COSATU demo thwarted

By Mashudu Netsianda in Beitbridge
Courtesy of Zimbabwe Chronicle

SOUTH African police yesterday thwarted attempts by some
members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions to
blockade the Beitbridge Musina Border Post.

The intention of the handful COSATU members who started their
march at 11 am was to block the Zimbabwean side of the border
post and thus stop trucks from travelling between the two
countries.

The demonstrators some carrying placards written, "Fact
finding mission is the workers mandate" marched towards the
entrance gate but were blocked by South African police.

When this reporter arrived at the scene at 12 noon, the group was
singing chanting anti-Zimbabwe songs while assembled near a
taxi rank, about 200 metres away from the border post.

Police cordoned off the entire area and continuously kept an
eye on the demonstrators.

However, COSATU leaders such as secretary-general, Mr
Zwelibanzi Vavi did not take part in the march.

The aborted blockade lasted for about three hours and the
protestors eventually dispersed peacefully and marched back
to Musina.

South African police said the labour organisation applied to
the courts to hold the demonstration.

A COSATU delegation, led by its general secretary Mr
Zwelibanzi Vazi, has twice failed to bulldoze its way into
the country to conduct its dubious fact finding mission.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi has warned the
labour body that their plans to block the Zimbabwean border
on the eve of elections was just a "wishful thinking."
He said the Zimbabwean and South African Governments will not
standby and watch people engaging in unlawful activities, to
push their political agendas.

Meanwhile, COSATU said they would hold an all night vigil
rally dubbed the "Zimbabwean Solidarity Rally" at Skoonsplaas
Stadium in Musina.
"We will hold a rally on 12 and 13 March and we are doing
this as a way of showing our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe
that we care for them and we are always thinking of them
especially during this turbulent time where there is no peace
and democracy in Zimbabwe."
"We are also praying for the return of democracy and peace in
Zimbabwe," said the organiser Ms Emily Wellman.
Publisher: http://www.assatashakur.com/03/12/05