Zimbabwe youth to march in commemoration of S.A. riots

By Tererai Karimakwenda
16 June 2006

Youth groups in Zimbabwe have organised two separate marches on Saturday to mark the 30th anniversary of the youth riots in South Africa that kick-started the liberation struggle which led to freedom from apartheid. The youth plan to march in Bulawayo and in Harare but as of Friday afternoon they were still waiting for police clearance. The Tsvangirai MDC National Youth Chairman Tamsanqa Mahlangu told us they would march even if they were denied permission. The law in Zimbabwe only requires that the police be notified. But they have abused their power and banned many demonstrations over the years.
30 years ago students in South Africa refused to be forced to learn the Afrikaans language by the apartheid regime and took to the streets. Many were killed but the incident is credited for reviving the liberation movement whose leaders were languishing in exile and in prison. The Democratic Alliance Party in South Africa released a statement Friday which said: The “class of 1976” has since moved in many directions. Some of those who marched that day became involved in politics; some now find themselves among the country’s new elite.

MDC National Youth Chairman Tamsanqa Mahlangu told us they were planning this day in solidarity with the youth in South Africa who demanded freedom for themselves. He said: “We are in the same situation under a dictator now and it is time for us to stand up and show the Mugabe regime that enough is enough. We will not suffer anymore.”

Asked whether he believed the youth would come out to the marches given recent threats by government officials and the brutality of the police at previous demonstrations, Mahlangu said:” Mugabe has really put fear in the young people and we need to change their mindset. This is the challenge we are facing.” Mahlangu said this not an issue for the MDC youth alone but for Zimbabweans as a whole. But he explained that the youth need to be at the forefront of the struggle.

Mahlangu also told us there are meetings currently taking place around the country and they are mobilizing the youth to speak as one voice and sing the same song as they approach the Mugabe regime. The march in Harare is scheduled for 9:00 A.M. starting at the Sheraton and moving to Africa Unity Square. In Bulawayo the event begins at the same time starting from City Hall and marching to Stanley Square.