Business Day
*Cosatu backs ‘NObama’ coalition’s protests plan*** *Karl Gernetzky, Business Day, Johannesburg, 21 June 2013** ***THE Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) on Thursday threw its weight behind demonstrations planned over US President Barack Obama’s state visit to South Africa later this month.
The trade union federation called on workers to participate in the protests, saying it joined millions of people the world over, particularly on the African continent and in South Africa, who are outraged at the horrifying record of US foreign policy.
The statement from Cosatu comes as groups, including the South African Communist Party (SACP), the Friends of Cuba Society and Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions against Israel have joined forces to "utterly reject" Mr Obama’s visit.
The "NObama" coalition has promised a "national day of action" next Friday in the form of a march from the Union Buildings to the US embassy in Pretoria.
A protest is also planned at the University of Johannesburg on Friday in protest against the institution’s plans to award Mr Obama with an honorary doctorate.
Cosatu listed as justification for the protest to the state visit, among other things, the US’s support of Israel, the continued existence of the Guantanamo Bay prison and "US policies that perpetuate unequal and exploitative trade relations and underdevelopment in Africa and the rest of the developing world".
"We call on all workers, communities and activists, particularly working with our alliance partners the SACP and ANC (African National Congress), as well as the various progressive civil society formations, to join the announced activities throughout the country," read the statement.
Mr Obama’s visit to South Africa forms part of a three-country tour that includes Senegal and Tanzania. The visit has already sparked controversy over the Democratic Alliance-led City of Cape Town’s decision to present him with the Freedom of the City Award.
The ANC had called on Mr Obama not to accept the award.*From: http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/2013/06/21/cosatu-backs-nobama-coalitions-protests-plan# <http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/2013/06/21/cosatu-backs-nobama-coalitions-protests-plan>*
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