 of wealthiest people in the world, King Mswati continues to allocate himself billions of rands from the treasury while his ‘subjects’ literally starve. His 44th birthday is approaching, and in keeping with his narrow-minded feudal mentality he has commanded the poorest of the poor in Swaziland to make a contribution to his national birthday celebrations.

Meanwhile, on the streets of Manzini and Mbabane for the next four days, in rural and urban districts, thousands of people have heeded the call to support the democracy movement, made up of the trade unions, churches, students and community groups. Each and every one is demanding the same change, that Swaziland must be governed democratically by a Peoples Government!

It is absolutely clear the democracy movement is gathering confidence and momentum. It is no longer intimidated into silence and passivity. Over the last 24 hours the Royal Elite have banned the new trade union federation TUCOSWA, they have detained dozens of activists, they have threatened and vilified faith based organisations, victimised students and unemployed youth. They have arrested journalists and reporters in an attempt to prevent the world from hearing what is happening in Swaziland. But has the Royal Elite been successful? The answer is a resounding No! There is no turning back. The days of rule by patronage and corruption are drawing to a close. A new democratic dispensation is being made on the streets of Swaziland, and despite the human and civil rights abuses of the regime, it is now stronger than ever.

For those of us in Southern Africa and beyond, we have a duty to support the democratic movement in as many ways as possible in the spirit of solidarity. We proclaim that as long as any of the peoples of our Continent are enslaved, none of us is free! Demand that our Governments support the Democracy Movement not the Dictators!

On April 12th from 12.00 noon  – 2.00pm  a peaceful picket has been called to hand over a birthday present to King Mswati from the Swaziland Democracy Campaign and the many other organisations who support the democracy struggle in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.  Campaigners and the Press are invited to witness the handing over of the gift, and be given an exclusive viewing of its contents.

Support the Peaceful Picket on 12th of April at the Swaziland Consulate in Braampark-Braamfontein

Send Messages of Support to the Democracy Movement (via SDC)

Get involved in the Campaign

No Turning Back! A Peoples Government Now!

For more information contact: Stephen Faulkner:  +27 82 817 5455, steve.faulkner@samwu.org.za

Philani Ndebele:  +27 76 942 3565, philani@asc.org.za

Lessons from Africa and Around the World

• Duration: 29th October - 2nd November 2012
• Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Language of facilitation: English, with translation in Portuguese and French

ACTION for Conflict Transformation is a global network of individuals and organisations working for sustainable peace. In Africa the ACTION Support Centre, through its Skills and Strategies for Change programme aims to be a resource for African wisdom and expertise able to respond effectively to the deep-rooted social conflicts across the continent. It connects people working for peace and development, human rights and social transformation, in Anglophone, Lusophone and Francophone countries throughout Africa.

Following the success of our March 2012 course the Applied Conflict Transformation Course has been reworked to incorporate some of the suggestions made by the dynamic team of participants. The course has been designed by a team of conflict and development specialists and aims to enhance and support the work of practitioners and policy makers affected by conflict and tension.

The workshop approach to learning uses a fine balance of pedagogical methods that includes analysis from specialist resource people, inputs on critical conflict issues facing the continent, conceptual frameworks, detailed case studies and creative participatory exercises.

For more information contact: allison@asc.org.za or richard@asc.org.za