[DEBATE] : Social Movements for Zuma

[Jay Bulworth]

Social Movements (Re)united



New Social Movements for ZUMA



On the eve of the historic ANC Polokwane conference it is incumbent on all
progressive forces to make their voices heard concerning the vital
leadership issue that will be decided there.  The decision made at Polokwane
will affect all grassroots communities struggling for shelter, land and jobs
in our country.  It is simply infantile abstentionism and irresponsible
purism to ignore this material and concrete fact.



Struggling communities, whether made up of ANC supporters or not, must make
their voices heard on this question.  We must lend our support to the
faction that will best advance the cause of the struggling masses.



On the one hand we have outgoing President Thabo Mbeki, chief architect of
GEAR, Aids denialist and authoritarian of note.  On the other hand, we have
Jacob Zuma, son of a migrant worker, friend of the poor and victim of elite
conspiracies.



Comrades the choice is clear.



However, our support, although unconditional must not be uncritical. In
exploratory discussions it has been indicated that an endorsement ahead of
the conference of comrade Zuma would not go amiss.  However, we cannot agree
to have members of social movements who will announce our support for
Msholosi at the press conference determined for us.  Dale McKinley is a
member in good standing of our movement and so is Trevor Ngwane.  We
therefore refuse to be dictated to on this principle matter.



We do however welcome the idea of a promised 'Ministry of Social Movements
and Delivery' to be headed by a woman. This we believe will put an end to
the disturbing practice of NGOs appropriating the 'Voice of the Poors'. We
also look forward to working with a Zuma presidency on pivotal question
relating to aids prevention, gay rights and ESKOM load shedding.



Since time is of the essence and some organisations will not be able to call
full general meetings in the time available, we take the liberty of
attaching your organisations name in the meantime, unless you get back to us
with instructions otherwise.



Yours comradely



Jay Bulworth

Chairperson (interim)

Social Movements For ZUMA