ITF: South African dockers act against Zimbabwe arms shipment

18 April 2008

April 18, 2008. For immediate release

The ITF has expressed its firm support for its South African transport workers’ affiliate SATAWU, following the unions’ declaration that its port members will not unload the cargo of the Chinese vessel An Yue Jiang, which is due to dock in the port of Durban, with a cargo of arms destined for Zimbabwe.

The union met with Durban port managers this morning to discuss the situation. It has also declared that none of its members in the trucking sector will move the cargo, which is due to be moved to Harare by road.

SATAWU, a member of the COSATU trade union national centre says the An Yue Jiang, which is owned by Chinese shipping giant COSCO, must return to China with the arms on board, and a peaceful solution must be sought to the political instability in Zimbabwe.

The ITF’s FOC Inspector in Durban, Sprite Zungu, is set to go onboard to investigate the situation and make links with the Chinese crew, who are members of the Chinese Seafarers’ Union (CSU). The ITF is in contact with the CSU.

"This is an significant act of solidarity with Zimbabwe’s working people. The ITF fully, strongly and uncategorically supports SATAWU’s actions and will be following this case with the closest of interests," said General Secretary David Cockroft.

For more information contact Sarah Finke on +44 207 9409258. E-mail: finke_sarah@itf.org.uk ITF Inspector in Durban, Sprite Zungu mobile +27 827736367, Website www.satawu.co.za

Ends

SATAWU statement

SATAWU PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CHINESE VESSEL CARRYING ARMS/WEAPONS INTENDED FOR ZIMBABWE

Released: 17 April 2008

Satawu has become aware that a vessel from China has docked in Durban and we are also informed that the vessel is carrying arms headed for Zimbabwe.

Satawu has also noted the comments of the Government spokesperson Themba Maseko indicating that Government will not intervene in the matter as it is a matter of trade between Zimbabwe and China.

Satawu further notes the comments by Transnet Spokesperson John Dludlu who stated that the vessel had complied with all the necessary requirement in the port of Durban.

Satawu does not agree with the position of the South African Government not to intervene with this shipment of weapons. Our members employed at Durban Container Terminal will not unload this cargo neither will any of our members in the truck driving sector move this cargo by road.

This vessel must return to China with the arms on board as South Africa cannot be seen to be facilitating the flow of weapons into Zimbabwe at a time where there is a political dispute and volatile situation between the ZANU-PF and the MDC.

As Satawu we will campaign for this vessel to be returned to China as it is the only way through which a peaceful solution can be found in Zimbabwe with the election results being announced by the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the will of the Zimbabwean people respected through the ballot box as exercised on the 29 March 2008.

Finally, Satawu will also raise this matter with its Federation Cosatu to join the campaign to ensure the return of this vessel to China and to ensure the use of the Military and the use of force is not used on ordinary Zimbabweans.

Please contact the SATAWU General Secretary, Randall Howard @ 082 5646 298 for further comments.

ENDS

International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org

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