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Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum (ZSF) condemns the assault and abduction of ZCTU members
Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum (ZSF)
September 20, 2007

http://www.zimonline.co.za/Article.aspx?ArticleId=2018

The Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum (ZSF) vehemently condemns the assault and abduction by the Zimbabwean security agents of Michael Kandukutu, the National Organizer for the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Tennyson Muchepfa from the National Engineering Workers' Unions, and Justice Mucheni from the Food Federation.

The three (3) ZCTU members were exercising their right to free and open democratic trade union activity guaranteed by ILO conventions and recognized by the state. The ZSF views this as a serious indictment of the latest pronouncements of national unity emerging around certain constitutional issues affecting elections and the future of democratic rule in Zimbabwe.

The guaranteeing of workers rights to organize and down tools should be an integral part of the unification project aimed at the reconstruction of the country. Therefore whatever official pronouncements of consensus, should be accompanied by the recognition and extension of these rights to workers and the people of Zimbabwe.

The ongoing repression and punishing economic conditions in Zimbabwe affect vulnerable groups living in poverty most of all. While a small elite continues to live a life of protected privilege whereas the majority of Zimbabweans are denied their fundamental rights. More than 80% of Zimbabweans are live in poverty, without access to health, education and basic commodities. Those that manage to leave the country face a harsh reception in countries like Botswana, Zambia and especially here in South Africa.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the three ZCTU activists and many other activists remaining in detention.

The ZSF has declared the 20th September the day of solidarity with Zimbabwean workers action over the economic situation of high inflation and freezing of wages

Join us in a solidarity picket to highlight these conditions and show Zimbabweans that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the struggles for freedom anywhere are struggles for all of us everywhere.

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