Save Zimbabwe rally in South Africa

By Lance Guma
13 March 2007

Over 300 Zimbabweans turned up at the Zimbabwean embassy in Johannesburg, South Africa Tuesday to protest the torture and arrest of opposition leaders back home. Organised by the Save Zimbabwe Campaign the protest brought together members of different civic groups operating in South Africa.

UK Guardian journalist Andrew Meldrum told Newsreel the embassy was heavily guarded by police during the demonstration and that it was a peaceful procession. The attitude of the police was in stark contrast to the brutality shown in Zimbabwe. Meldrum says the police told him they remembered his violent deportation from Zimbabwe and even wished him well in regards to the country’s future.

Tuesday’s protest brought together members of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (SA Chapter), National Constitutional Assembly, the two factions of the MDC, Christian Alliance, Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa and several other NGO’s. A petition demanding the release of those arrested and the restoration of democracy in Zimbabwe was handed over to embassy.

Meldrum says the crackdown in Zimbabwe has highlighted the use of torture by the police force. He says it’s no coincidence the demonstrations are coming at a time Mugabe wants to extend his term in office. Although the South African government has avoided condemning the arrests and torture, Meldrum predicts forthcoming elections in South Africa and pressure from groups like the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party will put pressure on Mbeki’s government to act.

Meanwhile the MDC UK province has planned a demonstration outside the Zimbabwean embassy in London Wednesday. Party spokesman Matthew Nyashanu told Newsreel the protest is aimed at showing solidarity with those arrested and tortured in Zimbabwe. The demonstration has been scheduled for 1pm and is expected to end around 4pm. Members of the ZimVigil who have been protesting at the embassy for over 4 years will also join in the demonstration.