I

198 Broadway * New York, N.Y. 10038 e (212) 962-1210 Tilden J.LeMelle, Chairman Jennifer Davis, Executive Director

7 10: Key Labor Contacts FRO) W: Mike Fleshman, Labor Desk Coordinator DAT E: January 28, 1994

Join Week of Action To Protect Free Elections In

Friends, I urge you to join with other union, religious and community leaders in a National Countdown To Democacy Week of Action, February 7-14, to protect democratic elections in South Africa.

As you know, after generations of resistance against apartheidracism, South Africa's Black majority has finally won the right to vote. The country's first ever non-racial election is now scheduled for April 27, and all polls say that Black support for and his African National Congress is overwhelming. The South African labor federation COSATU was instrumental in forcing the regime to accept democracy, and some two dozen labor leaders will be running for election with Mandela on the ANC ticket. But there is real danger that the apartheid government and its allies will steal the election through violence and fraud. In December two COSATU leaders on the ANC slate were attacked by ultra-rightists, who threatened further violence unless they withdraw their candidacies. Political violence took over 4300 lives in South Africa last year, an average of 12 per day, and the death toll so far this year is higher than even that appalling rate. With nearly 2.5 million Black voters without the necessary ID, the government department in charge-was caught burning stacks of completed application forms. The United States should be leading the international effort to protect this vital election. But to date Washington has been silent about government attacks on democracy activists and the effective banning of the ANC and COSATU in many areas. The national Week of Action will remind President Clinton and Congress that public support for South African freedom remains strong., organize a Countdown To Democracy event in your local to collect signatures on the enclosed petitions to President Clinton. The Labor Desk can provide you with a powerful 15-minute video containing Nelson Mandela's personal appeal for support for free elections. The Labor Desk can also provide you with South African Election-Watch buttons

Establishedby The American Committee on Africa, 1966 * Contributions are tax.deductible and T-shirts, action alerts and updates on recent developments. A resource order form is enclosed. Hold a fundraiser for the labor candidates running for election. COSATU has established a special campaign fund for the union candidates. Your dollars help ensure that South African unionists have the resources they need to campaign effectively. The Labor Desk can provide you with information about how to send your funds directly to the union. Become an Election Watcher Join The Africa Fund Election Watch campaign. Receive regular updates on developments in South Africa, and action suggestions on ways your union can help Black South Africans end apartheid through genuinely free and fair elections. A membership form is included in this mailing.

Labor Candidates on the ANC Slate Labor's candidates appear in the order of their national ranking on the 200-member national ANC candidates list, as follows:

6. Jay Naidoo -- former COSATU General Secretary 18. Moses; Mayekiso -- National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) 19. Chris Dlamini-- Food and Allied Workers Union, COSATU Vice President 41. Philip Dexter -- National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union 45. Alec Erwin -- former NUMSA Education Secretary, Economist 46. Gregory Rockman -- Police and Prison Civil Rights Union (NOT COSATU AFFILIATE) 50. Shepard Madladlana -- South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) [NOT COSATU AFFILIATE] 53. Randall van den Heever -- SADTU 56. Marcel Golding -- National Union of Mineworkers 76. Kgabisi Mosunkuntu -- Postal @ Telecommunications Workers Association 103. John Coplyn -- South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union 110. Duma Nkosi-- South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union 121. Nkosinathi Nhleko -- Transport and General Workers Union 145. Salie Manie -- South African Municipal Workers Union 151. Don Gumede -- Chemical Workers Industrial Union 171. Danny Oliphant -- NUMSA January 17, 1994 (100 days to go...) A Project of The Africa-Fund COUNTDOWN- TO DEMOCRACY SCHEDULE Among the activities planned for South Africa Election Watchers are the following: 80 days to go ... February 7-14 1994, Countdown to South African Democracy Week. During this week, we will collect thousands of petitions to be delivered to President Clinton urging that the U.S. speak out boldly and publicly against political violence to ensure that South Africa's first democratic election is truly free and fair. Many colleges are organizing teach-ins and distributing "Election." Watcher" buttons and T-shirts. 50 days to go..... March 8 1994, Shine a Light on Democracy Day. Many organizations and groups will hold candle-light vigils throughout the country. We will deliver , petitions to'Presldent Clinton.'

43 days to go...... March'1S-16 1994 will be a South African Election Watch Seminar on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress to beco-sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus, Artists for a Free South Africa,"'and the Africa Fund. This will be an event at which we will brief Members of Congress and White House aides about the progress and problems in the election. We would demand that Congress urge State President F.W. de Klerk to protect the lives of all South Africans during the election. i0 days to go....

Let Freedom Reign Week, April 17-27. Many denominations, including the Baptists, the Lutherans and the Presbyterians, are organizing on-going prayer circles. There will be fasting and reflection on April 27 - election day. Several colleges are planning Countdown events on their 198 Broadway campuses. New York, NY 10038 Tel: 212.962.1210 April 27 1994 ....Election Day. Fax: 212.964.8579 January 17 (100 Days to Go...)

DID YOU KNOW ..... The legacy of apartheid runs deep, creating many obstacles to achieving full electoral A Project of participation to create South Africa's new The Africa Fund democracy. Consider the following: --- 18 million people have never voted in an election before; they have no knowledge of voting laws or procedures. --- 9 million future voters - 50% of the new electorate - are illiterate, and many speak only their indigenous language. --- Independent, non-partisan information about registration*, voting procedures or even political parties is scarce or non-existent. --- A large percentage of the new electorate live in isolated rural areas; many others are transient with no permanent address under which to register*. --- A poor public transportation system, and the paucity of private transportation, may severely inhibit voters' actual access to polling places.. Increased incidences of violence in the country only exacerbate fear of voting among the electorate - especially those who are first-time voters.

--- Perhaps most daunting is the legacy of apartheid's repression which has spawned massive disenfranchisement: unemployment, the near collapse of the education system for the majority of South African children, discrimination and exploitation of African women in the socio economic and political institutions, and extreme poverty and disease. This election is the first opportunity in generations for the vast majority of South Africans to participate in determining the future for themselves, their family and their community. (excerpted from the SAFE Fact Sheet prepared by the South Africa Free Elections Fund, New York.) * The negotiators in South Africa have since 198 Broadway decided that there will be no voter registration New York, NY 10038 for this election. However identity documents will Tel: 212.962.1210 still be required. Fax: 212.964.8579 SOUTH AFRICA ELECTION WATCHER PLEDGE FORM

A Project of The Africa Fund YES, I agree to be a SOUTH AFRICA ELECTION WATCHER. I ;i work to keep people in my area informed on threats to a free and fair election in South Africa. Enclosed is a contribution toward costs. Signed_

MATERIALS Voting in the Shadow of Apartheid - Questions and Answers on the South African E e'-on by Elizabeth Landis. 4 pages. Price: 35 cents each. Over twenty, 20 cents each. _The Struggle Continues: South African Women and the Vote by Rachel Kagen and Lisa Lippman. 4 pages. Price: 35 cents each. Over twenty, 20 cents each. South Africa Election Watch T-SHIRT. Three colors. Includes the Free the Vote logo on this letterhead. (Extra Large only.) A great way to show your support for free and fair elections. $15.00.

South Africa Election Watch BUTTON. Three colors. Includes the Free the Vote logo ont-is letterhead. Price: $1.00. A PersonalAppeal by Nelson Mandela VIDEO. 14 minutes. ANC President Nelson Mandela makes a personal appeal to the international community to support the elections in South Africa. Price: $10.00. Please indicate the quantity desired on the line before item. Add 15 % postage and handling. (Foreign postage extra.)

Enclose is $ towards costs of being a South Africa Election Watcher. $10.00 $20.00 Other

$ _ for materials marked above, including 15% for postage. $ ; Total enclosed.

Name Address

Organization City State Zip.

198 Bmalway Phone home: __wwork: U-__ New York, NY 10038 FaxL- Tel: 212.962.1210 Fax: 212.964.8579 ACT NOW FOR FREEDOM! BECOME A SOUTH AFRICA ELECTION WATCHER

After 300 years of racist rule, South Africa's Black majority has finally won the right to vote. On April 27, tens of millions of Black people will be eligible to cast their ballots in the country's first ever non-racial election -- elections to end apartheid forever. But will the vote be free and fair? Powerful forces, including the apartheid government, rightwing terrorist groups and Black collaborators with the old order have targeted the democratic movement, led by Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress, for violence. Voter fraud and "dirty tricks" threaten to steal the election from the people. To a very great extent it is on Labor's broad shoulders that the success of South Africa democratic transition rests. Meeting in special convention last September, the million member labor federation COSATU voted to support the ANC in the elections. Twenty one key union leaders, including General Secretary Jay Naidoo, have been released by their unions to join the ANC ticket. THEY NEED OUR hELP. American labor has a key role to play in ensuring that South Africa's first ever democratic election is genuinely free, and that our brothers and sisters there finally do get the opportunity to destroy apartheid at the ballot-box. That is why we need you to join the Africa Fund's South Africa Election Watch Campaign. As an Election Watcher you and your union will receive regular updates on the status of South Africa's transition to democracy, and action suggestions on what you can do to help. You will also receive a copy of The Labor Desk's full color "Hands Off Labor" poster by Oakland artist Sarah Hodgson to post in your hall. We are asking a $50 donation towards the cost of the international telephone and fax charges required to keep the news coming in. ACT NOW FOR FREEDOM. Become A South Africa Election Watcher Today!

YES We want to become South Africa Election Watchers and help our Sisters and Brothers end apartheid.

Enclosed is a tax deductible donation of __ $50 another amount

Name (Organization/Individual)

Street City:/ State / Zip

Phone Fax

Signature Title

Return to The Africa Fund Labor Desk, 198 Broadway, New York, NY 10038 (212) 962-1210 198 Broadway * Now York, N.Y. 10038 e (212) 962-1210 Thiden J.LeMelle, Chairman . ,,Jenifer Davis, Executive Director

THE WEEKLY MAIL & GUARDIAN December 23110 29 -193 Cosatu nominees get death threats

Paul ,,ober the money If hey wouldleave. The men took the R600 she offered them" A CAMPAIGN of harassment. Involv- - and then assaulted her. They Ing repeated death threats and threatened to kill her children if she attacks on houses, is being waged made a noise and woke them. against two Congress of South When they left, they took the keys African Trade Union nominees for the to the front and back doors . , constltutonal assembly.._ Ma_.e said the incident had been Salle Manie of the South African reported to the police who described Municipal Workers' Union and Dante it as "clearly politically motivated Oliphant of the National Union of especially because of the letters". Metaiworkers of South Africa- both In Manie's case. he was calleii to a on Cosatu's regional list -- have , Cosatu meeting a short notice,'three received death threats over the tele- Weks ago. phone and In unsigned letters. . He lnsisted'only four at five close , Last-Thursday. Salle's former wife colleagues and family members kIew was assaulted bybalaclava-dad men about the trip. who had broken into the housein .At about midnight on the dayhe. wfich he used to live,- left. his wife received a phohe call. ::Manle is convinced the threats are from a man speaking Afrlkaans, linked to his nomination for the con- telling her about his union activities. stitutlonal assembly. "It's a political She responded by telling theman thing, they said as much,"hesaid. - that Marne had gone to Johannes At the end of last month, burg and he would have to call back Oliphant's house in Atlants on the If he wanted to speak to Manle. west coast, caught fire destroying his - The man answered: "Don't tell me front room. The police and the fire wherehes. weknowhelsinJo'burg, brigade said the blaze was caised by We know all ab ut h .iand whate an electrical fault, Is involved in." Then, sad Mai el Two days later, he received a letter, "They threatened to do away with me written In Afrlkaans telling him to and my fbmily." "pull out ofwhat hewas busywith or Since then the family has been worse things would happen". The let- receiving up to 10 calls a day. "Some ter did not say what he shouldpull times theyjust wait for us to pick up out of...... - - then they put the phone down. They A week later he received a second have never spoken to me directly." letter, warning him that next time he said Manle. would not survive and that "we are. . ldie worrying for Mai wife is wathingyau", the men who watch the house from On December 16, Oliphant's for- cars which are parked outside the mer wife, who lives with her three- house for seven toeight hours at a children, woke up to find two men time. wearing balaclavas in the house. Manle adopted some security mea Rooms and even kitchen appliances sures bt has nolluslonsabout how had been covered-in red paint. effective they can be. "If they want She begged them not to hurt her or- you they will just wait until they get the children and said she would gve their chance" he said.

, .L , -'wC''; .,: : - - -

Established by The American Committee on Africa. 1966 * Contributions are tax-deductible the facts

THE WASHINGTON POST THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1994 A19 A Project of The Africa Fund South Mrican Instead, the failure of the talks seems to be pushing Viljoen into the Right Wing hard-liners' camp. He and Hartzen berg announced today that the Volksfront would hold a national Issues Threat congress on Jan. 29 to set up a shadow right-wing government and to plan for resisting the probable By Paul Taylor ANC-led government after April WashimnonPost Fomp Servn 27. JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 19 Viljoen and Hartzenberg had With prospects fading for a political characterized the pre-election settlement that would draw the phase of their resistance campaign white right wing into South Africa's as nonviolent, focusing on such first democratic election, the right's strategies as tax boycotts. Today, self-styled man of peace resorted they upped the ante, at least rhe today to threats of violence. torically. "Sometimes you have to use a lit ANC President Nelson Mandela tle bit of violence to prevent further called Viljeon's comments "very big violence," said the co-chairman 'rgrettable." He said the door of the , retired would remain open to negotiations general , once even after Monday, but reiterated head of the South African Defense that the ANC would never accept Forces. "If we don't find self-deter any state in the new South Africa in mination at this stage ... then we which ethnicity was the basis for will have much more violence in the full citizenship rights. future." "Don't imagine that the ultra The Volksfront is pressing for a right represents the Afrikaners," separate state for Afrikaners-3 Mandela cautioned reporters. Polls million whites of mostly Dutch her show that the Afrikaner right wing itage who devised the apartheid is becoming more isolated as it be s~stem of racial separation that will comes more hard-line. "You have be -fully dismantled after the April essentially a morselized resistance, X' vote. Volksfront talks with the full of a lot of crazies," said a West fhite-minority, National Party gov ern diplomat. "That increases the ernment and the African National chances there will be trouble-but G6ngress. the probable election probably also increases the chances winner, face a self-imposed deadline tlt it can be contained." o Monday, and none of the parties 'In his comments today, Mandela eppects an agreement. also defended the ANC's decision to (Since Viljoen came out of retire allow his estranged wife, Winnie, to ihent last April to lead the newly be one of its candidates for the na formed Volksfront, the general has tional parliament, despite her 1991 presented himself as a dealmaker conviction on a kidnapping charge. and peacemaker. Many figures in He noted that Winnie Mandela had government, the ANC and the dip finished fifth--out of hundreds of 16matic community hoped he might candidates-in the list-making vote ultimately moderate the hard-liners conducted by the ANC's grass-roots 198 Broadway in his alliance, such as Volksfront chapters. New York, NY 10038 co-chairman of "Ifthe masses decide that in spite Tel: 212.962.1210 the Conservative Party and Neo of her so-called criminal record, she Fax: 212.964.8579 Nazi paramilitary leader Eugene should stand for parliament, we Terre'Blanche. must accept that," Mandela said. March 8, 1994 President Bill Clinton The White House Washington DC A Project of The Africa Fund Dear Mr. President,

In exactly 50 days South Africa will hold its first non-racial democratic election, scheduled for April 27 1994. But political violence continues to threaten the right of all South Africans to elect a government of their choice. It is time for the U.S. to speak out boldly and publicly to ensure that South Africa's first ever democratic election is truly free and fair. We the undersigned urge you to demand that de Klerk protect the election and all those who participate in it.

In 1993, political violence killed an average of twelve people every day, and the killing continues.

State President F.W. de Klerk is still in charge of the police and military, some of whom have been implicated in the violence. This has led Nelson Mandela to state publicly that "the lame duck de Klerk regime is unable and unwilling to stop violence." The U.S. must guarantee a free and fair election.

SIGNATORIES

Name -Address Name Address

Name Address Name Address Name Address Name Address Name Address

Name Address

(Please return petitions to the Africa Fund, 198 Broadway, New York, NY 10038, no later than March 1, 1994.) 198 Broadway New York, NY 10038 Tel: 212.962.1210 Fax: 212.964.8579