We hope that this stance will be adopted by many other labour bodies throughout the African continent. This could mark the beginning of genuine solidarity between the people of Africa rather than the rulers of Africa. For too long African governments have supported African dictators despite the widespread oppression of their peoples.
It is clear that COSATU has its finger on the pulse of what is truly happening in its northern neighbour, far more than does the SA government.At last COSATU is trail-blazing in identifying with the broad starving masses of Zimbabwe and not choosing to close their eyes while a heartless dictator not only wrecks the country but brings about untold suffering to millions of people.
We wish COSATU every success in persuading the ANC and the SA Communist party to follow its lead. We know that it is powerful. After all it was responsible for the election of Jacob Zuma as president of the ANC.We are confident that its voice will be heard.
This could be a turning point in the ANC’s attitude towards the Zimbabwean crisis.COSATU has threatened to make a lot of noise if the playing field in Zimbabwe is not leveled before the elections. It is heartening to know that Zimbabweans do have some concerned neighbors who would like to see a genuine resolution of their man-made disaster.
All indications at this stage are that the elections will not be free and fair.The arrest of opposition candidates and disruption of their campaigns are ongoing. The Zimbabwe Electoral commission is unashamedly partisan. The voters’ rolls are a complete shambles. The media is still gagged. Journalists are still banned from reporting. Genuine international observers are barred. We have a bunch of clowns from countries that do not hold credible elections of their own. Some of them have never even seen a ballot box. Special courts, set up to deal expeditiously with election disputes, are refusing to consider applications by the opposition.
In flagrant disregard of the electoral laws Zanu (PF) continues its vote-buying extravaganza , dishing out food , farming implements and computers bought with tax-payers’ money . Military chiefs, also paid by the tax payers, threaten to reverse the will of the people if they dare vote for any one other than Mugabe. This threatening behaviour, widely reported in the state media, is met with deafening silence from the government.This does not augur well for a free and fair poll. Now is the time to make noises about the playing field -before it is too late.
Word for Today
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. – Psalm 96:1-3