Dear Comrades,
Following the postponement of the public launch of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) as a result of the funeral of the COSATU's founding 1st Deputy President, Chris Dlamini, in Swaziland, the coordinating team met on the 30 November 2009 to redefine the process and to agree on new dates. The meeting benefitted from the participation and presence of key resource people from different sites of the democratic cause. The meeting also received a report from Swaziland regarding the funeral of comrade Chris. This report provided a useful insight into some of the latest indicators and dynamics at play inside the country. In this regard, the meeting then decided on the following dates and processes: 1. 10-11 February 2010: Public launch of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign and joint Swazi-South Africa civil society programme development workshop. The official campaign launch will take place on the 11 February 2010. The agreed workshop between organisations from Swaziland and South Africa to look at (i) an assessment of momentum on both sides of the border, (ii) the sharing of experiences of solidarity platforms from South Africa and Zimbabwe and (iii) the development of a common programme of action in support of democracy in Swaziland, will take place the day preceding the launch. (The scenario planning element of this programme will take place early March 2010.) 2. 19 January 2010: A further South African civil society report back meeting will be convened on the 19 January 2010 at the same venue, the offices of the South African Council of Churches. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the coordinating team to provide a report back on their work thus far and to finalise preparation for the launch, including agreeing on the draft programme of action initially developed at the first SA civil society meeting. 3. 15 December 2009: Conclusion of the Global Declaration in support of the struggle for democracy in Swaziland. The idea for a global declaration emerged as a product of continuous engagement between organisations on both sides of the borders. The draft declaration has been concluded and will be tabled at the report back meeting of the SA chapter. and at a meeting to be convened inside Swaziland, for amendment and endorsement. Over and above individuals and organisations that have already pledged their support for the Swazi cause, further signatories are welcomed. The final, signed declaration will be published the week before the launch. We ask that comrades diarise these dates. Further information with more details will be forwarded for each event closer to the time. Finally, we wish to express our sincere and comradely thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2009 solidarity actions and we look forward to working with you all in heightening the momentum in 2010! For any queries about these &/ other events linked to the Swaziland Democracy Campaign please contact the coordinating team convenor, Venetia Govender, on 082 222 3074. Yours in support of democracy in Swaziland, The Joint Civil Society Coordinating Team -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SA Swaziland Solidarity EOM Forum" group. Visit the group site at http://groups-beta.google.com/group/sa-swaziland-solidarity-eom-forum for more options, pages and files. To post to the group, send email to [email protected] or reply to this message. To unsubscribe, send email to [email protected]
