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SACP statement on detention of Zimbabwean trade union leaders
Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
October 08, 2003

www.sacp.org.za/pr/2003/pr1008.html

The South African Communist Party expresses its deep concern at the detention of 41 Zimbabwean Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) leaders today. The SACP calls for their immediate release. The authorities in Harare need to know that there is widespread outrage in South Africa about the detention of trade unionists, the closure of newspapers, and the brutal harassment of civilians, including very worrying reports about the systematic rape of women and girls by rampaging youth militias.

The priority task within Zimbabwe is the fostering of a climate of tolerance and respect for the law, a climate that will support rapid progress in the bilateral talks between ZANU PF and the MDC. This is a challenge that confronts all Zimbabweans, but it is a particular responsibility of those in authority.

We know from our own experience of an unfolding negotiations process that popular pressure, and citizen activism are essential for an effective overcoming of a political impasse. The SACP fully supports the nurturing of bi-partisan negotiations, but negotiations must not be limited to behind-the-scenes elite pacting, which, even if they succeed in the short-term, will not produce a durable resolution to the social, economic and constitutional crisis currently afflicting Zimbabwe.

Contact: Mazibuko K. Jara (surname Jara)
SACP Media Officer
Ph:(011) 339-3621
Fax: (011) 339-4244
Cell: 083 651 0271
Email: mazibuko@sacp.org.za
Website: www.sacp.org.za

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