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MDC shocked and dismayed at deportation of COSATU delegation
Paul Themba Nyathi, Secretary for Information and Publicity (MDC)
October 26, 2004

The MDC is shocked and dismayed at the decision by the Zimbabwe government to deport the COSATU delegation.

As Zimbabweans we are ashamed at the manner in which the government has treated the delegation.

The government’s treatment of COSATU further confirms that when it is talking the language of African solidarity it is talking an increasingly different language from the rest of Africa.

African solidarity is based on the progressive values which guided our respective liberation struggles; values which today shape our collective vision for a better Africa. It is a source of deep regret that the Zanu PF government continues to reject these values – values which it once stood for.

If the government believes that by blocking a COSATU fact finding mission it can hide its criminal failings and violent excesses from South Africa and the broader SADC region, it is mistaken. The tragedy of the situation in Zimbabwe is being told on a daily basis by the thousands fleeing into neighbouring countries.

The SADC principles on elections are very clear on the need for member states to foster tolerant political environments. The deportation of the COSATU delegation is further proof that, at present, the government has no intention whatsoever of fostering such an environment.

We urge the Zimbabwe government not to retreat further into its cul-de-sac but to embrace regional and national stakeholders and help build a consensus on the way forward in Zimbabwe.

The people of Zimbabwe need jobs and food and a new beginning. We all have a moral responsibility to ensure that this happens. This has to be our fundamental objective.

A new beginning will remain out of our grasp as long as the government continues to reject the need for consensus and remains committed to a political agenda whereby the interests of the people are subordinate to the interests of a small ruling clique.

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