Anti-Mugabe group attend funeral

2003-05-17 13:35

Johannesburg - Zimbabweans from across the political spectrum including the Concerned Zimbabweans Abroad (CZA) set aside their political differences as they attended the funeral of ANC struggle hero Walter Sisulu at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

CZA spokesperson, Jay Jay Sibande said: "Although we are against the presence of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe at the funeral we do not intend to protest at the moment. However, Mugabe should know that he is not welcome in South Africa."

The group staged a protest at the Westcliff Hotel on Friday where Mugabe was staying. The group also took a bus tour through Soweto on Wednesday in protest against Mugabe's regime, Sibande said.

"The aim of the tour was to send a message to South African people that they should push the South African government to take action against Mugabe."

Mugabe, who kept a low profile, at the funeral received a welcoming round of applause from mourners when he was named along with the heads of state of Lesotho, Mozambique, and Malawi.

- SAPA