EPSU joins call for recognition of labour rights in Zimbabwe and Swaziland

(Monday, 3 November, 2008) A delegation of three civil society leaders from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Swaziland met last week with EPSU General Secretary Carola Fischbach Pyttel. They called for action and support for the current crises in Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Bongani Masuku (Congress of South African Trade Unions), Barnes Dlamini (Swaziland United Democratic Front) and Emelda Mhuriro (Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions) gave a detailed briefing, stating that democratic change is urgently needed in Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Mr Dlamini outlined the situation in Swaziland, stating that under the absolute monarchy, the longest state of emergency of any African country has still no end in sight. 69% of people live below the poverty line, and no ownership of land is possible. Trade Unions are the only functioning voice of civil society. They have formed the United Democratic Front, despite heavy media censorship.

Ms. Mhuriro stated that Zimbabwean public services are in crisis. The health and education sectors are in a state of; ‘strike by default’ due to the overwhelming absence of wage payments.

EPSU and delegation formulated an action plan that included;

- Notification of the European Parliament Human Rights and Development Committees.
- Participation in a 2009 solidarity conference on public services.
- Participation of the delegation in the EPSU Congress 2009
- Notification of African press contacts of the agreed action points.

The delegation will also met with the European Commission as well as members of the European Parliament

The delegation visit was coordinated by Action for Southern Africa and facilitated by EPSU affiliate PCS. Tony Dykes, Director of ACTSA said:

“We are working in solidarity with our brave trade union partners from South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe to address their plight on an international scale. With the support and commitment of people in the UK and Europe, we can strengthen the fantastic work being done in Swaziland and Zimbabwe to bring about democratic change.”


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