27 January, 2005
The Alliance Secretariat met for a scheduled extended session today, attended by the General Secretaries and other officials of the ANC, SACP, COSATU and SANCO. The meeting discussed a range of issues including the unity and cohesion of the Alliance as we implement our programme of action during the course of 2005.
The Alliance reaffirmed the commitment of all partners to the creation of conditions in which the people of Zimbabwe can collectively and democratically resolve the challenges which that country faces. The success of the forthcoming elections will be a key milestone in achieving this outcome and it is therefore important that every effort be made to ensure that the electoral process complies with the SADC protocols.
In this regard the South African government, Alliance formations people to people exchanges between South Africans and Zimbabweans can contribute to a climate of dialogue. COSATUs forthcoming visit to Zimbabwe should be seen in this context. The Alliance reaffirmed the view that the principal actors in the resolving the problems of Zimbabwe are the Zimbabwean people themselves.
The Secretariat will meet again in the coming weeks to take these and other discussions further.
Issued by: ANC, COSATU, SANCO, SACP
For Further Information Contact:
Smuts Ngonyama (ANC) 082 569 2061
Mazibuko Jara (SACP): 083 651 0271
Paul Notyawa or Patrick Craven (COSATU): 083 329 4659 / 082 821 7456