Leeds: Building support for workers in South Africa

Leeds City Socialist Party

On 24 June the Socialist Party held a public meeting in Leeds on the struggles in South Africa. It was introduced by Sean Figg, who outlined how huge inequalities, coupled with the historic legacy of fighting apartheid, led to the strike by mine workers last year and the subsequent massacre at Marikana.

The Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) has helped link up the strike committees and fightback against the repressive ANC government.

This led to workers across South Africa coming to the conclusion that the ANC wasn't a party of the mass of South Africans, only a small wealthy elite.

What is needed is a new mass party to represent them which has led to the launch of the Workers And Socialist Party (WASP).

Since WASP's launch it has been the focus of a huge smear campaign by the government. Activists and workers have been met by repression with leading members of the workers' committees losing their jobs.

Liv Shange, a leading member of the DSM, is even fighting against an attempt by the ANC to deport her.

There is an appeal for messages of protest against the South African government's threats to deport Liv.

Please see http://www.socialistworld.net/index.php/6368

Over Ł150 was raised at the meeting in support of the work in South Africa.

Donate to the Socialist Party

Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.