The cross-examination of key sate witness ,a state informer who claims to be Detective Sergeant Jonathan Shoko commenced today at Rotten Row Court in Harare.Defence Attorney Alec Muchadehama seeks to prove the unrealability of Shoko's evdidencev which was presented last week.The state is heavily depending on iots informer in the trial of our comrades Munyaradzi Gwisai,Tafadzwa Choto,Tatenda Mombeyarara,Hopewell Gumbo and others.Meanwhile the trial has been adjourned to Friday the 04th of November 2011.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Zim. Socialists Trial Has Begun. Hasta la Victoria Siempre!
The trial of International Socialist Organisation General Coordinator Munyaradzi Gwisai, National Librarian Tatenda Mombeyarara, NCC member Tafadzwa Choto and other comrades namely Hopewell Gumbo and Edison Chakuma has kicked off in enerst.However today the matter was postponed to the 20th of September 2011.
The state key witness Rinos Chari turned the state case into a farce yesterday when he complained of police brutality throwing eggs into the bourgeois state enforcement machinery. Hundreds of leftists were out in force at the Harare Magistrates’ Court both today and yesterday. The trial was presided by Regional Magistrate Kudakwashe Jarabini and the state with Edmore Nyazamba.
Defense Attorney Alec Muchadehama of Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni failed to come to court today for reasons beyond his control. What is important is that the trial has begun and the state is now merely giving the last kicks of a dying horse.
The struggles of 2011 carried out by the working classes of Egypt, Tunisia, and the Middle East and all over the world remain our inspiration. In their defence outlines, the six comrades are rightfully arguing that the 19th February meeting where 40 of our comrades were cruelly tortured and detained was meant to discuss lessons from the Egypt and Tunisia revolts as well as to commemorate the death of our late comrade HIV and Aids activist Navigator Mungoni. Hence we maintain that the charges were nonsensical, meaningless, baseless and an attempt by the State to persecute human rights defenders.
Let’s smash capitalism and all the other elements of this dying system though mass mobilization and the fight for socialism from below.
Comradely
http:// isozim.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
TRIAL POSTPONED ONCE AGAIN!
Our comrades who were facing trial today have had their trial postponed to the 14th of September 2011 .The future of our comrades Munyaradzi Gwisai, Antonnater Choto, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Hopewell Gumbo, Welcome Zimuto and Edison Chakuma hangs in the balance. Scores of socialists and fellow activists who had come in solidarity waited for nearly two hours for the trial to finally kickoff at the Harare Magistrates Courts however the due process was once again frustrated. Magistrate William Bhila then recused himself and the trial will be presided by Magistrate Esthere Chivasa. Meanwhile defence attorney Alec Muchadehama has made an application for refusal of further remand. Magistrate Bhila is the second magistrate to recuse himself .Indeed the recusal by this second Magistrates to preside this baseless case shows that the state attorneys are clinging onto a case without professionalism or reason. Meanwhile solidarity forever!
Vladimir Mashayamombe
http://isozim.blogspot.com
Monday, August 22, 2011
Update on Zim Socialists Treason Trial
The trial of six International Socialist Organisation (ISO) Zimbabwe comrades, Munyaradzi Gwisai, Antonatter Choto, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Hopewell Gumbo, Edison Chakuma and Welcome Zimuto that should have started today has been postponed to Wednesday 24th August 2011. The state alleges that it has failed to secure a magistrate for the trial. However that is mere nonsense considering that the state had a full month since the 18th of July up to now with which to have found a presiding officer. Meanwhile we still call for solidarity on August 24.
Lenin Ti Chisaira
isozim.blogspot.comMonday, July 18, 2011
Update on Zimbabwean Socialists’ Treason Trial
(TOP) The coffin bearing Cde David's body is draped with Satrurday's copy of The Hearld (BELOW)Munya Gwisai and Tatenda Momberara at the court today(Pics: Lenin Ti Chisaira)
The six comrades facing trial at the Harare Magistrates Court have been remanded to the 22nd of August 2011.The six are Munyaradzi Gwisai, Tafadzwa Choto, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Hopewell Gumbo, Edison Chakuma and Welcome Zimuto. The trial had been originally pegged for the morning but it only kicked of at 1500hrs.The prosecution has come up with a new charge, that is, Inciting Public Violence which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
We are not satisfied with this development. We remain committed to our resolve that there should have been no charges in the first place. The meeting of the 19th of February was legitimate and a democratic right. These fake and trumped up charges are coming at a great cost. Already one of the original 45 treason trialists, David Mpatsi has died following a rapid deterioration of his health arising from his incarceration and denial of medical treatment. We hold the regime responsible for this death and the fate of his three children that he has left behind. He indeed has paid the death penalty.
Comrades this is a ruthless regime which will not stop at anything to maintain its illegitimate hold on power and serve the interests of the ruling class. Our comrades still face a serious charge of up to 10 years imprisonment in the regime’s horror prisons where many have died. Only international solidarity backed by militant mobilisation locally will stop this regime. We therefore call for your continued support.
We would like to thank the scores of activists who attended court today and those who sent solidarity messages. Aluta continua!
National Coordinating Committee
International Socialist Organisation (ISO) Zimbabwe
Sunday, July 17, 2011
ISO Comrade Dies after Solitary Confinement and Treason Charge-Fascist Regime in Zimbabwe 100% Guilty! No need for Hangman in Zimbabwe!
(Pics by Lenin Ti Chisaira,ISO)
He joined the ISO (Z) in at the beginning of 2010 and was one of the 17 comrades placed in solitary confinement in prison. As the ISO we do not hesitate to say that the fascist regime in Zimbabwe in the service of the IMF and capitalist blood-suckers is responsible for his death. What with malicious arrests, torture and lack of medication in state prisons and hospitals. It is noteworthy also that this same fascist regime that has recently frozen 8000 nurses’ posts in Zimbabwe.
The International Socialist Organisation thanks the staff and nurses at Chitungwiza General Hospital and Counselling Services Unit (CSU) and all comrades and family members who looked after Cde Mpatsi but we condemn this so-called inclusive Government for his death in the strongest of terms. And the best way to honour comrades like Mpatsi and many others who have languished is to go for an all out mobilisation against dictatorship and the underlying inhuman system of capitalism that it serves. How many more will have to die? Indeed we are inspired by the rising masses of Egypt and Tunisia who have stood up to capitalism
Indeed Cde Mpatsi faced fake and trumped up treason charges and today he indeed has received capital punishment. This regime does not need any hangman.
Meanwhile Cde Mpatsi was laid to rest yesterday (16/07/11) at Unit L Cemetery in Chitungwiza in a burial attended by hundreds of socialist, MDC activists and family members. Cde Mpatsi is the third ISO (Z) comrade we have lost this year. In February we lost Cde Navigator Mungoni from our Mbare District and in March we lost Cde Gabarinocheka Sirinji also from Mbare
ALUTA CONTINUA
The struggle continues and we call on all comrades, activists, workers and students to attend court in solidarity with the six remaining treason trialists on Monday 18th July 2011 at Rotten Row, 0830hrs in Court 18.The solidarity must also continue with the trial of Cynthia Manjoro, Last Maingehama and the Glen View comrades facing trial for the death of a police officer.
CALL FOR DONATIONS
Cde Mpatsi leaves a wife and three children who are in need and if there is anyone wishing to offer assistance, please feel free to contact the International Socialist Organisation (ISO) Zimbabwe on details below:
Post: P.O. Box 6758 Harare
Tel: +263-4-704 209
Fax: +263-4-704209
E-mail: iso.zim@gmail.com
Web: www.isozim.blogspot.com Facebook: International Socialist Organisation (ISO) Zimbabwe OR Socialist Zimbabwe
OR visit us: 1st Floor, Crossroads House, 43 Julius Nyerere Way, Harare
Inserted By
National Coordinating Committee
International Socialist Organisation (ISO) Zimbabwe -17 July 2011
Thursday, July 07, 2011
ZIMBABWE SOCIALISTS FACING TREASON CHARGE CALL FOR SOLIDARITY! TRIAL 18 JULY 2011
The International Socialist Organisation [ISO] Zimbabwe wishes to update all progressive cadres, socialists, revolutionaries and democrats who have been in solidarity with us since the unjust February 19th 2011 arrest, detention and torture of ISO comrades, student leaders and human rights activists that the case of State v Munyaradzi Gwisai and 6 Others goes to court on the 18th of July 2011 .The trial will take place at the Rotten Row magistrates Court Regional Court 18 in Harare, Zimbabwe at 0830hrs.
Our National Coordinating Committee comrades Munyaradzi Gwisai, Tafadzwa Choto and Tatenda Mombeyarara will be standing trial together with trade unionist Edison Chakuma, debt rights activist and ex-ISO comrade Hopewell Gumbo and student leader Welcome Zimuto.
We fully understand that the evil alliance between the state and the entire capitalist establishment should be resisted by all means. We are together in the struggle. Furthermore, the capitalist regimes of the world realize that their time is up and they have decided to give their last kicks, be it in Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UK, Tunisia, Egypt, and Swaziland and even here in Zimbabwe where our comrades are facing similar charges for defending democracy and freedom of expression.
Your solidarity messages condemning our arrests were important in increasing the political cost on ZANU PF for keeping us detained. You indeed fought for our freedom. They can beat us, kill us and detain us. But they will not survive the revulsion of the intrinsic contradictions of capitalism that we are exposing. Workers will always stand up and revolt. We won’t stand by while rampant corruption and crass materialism disable both government and private sector. We will shout at the top of our voices when we detect abuse of power and political intolerance. Egypt and Tunisia are lessons for the poor and an opener to another Russia 1917. However the workers and the oppressed masses of the present world if united can easily make capitalism history as well as turn all past revolts into tea-drinking sessions. Jambanja Ndizvo!
As revolutionary socialists we remain committed to the resolve and commitment that there is only one solution to capitalism. That solution is a revolution.
Fire the last time !!
Please sent messages of solidarity to iso.zim@gmail.com, solidarity@freethemnow.com, editor.socialistworker@gmail.com OR visit the websites www.freethemnow.com, www.isozim.blogspot.com OR our facebook page International Socialist Organisation (ISO) Zimbabwe.
MORE ACTION
You can also put pressure on the ruthless, counter-progressive Fascist State machinery of Zimbabwe by calling the following numbers:
Ministry of Justice +263 4 734920/24
Attorney General +263 4 774586/7;772987/8;772992
Ministry of Home Affairs +263 4 703641/3 E-mail: moha@gvt.co.zw
0ffce of the President & cabinet +263 4 707091/7
Smash Capitalism! Viva Socialism!
Solidarity Forever
National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
Our National Coordinating Committee comrades Munyaradzi Gwisai, Tafadzwa Choto and Tatenda Mombeyarara will be standing trial together with trade unionist Edison Chakuma, debt rights activist and ex-ISO comrade Hopewell Gumbo and student leader Welcome Zimuto.
We fully understand that the evil alliance between the state and the entire capitalist establishment should be resisted by all means. We are together in the struggle. Furthermore, the capitalist regimes of the world realize that their time is up and they have decided to give their last kicks, be it in Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UK, Tunisia, Egypt, and Swaziland and even here in Zimbabwe where our comrades are facing similar charges for defending democracy and freedom of expression.
Your solidarity messages condemning our arrests were important in increasing the political cost on ZANU PF for keeping us detained. You indeed fought for our freedom. They can beat us, kill us and detain us. But they will not survive the revulsion of the intrinsic contradictions of capitalism that we are exposing. Workers will always stand up and revolt. We won’t stand by while rampant corruption and crass materialism disable both government and private sector. We will shout at the top of our voices when we detect abuse of power and political intolerance. Egypt and Tunisia are lessons for the poor and an opener to another Russia 1917. However the workers and the oppressed masses of the present world if united can easily make capitalism history as well as turn all past revolts into tea-drinking sessions. Jambanja Ndizvo!
As revolutionary socialists we remain committed to the resolve and commitment that there is only one solution to capitalism. That solution is a revolution.
Fire the last time !!
Please sent messages of solidarity to iso.zim@gmail.com, solidarity@freethemnow.com, editor.socialistworker@gmail.com OR visit the websites www.freethemnow.com, www.isozim.blogspot.com OR our facebook page International Socialist Organisation (ISO) Zimbabwe.
MORE ACTION
You can also put pressure on the ruthless, counter-progressive Fascist State machinery of Zimbabwe by calling the following numbers:
Ministry of Justice +263 4 734920/24
Attorney General +263 4 774586/7;772987/8;772992
Ministry of Home Affairs +263 4 703641/3 E-mail: moha@gvt.co.zw
0ffce of the President & cabinet +263 4 707091/7
Smash Capitalism! Viva Socialism!
Solidarity Forever
National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
FREE MALAYSIA 30 SOCIALISTS! RESIST FASCISM!
The International Socialist Organisation [ISO] Zimbabwe extends solidarity to the 30 Malaysian comrades unjustly arrested and held at Penang Police Headquarters and Kepala Batas detention centre as well as to the entire Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) who are suffering the onslaught of the fascist police of the out-dated tsarist Malaysian regime.
We fully understand that the evil alliance between the King and the forces should be resisted by all means. We are together in the struggle.
Your struggle is not isolated as many across the globe are also flames up against the rotting capitalist system which has detained humanity to abduct poverty and unworthy wars. Presiding capitalist regimes of the world realize that their time is up and they have decided to give their last kicks, be it in Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UK, Tunisia, Egypt, and Swaziland and even here in Zimbabwe where our comrades are facing similar charges for defending democracy and freedom of expression.
As revolutionary socialists we remain committed to the resolve and commitment that there is only one solution to capitalism. That solution is a revolution.
Smash Capitalism! Viva Socialism!
Solidarity Forever
National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANISATION (ISO) ZIMBABWE
We fully understand that the evil alliance between the King and the forces should be resisted by all means. We are together in the struggle.
Your struggle is not isolated as many across the globe are also flames up against the rotting capitalist system which has detained humanity to abduct poverty and unworthy wars. Presiding capitalist regimes of the world realize that their time is up and they have decided to give their last kicks, be it in Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UK, Tunisia, Egypt, and Swaziland and even here in Zimbabwe where our comrades are facing similar charges for defending democracy and freedom of expression.
As revolutionary socialists we remain committed to the resolve and commitment that there is only one solution to capitalism. That solution is a revolution.
Smash Capitalism! Viva Socialism!
Solidarity Forever
National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANISATION (ISO) ZIMBABWE
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Treason charges poured on Gwisai and activists
AT LEAST FORTY FIVE opposition activists led by socialist protagonist Munyaradzi Gwisai were slapped with treason charges Wednesday as their lawyer complained that he was being denied access to his clients.
The group will spend a fifth night in jail on allegations they attended a dedicated lecture about the mass uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
At a hearing late Wednesday, Harare magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi rescheduled the detainees to reappear Thursday.
Treason in Zimbabwe carries a possible death sentence.
Gwisai is also the Zimbabwe chief representative for the International Socialist Organisation.
The list of ISO activists arrested for plotting an ‘Egypt’ include:
1 Munyaradzi Gwisai (46)
Zimbabwe Labour Center
2 Antonater Choto
Zimbabwe Labour Center
3 Tatenda Mombeyarara
Zimbabwe Labour Center
4 Michael Sozinyu
Medical Professionals and Allied Workers Union
5 Edson Chakuma
United food and Allied Workers Union
6 Hopewell Gumbo
Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development
7 Welcome Zimuto
3rd Year student, Chinhoyi University
8 Philip Magaya
Unemployed
9 Prolific Simbarashe Mataruse
Unemployed
10 Godknows Biya
Zimphos
11 David Mupatse
Unemployed
12 Douglas Muzanenhamo
Unemployed
13 Reki Jimu (40)
Chitungwiza Central Hospital
14 Ganizani Nunu (41)
Unemployed
15 Josphat Chinembiri Terenyika (44)
Unemployed
16 Strutton Nyaya Muhambi (42)
Unemployed
17 Trevor Chamba (21)
Unemployed
18 Clarence Mugari (39)
Zimbabwe Graphical Workers Union
19 Munyaradzi Maregedze (35)
MARS
20 Willie Tinashe Hlatswayo (25)
4th year Student, UZ
21 Ian Muteto (23)
2nd years Student, Bindura University
22 Tinashe Mutazu (24)
Unemployed
23 Pride Evidence Mukono (age not given)
2nd year Student, UZ
24 Lenard Kamwendo (30)
Kubatana Trust
25 Tinashe Chisaira (24)
Zimbabwe Labour Center
26 Trust Munyama (25)
4th year Student, Harare Poly
27 Peter Garanewako (22)
Unemployed
28 Elizaberth Chipo Makume (53)
Unemployed
29 Megline Malunga (47)
Unemployed
30 Daison Bango (29)
Unemployed
31 Malvern Hobwana (24)
Unemployed
32 Tashinga Mudzengi (24)
Org not given
33 Ednar Chabalika (24)
Unemployed
34 Thokozile Mathe (34)
Unemployed
35 Francesca Thomson (41)
Unemployed
36 Masline Zvomuya (23)
Crossroads House
37 Nhamo Kute (36)
Unemployed
38 Annie Chipeta (42)
Unemployed
39 Tabeth Chideya (63)
Unemployed
40 Charles Mbwandarikwa (42)
Mutasa Pri School, Highfields
41 Thomas Chibaya (31)
CPL PVT (LTD)
42 Fatima Manhando (50)
Unemployed
43 Blessing Muguzaya (33)
Unemployed
44 Robert Muhlaba (54)
Seke Teacher’s College
45 Tinashe Muzambi (22)
Unemployed
The ACTIVISTS – who include students, trade unionists and political activists – were arrested when they gathered in Harare to watch Al Jazeera and BBC news reports on the uprisings that brought down autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt.
Police accused them of participating in an illegal political meeting where they watched videos “as a way of motivating them to subvert a constitutionally elected government.”
The evidence seized by the police included a video projector, two DVD discs and a laptop.
“The illegal meeting’s agenda, police said, was ‘Revolt in Egypt and Tunisia: What lessons can be learnt by Zimbabwe and Africa?’
Police found the topic incriminating, but many Zimbabweans have been asking themselves that very question as democratic revolutions have swept Arab nations.
Mugabe, who turned 87 on Monday, and his Zanu PF party ruled Zimbabwe single-handedly from 1980 until 2009, when regional leaders pressured him into forming a power-sharing government with his opposition rivals.
Gwisai, a socialist and iconoclast whose wife said he was expelled from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change in 2002 for supporting an aggressive land reform programme at a time when Zanu PF was encouraging violent seizures of white-owned commercial farms, has like many of his countrymen been watching the unrest in Arab nations.
His wife, Shantha Bloemen, who works for the United Nations in Johannesburg, said: “Obviously, all the happenings in Egypt And Tunisia have been taking center stage. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss what’s happened, especially for people who don’t have access to the internet or cable TV, both to express solidarity and to discuss the implications for Zimbabwe.”
Said lawyer Muchadehama: “This is a message that ‘If you attempt anything, we’re going to arrest you, assault you, incarcerate you, lay false charges against you, deny you bail, and occupy you with false trials. ... Read more at www.freethemnow.com
The group will spend a fifth night in jail on allegations they attended a dedicated lecture about the mass uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
At a hearing late Wednesday, Harare magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi rescheduled the detainees to reappear Thursday.
Treason in Zimbabwe carries a possible death sentence.
Gwisai is also the Zimbabwe chief representative for the International Socialist Organisation.
The list of ISO activists arrested for plotting an ‘Egypt’ include:
1 Munyaradzi Gwisai (46)
Zimbabwe Labour Center
2 Antonater Choto
Zimbabwe Labour Center
3 Tatenda Mombeyarara
Zimbabwe Labour Center
4 Michael Sozinyu
Medical Professionals and Allied Workers Union
5 Edson Chakuma
United food and Allied Workers Union
6 Hopewell Gumbo
Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development
7 Welcome Zimuto
3rd Year student, Chinhoyi University
8 Philip Magaya
Unemployed
9 Prolific Simbarashe Mataruse
Unemployed
10 Godknows Biya
Zimphos
11 David Mupatse
Unemployed
12 Douglas Muzanenhamo
Unemployed
13 Reki Jimu (40)
Chitungwiza Central Hospital
14 Ganizani Nunu (41)
Unemployed
15 Josphat Chinembiri Terenyika (44)
Unemployed
16 Strutton Nyaya Muhambi (42)
Unemployed
17 Trevor Chamba (21)
Unemployed
18 Clarence Mugari (39)
Zimbabwe Graphical Workers Union
19 Munyaradzi Maregedze (35)
MARS
20 Willie Tinashe Hlatswayo (25)
4th year Student, UZ
21 Ian Muteto (23)
2nd years Student, Bindura University
22 Tinashe Mutazu (24)
Unemployed
23 Pride Evidence Mukono (age not given)
2nd year Student, UZ
24 Lenard Kamwendo (30)
Kubatana Trust
25 Tinashe Chisaira (24)
Zimbabwe Labour Center
26 Trust Munyama (25)
4th year Student, Harare Poly
27 Peter Garanewako (22)
Unemployed
28 Elizaberth Chipo Makume (53)
Unemployed
29 Megline Malunga (47)
Unemployed
30 Daison Bango (29)
Unemployed
31 Malvern Hobwana (24)
Unemployed
32 Tashinga Mudzengi (24)
Org not given
33 Ednar Chabalika (24)
Unemployed
34 Thokozile Mathe (34)
Unemployed
35 Francesca Thomson (41)
Unemployed
36 Masline Zvomuya (23)
Crossroads House
37 Nhamo Kute (36)
Unemployed
38 Annie Chipeta (42)
Unemployed
39 Tabeth Chideya (63)
Unemployed
40 Charles Mbwandarikwa (42)
Mutasa Pri School, Highfields
41 Thomas Chibaya (31)
CPL PVT (LTD)
42 Fatima Manhando (50)
Unemployed
43 Blessing Muguzaya (33)
Unemployed
44 Robert Muhlaba (54)
Seke Teacher’s College
45 Tinashe Muzambi (22)
Unemployed
The ACTIVISTS – who include students, trade unionists and political activists – were arrested when they gathered in Harare to watch Al Jazeera and BBC news reports on the uprisings that brought down autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt.
Police accused them of participating in an illegal political meeting where they watched videos “as a way of motivating them to subvert a constitutionally elected government.”
The evidence seized by the police included a video projector, two DVD discs and a laptop.
“The illegal meeting’s agenda, police said, was ‘Revolt in Egypt and Tunisia: What lessons can be learnt by Zimbabwe and Africa?’
Police found the topic incriminating, but many Zimbabweans have been asking themselves that very question as democratic revolutions have swept Arab nations.
Mugabe, who turned 87 on Monday, and his Zanu PF party ruled Zimbabwe single-handedly from 1980 until 2009, when regional leaders pressured him into forming a power-sharing government with his opposition rivals.
Gwisai, a socialist and iconoclast whose wife said he was expelled from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change in 2002 for supporting an aggressive land reform programme at a time when Zanu PF was encouraging violent seizures of white-owned commercial farms, has like many of his countrymen been watching the unrest in Arab nations.
His wife, Shantha Bloemen, who works for the United Nations in Johannesburg, said: “Obviously, all the happenings in Egypt And Tunisia have been taking center stage. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss what’s happened, especially for people who don’t have access to the internet or cable TV, both to express solidarity and to discuss the implications for Zimbabwe.”
Said lawyer Muchadehama: “This is a message that ‘If you attempt anything, we’re going to arrest you, assault you, incarcerate you, lay false charges against you, deny you bail, and occupy you with false trials. ... Read more at www.freethemnow.com
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Marxism 2010 uncover emergent force of Marxist ideas in Zimbabwe
On Saturday December 11, 2010, the International Socialist Organisation in Zimbabwe held its one day annual Marxism event which was a truly remarkable congress, characterized by awesome energy, enthusiasm, and confidence united with an exceptionally high level of political discussion and debate. Above all, there was a firm willpower to rebuild the ISO in the coming time. It was also quite fascinating in the sense that it was held in the shadow of a split that separated opportunists from real revolutionaries a year and half ago .
The venue for the Marxism conference was our national office.
Sensibly, Marxism 2010 was held under the theme DEFENDING THE REAL MARXIST TRADITIONS AND THE FIGHT FOR SOCIALISM IN THE 21st CENTURY. The conference enthused a whole new layer of young revolutionaries who are committed to defending Marxist ideas as the only answer to the crisis of capitalism. Over 70 young workers, students, and trade unionists gathered to discuss the effects of the capitalist crisis and how to mobilize resistance to the bosses’ neoliberal attacks on the working class.
For the second time in the conference’s history, we had comrades from the redundant Left Wing who stayed the whole afternoon enjoying the discussions.
The conference opened with ISO National Treasurer Comrade Mike Sambo and Socialist Worker Editor comrade Lenin core-speaking on the Real Marxist Traditions .They both gave succinct presentations on what are the real Marxist traditions as opposed to other innumerable divergent and conflicting "Marxisms" proliferated by other individuals and coalitions.
Two separate sessions on building the party followed. The one on “role of workers and trade unions in a revolutionary party” was presented by three comrades , comrade Simukai ( National ISO librarian) ,comrade J Chirenje -President for the Medical professional and Allied Workers Union (MPAWUZ) and ISO member ) and comrade Khumalo president for Zimbabwe Graphical Workers Union (ZGWU) and ISO member in Bulawayo. They all gave glowing presentations on the concept of dictatorship of the proletariat and why workers have to be on the forefront of revolution. The other separate session on “the role of students in a revolutionary party” was led by former Zimbabwe National students Union president and also former ISO national coordinator (Msavhaya) co-presenting with ISO UZ branch member Katsuro .This session attracted most of the young comrades mainly from universities and colleges .
In the afternoon there was a plenary debate on the Global economic crisis and working class responses which was led by comrade Gwisai. Comrade Gwisai spoke on World Perspectives citing revolutionary movements that erupted in Iran, Nepal, Thailand etc ; and the case of Iceland going bankrupt; and the eruption of the working class in Greece in response to austerity cuts being demanded by the European capitalists. This all having happened in a very short space of time the comrade pointed out that this shows how unbalanced the world situation currently is, and how the progressive aspects of capitalism have become history. He said no one corner of the world is immune from the nastiest affects of the capitalist crisis; even the advanced capitalist countries of Western Europe are on the point of default and their workers up in arms. The comrade pointed out it is not the actual crisis that is going to have the greatest effect on workers, but the “recovery” from it as workers will be forced to pay for the bosses` mess. That is then the role of Marxists to mobilise the working class to reject.
Other very interesting topics like “Women and the fight for Socialism” and “ Is there socialism in Cuba”, China and Venezuela” were also discussed in the afternoon .
The closing rally was a powerful one where comrade Taffy led a discussion on the current state of politics in Zimbabwe, the constitutional reform process and the view of socialists on elections .She discussed weaknesses of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which gave birth to the current coalition government which has failed workers by all standards.
Participants also expressed how hopeful they were with the GPA and how much they feel forsaken now as it all turns out to be just unity of the elites to protect their common interests. People under no uncertain terms expressed disillusionment with any elections as it has come out clear that an entrenched dictatorship like the one in Zimbabwe can never be removed by elections .
There was so much interest in the debate on elections as Mugabe has already pointed that he wants elections mid 2011. The question being , are people ready for elections or not?
The conference ended with a passionate and cheerful singing of the Internationale. All young comrades present left the conference fully convinced that the capitalists and the reformists can only offer workers more attacks and our solution is to take control of the productive forces for our gain. Most interestingly, although the vast majority of participants were youth, who are still in colleges, the unemployed and very low income workers , the comrades demonstrated their commitment and devotion by buying some ISO T- Shirts which were being sold for $5 each .That allowed us to raise over $100 that helped us meet some conference expenses .
We are still confident that in the period coming ISO will be able to reach out to new workers and young people with ideas that can bring down this dragon called capitalism .
Shinga Mushandi Shinga
M Sambo ( For National Coordinating Committee)
The venue for the Marxism conference was our national office.
Sensibly, Marxism 2010 was held under the theme DEFENDING THE REAL MARXIST TRADITIONS AND THE FIGHT FOR SOCIALISM IN THE 21st CENTURY. The conference enthused a whole new layer of young revolutionaries who are committed to defending Marxist ideas as the only answer to the crisis of capitalism. Over 70 young workers, students, and trade unionists gathered to discuss the effects of the capitalist crisis and how to mobilize resistance to the bosses’ neoliberal attacks on the working class.
For the second time in the conference’s history, we had comrades from the redundant Left Wing who stayed the whole afternoon enjoying the discussions.
The conference opened with ISO National Treasurer Comrade Mike Sambo and Socialist Worker Editor comrade Lenin core-speaking on the Real Marxist Traditions .They both gave succinct presentations on what are the real Marxist traditions as opposed to other innumerable divergent and conflicting "Marxisms" proliferated by other individuals and coalitions.
Two separate sessions on building the party followed. The one on “role of workers and trade unions in a revolutionary party” was presented by three comrades , comrade Simukai ( National ISO librarian) ,comrade J Chirenje -President for the Medical professional and Allied Workers Union (MPAWUZ) and ISO member ) and comrade Khumalo president for Zimbabwe Graphical Workers Union (ZGWU) and ISO member in Bulawayo. They all gave glowing presentations on the concept of dictatorship of the proletariat and why workers have to be on the forefront of revolution. The other separate session on “the role of students in a revolutionary party” was led by former Zimbabwe National students Union president and also former ISO national coordinator (Msavhaya) co-presenting with ISO UZ branch member Katsuro .This session attracted most of the young comrades mainly from universities and colleges .
In the afternoon there was a plenary debate on the Global economic crisis and working class responses which was led by comrade Gwisai. Comrade Gwisai spoke on World Perspectives citing revolutionary movements that erupted in Iran, Nepal, Thailand etc ; and the case of Iceland going bankrupt; and the eruption of the working class in Greece in response to austerity cuts being demanded by the European capitalists. This all having happened in a very short space of time the comrade pointed out that this shows how unbalanced the world situation currently is, and how the progressive aspects of capitalism have become history. He said no one corner of the world is immune from the nastiest affects of the capitalist crisis; even the advanced capitalist countries of Western Europe are on the point of default and their workers up in arms. The comrade pointed out it is not the actual crisis that is going to have the greatest effect on workers, but the “recovery” from it as workers will be forced to pay for the bosses` mess. That is then the role of Marxists to mobilise the working class to reject.
Other very interesting topics like “Women and the fight for Socialism” and “ Is there socialism in Cuba”, China and Venezuela” were also discussed in the afternoon .
The closing rally was a powerful one where comrade Taffy led a discussion on the current state of politics in Zimbabwe, the constitutional reform process and the view of socialists on elections .She discussed weaknesses of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which gave birth to the current coalition government which has failed workers by all standards.
Participants also expressed how hopeful they were with the GPA and how much they feel forsaken now as it all turns out to be just unity of the elites to protect their common interests. People under no uncertain terms expressed disillusionment with any elections as it has come out clear that an entrenched dictatorship like the one in Zimbabwe can never be removed by elections .
There was so much interest in the debate on elections as Mugabe has already pointed that he wants elections mid 2011. The question being , are people ready for elections or not?
The conference ended with a passionate and cheerful singing of the Internationale. All young comrades present left the conference fully convinced that the capitalists and the reformists can only offer workers more attacks and our solution is to take control of the productive forces for our gain. Most interestingly, although the vast majority of participants were youth, who are still in colleges, the unemployed and very low income workers , the comrades demonstrated their commitment and devotion by buying some ISO T- Shirts which were being sold for $5 each .That allowed us to raise over $100 that helped us meet some conference expenses .
We are still confident that in the period coming ISO will be able to reach out to new workers and young people with ideas that can bring down this dragon called capitalism .
Shinga Mushandi Shinga
M Sambo ( For National Coordinating Committee)
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