Africa

By Sean Figg, Johannesburg

Hundreds of striking municipal workers meeting in a Pretoria park loudly cheered, sang and toyi-toyied after hearing speeches from visiting CWI members Peter Taaffe and Alec Thraves. The strikers waved CWI flags and constantly interrupted the speakers with repeated applause after offers of international solidarity were given, alongside an explanation of the capitalist crisis and its impact in Britain and across Europe. Peter’s vision of a socialist South Africa and the role of DSM in initiating the Workers and Socialist Party was enthusiastically welcomed.

Tunisia Cancellation of general strike provokes anger and indignation

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CWI reporters. Posted 17th December 2012

In recent days, Tunisia has experienced a historic moment, the announcement on 13 December, of the first general strike in the country since 1978 ("the famous Black Thursday"). This announcement had the effect of an electric shock. The word general strike was on everyone’s tongue, the masses and the political parties were talking about it relentlessly: finally the UGTT had decided to get down to serious business!

General strike in Tunisia as workers confront Ennahda

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CWI reporters

Almost two years after the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, the eyes of many workers and young people are turning towards Tunisia again. The Tunisian revolution is entering a decisive phase. The call for a nationwide general strike on 13 December by the historic trade union, UGTT (General Union of Tunisian Labour), has set the workers and the revolutionary masses towards an open confrontation with the new regime of the ’Troika’ government, led by the right-wing religious party, Ennahda.

Massacre in South Africa

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Democratic Socialist Movement (CWI South Africa) 17th August 2012

At least 46 workers were shot dead, and many more injured, on August 16 as a massive police assault was launched to crush a strike by thousands of workers at platinum miner Lonmin’s shafts in Marikana outside Rustenburg, in addition to at least six mine workers who were killed in clashes earlier on in the strike which began August 10. Two policemen and two mine security guards were also killed in the near-civil-war-like conditions. It is clear that the Lonmin bosses, backed by the entire big business elite and its servants in the ANC government, the police and army are hellbent on restoring order at any cost. The Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM - CWI in South Africa) appeals for socialists and trade unionists internationally to protest against the massacre that is now being set in motion. [See also statement of the DSM: For a general strike to end the Marikana massacre]

Mubarak’s state machine behind football stadium massacre

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David Johnson, Socialist Party (CWI England and Wales) Posted 7th February 2012

The mostly young and working class football fans killed in the 1 February massacre played a crucial role during the Tahrir Square uprising. Parts of the old regime seem, through this massacre, to be trying to take revenge. Also in this way, the SCAF (Supreme Council of the Armed Forces) tries to use the fear of chaos to justify its role. But new demonstrations are developing.