|
Protests 'not a Zuma campaign'
17/11/2007 19:58 - (SA)
Rustenburg - Countrywide protests by farm workers and members of the South African Communists party (SACP) were not campaigns in support of Jacob Zuma as ANC president, the SA Congress of Trade Unions (Cosatu) said on Saturday.
Cosatu provincial secretary Solly Phetoe told marchers here that there was an incorrect perception that Cosatu and the SACP were canvassing support for Zuma through the Red October Campaign.
Phetoe said: "The Red October aims at creating awareness about the harsh living conditions some workers are exposed to and the reality about the economic growth which has benefited some individuals since the dawn of democracy."
He said that branches of the ANC had rejected a preferred list of candidates for president compiled by the North West Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
"The PEC wanted to impose their preferred candidates which the branches have rejected. Cosatu has also rejected the documents by the provincial secretary titled The Road To And From Limpopo," said Phetoe.
He said the documents listed a number of people who may be elected.
"Cosatu recognised the ANC documents titled Through The Eye of A Needle as the only document that will be used in Limpopo," he said. Issues 'non-existent'
About 500 SACP members and farm workers marched in Rustenburg on Saturday to protest against the state of public health institutions and the plight of farm workers.
In relation to memoranda submitted to the Transvaal Agricultural Union, Phetoe said the union responded to his office saying issues raised by the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) on behalf of farm workers where non-existent.
FAWU stated in its memorandum that the plight of farm workers was grouped in four categories. These were "terrible" working condition, "horrible" living conditions, lack of access to social services and lack of access to the criminal justice system.
Provincial executive member of SACP Jerry Thibedi said when they arrived in Limpopo in December for the ANC National Conference, they should know why they were there.
"The road to Limpopo no longer has potholes, but it does have humps," he said referring to the uncertainty hanging on Zuma as a preferred candidate for presidency.
This follows a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling against him.
"When you go to Limpopo make sure that you elect correctly." Thibedi said.
- SAPA
|
News
