[WSF-Discuss] CANGO conference ban to be enforced

[CACIM]

*CANGO conference ban to be enforced*

*By Sisho Magagula*

@ http://www.observer.org.sz/main.php?id=47684&section=main

GOVERNMENT maintains that tomorrow's Southern African Social Forum organised
by the Co-ordinating Assembly of Non-governmental Organisations (CANGO) and
other formations is prohibited.

At a press conference convened last night, Acting Head of Government Bheki
Dlamini said government was misled on the substantive issues to be
deliberated upon at the forum.

He said government has learnt that holding such a forum was a means to
implement the resolutions taken by the country's labour formations in
Sandton, South Africa in August 2008.

"It is quite apparent that the resolutions taken by the local labour
federations, together with COSATU and other formations at Sandton are being
implemented. The nation learnt with shock and disbelief of the recent
bombing incident at Lozitha. Soon after this incident, supporters of the
bombers came out, congratulating the bombers for their so-called 'heroic'
act. Some of the formations are the very ones that will be participating in
the Southern African Social Forum."

He said the incident in which two people were killed by a bomb at Lozitha
was aimed at killing and maiming innocent citizens, and to destroy valuable
infrastructure.

"These acts are barbaric, inhumane, irresponsible and unacceptable by this
government or any other civilised government," he said.

When asked by reporters what would happen should CANGO persist with the
meeting, Dlamini said: "We don't expect such behaviour from CANGO. We trust
they will heed this advice and put the interests of the country first. They
will tell their guests that the meeting has been cancelled," he said.

What struggle

for democracy?

HEAD of government, Bheki Dlamini says there is no 'struggle for democracy'
in Swaziland as the country is independent and peaceful.

He said COSATU and the local labour formations intended to use the forum to
strengthen regional people's initiatives and in solidarity with the
struggling people of Swaziland, and to raise the international profile of
the Swazi struggle. "The view of government is that the so-called 'Swazi
Struggle' does not exist."

Dlamini warned against the intended border blockade by COSATU and local
labour unions during the period October 27 to November 1, 2008.

"The blockade of goods is illegal and grossly violates international and
regional principles on the free movement of goods and persons. The
repercussions of the blockade will not only have negative impact on the
economy but also directly affect the people employed by the industries,
whose goods will not be handled by the COSATU members," he said.
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