ANTI PRIVATISATION FORUM

22 November 2008

SHUT DOWN LINDELA! SOUTH AFRICA'S SYMBOL OF SHAME!
Privatised 'nationalism' and xenophobia continues in South Africa today

The Anti Privatisation Forum joined with the Coalition Against Xenophobia at the 'Lindela Repatriation Centre' in Krugerdorp yesterday/today for a 24 hour picket calling for Lindela to be shut down. Our struggle knows no borders and we extend our solidarity to our African brothers and sisters who are being grabbed on the street, chased out of their homes and abducted to the deportation camp. The existence of the camp is a long-standing shame of democratic South Africa. Whether the 'Congress of the People' rightfully belongs to anyone in South Africa is a question void of any meaning when there is a complete unwillingness to confront the glaring racism, Afrophobia and violence that is Lindela. If South Africa 'belongs to all those who live in it', the principals on the throne of the Freedom Charter would be joining the Coalition to demand its closure.

http://antix.red.m2014.net/?q=node/20

http://www.anarkismo.net/article/10535

24-hour Picket at Lindela Repatriation Centre, Friday 21 November, 12 noon

Demands for the Closure of the Lindela Repatriation Centre

The Coalition Against Xenophobia is a broad coalition of civil society organisations, social movements and individuals who are committed to working against xenophobia and towards the improvement and transformation of our society.

http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global[_id]=15442

Immigrants detained: ‘Don’t waste your energy on law-abiding people’
29 Oct 2008
Bongani Hans

A GROUP of South African women and men vented their anger at police at
Howick police station following the arrest of more than 30 immigrants,
apparently after their immigration permits had expired.

The immigrants were arrested on Friday evening in Howick West, where
they were renting rooms as individuals or in groups.

The Award of Hope!

It came as a surprise to be awarded the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Trophy at the third annual graduation ceremony for the University of Abahlali baseMjondolo. Not only was I surprised by my achievement, but I ran out of words as well. The Kennedy Road Community Hall was packed to capacity as the Master of Ceremonies cleared his voice and began the announcement that changed my life, saying, 'The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award goes to ………eh……this young man, who comes aaaaaall the waaaaay from …………… Zimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmbabweeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ……………!'

2nd October

Press Statement for Immediate Release

PASSOP Appeal to Premier Lynn Brown to take action against human rights violations at the Cape Town Refugee Centre

Following our brief meeting with the Premier, we desperately request her intervention in the current crisis in the Western Cape. We were encouraged by her serious concern in the meeting and now ask of her to take actions towards solving the crisis. We believe that images of women and children being shot with rubber bullets in Western Cape are an embarrassment to all. Incidents like that witnessed on Monday the 29th of September at the Cape Town refugee centre are be becoming part of our image as a province. Such incidents occur because home affairs have failed to serve or even respect the human rights of immigrants.

Bosses accused of setting man on fire appear in court
24 Sep 2008
Sandile Waka-Zamisa

Two brothers appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court on
Tuesday in connection with the horror assault and burning of an
employee, a Zimbabwean man.

Ramesh (44) and Ragesh (36) Hariparsad were charged with the attempted
murder of Ian Madzogo, who is recovering in hospital from extensive
burns.

The brothers were released on R5 000 bail each and are expected to
appear in court on October 24, 2008.

Madzogo said the two brothers tortured him by burning his private parts

http://www.witness.co.za/?showcontent&global[_id]=11832

Congolese traders live in fear of policemen
18 Aug 2008
Shilrey Jones

Congolese refugees at the Albert Park refugee camp in Durban have accused police of beating up four men and arresting one on a charge of assaulting a police officer at the weekend. Police, however, have no record of the incident.

Refugee Frederick Ecabakeni said yesterday that the first attack took place in the market area of the CBD on Saturday. The group, who run a pavement hair salon, saw a man in civilian dress chasing a woman. He said a plastic bag containing CDs was thrown into the salon during the drama.