Leaders that make us proud: MyNews24: Your story: News24

The MyNews Leaderboard
We have two lots of R500 to give away this week. Are you one of the lucky winners?

May's best News24 User photos
We want your interesting or newsworthy photos. Send them to us, and you could get published!

Search News24

News

MyNews24 : Your story

Special Reports

Opinion

Time Out

Mind Games

Cartoons

Services

Newsletters

Weather

Cape Town:
15-17°C

Durban:
18-27°C

Johannesburg:
6-19°C

Weather Page

Traffic

All regions

Indicators

Rand/$	7.6500
Rand/£	14.9500
Rand/€	11.8000
Gold/oz	$879.70
Gold Mining	2521.57 +0.18%
All-share index	32140.70 +0.01%

Partners

Afrikaans




English

YOUR STORY
Leaders that make us proud
09/05/2008 08:28 - (SA)

Arms ship destination a mystery

Zim arms ship heads for Congo

Cronin doubts MDC 'solution'

Peter Neill, News24 User

I congratulate the South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) and particularly their leadership, for the manner in which they have dealt with the Chinese ship carrying arms destined for Zimbabwe.

Their position is clear and they have acted with intent and I applaud them for this. Furthermore it is evident that they intend to follow through on their conviction and have even sent representatives to other countries to ensure that maximum pressure is brought to bear on whoever may plan to assist the Chinese, by transporting these weapons to Zimbabwe.

News24 reported on Thursday that Satawu issued a statement condemning the Chinese government and the ship owners China Ocean Shipping Company (Cosco) for creating a false impression around the world that they had recalled the vessel.

"This so-called recall was clearly only intended to deceive and remove the massive groundswell of political pressure that had built up in a very short period of time," the union said.

"Both the Chinese government and Cosco have regrettably demonstrated that profiteering remains the overriding consideration over human solidarity and saving lives. It appears a judgment call has been made by them to wait around until the Zimbabwean electoral crisis is over. It will be a long wait in the context of avoiding a return trip and wasted expenditure."

Satawu again called on all African governments and dock workers to refuse the vessel docking access and to refuse to handle the weapons with a view to ensuring that the vessel leaves African shores immediately.

"We call on the United Nations to bring pressure to bear on the Chinese government to demonstrate their commitment to recall and stop using the politics of deception," the union said.

Finally we are witnessing mature uncompromising leadership on the matter of Zimbabwe which can make us feel proud. Satawu has demonstrated resolve and set the world an example where the UN, The SADC, Russia, China and South Africa have failed.

Well done!

Get published on News24 by sending your article, story or column to us

See who has had a say on News24.

Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.

Yahoo

Digg

News24 on facebook profile


	Agreed 09/05/2008 08:37 Could not agree more ,good article. - MM

	Good to see 09/05/2008 08:41 Its good to see someone complementing people when somehting good is done. Well done Peter and to Satawu for your excelent morals. - Nick

	Battle not one 09/05/2008 08:46 Thanks for your valuable points Peter. However have you seen the images of avaerage Zimbabweans that are flighted on E.Tv every evening ? It's a shame that the peace brokers and the african leaders have done nothing to see the removal of the tyrant. Until those poor Zimbos are free we can not declare victory. A lot still needs to be done about Zimbabwe. - Concerned

	Its good news !! 09/05/2008 08:47 Welld one , unions !! - charlie

	Great Stuff 09/05/2008 08:48 I am so impressed with this action - great to see a strong stand at a last. - tracey

	Now SADC 09/05/2008 08:50 must continue the work done by Satawu and the ITF. They have mandated Mbeki to continue mediating in Zim. This is a thankless task which realised peaceful elections and an outcome - although rigged to an extent - where the opposition gained more votes than the despicable Mugabe. The post-election violence is threatening to escalate - especially if these arms reach Zim. therefore SADC and the AU have to take a firm stand to ensure the safety of all Zim citizens. - Filemon

	Great feeling! 09/05/2008 08:52 Yeah, this is what South African are capable of when they band together. Democracy one just one of our victories, we still got wars to fight and the sooner we get together, the better. Great stuff Peter!! - Khathu

	Satawu 09/05/2008 08:53 Thanks Peter, good article. Satawu, we're proud of you! - taurus

	Fine , But 09/05/2008 08:53 This is great from Satawu , but where do one draw the line... Every time there is at fight in Gaza or West bank the USA send more and more weapons to the Jews.That kills innocent people ( meaning civilians , not Hamas) The Chinese will simply say why are they allowed to do it and not them. Just a thought But very happy with our union action - Marc S

	Kudo's to SATAWU 09/05/2008 08:54 I never thought i'd see the day where i commend ANY union. Keep up the hard work guys, perhaps there's a nation or two out there that can learn from you guys and start putting the pressure on China to end this once and for all. - John Camp

	Agree 09/05/2008 08:55 It is wonderful that they have kept up this sort of pressue. One just wonders why the government is so quiet. - MJ

	Suprise...Suprise.. 09/05/2008 08:59 Finally Peter Neill, a very well known propaganda manufacturing machinery has decided to write a factual positive analysis..welcome to the real world Peter and keep on writing relevant articles?thank you - Kolobe

	Made me proud 09/05/2008 09:00 The togetherness of all South Africans and specifically Satawu and other Trade Unions in defiance of the "Arms Ship" is proof that we as a nation have what it takes to stop the rot. I hope we can do the same with the SA government that supports the monster on our northern border. Down with Mad Bob, down with China, down with Mbeki and his idiotic ANC! - Antelope

	Bravo Neil!!! 09/05/2008 09:01 Its refreshing to Have people like Neil who are never too shy to shower praises to the good South Africans does(Especially by this mostly Black dominated movement like SATAWU).Its so very encouraging & makes one feel proud to be South African.I hope ppl like Brandon Faber picks a leaf from this letter & realize that there's a specific platform for jokes(His humouor is = undermining) & affairs that requires the citizens utmost attention in a seriouse manner!! - Les-Maada

	Any spark is welcome in the dark 09/05/2008 09:01 Very superficial conclusion, showing no insight into whats going on behind the scenes. You dig further than at face value. Beware of the Greeks and their presents! - Sentinel

	Bravo Neil!!! (Wasn't sure about the posting) 09/05/2008 09:02 Its refreshing to Have people like Neil who are never too shy to shower praises to the good South Africans does(Especially by this mostly Black dominated movement like SATAWU).Its so very encouraging & makes one feel proud to be South African.I hope ppl like Brandon Faber picks a leaf from this letter & realize that there's a specific platform for jokes(His humouor is = undermining) & affairs that requires the citizens utmost attention in a seriouse manner!! - Les-Maada

	Good job 09/05/2008 09:04 Great article Peter and like Nick i think it's great to see someone commenting on something positive that SA has done. I have to say i am proud of Satawu and it's one of the few moments i can say i have felt proudly South African! - DM

	Nice going!! 09/05/2008 09:05 I have to agree. Usually I don't have a very good opinion of trade unions, but I have to congratulate these guys for standing up! I only wish our so-called president would grow a pair and stand up to dictators... in stead, he holds hands with them!! - Juan

	uncompromising... 09/05/2008 09:05 mature, uncompromising leadership really sums it up and is a great example to most of our other leaders in all spheres. great article-thanx - charmaine

	SATAWU made me proud 09/05/2008 09:08 well said Peter, will give your article to my kids to read- SATAWU keeps our conscious alive and is proving that we can make a difference - paula

	Change of heart on Unions 09/05/2008 09:11 I have never been a fan of Unions, as I saw them as ill disciplinned thugs marching through street littering, assaulting and damaging property. Satawu has showed what can be done, I join Peter in applauding Satawus' brave action in the face of thabo's indifference to the plight of the Zimbabwean people! - Dries

	Viva SATAWU. 09/05/2008 09:12 Please make your last follow-up to make show that nothing offload from that vessel.we know that china lied to the hole world. - BETHUEL

	And what is our government saying? 09/05/2008 09:12 It's disappointing that it's Satawu who had to publicly condemn the Chinese government while our own President has been quiet on the issue. In the rural village where I live, people are not fully informed what's happening, but a lot have heard on radio news about this and everyone is disappointed in Mbeki's silence. My wife, who used to be Mbeki's fan, was angry with him when we discussed this issue around the woodfire next to our hut last night. - Sello

	Bravo 09/05/2008 09:20 How can anyone not agree? And my own heart beats just a tad 'lekkerder' when seeing that the vast majority of South Africans are standing shoulder to shoulder on this (while our government seems perplexed by it all). However, this was just a battle, the war is far from decided yet... Ag, damn reality check! - Jaco

	Nobel worthy 09/05/2008 09:22 It seems that when there's enough public outcry the powers that be act. This is a good sign, and a good example to the leaders AND the people of our region. Thanks to SATAWU and even the Namibians, and the Angolans for standing together. - Johann

	Very nice, Peter, EXCEPT 09/05/2008 09:23 that we have no way of knowing whether the weapons are still on board that ship. It could have already been loaded onto another ship whilst at sea and offloaded in Luanda - and well on its way to Harare. I cannot imagine the Chinese (nor Mug Ape!) giving up this easily,can you? - CT Boykie

	Sello 09/05/2008 09:24 So presedent Mbeki must now satnd on top of the carlton center and announce that he refused the chinese ship entry to the contry??and after that fly to zimbabwe and try to mediate the zimbabwean process..idiot..please give the president a break... - Kolobe

	Very Proud 09/05/2008 09:26 I was very proud of SATAWU when their objections were aired on the news. For a moment it felt like 1994 again ... I am watching this story closely and hope there is way to stop these arms from ever reaching Zim. - Lee

	Kolobe Idiot! 09/05/2008 09:34 Give the president a break? You are truly not well informed about events surrounding that Chinese ship. Mbeki was in USA at the UN when it came to Durban, he personally gave an instruction that the ship be permitted to off-load the weapons. It took Trevor Manuel, Sars and Home Affairs to ensure that Mbeki's instruction not be implemented. After that, Mbeki's close allies in the cabinet were shocked, they said they dont know what had got into him. Now, do you still want me to give him a break? - Sello

	Now this is great work from the Unions. 09/05/2008 09:35 This is just to show what civic movements and unions can do, with so much pressure from the unions, the world has taken note and responded. It's shame that SADC, AU and Mbeki opted to prolong quite diplomacy. No arms to conflict areas where human rights are abused and people oppressed by the tyrant regime of Mad Bob. Sadly though that the Zimbos themselves have not taken to the streets against these arms that will surely be used to kill them - Libembe

	Kolobe and the "propaganda" 09/05/2008 09:35 That is funny coming from you of all people. You really are a weird piece of work. Your comments are always degrading and pointless. Kind of similar to your existance in my opinion. - shaun

	Sello 09/05/2008 09:41 Everyone knows Mbeki is doing NOWHERE near enough to resolve this conflict, we see it and so do the rest of the world. I'm joining you next to the fire on this one. I just CAN'T understand why people feel the need to INSULT others over an opinion. Kolobe please just GO AWAY! - John Camp

	Kolobe!! 09/05/2008 09:43 Yes!! Sello is right to quection Mbeki's Approach if at all there was any in this regard!!As the country's principal it was within his mandate to stand up & tell the Chineses Vessel captain to VOETSEK away from his port with that cargo.When are you going to stop being a monkey or pig(Ya namesake for that matter)& realise the cowardise in Mbeki!! - Les-Maada

	Drifting 09/05/2008 09:44 Like the Chinese ship some of you are drifting off the point here. Peter your letter I assume is meant to thank the people that stopped the ship. THANK YOU. Let's ignore Mbeki's imcompetence for today, and celebrate that there are in fact some officials who have the best will of Southern Africa at heart. - Johann

	Oh my way!!! Sello 09/05/2008 09:46 OH my God...I thought it was only Peter Neill that manufactured propagandas now even the likes of Sello have been brainwashed with all the drivel they read on this forum on the daily basis...Even if that was true..so you still think that mbeki is the government and not Trevour, Sars and foreign affairs..what an idiot..Mbeki issued a word while at the summit that the ship should be send packing.. - Kolobe

	@Kolobe 09/05/2008 09:49 When the Chinese ship makes its return journey to China,won't you please join it? I'll even pay for your one way ticket if it stops here in Dirtbin.I hear that they may already have a cosy cabin booked for you and Comrade Sutcliffe.You may have to swab the decks and stuff like that en route but at least you two can keep each other company. - The Truth

	John Camp 09/05/2008 09:51 If you owned News24 I would go away.Maybe you should GO AWAY..The fact that you still read my comments makes me smile..at least you read my opinions..thank you John - Kolobe

	conviction 09/05/2008 09:52 For once it is good to see a organization act with conviction and followed through with what they said. Something the Mbeki government can learn. - Pangea

	Well Done 09/05/2008 09:53 All it takes is action by just men, now they need support, but as said already we have no way of knowing if the weapons are actually on board still. I personally think we have been duped. Well done to SATAWU, but it needed to come from our inept Govt to be truly effective. They say African Renaissance, but by no action, our brothers are going to die. Does anyone else think its strange that mad bob and thabo are family?? - Grant

	why people? 09/05/2008 09:54 Seriously why must people take something good, and go completely go off the topic to harp on the negatives again, come on!!! - DM

	Price-Fixing.... 09/05/2008 09:54 Responsible leadership by SATAWU and friends. Now can you mobilise around price-fixing, GM foods, robbery of our resources,blood diamonds,robbery of our herbs, seeds and intelligentsia of flora etc etc. Once again, Africans go where others fear to go! - Cape Town Kid

	Wrong Kolobe 09/05/2008 09:57 Once again you are wrong my brother Kolobe. Mbeki has never issued a word that the ship should be sent packing, he said it should be permitted. You should have heard what Manuel and Mpofu (The Transport DG) had to say last week. Yes, Trevor and SARS are also government, but not heads of state. With security issues, heads of states should take the lead and speak to the global community, not Department DGs! - Sello

	Kolobe wa bora! 09/05/2008 09:57 You are such a boring charecter, from all you tired little comments you make on each and every article, it makes me wonder just how old you are. Sometimes just when I think you are about to make sense, then you just go ahead and say something useless and pointless, there is a whole lot of negativity inside your almost non- existent mind!!! - MEL

	Africa needs more guns 09/05/2008 10:01 Why is it that if Zimbabwe wants to buy arms they?re not allowed to? They didn?t stop us from buying a few billion Rands worth of arms (more than one shipment). Africa and in particular the Southern part of Africa needs more action. We haven?t seen a war in over two decades. - Khumalo

	@Kolobe 09/05/2008 10:02 Sello is actually correct. Mbeki IS a coward. He DID hold hands with Mugabe. They ARE family through marriage. Do research before you comment please. SATAWU does not have the power of Govt. The pressure albeit is great, should be coming from the Govt. End of story. The arms should have been confiscated already and then none of this crap would be going on. China, communist internally, capitalist globally, no regard for Africa except for our resources. - Grant

	Sello 09/05/2008 10:04 Mnr how much wood do you have in that rural village of yours? Want to send me some? wish i could braai every night, i cant even burn a decent braaivuur anymore, no proper and decently priced wood in CT anymore, wish i was there! Enjoy it!!! - W

	Kolobe you fool 09/05/2008 10:04 Kolobe, with your mentality I think you would have been a great P.A for Robert Mugabe. Great Articel Peter! - Jinx

	Kolobe 09/05/2008 10:07 ONLY yesterday did you insult a number of people for not offering constructive comment. Have you not realised that perhaps you have passed your sell by date for commenting on this site. In future please listen to everyone's opinion and try not respond with insults. I really believe NEWS24 should censure certain commentary. - John Camp

	Kolobe 09/05/2008 10:11 Kolobe....not working again today are we? Playing around on the internet with your doff comments. You must be a Pro Mbeki/Mugabe. Why don't you go join Mbeki when he visits Mug-ape and you little boys trying to play politics catch up with each other. - Win

	PS 09/05/2008 10:14 Fantastic work by the union, since Mbeki has no backbone and has to rely on his own people of this country to do his work. He is such a useless pratt...just like kolobe! - Win

	Our Celeb - Kolobe 09/05/2008 10:14 Dude, I don't agree with you. But i must point out that you've become a celeb! We all seem to enjoy disagreeing with you no matter what you say. Write a book man... - Athi

	@Khumalo 09/05/2008 10:15 Firstly its an humanitarian issue, Zim could very possibly go to civil war. Transferring of Govt. powers in SA took place without civil war. You have to think of the weakest first and foremost, and if you read the news, you will realize that innocent lives are at stake. It's not about profit or protection, its about means to kill opposition effectively. Ppl with common sense realize that innocent lives are in the balance. - Grant

	Satawu 09/05/2008 10:15 Good article and good on Satawu. I think we should nominate the head of Satawu for president. We really need a good strong leader. - Jann

	MEL and John Camp 09/05/2008 10:27 The problem is that you still read my comments and respond...stop reading the comments and dont respond...simple is that not so... - Kolobe

	Sick and tired 09/05/2008 10:28 Don't worry boys. Because if you worry your face will frown, and that would let everybody down. Buy some gunja, find a quiet spot and relax bros. O, and don't let any Chinese ships pass through. - Matgiso Ndabele

	Satawu 09/05/2008 10:34 I also think they've done a great job,now if only they behave next time they march through the city centres... - Godfrey

	Good on the Unions 09/05/2008 10:40 Agree with you Peter, the Unions did very well on this one. As for Kolobe, Please do not repsond to this forum ever again. It is very obvious that the discussions on this forum is way, way above your intellectual capability...oops.. sorry for using these big words. - Alvin

	the topic... 09/05/2008 10:41 Now that everyone has given Kolobe the 15 minutes of fame for his "original" views on the world. I would like to get back to congratulating SATAWU for their excellent job. I really am a prouder South African because of it! - Andrew

	Moral Obligation 09/05/2008 11:05 Yes Peter I agree.Satawu has championed the moral conscience of the people of SA.They have listened and delivered.The Truth,cde suttcliffe would'nt even be allowed on the chinese vessel for fear of water borne diseases.They should sent him out first to it and then see how they hightail it out of our waters. - psycobabble


This comments facility is now closed.

Sponsored links

	Life Insurance

	Car Insurance

	UK Lottery

	First for Women

	Your Homeloan

	Bid or Buy

	Medical Aid

	Education

	SA TV online

	Car Rental

	Credit cards

	Personal Loans

	Best Car Deals

	Compare Quotes

	Life Insurance for Women