Democratic Left Front Media Statement
On Freedom Day and May Day Lets Declare To Take Back
Our Freedom
Speak Out….In Defense of Popular Democracy Now !
April 27th is not a day of
celebration but of mourning for the theft of South African democracy. South Africa has endured 18 years of market
friendly policies that have produced the illusion of a people centred democracy
and which has not met the needs of workers and the poor.
Grinding unemployment and inequality caused
by the choices made by the ANC government are made worse as it increases living
costs – water, electricity, petrol – and now e-tolls in Gauteng. Freedom
has become freedom for an elite minority!
Top down governance and corruption are made
worse by an ANC government that deems it necessary to start limiting our hard
won freedoms through undermining the Constitutional Court, imposing the
infamous Information Bill, the new Intelligence Act, the Traditional Court Bill
and staffing the police force leadership with ZUMA cronies. Freedom has become freedom for an elite
minority!
Everyday struggles by the people for
accountability, for service delivery, against labour brokers , for better
working conditions in urban and rural areas, to prevent land dispossession, for
justice against xenophobia, homophobia, sexism and rape are met with disregard
and brute force by the ANC government. The murder of Andries Tatane teaches us
that: Freedom has become freedom for an
elite minority!
The promise of transformation and a better
life for all wrings hollow in South Africa today. On Freedom Day and May Day we
say to all South Africans including COSATU, the time has come to take a stand. The toll road issue is part of a larger
challenge to take back our freedom. COSATU must not be tamed and capitulate to
a state at the centre of the crisis of
democracy and solidarity in our society. For this reason, we also encourage
COSATU to use the national strike weapon
to force government to understand it is the servant of the people and not the
elite minority.
Moreover, the Democratic Left Front calls
on the Labour movement, including COSATU, and all genuine South African
Democrats to work with us towards a National
Conference in Defense of Democracy and Solidarity in South Africa. Without
such an initiative we will continue fighting around issues in localised and
sectoral ways; we will never appreciate that the deepening crisis of democracy
and solidarity requires a bold and collective response. The democratic freedoms
and gains of decades of struggle are being undermined. We need to act
collectively, now, to secure South Africa’s future and to say enough is enough!
Its time to defend popular democracy and solidarity !
Its time to take back our freedom !
Speak Out Now…Before its too late!
For the information contact:
Mazibuko Jara: 0836510271
Brian Ashley: 0820857088
Vishwas Satgar: 0827753420
