COSATU Today, 1 July 2011

CEPPWAWU, representing over 70 000 workers is embarking on strike action in the petroleum, pharmaceutical, industrial chemicals, and fast moving consumer goods; the tissue and allied industries, and plastics industries.

The Stratcom of CEPPWAWU met on 23^rd June 2011 and decided unanimously to strike during the week of 4^th July 2011. CEPPWAWU members on Monday, 4^th July 2011 are joining NUMSA in the national strike in the MEIBC sectors.

For the other sectors the Union’s national command centre, specifically set up to co-ordinate the strike, is meeting on the 5^th July 2011 to decide on the date of the strike.

The impending strike is a direct result of the deadlock over wages and conditions of employment in three national bargaining councils - the National Bargaining Council for Chemical Industries, National Bargaining Council for the Wood and Paper Sectors and the Metal Engineering Industries Bargaining Councils.

Our demands for the 2011/2012 are:

1. Wage increase of 11%-13% across the board

2. Minimum Wage of R6000.00 per month

3. Scope: to include outside bargaining unit category, labour brokers and temporary workers.

4. Job Security: labour broker workers and temporary workers are to be made permanent

5. Duration of agreements – one year.

6. We have also put on the table some sector specific and social demands, focusing on housing, transport and six months paid maternity leave.

On the one hand, Employers have insulted workers by offering a paltry 4% and 7 % and a minimum wage the same as last year (2010). These offers are not only an insult to members but show that employers have no regard for the livelihood and needs of employees.

We believe that our demands are realistic, achievable and in the interest of the workers. For example, it is assumed that the cost of electricity accounts for only 1.87% of the workers’ spending. It is not only the cost of electricity that is highly under-weighted. The health cost is calculated at 1.47% of worker’s spending. Other under-weighted items include transport (3.9%); cost of education (schooling) at 2.1% and many others. It is common knowledge that the costs of these basic items – electricity, transport, education have escalated quite dramatically over the past two years but their impact on the CPI is minimal because of their relative weighting. But the impact on workers and their ability to acquire basic necessities has been disastrous.

The implication of the composition of CPI is that to increase the buying power of workers and ensure a real advancement in living standards, wage increases must far exceed the level of CPI.

We want to condemn the tactics employed by employers during this negotiation period. Some employers implement retrenchments during negotiations, circulate false information and threaten workers. It must be understood that last year workers sacrifices a lot for the country, to ensure that we settle for less as the whole country was gripped with the effects of the global economic crisis but also to ensure that we all participated and celebrated in the historic World cup held in the country. Now employers are using that show of patriotism to undermine workers.

In the meantime our organisers and local leaders are mobilizing in every factory and workplace to ensure that we have a successful and effective strike. All our workers in the affected areas will go on strike. We are also engaging other unions in our sectors to join us.

The impact of any industrial action on the economy and lives of ordinary people will be massive. There will be shortage of drugs in hospitals, shortage of fuel, paper, chemicals etc. As a union we are still open to genuine negotiations. We are ready to break this impasse by negotiations but only if employers change their dirty tactics.

We plead with the people of South Africa to bear with us in this difficult time and understand that it is not us but employers. We do not want to go back to the situation caused by the strike of 2007 when petrol stations ran dry and there was carnage in hospitals due to shortage of critical medications such as ARV’s.

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1.2 SAMWU wants to reopen wage negotiations

Tahir Sema, SAMWU National Spokesperson, 1 July 2011

The long-running court case in the municipal sector regarding the allegations made by SAMWU that a SALGA official, Mzie Yawa, tampered with the Wage Curve agreement just prior to signing will be concluded today.

As a result, SAMWU signed a fraudulent agreement. The union is seeking to have the signed agreement overturned and replaced with the agreement that was concluded the night before.

SAMWU’s Collective Bargaining Officer, Dale Forbes, who was at the court proceedings was confident that the judge would rule in the union’s favour, “We presented a convincing case that deliberate fraud was committed by Yawa and Salga’s leadership consequently backed him up as they realised that the act would save municipalities millions of rands while at the same time robbing workers of their correct salaries. This act has completely destroyed our trust in the integrity of Salga’s leadership and their negotiators. We eagerly await the outcome so that workers can at last receive salaries that are in line with their skills and qualifications”.

Another issue that is the subject of legal processes is the re-opening of wage negotiations in the municipal sector. Samwu believes that we are entitled to re-open negotiations because of a clause in the three-year agreement, which stipulates; that should inflation rise above 10% or fall below 5%, any party may re-open negotiations. Inflation fell to 4% in the period February 2010 to January 2011. We are therefore entitled to re-open negotiations. Salga is denying that the negotiations can be re-opened and are insisting that workers in the sector accept a 6% wage increase.

This issue was the subject of an arbitration and we are expected an award to be issued in the next few days.

Samwu also goes into negotiations today in the water sector. This will be the second occasion in which negotiations for all water boards throughout the country takes place on a national basis. Samwu is demanding 18% whilst the employer association SAAWU wants the unions to accept a paltry 3.9%. Samwu’s members have rejected this ridiculously low offer, which is below inflation and means that workers have to accept a real pay cut whilst key services like transport, food and electricity rise at alarming rates.

“Today we are going to insist that SAAWU drastically improves their offer. Should they not do that, they are driving the sector into costly industrial action that could lead to millions of homes and businesses being cut off from water until the dispute is resolved”, said Samwu’s Collective Bargaining Officer.

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1.3 NUM condemns Eskom and Public Enterprises Minister

Lesiba Seshoka, NUM Spokeperson,1 July 2011

The NUM has vowed to take the battle to Public Enterprises Minister and his gang of short-sighted silly advisers at Eskom.

The union condemns in the strongest words possible the arrogance of both Eskom management and the Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba in advocating a new tendency of non-consultation with the trade unions on a variety of issues at Eskom.

Traditionally, the NUM and other unions have always been consulted and invited to Eskom ‘s financial results announcement as major stakeholders at the parastatal. The NUM is saddened that as a trade union that represents over 16 000 Eskom workers, it has not been invited to the presentation of Eskom ‘s financial results nor has it been consulted now of late.

The NUM vows to haul the arrogant Minister and his short-sighted team of advisers and silly bureaucrat on the coals. The NUM vows to take Eskom and the Minister on and has called on its members to organise themselves and be ready for a mother of all strike actions at the parastatal demanding consultation, a minimum service level agreement and the fact that its management team received a 109% increment in 2010.

“We note with serious concern our marginalisation as a union under the new minister and we are going to take action” says NUM General Secretary.

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1.4 NEHAWU Limpopo holds provincial congress

Sizwe Pamla, NEHAWU National Spokesperson, 28 June 2011

NEHAWU in Limpopo held a successful congress on the 25- 26^th of June 2011 at Porte Villa Hotel in Vhembe.

The congress received a three-year report from the PEC detailing good performance and weaknesses of the provincial structure in a waging a struggle for the workers. After intense and robust deliberations we concluded that the union is growing in the province and that it continues to punch above its weight in representing workers and the working class.

Internationally, the congress noted the continuing bombing of Libya by NATO forces and we view this action as an attempt to force regime change. Our congress condemned the South African government’s regrettable participation in this process through the signing of the resolution 1973 of the United Nation’s Security Council. We remain adamant that no amount of explanation can justify our involvement in this Resolution therefore it remains wrong. We call on the South African Government to review its position and also to actively lobby for the immediate cessation of slaughter against innocent Libyans by NATO.

The 13^th Provincial Congress has resolved to strengthen the union’s working class solidarity campaign in support of the oppressed people of Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe. We call on the South African government not to consider bailing out King Mswati’s failing economy until there is a new democratic dispensation. The South African Government must put more pressure on Mswati to unban political parties in Swaziland. The congress also condemned the acts of xenophobia perpetuated in our province against fellow Africans.

Nationally, the congress committed the union to play its role in building and strengthening the Alliance at all levels. We also call on the ANC to demonstrate its leadership role by calling for the long overdue Provincial Alliance Summit to take place in order for Alliance partners to find one another.

The congress took the opportunity to congratulate the ANC on the 2011 Local Government Election success in the province and also wishes well all ANC Councilors in their endeavor to deliver critical services to our people. However the congress feels there is a need for the Alliance to analyse what the results of the local government elections mean for the movement going forward.

We reaffirm the union’s position that the primary task facing the movement politically is to defend policy and leadership outcomes of the 2007 Polokwane conference.

On Socio-economic issues, we resolved to campaign against outsourcing, privatisation and the use of Labour Brokers in the Province. The union will fight for the filling of all funded vacant posts in all government departments and will also intensify our fight against corruption. In this regard we support the planned mass action by COSATU to expose corruption.

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1.5 POPCRU remembers Shuping-Singonzo

Norman Mampane, POPCRU National Spokesperson, 27 June 2011

POPCRU remembers a stalwart of Gender Development on the Heroes and Heroines Month, Pretty Shuping-Singonzo who passed on in June 2008.

As the 2nd Vice President of POPCRU at the time she led Gender Development and Worker Education within the Union and also championing same at SASSETA where skills revolution was located, which culminated in the current new SETA Landscape.

On the occasion of POPCRU’s 07th National Congress in Bloemfontein, many Women Leaders were honoured for taking gender empowerment as a bread and butter matter. One of the recipient of an award said “This [graduations] did not come cheap as it proved that strong leadership with a vision was needed.

It proved that collective leadership; enhanced with focused priority listing and candid motivation by the late 2nd Vice President, Pretty Shuping-Singonzo made all possible. We were indeed pained and devastated by her untimely passing on. Her fruits are vividly engraved in our minds”.

She understood that the oppressed majority need to be taught to imagine a better way so that they can shape their future and becoming human.

POPCRU salute her for the comrade collegiality, dedication and love for Workers during her life and times while serving the masses within the Trade Union Movement in South Africa.

We salute a Revolutionary Leader, A Strategist and a Mother! And her spirit will continue to inspire us for greater heights on Worker Education!

2. South Africa

2.1 Education faces a crisis

Yoliswa Dwane, Equal Education Campaign, 30 June 2011

The Department of Basic Education’s step to introduce country-wide annual national assessments of literacy and numeracy in foundation and intermediate phase of schooling, through ANA (Annual National Assessments) is an important step in monitoring the education system.

This is especially since it can detect problems in teaching and learning at an early stage and, as the department notes, can provide guidance for targeted interventions.

However, the ANA results released by the Department of Basic Education this week provide further evidence of the crisis we face in education. The results showed that nationally, Grade 3 learners performed at an average of 35% in Literacy and 28% in Numeracy, while in Grade 6, the national average performance in Languages is 28% and for Mathematics 30%.

The Department is correct in noting that these results were not unexpected, but they are no less disturbing. The Minister noted that our learners have performed very poorly in International and Local studies on reading and numeracy.

Not only do these results show that our learners are performing poorly across the board, but also that the effects of poor quality and unequal education already have a major impact on learner outcomes from a very early stage. What these results don’t show are the differences which exist between learner outcomes at well resourced, well managed privileged (most former model C) schools perform in relation to the majority of black learners who attend township and rural schools in our country.

While the ANA results are on their own alarming, they still do not reflect the deeper inequality which exists behind the national average.

The DBE report notes that the introduction of workbooks for all grades 1 – 6 has had a positive impact on classroom practice, and that streamlining the curriculum is of the important initiatives aimed at addressing these problems. These are critical initiatives which must be supported and improved further. The same applies to the DBE’s commitment to provide every learner in with a textbook for each subject and to eradicate inappropriate structures by 2014, are all ambitious and important commitments, which speak to the problems in basic numeracy and literacy.

Repackaging the curriculum and providing workbooks may be part of the answer to OBE, but it doesn’t make resources like libraries, the internet any less important resources for the teaching and learning. The minister has publicly stated targets of eradicating mud schools and inappropriate structures by 2014, and providing every learner with a text book for every subject by the same time.

The ANA results provide data which can be used for targeted interventions, as the DBE notes, BUT what the results surely show is that interventions which target the entire system are also desperately needed. To produce a literate society we must ensure that there is a sufficient supply of, access to and use of books. This is most important at school. Widespread research has shown that libraries at schools, which are used properly, have a major impact on student performance.
The Department’s interventions must have as one of its priorities the provision of school libraries, including books and materials to schools, and training of teachers and librarians for the use of those materials. This must be included as part of the Department’s short term goals and targets together with the others mentioned. As a first step in this direction, the Department should at least focus on providing school libraries to primary schools, where developing a culture of reading can have the most impact.

The Department is yet to adopt a clear policy direction to address the fact that 93 % of all our schools are without functioning libraries, while our literacy rate is at 35% at grade 3 and at 28% in languages at grade 6. We cannot afford not to invest in books and reading materials for our learners, trained librarians or at least teachers with library training, and ultimately in providing our schools with the tools to foster a culture of reading and learning.

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2.2 Court rules on life expectancy of HIV positive people

SECTION27, 26 June 2011

On the 8th of June 2011 the Kwazulu-Natal High Court handed down judgment in the case of Langalakhe Ncengokwakhe Njoko v Minister of Safety and Security. In the judgment the court accepted evidence of Professor Francois Venter, President of the HIV/AIDS Clinicians Society, on the life expectancy of people living with HIV who are on anti-retroviral treatment.

This case was brought before Lopes J to assess the amount of damages that should be awarded to Mr Njoko as a result of him having been unlawfully shot by a police officer acting in the course and scope of his employment for the South African Police Service. Mr Njoko was seriously injured, and effectively left without the use of his right arm. He therefore claimed compensation for future medical expenses and loss of past and future income.

In quantifying the compensation that could be awarded to Mr Njoko for his loss of future earnings, the court had to consider his life expectancy. Accepting Professor Venter’s evidence the court found that:

“... the effect of [Mr Njoko’s] HIV positive status would not have a negative effect on the plaintiff’s life expectancy and loss of future loss of earnings. The plaintiff is presently 30 years old, and if one accepts the evidence of Professor Venter one would expect him to live for a period of 30 or 40 more years...”

The Court also acknowledged the evidence presented by Professor Venter that: "the biggest danger to [Mr Njoko] is if he should, for any reason discontinue taking his medication."

In his opening address at the South African National AIDS Conference held in Durban in June this year (http://us-cdn.creamermedia.co.za/assets/articles/attachments/33464_speech_-_5th_sa_aids_conference,_durban.pdf), Chief Justice Ngcobo commented that the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa has often been a fight against irrationality and an unwillingness of those in power to accept scientific evidence. In this light, this case is another reminder of how the climate around HIV has change.

SECTION27 believes that this case, while not setting any new precedents, may have important implications for other areas of law. In particular, it clearly brings into question the rationale behind the life insurance industry's continued insistence to contract with HIV positive patients on markedly different terms to HIV negative patients, if at all. This is an issue that we believe requires on-going scrutiny and challenge.

3. International

3.1 Bail out to maintain Swaziland repressive regime

SDC, 27 June 2011

The Swaziland Democracy Campaign has expressed regret at the bail-out that has been granted to King Mswati and the illegitimate regime in Swaziland by the South African Government.

It is reliably reported that the sum of R1.2 billion is to be handed over, to a regime that is notoriously bad at both managing the national treasury, and preventing the chronic misuse of funds for corrupt purposes. While the terms and conditions of the bail-out have still to be fully disclosed, one thing that we can be certain of is that a significant amount of it will go to maintaining the state repressive apparatus.

In other words, those who have willingly taken orders to ‘throttle’ democracy activists, to imprison students and consciously ruin their educational opportunities, to detain and harass respected community activists, who use force to intimidate all those who legitimately raise their concerns, and it has to be said, who callously murdered Comrade Sipho Jele, are to be rewarded for their loyalty to a morally and financially bankrupt regime. The South African government must reflect on this inhumane decision and at the very least disclose the terms of the bail out.

We have no doubt that the apologists for the regime, and for the bailout itself, will make reference to the position of the poor in Swaziland, and how they could not stand idly by while poverty was visited upon innocent people. We have no doubt that that they will also say that the bail-out has prevented further political and economic deterioration, and that if allowed to continue could have implications far beyond the borders of Swaziland.

What is missing from these considerations is the reality that the people of Swaziland are already carrying a shocking burden, made up of the toxic mix of chronic poverty and repression. If any conditionalities have been agreed, including for the repayment of the loan, it is very likely that this will hinge upon lowering the already precarious living standards of ordinary people. The regime has already threatened to dismiss tens of thousands of public sector workers, and to cut further spending on social services and education that is already fatally inadequate. Thousands of young and talented Swazis already have to leave their beloved country in order to survive. The worst case scenario is already in existence!

The South African Government has made a terrible mistake. They have betrayed the principles that brought an end to apartheid. They have contradicted the policy of the ANC National General Council (NGC) that recognised the Swazi regime as being despotic. As a result, they must answer to their own constituents, to the entire Swazi democracy movement, and perhaps most importantly, to the people of Swaziland. We call upon ANC parliamentarians to raise this issue and demand an explanation. We call upon all people of goodwill to let the South African Government know that the bail-out will perpetuate repression. We call upon the South African Government to cease any further measures that prop up a regime that discredits our continent.

When Comrade Mandela made a mistake, he apologised to the nation. We expect nothing less from the current South African Government.

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3.2 COSATU Winter School on International Relations

Zanele Matebula, Deputy International Secretary, 1 July 2011

The first Pilot roll-out of the COSATU IRC Practitioners Development course is now confirmed to take place at the coming COSATU Winter School taking place on the 11-15 July 2011 at a venue to be announced.

In this regard, all affiliates must forward two names of people involved in international work, one NOB and one official, to participate in the course.

The final course content and structure of the learnings shall be forwarded in due course, but as per the agreed IRC outline, it shall involve the following, amongst others;

· Theories (conceptualisation) and approaches to international relations work

· The changing global political economy and the role of the state in a capitalist society

· Underdevelopment and the crisis facing our continent

· A critical overview of the state of the international trade union movement

· Critical engagement with South Africa’s Foreign Policy and its implications for our international solidarity programme/work

· Basic French lessons - language laboratory

We shall also use the moment to reflect on a few coming international events of critical significance to our work, amongst them;

· UN Climate change Conference, COP 17 – scheduled for Durban this year

· ITUC-Africa Congress scheduled for Nigeria, end of October, 2011

· Russell Tribunal on Palestine hosted for the first time in South Africa, end of October

· Mining and Maritime Conference held for the first time in South Africa

· IBSA Trade Union meeting and the Global Labour University Alumni to be held in South Africa in October

· Education International (EI) Congress to be held in July, Cape Town.

· COSATU International Conference to be held early next year towards the 11^th National Congress of the federation

We are looking forward to your prompt responses with the names of your delegates for admin purposes and logistics. Please note that deadline for submission of names is the 7^th June, 2011 to Zanele Matebula, the Deputy International Secretary at Zan...@cosatu.org.za or 011 339 4911.

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3.3 BNF supports emancipation of Palestinians

Moeti Mohwasa,BNF Information and Publicity Secretary, 1 July 2011

The Botswana National Front (BNF) would like to identify itself with the efforts of believers in Human rights and the struggle for emancipation of the Palestinians who have seen it fit to mobilise humanitarian support for them. The New Peace Flotilla to Gaza will not only deliver the much needed humanitarian aid, but will also draw world attention to the plight of the Palestinians and expose the inconsistencies of the World when it comes to Israel and Palestine. Hopeful this will bring the liberation of Palestine closer.

As it is right now, 10 vessels from different countries boarded by people of different nationalities, some of whom are Jewish, are currently on the way to Gaza. The Israeli government continues to illegally occupy Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem. The people living in these areas have been subjected to so much abuse and have no Human Rights.

We should remember that in 2008/9, Israeli Defence Force assault of Gaza which the Amnesty International dubbed, "22 days of death and destruction" left over 1400 dead. Of these, 326 were children under the age of 16. 112 were their mothers, said a UN Fact Finding Mission. Schools, hospitals, power installations and other badly needed infrastructure were badly damaged. The Israeli army used missiles, cluster bombs, rockets, banned white phosphorus, tank shells and machine guns against unarmed civilian population, save for a few stone throwing youths.

Just last year, Israel shot and killed 26 children whose sin was to scavenge for construction material from the war ruins. Unemployment figures within Palestine stand at a staggering 45%. Medical supplies and medicines have almost run out.

The Israeli blockade of Gaza, which is illegal, has turned the Palestinians into a group of holed up abused people. This is leaving bad scars on the minds, souls and bodies of the Palestinians. It breeds hatred and war.

The Geneva Convention on Human Rights allows a blockade if it is against an enemy during wartime and is used to secure borders and the population. What we are seeing in Gaza is a blockade that seeks to punish a civilian population of 1.6million unarmed people by a heavily armed expansionist regime that kills as and when it wants to. A state that receives billions of US$ annually in the form of US aid. A state that commits so many atrocities but is never punished.

There is no doubt that there has been incidents of firing of home made missiles from Palestinian territory to the nearest point in Israel, Sderat. This was done by some who were venting their anger at the illegal settlements and their treatment at the hands of the ruthless and barbaric Israeli state. Most of the missiles landed harmlessly except for one or two instances where there has been death.

The killings on innocent people, the type of fire power and the length of the operation by far surpasses what Muammar Qaddafi has been accused of by the ICC. Why the Israeli leaders have not been brought before the ICC up to now shows that this Court was set up for certain individuals and to achieve "certain" goals. This therefore makes it compulsory for the international bodies like the UN to be transformed so that they can serve us fairly and democratically.

UN Security Council Resolution 1860, adopted on January 2009, calls for "the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of Humanitarian assistance, including food, fuel and medical treatment." International Humanitarian organisations doing work in Gaza say that this has not been fulfilled.

On 31st May 2010, in what got to be known as "Flotilla raid", the Israeli Forces, on International waters, attacked and confiscated 10, 000 tons of Humanitarian aid destined for Gaza which were on six ships of the "Gaza Freedom Flotilla".

The BNF position regarding the resolution of the Middle East crisis has not changed; Israel should abide by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 of 1967 which called on it to withdraw to the 1967 borders and for all the countries in the Middle East, including Israel to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries free from threats of force.

It is our hope that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) government will make its voice heard and put pressure on its friend and close ally, Israel to ensure safe and unhindered passage of the much needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. We do not want a repeat of last year's Flotilla incident! Israel should not attack the Second Flotilla! The people of Gaza need the aid! Away with Israeli blockade of Gaza!

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3.4 SA government must act against Israel

Palestinian Solidarity Group , 27 June 2011

All Palestinian solidarity organisations call upon the South African government to respond immediately and decisively to Israel's campaign of intimidation and violence to be carried out against the Gaza flotilla currently underway (with humanitarian aid for the besieged population of Gaza.)

In particular, we note the following reports with great concern:

1. Israeli authorities have prepared prisons to hold the participants of the flotilla.

2. The Israeli government is putting pressure on other Mediterranean countries from which the ships may sail late this month.

3. Israel has warned foreign diplomats in Tel Aviv to get ready to "face the consequences".

4. The Israeli daily Haaretz revealed that the Israeli military held a large drill for special commandos and snipers to prepare to intercept the flotilla.

5. Israel Navy commander Admiral Eliezer Marom said on 19 June that "The Navy has prevented and will continue to prevent the arrival of the 'hate flotilla' whose only goals are to clash with [Israeli] soldiers, create media provocation and delegitimize the State of Israel."

6. Israel argues the blockade is necessary for security reasons, while human rights groups counter that the siege amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's 1.6 million residents for democratically electing their Hamas government and that it is illegal under international law.

7. Last year, in the early hours of the morning on 31 May 2010, Israeli commandos firing machine guns air-dropped from helicopters onto the first Freedom Flotilla's flagship Mavi Marmara, killing nine and injuring more than fifty of the civilians on board.

8. According to international law there is no legal basis for Israel to intercept ships and prevent them from delivering humanitarian supplies.

9. No UN resolution authorizes the Gaza blockade. On the contrary, it is an illegal, unilateral measure imposed by force by Israel in the context of an equally illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.

10. UN Security Council Resolution 1860, adopted on 8 January 2009, calls for "the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment." But reports from the international humanitarian organizations working on the ground there confirm that this point is not being fulfilled.

11. The 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid carried by the first Freedom Flotilla was confiscated by Israel along with the personal effects of the passengers and the reporters' equipment.

12. International support for the second flotilla has only grown, with backing from thousands of personalities from around the world, such as Nobel Peace Prize-winners Rigoberta Menchu of Guatemala, Mairead Maguire of Northern Ireland, Jody Williams of the United States and Shirin Ebadi of Iran. The four prominent peace and human rights activists called on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to urge the governments of the countries concerned to take the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of those taking part in the mission.

Thus,we call on the South African government, in the spirit of its commitment to support a peaceful resolution of the Israel/Palestine conflict, to take up this above-mentioned call for Israel to back off from confrontation with the flotilla and to allow it to proceed unhindered as is its right according to international law.

We also call on the South African media to expose the Israeli government and the state of Israel for what it really is, an oppressive apartheid coloniser of the palestinians and their land. In the context of the national debate about freedom of expression and fair coverage the media must refrain from its biased reporting favouring Israel and/or not allow itself to be censored by the flak of Zionist interest groups, particularly the Jewish board of deputies and the Zionist federation as well as those in big business.

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3.5 Mswati poised to fire sober judge

Lucky Lukhele, SSN Spokesperson, 30 June 2011

The latest news from King Mswati’s farm are that the most impartial judge in Swaziland, Justice Thomas Masuku, has been given until July 22 of this year to explain why he should not be fired.

The Times of Swaziland’s’ Mbongeni Mbingo personally wrote the report, which was released today. Apparently, the judge has twelve acts of “misbehaviour” to answer to, ranging from allegedly associating himself with subversive elements in the kingdom to insulting the king.

The letter was served by the Chief justice, Justice Michael Ramodibedi, a man regarded as a puppet of both the king and his prime minister by even the country’s parliamentarians.

Justice Masuku is being victimised by the king for not bowing to political pressure when adjudicating cases. Although some people may be stunned by this recent act, we as the SSN saw it coming in fact he is not the last judge that will be victimised, unless the rest are successfully intimidated by this ludicrous act.

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3.6 Swaziland government is an evil regime-SWAYOCO

Justice Dlamini, Secretary General for Swaziland Youth Congress, 28 June 2011

The youth of Swaziland, under the SWAYOCO banner, met on the 11^th of June for a special prayer intended for the release of all our political prisoners.

As the youth we acknowledge first and foremost that all the comrades who are behind bars are there for a noble cause. We denounce the evil propaganda spread by the evil regime which seeks to portray our brothers as enemies of the state or criminals at worst .We know for a fact that they had been arrested, tortured, humiliated and isolated for being visionary and challenging the status Quo. Their sole crime is making the call for democratisation of Swaziland.

We therefore stand in full support of Bheki Dlamini(SWAYOCO President),Maxwell Dlamini(SNUS President),Zonke Dlamini, Musa Ngubeni and Amos Mbedzi as well as all other political prisoners. We salute you comrades for your undying spirit, sacrifices and unending love for the Swazi people. As you remain in the closets of the enemy, we know for a fact that you’re silently shaking the pillars of Tinkhundla system. The international community is abuzz calling for the democratisation of Swaziland. As we live true to the calling by one of ours, Didiza, who said we need to combat the enemy from all fronts, sooner than you would have thought, Tinkhundla shall be history.

On that breath we want to remember and salute all youth generation that have shaped the Swazi revolution. In particular, we remember the founding President of SWAYOCO, Didiza Tsabedze. After 15 yrs of his death, SWAYOCO still remains relevant, radical, militant, and a catalyst of the Swazi revolution. Many generations of the youth have come and gone but it still remains that the youth are the most critical generation of every society for its transformation.

The month of June is known as the youth month throughout Africa, thanks to the gallant fight by the radical and vibrant youth of South Africa back in 1976.In Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and in many parts of the world ,the youth have wed up to their nocturnal task , stirring and changing their living conditions, socially, economically and political.

Inspired by our own comrades behind bars and the work of the youth world wide, we the youth of Swaziland declare that:

· We shall reclaim our right and responsibility to be defiant, radical and militant in our cause to change our living conditions

· We shall commit ourselves to uniting in diversity of all youth in Swaziland under the banner of the Swaziland Youth in Action (SYA).Unity in diversity is the essence of democracy.

· We shall mobilise the Swazi society by working tirelessly from house to house, villages to towns and cities, rallying the people to stand up against the undemocratic, exploitative and resource plundering system of governance.

· As the youth we remain vigilant and cautious of the capitalist and imperialist tendencies hovering around the Swazi case for democratisation. We shall not allow anyone to dictate to us how and when to fight our battle for the democratisation of our country.

· To the monarch and the royal hangers on we promise you that, working with all Youth and the marginalized people of Swaziland, we will intensify the struggle against the monarch and its Tinkhundla system. This will be one action that is bound to rewrite the history of Swaziland. Iyawulala ibonene! The ultimate aim is to be citizens in our country, own this country and be free to decide on the direction and development of our own well being.

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3.7 The Democratic Movement Gathers Pace in Swaziland

Swaziland Democracy Campaign, 26 June 2011

Once again the Trade Union Movement has taken the lead in pushing forward the democratic agenda in Swaziland.

The protests that have unfolded this week, starting on June 22 led by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers, and joined by the Swaziland Federation of Labour and the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (soon to be merged into a single federation) have shown the crucial role of organised labour in challenging the regime.

Despite ruthless waves of repression over the last period, both in terms of draconian legislation and through the brutal activities of a bloated security apparatus, Swaziland comrades have refused to bow their heads. Workers, students, social movement activists and those from faith based organisations have maintained their organisational cohesion. They are deepening their reach into rural and less organised layers, and most importantly, they have courageously placed themselves at the service of the mass movement calling for an end to the corrupt and grossly inefficient Tinkhundla regime. In the face of the desperate antics of the regime, there is a coming together of still broader layers of activists, emboldened by the trade union movement, and many of them entering mass organisation for the first time, and still others who have been cautious about committing themselves to mass action.

And there are important lessons here for all those willing to support the democracy struggle in Swaziland. Drawing upon the experiences of the anti-apartheid movement and more recently, the momentous upheavals in Egypt and elsewhere, a key lesson is this, the revolution will not be imported! The revolution in Swaziland will be created, lead and developed by the people of Swaziland themselves. That is why; all those in solidarity with the democracy struggle must do all that they can to build the organisations on the ground. To respect their assessment of the balance of forces, and through a positive engagement, ensure that their solidarity activity complements their activity in Swaziland itself. It is this approach that guides the work of the SDC, and which is helping to strengthen the democratic movement.

Defend Those on the Frontline! Free All Prisoners, Drop the Phoney Charges!

As the excellent Special Assignment episode on Swaziland indicated, there are many comrades languishing in the rotten prisons cells of the regime. The programme exposed how Maxwell Dlamini, Musa Ngubeni, Zonke Dlamini, Bheki Dlamini and Amos Mbedzi are all being held, in appalling conditions, without access to their loved ones, or unhindered legal representation. Last week, well known SDC activist Mancoba Nxumalo was arrested and charged under the notorious Prisons Act, reputedly for helping to facilitate parts of the Special Assignment programme. After word of his arrest spread across the world, he was released, but faces very serious charges.

Clearly, the continuing detention of comrades and the charges being faced by others is designed to intimidate the popular movement, but the reverse is happening. The campaign for the release of all of these comrades, and for the dropping of the ludicrous charges against all activists is a priority, and we call upon all those who can, to politically and financially contribute to the legal defence of these comrades.

No Financial Bail-Out Without Democratic Control!

The continuing financial crisis in Swaziland has thrown into sharp relief the economic mismanagement and chronic corruption that has characterised the regime to date. This is a regime that has squandered and stolen the nations resources, and is now reduced to going with a begging bowl to South Africa having been rejected by even the conservative forces of the IMF and World Bank. This is a golden opportunity for South Africa and the rest of the region to put SADC good governance protocols into practice, and to listen, not to those who have misused and stolen resources, but to those on the ground who are leading the struggle for democracy, and who have shown by their sacrifice that they are the future of Swaziland. That is why we say don’t be fooled by the empty promises of Mswati.

As SNAT and others have stated, there is a need to make it absolutely clear that only when there is an open and transparent democratic process in place that has been arrived at with the direct involvement and support of the democratic movement can any moves towards economic development take place. To do otherwise would be to entrench the very reactionary forces that have created the crisis, and who discredit our continent by their dictatorial rule. The people of Swaziland deserve to be heard; they no longer can or should carry the economic and social burden of a wasteful and arrogant regime. There can be no development without democracy.

Escalate Solidarity!

In the coming weeks, the democratic movement will be escalating its activities, culminating in a repeat of the pioneering Global Week of Action that took place last year. All over the world, SDC chapters and solidarity organisations are planning to show their support for the democracy campaign. Many will once again, embrace the invitation of the democratic movement to travel to Swaziland to be part of the protest movement, and show their solidarity in practical terms. They know that there might be mass arrests once again, but taking their lead from the courage and determination of comrades inside the country, they will refuse to be intimidated.

It is now a year since the state murder of Sipho Jele. Actions to remember this fine comrade, and to call for the release of existing detainees and to accelerate the struggle for a democratic Swaziland are imminent. The SDC calls upon all supporters to join in these actions, and remember those who have paid the ultimate price, in the hope that we prevent any further barbaric acts.

The illegitimate Mswati regime does not have any mandate to govern Swaziland, or to prevent the legitimate protest actions of the democratic majority.

The South African Government must not undermine the democratic movement, not least because it owes its own existence to the democratic mass struggle of its own people. The crisis in Swaziland is posing the question ever more sharply of who has the right to govern. Any attempt to bail out the despotic regime will be a slap in the face to democratic struggle everywhere, and will forever sully the reputation of those who seek to protect Africa’s last surviving absolute monarchy.

In addition to the SDC Chapter in Swaziland, there are now SDC Chapters in Joburg, Cape Town and Durban, and plans to establish one in each Province. Don’t wait, get involved!

Support the democratic movement!

Isolate the Mswati regime!

Build SDC Chapters!

Action speaks louder than words!

4. Letter

4.1 Who will run nationalised entities

Jan Rabie, Cape Town, 29 June 2011

I am a SA citizen (white Afrikaans speaking male) and through my company in Cape Town is trying to make a difference in SA, particularly in employment of people.

Can somebody please explain to me what is meant by “nationalisation” of mines, banks and agriculture. I know the answer with regard to ownership, but who will run these “nationalised” entities in order to ensure we create and sustain jobs rather than destroy jobs.

The biggest challenge in running complex organisations is in management, finance and administration.

This is where SA is at its weakest. Surely you only have to look at municipalities, provincial governments, state departments and state owned entities to know we do not have the key managerial and financial skills to also run complex business organisations.

I believe Mr Vavi and Cosatu play an important role in SA. But on the subject of “nationalisation” the debate makes no sense, other than perhaps at a theoretical and ideological level. How it will benefit the “people” or the “workers” I have no idea.

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