We “will not unload this cargo” says Satawu
I danced when I read this. Via The Times (South Africa):
SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) general secretary Randall Howard said: “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.” He said the ship, the An Yue Jiang, should not dock in Durban and should return to China.
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.”
“The view of our members is that nobody should ask us to unload these weapons,” he said.
Satawu said it planned to engage support from the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu).
Defence secretary January Masilela told Sapa today that the scrutiny committee of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee’s (NCACC) scrutiny committee, which he chairs, had approved the conveyance permit on Monday already.
Did you notice on the logo that the Satawu motto is “An injury to one is an injury to all”. How unbeliveably appropriate and relevant.
Thanks once again to Tara. Above all, thank you so much to the good people of Satawu.
Please can everyone send them the warmest emails congratulating them on such an amazing stance. They are bound to come under pressure to do what they clearly do not want to do, so send them some strength and solidarity to keep them resolute. Contact page here.
Tell them they are saving lives and protecting democracy.
But most of all, they are defending the ideals of the South African people.
The colours of that Rainbow Nation are looking a lot brighter to me tonight!
Update: 18 April, ~10.30
We have been advised that Randall Howard’s email address is nana@satawu.org.za. Thanks CG.
April 17th, 2008 21:25
What a good expression! The colours of the rainbow nation are looking a lot brighter to me tonight!
Yes the glittering light and sweet smell after a summer rain shower.
Thank you guys! This is indeed an act that is good.
How can we thank these guys? This was so unexpected and so good. It is so good for us.
April 17th, 2008 21:56
I tried to send SATAWU an email of support earlier but the “contact us” page on their web-site doesn’t work. I was searching the web for their email address when I found your page.
Do you know of any other contact details for SATAWU?
I think they have made an *excellent* stand and I think this is exactly what needs to happen. When our government doesn’t speak for us we will have to speak for ourselves. Let the people of SA stand up and say that we are opposed to the situation of Zim.
April 17th, 2008 22:07
Thank you, brave members of Satawu at Durban. I have been horrified, thinking about what the Zimbabwean Government/Junta might to do with high grade military weapons; like many, I remember Phola Park (East Rand) and those shacks burned to cinders in seconds by incendiary devices sourced from the military! If an army is not prepared to serve the People they should not be armed. You are saving many innocent lives, especially those of children. God bless you.
April 17th, 2008 22:16
At last, some good news.
Well done, SATAWU!!
(I sent an email, congratulating them)
Kevin (Dublin, Ireland)
April 17th, 2008 22:35
How can I keep from singing? In my near-obsessive search for Zim news (it’s all over CNN now, and Condi Rice thinks the situation is “abominable”) I ran across an item about members of this trade union group marching for a completely different issue. And here they are again, coming out in solidarity in a classic show of support. Good for them!
It may be that the leaders of the nations will talk the talk, but the people of the African nations will walk the walk, with good cheer and firm resolve. The banners, signs, and clever forms of protest do the Zimbabwean people, the diaspora and their supporters a lot of credit.
April 17th, 2008 22:36
I tried leaving them some feedback, but keep getting an error message.
So I’ll put it here; maybe some of the union read this blog:
“Having followed the current post-”election” situation in Zimbabwe on the news and the internet, I was dismayed at the news that China has sent troops and weapons to aid Mugabe.
I can’t find words to express what I am feeling after having read about your refusal to unload that weapons shipment. So I am afraid a most heart-felt “Thank you!!!” will have to do.
Thank you for doing the right thing.
Melantrys”
April 17th, 2008 22:54
Sorry to rain on the great actions of Satawu, but this is a scary news story:
“Zimbabwe: Election Shocker - Supreme Court Could Order Re-Run”
http://allafrica.com/stories/200804170702.html
This would allow the court to “uphold” constitutional rights while forcing a whole new election, and of course, never releasing the original vote tally. The new election could be held whenever Bob and the military chose (no 21 day requirement).
April 17th, 2008 23:05
The workers unite across borders! This is fantastic. Thank you for this wonderful news. Thank you Satawu!
April 17th, 2008 23:44
Found on the Zimbabwe Situation website in opposition to the Herald publication.
PRESS RELEASE
17 April 2008
Statement from the British Embassy
The alleged letter from the British Prime Minister to Morgan Tsvangirai, printed in The Herald on 17 April, is a forgery. No such letter, or wider correspondence, exists. It reflects this regime’s desperation that ZANU(PF) and state-controlled media have resorted to faking documents for crude propaganda purposes, and not for the first time.
As Prime Minister Brown said at the United Nations in New York on 16 April, three weeks ago the people of Zimbabwe sent a strong message of their commitment to democracy. No one believes, having seen the results at polling stations, that President Mugabe has won this election. A stolen election would not be a democratic election at all. The United Kingdom stands solidly behind democracy and human rights for Zimbabwe and is ready to help Zimbabweans build a better future. We are increasingly concerned at reports of beatings and violence being unleashed against electoral officials and opposition supporters. The EU and G8 are also united in their condemnation of violence and in their calls for the results of the presidential election to be released.
ZANU(PF) has also criticised SADC intervention, and claimed it was externally prompted. One can see why. SADC leaders have expressed public concern at the conduct of this election, the delay in announcing the results and the increase in intimidation. The United Kingdom welcomes SADC leaders’ efforts to address this crisis and ensure that the will of the Zimbabwean people is respected.
We regret that The Herald continues to peddle the lie that the economic and social meltdown in Zimbabwe has been caused by external factors. The Zimbabwean people are experiencing ever greater hardship as a direct result of the policies being pursued by the Zimbabwean government. EU targeted measures impose a visa ban and asset freeze on President Mugabe and 130 named individuals. They do not hurt ordinary Zimbabweans. There are no EU economic sanctions.
ENDS
April 18th, 2008 00:22
I too have tried to leave feedback for Satawu but also getting an error message.
So, if there is anyone from Satawu reading these messages,
A very big THANK YOU to you all at Satawu for your stance on this Chinese shipment of arms destined for Zimbabwe.
It is heartwarming to hear solid moral values voiced and upheld.
We salute you!
April 18th, 2008 00:40
I’ve been having a ’small party’ too. The SATAWU guys have restored my faith in human nature.
We must remember that it is not over ‘until the fat lady sings’. Who is the fat lady? I have no idea! But we will find one. We can invite Oprah . . whoops - she’s been on diet. Well we will find one. She’ll come won’t she - Bob Marley to Oprah. .. oh well.
Enjoy SATAWU’s solidarity . . and Remember . . because we will be called upon some day to show our solidarity.
The struggle does continue and actually continues forever - or forever that we care about Zimbabwe and her children.
I heard MRT speak today - it is amazing - with all that goes on, we don’t realize we have hardly heard him speak. For people inside Zim who may not have heard his Independence Day speech, he was good. He was sounding well and strong. He was showing the way with confidence. He was articulate. He was mentally agile and alert. His emotions were authentic. Truthfully, and I don’t exaggerate, he sounded sharper than Barack Obama who is the front runner for the US Presidency. Go MRT - you are a credit to us. you make me proud.
He said this: this is not an event, it is process. Have a ’small party’ tonight to celebrate and thank SATAWU: whatever you have - raise a glass, or if you are in Zim look at the stars and listen to the crickets and the frogs and the dogs. SATAWU have given us heart. We will see what cards are dealt tomorrow and we are stronger for their support.
Thank you brothers!
April 18th, 2008 02:16
Congratulations SATAWU on your stance for not unloading weapons bound for Zimbabwe. Best wishes and lots of strength to all your members.
Sydney
April 18th, 2008 02:54
Thank you Satawu, for taking a stand for what is right. Still getting an error message in response to trying to send them a congratulatory e-mail. Can anyone in SA call their offices and thank them? They need to know that what they are doing is so important, and much appreciated.
April 18th, 2008 03:49
Congratulations to the courageous people of SATAWU!
Their efforts are truly righteous and inspiring. It may be classic liberal premise, but I think that it still stands today–When a government becomes too despotic, when its authority increases to dominate the people it pretends to serve, THEN it is this people’s inalienable right to replace it (hopefully through peaceful, democratic means).
In supporting the democratic movement in Zimbabwe, the people at SATAWU (and many more I imagine) are affirming the fundamental right of human beings to liberty, peace and happiness. You have all my respect and sympathies (from Australia).
April 18th, 2008 04:20
WELL DONE SATAWU! - you are clearly people of good conscience and morals.
Zimbabwe is grateful and you can be proud of your stance.
Turn that bloody ship around - stinking bastards - donors and recipients alike…
April 18th, 2008 05:34
Unfortunately the contact page is down. Randall Howard’s email is nana@satawu.org.za if you want to directly send him a thank you. I’m not a big fan of SATAWU, but they are really doing something honorable, and they should be aware of our support. So thank you SATAWU for taking a stand against tyranny and violence.
April 18th, 2008 05:49
I tried to leave a message to them too, to no avail. I hope they can read this, we are proud of of SATAWU, we S A L U T E you and believe that God see your work and He will reward you for your kindness to the elderly, the children and babies of Zimbabwe, as they are the most vulnarable to torture. Zimbabweans need shipments of food, medicine, and loving kindness and not weapons. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. We love and appreciate you all.
April 18th, 2008 09:08
Chinese want doorway into Africa
Mugabe is doing his best to garner Chinese support in order to keep Zimbabwe afloat for his own benefit and the Chinese know that this is the best doorway for them to entrench themselves in Africa. Morgan Tsangerai would be have a far more open market approach, which would not suite the Chinese, because then Zimbabwe would recover without them. Hence the supply of arms to the dictatorial Mugabe. Here is another reason for boycotting the Chinese Olympics. Americans/UK better hurry and get Mugabe out even if it is only for strategic reasons alone, let alone the more important moral reasons. Once into Zimbabwe South Africa will be next and the very defendable Cape trade route will be theirs. Only one South African submarine was needed to defeat the entire NATO fleet in mock maneuvers recently. Also South African “leaders” like Mbeki will not lift a finger to help the Zimbabwean people against this fellow African “leader” unless they feel the heat themselves. A push for a boycott of the platform from which he is looking forward to boast from, namely the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa may get him moving as the Tibetans are doing for the Beijing Olympics.
April 18th, 2008 12:53
I was so happy to read this and applaud SATAWU! About time someone in SA did something other than keeping their mouth shut. Mbeki’s recent “there is no crisis” comment is an utter embarrassment.
April 18th, 2008 13:48
An urgent court application has been brought into high court to suspend the granting of a permit for transporting the shipment of arms.
http://www.24.com/news/?p=tsa&i=893837
April 18th, 2008 13:54
Hi, there are South Africans, many South Africans, of all shades and political persuasion who are against what is happening in Zimbabwe. Here is another aheartening story off the News24 website this is the link
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2308306,00.html
Well done to SATAWU well done to the applicants and lawyers and lets hope for South African impartial justice to precvent this shipment from reaching Zim to be used against the people. Incidentally Bright Matonga was on Safm a short while ago and was eventually cut off by the presenter when he repeatedly refused to answer, the question as to what the arms were to be used for and spewed the ZanuPF diatribe of hatred, instead!
” Urgent plan to halt Zim arms
18/04/2008 12:23 - (SA)
Johannesburg - An urgent application is being brought in a high court to suspend the grant of a conveyance permit allowing the transport of arms, currently on board the An Yue Jiang anchored in Durban’s port, to the government of Zimbabwe and to prohibit the offloading of the consignment and any transport of it through or over the Republic of South Africa.
This interim relief is sought pending an application for a court order declaring the decision to grant the conveyance permit to be unlawful and invalid and reviewing and setting aside the decision of the Secretary of Defence who is purported to have granted the conveyance permit.
The application is being brought on behalf of individuals, Bishop Rubin Phillip and Gerald Patrick Kearney, acting in the public interest, with the support of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre.
Attorney JP Purshotam and Advocates Malcolm Wallis SC, Angus Stewart and Max du Plessis are acting in the matter. The legal action will be brought in terms of the National Conventional Arms Control Act (the Act) which requires that any transfer of arms be authorised by a permit issued in terms of the Act.
Specifically, the grant of a permit is limited under provisions of the Act which require that such transfer not contribute “to internal repression or suppression of human rights and fundamental freedom” and not provide “arms to governments that systematically violate or suppress human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Nicole Fritz, director of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) said: “Given the current situation in Zimbabwe, with increasing accounts of widespread attacks on Zimbabwe’s civilian population by government forces, it is hard to imagine clearer circumstances in which South African authorities were obliged to refuse the grant of any conveyance permit.”
April 18th, 2008 13:58
Here is what I just sent Randall Howard:
“I have just heard that your members have refused to offload and transport the shipment of weapons that Robert Mugabe is trying to bring into Zimbabwe and which the South African government seems happy to allow. God bless each and every one of your members for having the courage and the conscience to stand up and do what the government is too weak and corrupt to do. You have restored my faith in humankind.”
BTW, I hope yuo don’t mind but I am linking daily to three articles from this blog right at the top of my blog so as to try and keep the situation on the forefront of my readers’ minds. Stength and courage to you all.
April 18th, 2008 15:03
Well done to SATAWU. The very last thing Zimbabwe needs is more guns and bullets.
Good luck to Morgan and all who are seeking justice in Zimbabwe. The peoples of the world are supporting you even if the leaders are not.
April 18th, 2008 20:10
It seems that the ANC are about to ship these containers via their own military logistics partners.
My advice to the brave SATAWU members is as follows;
1) Offload the containers at Durban.
2) Immediately after discharge of all containers - dump the containers directly into the harbour waters.
The need to stop these weapons reaching Zimbabwe is greater than the risk of personal persecution.
God bless you all.
April 18th, 2008 20:48
Jeanne: Thank you! That’s an amazing thing to do. Everyone has been so supportive and kind.
April 18th, 2008 21:18
Here is a link to the SA Government Information site: http://www.info.gov.za/aboutgovt/contacts/index.htm
It appears to be pretty comprehensive although there are not email addresses for every party. I suggest an email campaign sent to as many on these lists as possible regarding how we and the rest of the world perceives the governments stance on getting this cargo to Zimbabwe.
Good luck and keep up the good work everyone!
April 18th, 2008 21:31
Message for SATAWU!
Best wishes to your heroes at Durban!!
Their stand is truely admirable and shames those in power who are doing nothing.
This action is a message to people around the world that workers will take a stand against brutality and oppression for the sake of their brothers and sisters who are suffering.
Yours in solidarity and admiration,
Pam, London
April 18th, 2008 22:39
According to the Durban Ports Authority, this ship is still anchored in their outer anchorage. I will try to get clarity on this over the weekend when I call my family in Durban.
April 20th, 2008 09:12
I too, shall dance, after reading this!
Viva SATAWU, Viva!!!!!
My heart leaps, my mind dances.
April 21st, 2008 16:03
Thank you so much SATAWU for your bravery and courage. This action is a powerful message to all the people in and out of zimbabwe who are fighting for democracy and also to Mugabe, his cronies and Mbeki that there are people who can see the crisis in Zimbabwe and are willing to do something about it. WELL GUYS.
April 23rd, 2008 10:09
SATAWU and it’s members deserve the highest praise for the stance they have taken to prevent these weapons being used against the people of Zimbabwe for exercising their right to vote for a representative of their choice.
What irks me is that our government did not make the same stane and took a “quiet diplomacy” stance agains delivering the weapons.
The question remains: Where the hell is An Yue Jiang?? Why are we not being updated as to it’s whereabouts and activities? The ship is being monitoed via satellite - why can’t we be informed? The cynic in me tells me it is up to no good - either trying to get fuel or to get the cargo offloaded and delivered by foul means.
Keep the world informed about what this ship is up to - it is essential to keep the pressure on.
Viva SATAWU VIVA. You are my heros!!
April 23rd, 2008 11:47
Sokwanele,
You need to keep all this various blog threads updated in case those that visit only pick up one thread. For example we know the yesterday afternoon the ship was in the area of Walvis Bay and has asked to refuel.
The action of SATAWU is an example to all trade unions throughout the world. Too many have been engaged in useless dialogue and whilst taking their members subscriptions have not acted with pride and convistion. SATAWU is an inspiration in a time of limp wristed Governmnets who refuse to show any backbone.
Why do you think the Chinese have found it so easy to take control of nearly every Africa coutry’s mineral wealth. Watch out South Africa there is already deals being done!
All this action has put the plight of Zimbabwe in the spotlight and we should make sure we do all we can to help Sokwanele and any other contact in Zim.
I was very pleased to see that some blogs have come from Australia because we need to motivate people there to show solidarity for Tibet when the Olympic JOKE torch does the tour.
Our prayers are with the people of Zim today as they face another beating at the hands of Bob’s bullies.
April 23rd, 2008 15:35
Like many of you, I tried to send SATAWU a message of support, but got a page error back on their web contact page.
What a heroic, but at the same time, logical and appropriate action. Congratulations to SATAWU. This is a model for collective resistance.
Joel
New Brunswick, Canada