Leeds: Building support for workers in South Africa


Leeds City Socialist Party

On 24 June the Socialist Party held a public meeting in Leeds on the struggles in South Africa. It was introduced by Sean Figg, who outlined how huge inequalities, coupled with the historic legacy of fighting apartheid, led to the strike by mine workers last year and the subsequent massacre at Marikana.

The Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) has helped link up the strike committees and fightback against the repressive ANC government.

This led to workers across South Africa coming to the conclusion that the ANC wasn’t a party of the mass of South Africans, only a small wealthy elite.

What is needed is a new mass party to represent them which has led to the launch of the Workers And Socialist Party (WASP).

Since WASP’s launch it has been the focus of a huge smear campaign by the government. Activists and workers have been met by repression with leading members of the workers’ committees losing their jobs.

Liv Shange, a leading member of the DSM, is even fighting against an attempt by the ANC to deport her.

There is an appeal for messages of protest against the South African government’s threats to deport Liv.

Please see http://www.socialistworld.net/index.php/6368

Over £150 was raised at the meeting in support of the work in South Africa.