Privatisation protests at Summit

2003-06-07 12:39

Midrand - The Growth and Development Summit did not represent the majority of South Africans, the Anti-Privatisation Forum said on Saturday morning outside Gallagher Estate in Midrand where the summit was in session.

Spokesman Thandekile Dedo said the forum was against the summit because business, labour and government are pretending they are discussing poverty. ?Instead they are promoting their capitalist ideals," he said.

Dedo said police had claimed the gathering of about 15 young members was illegal and that if they did not disperse they would be arrested.

"It's our right to be heard.

"When (President Thabo) Mbeki cuts off our electricity they don't need a permit but when we want to have our voices heard they say we need permission. It's like the old apartheid days."

Dedo said the Anti-Privatisation Forum's chief concern was the cost of education. Because of the government's Growth, Employment and Redistribution policy, their parents had lost their jobs and could not afford to send their children to school.

"To be employed you need education. Now education is pre-paid - you have to go the bank and get a receipt before you can out your foot through the school gate. First it was pre-paid food, then pre-paid electricity and water; now it's pre-paid education," he complained.

Dedo said the organisation was calling on the government to provide free education for all those in need.

A number of groups, including the Treatment Action Campaign, protested at the summit.

- SAPA