[imc-sa] [mediarelease] Joburg Mobilises for 19 March Global Day of Action

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Media Release:  Joburg Mobilises for 19 March Global Day of Action 
Against War
Issued by: Anti-War Coalition (AWC), Gauteng
7 March 2005

The Gauteng Anti-War Coalition (AWC) has declared March 19-21 a 
weekend of activism against war to coincide with actions taking place 
around the world as part of a global day of action against the US war 
on Iraq.  The program begins with a mass march through downtown 
Johannesburg on 19 March, followed by a festival of music and poetry 
and a series of workshops and films on war and occupation in Iraq and 
Palestine, the role of South African mercenaries in Iraq, ongoing 
wars in Africa, and the war against the poor in South Africa.

Uniting under the banner "War Against Profit Not People," the AWC 
mobilization will highlight several key issues.  First, we will 
protest the ongoing US occupation of Iraq.  Despite the recent 
elections, resistance attacks have escalated, the new Iraqi assembly 
has very few powers, and the occupiers show no sign of leaving.  
Second, we will emphasize the role of South African mercenaries in 
Iraq.  There are currently 40,000 mercenaries operating in Iraq, 
comprising more than 1 in 5 of the coalition soldiers.  South 
Africans make up the third largest mercenary force in Iraq, with 
estimates of up to 10,000 South African mercenaries working for ten 
South African companies.  We demand their withdrawal and their 
prosecution under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.  
Third, we want to highlight the continuing role of imperialism 
throughout Africa.  Even though all African countries are today free 
from colonial rule, imperialism continues to drive conflicts and wars 
throughout the continent, impoverishing millions and depriving 
Africans of fundamental human rights such as health, water, housing, 
and education.  Finally, we will stand in solidarity with the ongoing 
Palestinian struggle for freedom.  Despite the ceasefire, Israel 
continues confiscating land, building settlements, constructing the 
Apartheid Wall, and carrying out military incursions into Palestinian 
territory.  While the South African government promotes trade ties 
with Israel, it is up to people's movements to sustain the humanity 
of oppressed people.

March 19: International Day of Mobilisation Against War
-	10:00 am: Convergence at the JHB Civic Centre for procession 
to Newtown
-	2:00 pm: Anti-War Festival at the Workers' Library, Newtown

Other events will be announced later this week.

For more information, contact:
Makoma	082 682 9177
Prishani	073 541 8172
Salim		082 802 5936
Maureen 	084 468 9121
Molefi		082 256 0170
Claire		082 332 9874
Tebza		082 401 9185
Sarah		084 765 5930







 

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