International Dwarfism is still rife amongst some of our people!
It is depressing to have read some of the postings on Mail and Guardian
comments on the article ”The World stands by as Gaza starves”, dated 24
December 2009 and “Protesters converge on Cairo for Gaza March” dated 29
December 2009.It is a milestone as part of COSATU International Agenda towards
liberation of the people of Palestine against oppression harsher than the
Apartheid Regime during the dark days in South Africa.
Perhaps; people such as Markus Brajtmanand Rod Baker amongst others
suggestthat ‘’there are more than enough problems back here in SA so instead of
sticking your noses into affairs that don't concern you, and about which you
are totally biased, anyway, why not try to help sort out problems back home?
You know... help out at hospitals, set up feeding stations for the needy, help
build houses (so we don't have to rely on the Irish to come in and do it for
us)... that sort of thing? What about that for an idea’’? We believe your idea
for no action is tantamount to the highest act of cowardice and lack of high
resolve for International engagement. That should be discouraged in this
country.
Maybe; we have become naïve that South Africa is part of Africa and also an
International Player in issues that affect mankind everywhere and in particular
the working class. To suggest that COSATU should not participate in
International Affairs that affect workers is indeed a minimalist path we think
the Federation will never take. COSATU participation in our view is informed by
more than 2 million worker’s resolutions that were reinvigorated at COSATU 10th
National Congress at Gallagher Convention Centre in Sept 2009 which were
amongst others;“but without a strong organisation and active campaigns to back
our engagement strategy we will not succeed. And Campaigns are the lifeblood of
the Federation; Through campaigns we make our organisation relevant to members
and the broader society through International Solidarity with Zimbabwe,
Swaziland, Western Sahara, PALESTINE, Burma and others”. Therefore,it is on
that resolve that the Gaza March was
successful.
Mr V (Anon) was in a dream land to suggest that COSATU is a fish and chips
organization that cannot conduct its organizational work beyond its borders. We
are content that South Africa was not liberated in isolation by there were
progressive organization such as the Dutch Anti-Apartheid Movement and others
that amplified our countries plight at the International platforms that put
pressure until our so-called miracle day of our freedom. Why do we now have to
turn a blind eye when our brothers and sisters are suffering elsewhere due to
repressive regimes? By suggesting that “What on earth is a trade Union
organization doing; involved in non-South African Issues” and that “were it a
country (Palestine) where a large proportion of the victims were related to
COSATU Members, it might make sense” smacks of sheer ignorance some of the
people are still suffering in this country. We cannot behave as it is business
as usual while human race is under
threat, while despotic tendencies are rife just below and or above our noses!
We applaud our comrades from COSATU and other progressive forces who are part
of the campaign to highlight the plight of the Palestines and struggle to
restore peace in the Middle East through the historic march to Gaza.. We will
never rest until Swaziland is free! We will never rest until the Zimbabweans
have found peace! We will never rest until the Cuban Five are released!
Workers of the World Unite!
It is not yet Uhuru!
Mampane Norman
National Communication Officer
POPCRU
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