The canvas signs cheered the fact that South Africa “has the freedom to choose its leaders and demanded the same right for Zimbabweans in next year’s general election.
A spokesman for Zimbabwe Democracy Now (ZDN) said the gimmick was not intended to favour any group in the ANC, but to “cheer and congratulate” the entire party for their commitment to democracy.
“We were inspired by events in Polokwane,” Rev Nkululeko said on the phone from Mokopane (Potgietersrus) this morning (Thursday) where a team had draped the last sign across the railings of an overpass.
“In Zimbabwe this kind of freedom within the ruling party would be impossible, but also, the South African electorate will have a chance to choose the country’s president in 2009, in elections that we know will be free, fair and transparent and with an active media
to back the process,” he said.
“In Zimbabwe, the state controls all broadcasting along with every one of the daily newspapers. Police beat up people just for not carrying a membership card of Mugabe’s party.”
Rev Nkululeko said ZDN wanted to drive home the difference between Polokwane and conditions just two hours drive north from there, across the Limpopo River.
“We also want the freedom to elect our own leaders, to speak our minds in public, to read uncensored newspapers and to enjoy the rights that people in South Africa now take for granted,” he said.
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Post published in: News