Southern African trade union leaders in Europe to call for action on Zimbabwe and Swaziland

Bongani Masuku (Congress of South African Trade Unions), Barnes Dlamini (Swaziland United Democratic Front) and Emelda Mhuriro (Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions) have joined forces to convey a united message from southern Africa that democratic change is urgently needed in Swaziland and Zimbabwe. 

The delegation will meet with decision makers from British government and the European Commission as well as members of the UK and European parliaments to call for greater and more urgent support from the international community. Finally, on Saturday 1st November the delegates will make the key note address at Action for Southern Africa’s annual conference. 

The issue of reconstruction and international re-engagement with Zimbabwe will be high on the agenda. While on Swaziland, the activists will be calling for more political commitments to bring about basic democratic rights in the afflicted southern African state. 

Tony Dykes, Director of ACTSA said:

We are working in solidarity with our brave trade union partners from South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe to address their plight on an international scale. With the support and commitment of people in the UK and Europe, we can strengthen the fantastic work being done in Swaziland and Zimbabwe to bring about democratic change. 

Emelda Mhuriro from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions commented:

It is an excellent opportunity to open dialogue with decision makers from across the EU to support our struggle in a positive and constructive manner. We hope that our demands will be listened to and acted upon so that we can be free of the current crisis.