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ZSF speaks out on the PTUZ beatings
Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum
February 22, 2008

The Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum is a network movement of progressive South African civil society organisations, including youth, women, labour, faith-based, human rights and student formations that are engaged in the promotion of solidarity for sustainable peace, democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe.

The ZSF condemns the unlawful assault and brutal beatings of members of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe. Seven members were hospitalized and are receiving treatment for their injuries.

These actions by the increasingly desperate Zimbabwe regime are a slap in the face to those who claim that the SADC mediation process has brought changes to the conditions for a free and fair election in Zimbabwe. While legitimate protest continues to be met with repression nobody can claim that Zimbabwe is free to run an election that will express the will of the majority.

The harsh economic conditions that are the direct result of ZANU-PF policies and the social marginalisation and exclusion of anybody who does not support Mugabes hand picked elite demand a response. Where this space to respond is absent the progressive opposiution in Zimbabwe and its allies within the ZSF and civil society across the region have a responsibility to organise vociferously to express its concerns.

A March for Free Elections and Democracy in Zimbabwe, Kenya and Swaziland will be held on the 7th of March.

Gathering at the Union Buildings from 10.00 am progressive forces will march in solidarity with democrats that have been silenced. The ZSF will join its allies from the International Solidarity movement in support of the march.

Until democracy provides for the will of the majority to make their choices heard, and for the mass of people to hold political elites accountable, Africa will not be free.

Join us in support of the struggles that continue across the continent. South Africa owes its freedom to the many sacrifices of Africa's people. Now is the time for us to repay that debt through collective progressive action.

Amandla ngaWethu! Aluta Continua.

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