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2008 harmonised elections - Index of articles
SATAWU
press statement on the Chinese vessel carrying arms/weapons intended
for Zimbabwe
South African Transport and Allied Worker's Union (SATAWU)
April 17, 2008
Satawu has become aware
that a vessel from China has docked in Durban and we are also informed
that the vessel is carrying arms headed for Zimbabwe.
Satawu has also noted
the comments of the Government spokesperson Themba Maseko indicating
that Government will not intervene in the matter as it is a matter
of trade between Zimbabwe and China.
Satawu further notes
the comments by Transnet Spokesperson John Dludlu who stated that
the vessel had complied with all the necessary requirement in the
port of Durban.
Satawu does not agree
with the position of the South African Government not to intervene
with this shipment of weapons. Our members employed at Durban Container
Terminal will not unload this cargo neither will any of our members
in the truck driving sector move this cargo by road.
This vessel must return
to China with the arms on board as South Africa cannot be seen to
be facilitating the flow of weapons into Zimbabwe at a time where
there is a political dispute and a volatile situation between the
ZANU-PF and the MDC.
As Satawu we will campaign
for this vessel to be returned to China as it is the only way through
which a peaceful solution can be found in Zimbabwe with the election
results being announced by the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC)
and the will of the Zimbabwean people respected through the ballot
box as exercised on the 29 March 2008.
Finally, Satawu will
also raise this matter with its Federation Cosatu to join the campaign
to ensure the return of this vessel to China and to ensure the use
of the Military and the use of force is not used on ordinary Zimbabweans.
Please contact the General
Secretary, Randall Howard @ 082 5646 298 for further comments.
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