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Recent articles by Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front
Libertad para todos? Miembros de la Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front... Oct 29 15 Liberdade para todos? Membros da Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front am... Oct 29 15 Quale libertà per tutti? Militanti dello Zabalaza Anarchist Communist ... Oct 25 15 Freedom for All? Members of Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front threatened, activities disrupted, forced into hiding![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Condemn political violence, terror
South Africa, 16 October 2015: On the evening of Friday 9 October 2015, a militant of the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front in the impoverished black township of Khutsong (west of Johannesburg), was threatened with violence for his political work by a group of youths.The next morning, a political school that he and another member run in the area, was forcibly disrupted by an even larger mob. The two Zabalaza comrades were fortunately able to escape, but have had to flee to a neighbouring township where they are now in hiding. Meanwhile the thugs have returned to the house where “Tebogo” lives, looking for him.[Français] [Italiano] [Português] [Castellano]Freedom for All?Members of Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front threatened, activities disrupted, forced into hidingCondemn political violence, terrorOn the Friday night, comrade “Tebogo” (real name concealed for security reasons) was confronted by eight men, He was instructed to “stop promoting anarchism” and resisting the government because “the African National Congress [ANC] must rule the township” or face severe consequences. On the Saturday morning, comrades “Tebogo” and “Boitumelo” (*real name concealed) were confronted by around 15 thugs while preparing to host the monthly ZACF / Zabalaza political education session at a local venue. They were able to prevent the group gaining entry, but the event was disrupted. Rocks were thrown, threats were made. The two Zabalaza comrades were fortunately able to escape, but have had to flee to another township where they are now in hiding. Meanwhile the thugs have returned to the house where “Tebogo” lives, looking for him. We have made every effort to help our comrades in this difficult time. We now appeal to all progressive structures to join us in opposing and condemning these blatant acts of intimidation and terror against the black working class. The events in Khutsong are, sadly, not isolated incidents. As such, they should be viewed as extremely serious, potentially deadly. It is common for township-based political party elites to hire thugs to do the dirty work of intimidating and attacking activists. Earlier this year, for example, a community meeting organised by activists from Abahlali baseFreedom Park, south of Johannesburg, was attacked by thugs allegedly hired by a local ANC councillor and his cronies. Several community members were hospitalised, one put in intensive care. Attacks on basic human rights and freedom are ongoing. We are relieved that our comrades from Khutsong did not suffer the same fate, and that the comrades with whom we work in Freedom Park continue to fight back. But we are also conscious that no one is out of harm’s way, that similar fates await activists who dare to speak out and stand up against the exploitation, misrule, corruption, discrimination and profiteering that oppresses the black working class – and that benefits the elites. We urge activists fighting for a better South Africa, a better world, and a brighter future, to stand firm and to refuse to allow themselves to be bullied and intimidated into inaction by the ruling party’s henchmen. For surely we can only expect such terror to increase as the working class continues to rise. We therefore ask organisations and individuals to:
1. sign onto this statement by emailing zacf[at]riseup.net or by using the comment function below Stop political intimidation of activists in our townships! |
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We, members of the Workers Solidarity Alliance, send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the murdered miners in South Africa. Activists gathered in Harare on the 19th February in a closed meeting to discuss the recent uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East, were arrested after a planned police raid. Currently they are being held without charge and reports indicate that key members of the gathering are being subjected to physical assault by their captors. [Italiano] [Ελληνικά]
"I'll remember your face, you fucker" were the parting words of inspector Pretorius as he sped away from a group of more than thirty university students who had been harassed and assaulted by Pretorius and his SAPS uniformed colleagues for at least two hours. Students of Wits University and the University of Johannesburg, carrying paper placards and painted banners, were traveling by bus to a COSATU rally at the South African Zionist Federation where speeches were to be delivered. The COSATU rally formed part of a campaign of nationwide actions in support of the people of Gaza under the banner "Free Palestine, Isolate Apartheid Israel".
The Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front wishes to express its heartfelt solidarity with Mr Jerome Daniels and Mr Riedwaan Isaacs - two Delft Anti-Eviction Campaign members who, on Wednesday 2nd July, were sentenced to 12 months in prison for their political and social activism.
A comrade fighting for water and housing in Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg, was murdered by police on the night of April 30. The ZACF condemns the latest outrage in a long tale of repression of working class movements, and calls on the oppressed to stand firm in struggle.
The Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front was saddened and concerned to learn of the murder of People's United Democratic Movement Deputy President Dr. Gabriel Thandokuhle Mkhumane. [ Ελληνικά]
The Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front declares its support for the Anti-Privatisation Forum and Coalition Against Water Privatisation activists who have recently been victims of police intimidation and violence.
The SSN has learnt with great shock the shameless cowardly coordinated assassination of comrade Ntokozo Ngozo by the ruthless and dogmatic royal police of Swaziland whose hands still drips with blood of the many martyred Swazis. These shamesless cowards should know that, by killing comrade Ntokozo Ngozo, they have crossed the line of acceptable engagement and declared war on the democratic movement as a whole.
A letter to the editor of The Times of Swaziland, which carried an article in the January 15th edition falsely saying that the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Federation claimed responsibility for bombing a police van.
"We are being held in a cell at Harare central (police station)," said ZACTU president Lovemore Matombo. "There are about 80 of us (here), including trade union leaders, ordinary citizens and women with children. We have just been gathered. We have not been told what charge we are facing," he said. more >>
A reflection on state repression of popular struggles in South Africa in the wake of the full aquittal of the Kennedy 12 (Abahlali baseMjondolo political prisoners).
On the 13th April, people in South Africa were stunned. On the evening news the sight of six police force members brutally beating a man, Andries Tatane, to death was aired. The images of the police smashing his body with batons and repeatedly firing rubber bullets into his chest struck a cord; people were simply shocked and appalled. Literally hundreds of articles followed in the press, politicians of all stripes also hopped on the bandwagon and said they lamented his death; and most called for the police to receive appropriate training to deal with ‘crowd control’ – after all, elections are a month away. Andries Tatane’s death was the culmination of a protest march in the Free State town of Ficksburg. The march involved over 4,000 people, who undertook the action to demand the very basics of life - decent housing, access to water and electricity, and jobs.
For a long time now, ordinary Zimbabweans have had a legitimate expectation that South Africa will use its leverage as the biggest political and economic power in Sub Saharan Africa to support the realization of the democratic ideals of the people of Zimbabwe and help resolve the crippling poverty and socio-economic breakdown gripping the nation.
This is a public statement by the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the mainstream political opposition movement in Swaziland. We, the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Federation (ZACF) of southern Africa, also organise in Swaziland and support the pro-democracy movement, but agitate for it to go beyond the usual bourgeois betrayal and involve a destruction of the Swazi capitalist state and its replacement by decentralised popular assemblies of communities and producers. As the only revolutionary organisation in Swaziland, our members are among those who have suffered jail at the hands of the monarchist police, so our position is directly informed by personal experience.
Abel Ramarope, political prisoner turned anarchist, died September 2005 more >>
We, members of the Workers Solidarity Alliance, send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the murdered miners in South Africa.
Activists gathered in Harare on the 19th February in a closed meeting to discuss the recent uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East, were arrested after a planned police raid. Currently they are being held without charge and reports indicate that key members of the gathering are being subjected to physical assault by their captors. [Italiano] [Ελληνικά]
"I'll remember your face, you fucker" were the parting words of inspector Pretorius as he sped away from a group of more than thirty university students who had been harassed and assaulted by Pretorius and his SAPS uniformed colleagues for at least two hours. Students of Wits University and the University of Johannesburg, carrying paper placards and painted banners, were traveling by bus to a COSATU rally at the South African Zionist Federation where speeches were to be delivered. The COSATU rally formed part of a campaign of nationwide actions in support of the people of Gaza under the banner "Free Palestine, Isolate Apartheid Israel".
The Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front wishes to express its heartfelt solidarity with Mr Jerome Daniels and Mr Riedwaan Isaacs - two Delft Anti-Eviction Campaign members who, on Wednesday 2nd July, were sentenced to 12 months in prison for their political and social activism.
A comrade fighting for water and housing in Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg, was murdered by police on the night of April 30. The ZACF condemns the latest outrage in a long tale of repression of working class movements, and calls on the oppressed to stand firm in struggle. more >> |
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Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44The Libertarian Communist Group in Wales calls for international solidarity with our comrades of the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front in South Africa. The African National Congress terror - along with government-sponsored violence and intimidation of liberatory activists everywhere - must be utterly condemned. This latest outrage from ‘South Africa's National Liberation Movement’ serves once again to illustrate that all governments, even 'social-democratic' ones, are ultimately reactionary and repressive. As Nestor Makhno correctly observed: "The free toilers need a 'revolutionary government' like a cart needs a fifth wheel."
Solidarity with our comrades and friends. If, like us, you can do practically little else at this time, simply spread this news and this message as far and wide as possible.
Stop political intimidation of activists in South African townships!
Defend the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association everywhere!
No one is free, until all people are free!
Solidariaeth o Gymru!
Solidarity with the ZACF!
Current ZACF members, in spite of political and tactical differences, please accept my personal solidarity in this matter
Trusting comrades are safe. Trusting no organizational security measures have been breached. And hope that your current and vouched for membership remains safe and active
Solidarity in struggle! Hell no to repression!
While working class condition remain unchanged and worsening! We are welcoming all socialist movements to defend the workers and to fight the total emancipation of black people, Africans in particular (in the SAs context).
Solidarity with the ZACF!
No need for violence. It never solved a thing.
What the comrades are experiencing at Khutsong is what we have experienced at Freedom Park. We pledge our solidarity with them and know that with organising, mobilising and uniting the community, you will definitely succeed in building power of our communities. Be strong and courageous in your political work.
What the comrades are experiencing at Khutsong is what we have experienced at Freedom Park. We pledge our solidarity with them and know that with organising, mobilising and uniting the community, you will definitely succeed in building power of our communities. Be strong and courageous in your political work.
The Workers Solidarity Movement condemns the reactionary African National Congress for their attack against members of the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front. The ANC has exposed themselves yet again by their attacks and thuggery on the exploited people on behalf of the South African ruling class. We call for international solidarity with our friends and comrades in the ZACF.
Stop the violence now
End the intimidation now
In solidarity from your comrades in Ireland
The Right 2 Know Campaign (R2K) in Gauteng Province, South Africa, declares its solidarity with the comrades and calls for end to political repression.
Bert Altena, Erasmus University Rotterdam, History Department, Emeritus.
"Solidarity from South Africa, Cape Town, Food Not Bombs and myself....and anarchist teachers across the globe"
17 October 2015
Our Message of Solidarity with zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front
The Unemployed People's Movement condemns in strong possible words, the attacks and violence meted out against our comrade of Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front. We stand in solidarity with our comrades!
We denounce the ruling party and the state for their continued anti-poor agenda. Marikana massacre was a clear demonstration of this anti poor and anti working class agenda.
Many poor people's movements have suffered these attacks and onslaught at the hands of the state and the ruling party.
We stand in solidarity with our comrades and urge all movements in our country and through out the world to support Zabalaza Anarchists Communist Front at this critical juncture
History teaches us that when the ruling governments are in trouble they become ruthless and vicious, ANC is no different.
With high levels of unemployment, poverty, inequalities, corruption and diseases, the ruling party is facing revolt.
There is a rebellion of the poor in AZANIA, students are protesting against hike fees and demanding free education, townships are in flames, residents asserting their humanity, workers have taken to the streets against exploitation and labour brokers.
We stand in solidarity with our comrades
Unemployed People's Movement
0466222847/ 0786256462/ 0837363094
Carlos Zumbi Mariguella Lamarca: #Antifa from Rio de Janeiro ... we wish you all the best .... Respect Zabalaza .. Presente !!
The International Anti-Fascist Movement community has shown solidarity, with this Spanish translation of the ZACF statement:
Revolución Real Ya
[Spanish/English] El movimiento anarquista sudafricano denuncia represión y amenazas. Comunicado de la organización Zabalaza:
Sudáfrica, 16 de Octubre de 2015: En la noche del Viernes 9 de Octubre de 2015, un militante de Zabalaza fue amenazado con violencia por su militancia política por un grupo de jóvenes, en el empobrecido barrio de Khutsog (Oeste de Johannesburgo). En la mañana siguiente, una escuela de formación política que él y otros compañeros llevan adelante en el área, fue interrumpida a la fuerza por una multitud aún más grande.
En la noche del viernes, el compañero “Tebogo” (el verdadero nombre del compañero se oculta por razones de seguridad) fue atacado por ocho hombres. Le dijeron que debía “dejar de difundir el anarquismo” y de resistirse al gobierno, porque “el Congreso Nacional Africano –ANC- debe mandar en el barrio” o deberá enfrentar serias consecuencias. En la mañana del Sábado, los compañeros “Tebogo” y “Boitumelo” (*también ocultamos su nombre real) fueron atacados por 15 matones mientras se preparaban para ser anfitriones de la reunión de educación política mensual de ZACF / Zabalaza en el local. Ellos fueron capaces de impedir que los atacantes entrarán, pero el evento fue interrumpido. Se tiraron piedras y se hicieron amenazas.
Afortunadamente, los dos compañeros de Zabalaza fueron capaces de escapar, pero fue necesario fugarse a otro municipio donde permanecen aun escondidos. Mientras tanto, los matones regresaron a la casa donde vive “Tebogo”, buscándolo. Hemos hecho todo lo posible para ayudar a nuestros compañeros en este difícil momento.
Ahora recurrimos a todas las fuerzas progresistas para que se unan y condenen este descarado acto de intimidación y terror contra la clase trabajadora negra. Lo que sucedió en Khutsong no fueron, desafortunadamente, incidentes aislados. Y como tales deben ser vistos, como extremadamente graves, potencialmente mortales.
Es común para las élites políticas con sede en los municipios contratar matones para que hagan su trabajo sucio de intimidar y atacar activistas. A comienzo de este año, por ejemplo, una reunión comunitaria organizada por activistas de Abahlali base Freedom Park, al sur de Johannesburgo, fue atacada por matones supuestamente contratados por un concejal local del ANC y sus secuaces. Varios miembros de la comunidad fueron hospitalizados, uno en terapia intensiva. Los ataques contra los derechos humanos básicos y la libertad están en constante avance.
Estamos aliviados porque a nuestros compañeros de Khutsong no les paso lo mismo, y que los compañeros con los trabajamos en Freedom Park continúan dando batalla. Pero somos también conscientes de que nadie está aun fuera de peligro, la misma suerte aguarda a los activistas que se atreven a hablar y pararse contra la explotación, el mal gobierno, la corrupción, la discriminación y la opresión económica a la clase trabajadora negra.
Llamamos a los activistas a luchar por una mejor Sudáfrica, un mundo mejor, y un futuro más brillante, permanecer firmes e impedir ser intimidados, amedrentados hacia la inactividad por los secuaces del partido gobernante. Con seguridad sólo podemos esperar que el terror aumente a medida que la clase trabajadora siga alzándose.
Basta de intimidación política a los activistas en nuestros municipios!
En defensa del derecho a expresarnos libremente y a organizarnos libremente!
Nadie será libre, hasta que todas las personas sean libres!
Comunicado: https://freecollective.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/el-movi...cado/
------------------
"Federación Libertaria Argentina Solidaridad desde Argentina"
Federación Anarquista de Rosario .
Nos solidarizamos con las/os compañeras/os de ZACF (Zabalaza Anarcho-Comunist Front) quienes han sido objeto de amenazas y persecución política en Sudáfrica (Johannesburgo). A continuación compartimos el comunicado que han emitido al respecto.
Basta de perseguir a los que luchan!
Basta de persecución política y racial en Sudáfrica!
Viva la anarquía!
Freedom of expression to ALL! Any effort act against this is unaceptable.
Fanie Jansen van Rensburg, Noordbrug, Suid-Afrika
ZACF, the (U.S.) Workers Solidarity Alliance (W.S.A.) stands in solidarity with you and we support your demands:
"Stop political intimidation of activists in our townships!
Defend the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association!
No one is free, until all people are free!"
The Workers Solidarity Alliance (W.S.A.) stands in solidarity with you and we support your demands:
"Stop political intimidation of activists in our townships!
Defend the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association!
No one is free, until all people are free!"
Brothers and sisters in struggle.
As I have heard about the recent attacks against you, in times like these it is important not to lose hope and courage. Indeed the struggle for humanity is a class war, the road to liberation is never going to be easy. There attacks against you are not shocking but, instead they prove how the state (directly or not) will try to break our spirits, break our courage just to mantain the oder.
Through out the world comrades who fight for humanity are always abused,threatened,totured by social democrats,dictatorship or any other form of "government" once they challenge the status quo. As G.M Gode said towards the end of his life that he regard both socialist and communists as total creed of totalitarian. So, in times like these solidarity and love for humanity is the most important instrument to cultivate our courage and spirits to continue. You are not alone. We denounce attacks against you either from ANC and its associates or not. It is though typical of the ruling party to hire people to do their dirty jobs as any other political party.
Love and Solidarity:
Ntsika Dapo (RPM)
We stand in solidarity with our comrades from ZACF against the parastatal violence they are facing. A further solidarity statement is to be published soon.
Be strong comrades, we are next to you !
For the International Relations of the Coordination des Groupes Anarchistes,
Gio
Federação Anarquista do Rio de Janeiro: [ZACF] Liberdade para todos? Membros da Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front ameaçados, atividades interrompidas, forçados a se esconder
Traduzimos abaixo o comunciado da Frente Anarquista-Comunista Zabalaza, organização anarquista da África do Sul.
Liberdade para todos: Membros da Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front ameaçados, atividades interrompidas, forçados a se esconder ---- Condenem a violência e terror político ---- África do Sul, 16 de outubro de 2015: Na noite de sexta-feira, 9 de outubro de 2015, um militante da Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front (Frente Anarquista-Comunista Zabalaza) do pobre município de Khutsong (oeste de Johannesburg), foi ameaçado com violência pelo seu trabalho político por um grupo de jovens. Na manhã seguinte, uma escola política que ele e outro membro organizam na área foi forçada a interromper suas atividades por um grupo ainda maior.
Na sexta-feira de noite, o companheiro "Tebogo" (nome real escondido por medidas de segurança) foi confrontado por oito homens. Ele foi intruído a "parar de promover o anarquismo" e de resistir ao governo porque "o Congresso Nacional Africano (ANC) deve controlar o município" ou encarar severas consequências. Na manhã de sábado, os companheiros "Tebogo" e "Boitumelo" (nome verdadeiro ocultado) foram confrontados por cerca de 15 pessoas enquanto se preparavam para realizar a sessão mensal de formação política da ZACF/Zabalaza. Pedras foram jogadas e ameaças foram feitas.
Ambos os companheiros da Zabalaza conseguiram, felizmente, escapar, mas tiveram que fugir para um município vizinho onde eles estão no momento se escondendo. Enquanto isso, o bando voltou à casa onde "Tebogo" mora, procurando-o. Nós temos feito tudo ao nosso alcance para ajudar aos companheiros nesse momento difícil.
Nós agora apelamos para todas as estruturas progressivas a se unir a nós em oposição e condenação desse óbvio ato de intimidação e terror contra a classe trabalhadora negra. Os evento em Khutsong não são, infelizmente, atos isolados. Eles devem ser vistos como extramamente sérios e potencialmente fatais.
É comum partidos políticos municipais contratarem bandidos para fazer trabalhos sujos de intimidação e ataque à ativistas. Este ano, por exemplo, uma reunião comunitária organizada por ativistas do Freedom Park, em Abahlali, sul de Johannesburg, foi atacada por bandidos supostamente contratados por um conselheiro local da ANC e seus comparsas. Diversos membros da comunidade foram hospitalizados, sendo um deles posto em cuidados especiais. Ataques à direitos humanos básicos e à liberdade são comuns.
Estamos aliviados que nossos companheiros de Khutsong não tiveram o mesmo destino e que estes companheiros com quem trabalhamos juntos em Freedom Park continuam a resistir.
Porém também temos consciência que ninguém está fora de perigo, que fatos similares aguardam por ativistas que se atrevem a falar e se erguer contra a exploração, governo, corrupção, descriminação e lucro que oprime a classe trabalhadora negra - e que beneficia as elites.
Nós pedimos que ativistas que lutam por uma África do Sul melhor, um mundo e futuro melhor, a se levantar e recusar a se deixarem ser intimidados e forçados à inatividade por seguidores da classe dominante. Com certeza nós podemos esperar que o terror aumente conforme a classe trabalhadora se revolte.
Por isso nós pedimos às organizações e indivíduos que:
1 - assinem esta declaração mandando e-mail para zacf@riseup.net ou usando os comentários abaixo;
2 - circulem esta notícia largamente;
3 - exponham todas as instâncias do terror político ao povo e mídia.
Parem intimidação política nos nossos municípios!
Defendam o direito à liberdade de expressão e liberdade de associação!
Ninguém é livre até que todas as pessoas sejam llivres!
Tradução: FARJ
https://anarquismorj.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/zacf-libe...nder/
Comrades!
All our solidarity in this difficult moment!! This are very bad news, but we hope that you will stand!
Inform us if you need something
Hugs,
L. - International Relations of FARJ
PS: I wanted to wrote something more beautiful and inspiring, but my English is really bad :(
Mametlwe Sebei Solidarity. I will call our comrades that side for support. Spokesperson: Workers and Socialist Party / WASP (South Africa)
The Workers and Socialist Party / WASP (of South Africa) expresses its solidarity with the ZACF comrades and their struggle.
ZACF, any additional news or updates on this situation?
Standing strong with you brothers, united in our struggle, eventually we will build a society worth living in.
Love and solidarity
Leroy
The two ZACF comrades remain in hiding - they had to move, on Sunday, to a second house offering refuge. It is not yet safe for them to return to their home township. At present we are providing all the support, including financial, we can.
Lucien
Greetings comrades,
For what it's worth, Common Cause would like to add its voice to the condemnation of political repression against our like-minded contemporaries in South Africa. We are a revolutionary anarchist-communist organization based in southern Ontario, Canada.
The slogan of "no one is free until all people are free" rings true across the world, but with added emphasis in countries like ours, where the legacy of settler-colonialism and the ongoing scourge of white supremacy continue to add to the repression faced by the working class and our comrades struggling within it.
We wish you fortitude and resiliency in this difficult time and send our encouragement and goodwill. We hope you will not be deterred in the slightest by these attacks, but rather will use the anger you must be feeling as fuel to continue your valuable and strategic organizing work.
Please add our organization's name to the list of signatories to your recent call out condemning political repression and terror, and best of luck going forward.
In solidarity,
Common Cause Toronto Branch
Common Cause Hamilton Branch
Common Cause Kitchener-Waterloo Branch
International Relations team of the Coordination des Groupes Anarchistes (France)
Solidarity with our comrades in South Africa !
On the 9th of October, at night, an activist of the South African organization Zabalaza
Anarchist Communist Front was threatened by a group of eight thugs in relation with his political
activities in the black impoverished township of Khutsong. The day after, while he and another
comrade were preparing a political education session in the same area, an group of about 15 people
came at them to throw stones and threaten them. The two comrades have had to escape and are
currently hiding themselves in another township, since those thugs who threatened them are still
looking around for them in places where they usually live.
From the information we got from our comrades of ZACF and other solidarity statements,
these are not isolated facts in South Africa. They regularly target activists who fight for social
justice and revolution, especially as they criticise the corrupted and cryonistic power of local and
national bigwigs of the ruling-party African National Congress. These authorities are the people
who hire henchmen to spread terror and de facto prohibit dissent in their areas.
Every State use this kind of practice over the world. They use misery or cupidity of some
people to make them become battle bots or even killers who terrorize populations so they don't rise
up. In Mexico, for instance, the State regularly send paramilitaries to shoot on revolted crowds and
even kidnap activists, as for the 43 of Ayotzinapan last year. In France, the eldest amongst us still
remember the trickeries and blows from the Service d'Action Civique, who used to disguise in
ambulances to better punch the wounded in demos of the 60's and 70's.
Similar events, in South Africa and elsewhere, have already caused severe damages, deaths,
dismemberments and disabilities, hospitalizations in intensive care and so on. We can't let it
happen! We won't wait for the death of one of our comrade to stand up against the violence of the
State and its henchmen !
All our warm thoughts and our solidarity go to our persecuted comrades in South Africa, in
the rest of the African continent and everywhere else in the world.
Long live to Zabalaza ! Long live to revolutionary anarchism everywhere in the world !
Friday 23 October 2015
International Relations of the Coordination des Groupes Anarchistes (france)
Solidarité avec nos camarades en Afrique du Sud !
Le vendredi 9 octobre 2015 au soir, un militant de l'organisation Zabalaza Anarchist
Communist Front (Afrique du Sud) a été menacé par un groupe de huit nervis pour son activité
politique dans le township (bidonville noir) de Khutsong. Le lendemain, alors qu'ils s'apprêtaient à
tenir avec un-e autre camarade une formation politique dans le quartier, ils ont été interrompu-e-s
par un groupe d'une quinzaine de personnes, qui leur ont lancé des pierres et les ont menacé-e-s. Les
deux camarades ont dû s'échapper et se cachent actuellement dans un autre township, puisque les
nervis qui les ont menacé-e-s rodent autour de la maison de l'un des camarades.
D'après les informations données par le communiqué de nos camarades de ZACF et d'autres
déclarations de solidarité, ces faits ne sont pas des évènements isolés. Ils visent régulièrement des
militant-e-s progressistes et révolutionnaires, notamment parce qu'ils remettent en cause le pouvoir
corrompu et clientéliste des caciques locaux et nationaux de l'African National Congress, le parti au
pouvoir. Ce sont ces autorités qui paient des hommes de main pour semer la terreur et interdire de
facto les voix dissidentes dans leurs zones d'influence.
Tous les Etats ont recours à ce genre de pratiques à travers le monde. Se servant de la misère
ou de la cupidité de certaines personnes, ils fabriquent des machines à tabasser et à tuer qui
terrorisent les populations pour prévenir tout soulèvement populaire. Ainsi, au Mexique, l'Etat
envoie régulièrement des paramilitaires tirer sur les foules contestataires et même kidnapper les
militant-e-s, comme il y a un an les 43 d'Ayotzinapan. En France, les plus agé-e-s d'entre nous se
souviennent encore des fourberies et des coups du Service d'Action Civique, qui se déguisait en
ambulance pour mieux tabasser les blessé-e-s des manifestations des années 60 et 70.
Certains évènements similaires, en Afrique du Sud et ailleurs, ont engendré des
conséquences très graves, des morts, des mutilations et des handicaps à vie, des hospitalisations en
soins intensifs, etc. Ne laissons pas faire ! N'attendons pas la mort d'un camarade pour condamner la
violence étatique et para-étatique !
Toutes nos pensées et notre solidarité vont à nos camarades persécuté-e-s en Afrique du Sud,
dans le reste du continent africain et partout ailleurs dans le monde.
Vive Zabalaza, vive l'anarchisme révolutionnaire partout dans le monde!
Relations Internationales de la Coordination des Groupes Anarchistes.
I'm a member of the Jura Books Collective in Sydney, Australia.
I do wish to send a message of support regarding the latest attacks that you have had, it seems from supporters of the SA government. It's typical of all manner of statists to violently oppose anarchists of any sort, something that's been going on at least from the days of the Bakunin Vs Marx fights, but really is reflected in the struggle of ordinary people against those with power, throughout the ages.
Stay strong and organised, and supportive. Have you thought of starting an online fundraiser to help with those who are on the run or those who have lost jobs or homes? Maybe something on an international level, eg, Pozible, Justgive, Kickstarter....etc...
You have a great organisation and I always use your approach to developing material for spreading ideas, as a valuable model to follow - that is, the way you emphasise cutting out jargon and making reading material accessible.
Solidarity,Ciao, Sid.
Dear friends in the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front
It is in solidarity that we write to you as we learn that some of your members have been forced into hiding for exercising their right to freely express themselves and encouraging others to do the same. It goes without saying that threats made against you are a threat to our democracy as a whole and all organizations and movements within it that are fighting for justice.
groundWork is an environmental justice organisation working with community people from around South Africa, and increasingly Southern Africa, on environmental justice and human rights issues focusing. groundWork is the South African member of Friends of the Earth International.
You are not alone in your struggle; we stand with you.
Aluta continua!
Megan Lewis
Media and Communications Campaigner
groundWork, Friends of the Earth South Africa
THE STATE AND ANC GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUOUSLY TRYING TO SILENCE COMMUNITY ACTIVIST,THEY HAVE USED THE POLICE , COURTS AND NOW RESORT INTO MOB VIOLENCE. REPRESSION IS COMING IN DIFFERENT FORMS IN THE COUNTRY,COLLECTIVELY WE NEED TO BEGIN A STRONG A CAMPAIGN IDENTIFYING ALL FORMS OF REPRESSION AND CALL OUR GOVERNMENT TO STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
PUNISHMENT MUST ALSO BE APPLIED TO PEOPLE PROMOTE THESE BARBARIC ACTS.
SOUTH AFRICA IS A DEMOCRATIC STATE AND OUR RIGHTS MUST BE RESPECTED AND NOT VIOLATED.
REGARDS
THOMAS
Hola compañeros! Saludos desde Brasil!
Estamos juntos en la lucha anarquista! Fuerza!
Salud y revolución!
Liberto
Stop political intimidation of activists in our townships!
Defend the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association!
No one is free, until all people are free!
Zarina Patel
Nairobi, Kenya
Strength and solidarity to ZACF comrades!
We are experiencing the same here in eThekwini, where in the past 19 months 46 people have been killed as a result of politically motivated assassinations at Glebelands Hostel, hundreds have been violently and illegally evicted, displaced, dispossessed and lost their jobs. Freedom of movement, speech and association is dead. Hostel dwellers' families in the rural areas are starving. The community is in crisis yet local and provincial government has proclaimed the Glebelands tragedy a 'success'. The state is playing with the lives of the poor to feed politician's greed and hunger for power and position.
Yesterday [18 October 2015], over 5000 Glebelands residents were told they must attend an ANC branch general meeting and join the ruling party, or face violent eviction, or worse. This is democracy down the barrel of a gun. We cannot stand for it.
We salute brave ZACF members and all other progressive groups who seek political freedom and freedom from all forms of oppression.
We will not be silenced!
Vanessa Burger
(Independent community activist for human rights and social justice)
:( best wishes, strength to you brothers and sisters.
We, the Collectif anarchiste Emma Goldman, from Chicoutimi, Province of Quebec, Canada, sign the statement.
Please add my signature to the call in solidarity with the two Zabalaza activists.
Dr Laurence Cox, National University of Ireland Maynooth
IN SOLIDARITY WITH ZABALAZA ANARCHIST COMMUNIST FRONT
The MST – Landless Rural Workers' Movement, as a rural working class movement, joins in solidarity, the comrades of the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front that have been suffering constant attacks from the elite enemy of the people and their struggles. We are against any form of repression whether they are perpetrated in Brazil or in any place in the world. As Che said we must be able to feel deeply any injustice committed against any person in any part of the world, and take it as the most beautiful quality of a revolutionary. And we must add, a REAL revolutionary.
The attacks again the Zabalaza's militants as well as the ones against Abahlali's ,must not be accepted at all because it goes against the basic principles of human rights and the rights to freedom so well and strongly defended during the apartheid times.
In Brazil we have struggle everyday to fight injustices that have, historically, been committed against the poors, the blacks, the women.
So have the other peoples in the world. So we must join forces in building a society based on respect, solidarity, and freedom from any kind of exploitation. Let's stand together against those who want to oppress or continue oppressing the ones who have been long being oppressed.
MST Internationalist Brigade Samora Machel
Hi,
I am Gauteng based self employed journalist and it is becoming clear to me that there is a growing trend of deliberate and seemingly politically sponsored harassment and repression of local radical opponents of the SA govt . Not long ago this year serious allegations of state security/intelligence agencies threatening/harassing activists surfaced in the mainstream media. I'd like to trace these developments where and when they show themselves. I would appreciate any more information out there in order to expose the truth on the pages of major newspapers in and around Gauteng.
Regards,
Mandla
Just checking in to see if alls well with the comrades?
Trusting "no news is good news".
Dear comrades
So far, so good. We hope 2016 will bring better news!
Thanks for all the solidarity: it warms our hearts and strengthens our arms.
ZACF
I extend solidarity to ZACF township anarchists of who have suffered harassment and repression recently. Governments and their lackeys and supporters the world over resort to threats, intimidation and violence against those who refuse to bow to their arbitrary authority.
I salute you black African activists who are really up against it. I got a letter from the state government today threatening me with legalised theft of my possessions or money or the taking away of my driver's licence unless I pay them $120 as a 'fine' for not voting in their election. We have compulsory voting in Australia. Over 20 years ago I went to court to defend myself against the same charge. The magistrate seemed impressed with my anarchist arguments but nevertheless fined me $40 plus $150 court costs.
I'd like to give more support. I feel I can do that, in a way, by standing up to the government thugs here by refusing to give in to their threats. Over the past 20 years or so I have continued refusing to vote and ignored the threatening letters. I called their bluff and nothing happened. The authorities however seem more determined and aggressive this time. We'll see what happens. I suggest to others to not vote if they don't feel comfortable doing so. The more people who refuse to vote the harder it is for the state to victimise and punish any individual.
My problem here is insignificant compared with the difficulties faced by black South African anarchists. But it's part of the same fight.
Solidarity
Stuart