WHEREAS:

The terrorist government Of South Africa has turned its evil intentions not only toward neighboring black states but against its own people; and

WHEREAS:

South African armed forces continue to occupy Namibia using it as a base to intervene in Angola; meanwhile South African armed forces raid neighboring states on the pretext of protecting South Africa security; and

WHEREAS:

Internally, South Africa authorities have banned scores of civic organizations, thus effectively stifling dissent and destroying whatever right of assembly and protest remained in that unfortunate country; and

WHEREAS:

The major labor federation of South Africa, COSATU, has been deprived of political and democratic rights in an attempt by the white rulers to destroy a democratic and effective black trade union movement; and

WHEREAS:

Other elements of the South African black trade union movement, notably NACTU, have rejected the government's attempt to split them and have cooperated with COSATU in national strikes and slowdowns in protest against the increasingly repressive actions being taken against trade unions; and

WHEREAS:

South Africa's brand of justice, when applied to the Sharpeville Six or to Moses Mayekiso, general secretary of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, consists of unspecified charges, suspect or perjured testimony, and all the other trappings of a police state; and

WHEREAS:

The United States Congress has taken the leadership within government in developing economic and other sanctions against South Africa, despite the refusal of the Administration even to carry out the law of the land.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME reaffirms its condemnation of the racist regime of South Africa and urges the implementation of all possible measures to bring down apartheid; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports additional sanctions against South Africa now being developed by the United States Congress, and demands that the Administration observe the Constitution and enforce fully and effectively the measures enacted into law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urges the South African government, in view of the high court's finding that testimony against the Sharpeville Six was perjured under police pressure, to end its savage attempts to seek the death penalty for the political acts that were engendered by the regime's own cruel Sharpeville Massacre and to grant them complete amnesty and freedom; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue its efforts through Public Services International to provide education and training resources to black public service unions in South Africa, including training in neighboring countries or in the United States, utilizing AFSCME trainers and educational materials, as appropriate; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge Congress and the Administration to end all covert and overt assistance to South African-supported elements involved in destabilizing Angola and Mozambique: and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will maintain and expand its leadership role in the Free South Africa Movement, the Shell Boycott, and in the AFL-CIO working for stronger and more effective policies and actions to demonstrate the bankruptcy and immorality of the repugnant South African apartheid regime; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME call upon the next administration to use all means possible to broaden and enforce international sanctions and that national efforts of divestment not be subverted through the subterfuge of licensing and side deals that enhance the South African corporate structure.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board

John Birnel, President
Cecilia Saari, Recording-Secretary
AFSCME Local 843, Council 28
Seattle, Washington

Cliff Fried, President
Michael Cardoza, Secretary-Treasurer
Peter Goodman, Vice President
Gary Potwin, Recording Secretary
Glen Omatsu, Member-At-Large
AFSCME Local 3238, Council 10

Oliver Preston, President
Annette Zeni, Secretary
Council 10
Oakland, California