re.NS+ notes o:'IQBER '83 #14.

SOUTH , AFRICAN , ,, .. MILITARY REFUGEE .- AID ·,FUND

Welcorre to Newsletter # 14. In the Piet Wapen Botha and the regime are trying last couple of editions, we laid some heavy to baffle people. Both have organizing errphasis on specific issues (police brutal­ potential and represent advances for the ity in# 13 and racial violence in# 12). struggle inside South Africa. There are For this issue, we have collected a number ideological differences as well as different of news items relating to the struggle views on organizing strategies that are in southern Africa and the U.S. We hope being articulat ed by t he two coalitions. this variety of infonnation keeps you in­ The UDF is broad in rrembership. According fonred and is helpful to your work. to the Cape Argus newspaper, total rrember­ Sare of the areas of concern and activity ship in the UDF runs sanewhere between for the southern African solidarity rroverrent 1 and 1~ million people. The UDF has have received a lot of publicity lately. attracted an impressive number of activists, The entertainers boycott and the issue such as Allan Boesak, Oscar Mpetha, Albertina of South African sportsmen are so praninent, Sisulu, Archie Gumede and many others. that we thought we would provide space Groups such as the Azanian Student Organiza­ for an entertainment page and a sports tion, NUSAS (the National Union of South page. We have also received some interest­ African Students) and the Catholic Bishops' ing letters, particularly from draft resist­ Conference are a few annng the 400 or so ers in southern Africa, so we'll have a organizations making up the UDF. letters section too. If we could provide Although t he UDF cannot publically endorse a crossword and a hor oscope, we could do the Freedom Charter, i t i s relatively clear a "Not the New York Post" issue. that the level of unity within the coalition We really encourage those of you who favors support for the ideals of this docu­ actually read the newsletter, to respond ment, drawn up at the Congress of the People in writing if you agree or disagree with our analysis, or find you have something further to say about a topic. Such letters provide good material for written debates and ofteh help clarify the issue. Finally, if you haven't subscribed yet, pleasee consider doing so. It costs $10 for 6 copies per year.

COALITONS ARE FORMED INSIDE Sa.rm AFRICA.

Things are popping inside South Africa. Two anti-apartheid coalitions have formed to further develop the struggle for liber­ ation. The rrost popular group is the United Derrocratic Front (UDF). The UDF was launch­ ed at a national congress on August 20, in Cape Town; attended by over 12,000 people. Bringing together labor unions, church, student and cornnunity groups, the UDF is a multi-racial coalition. Another coalition the National Forum (NF) is an alliance ' of Black groups which convened in June. Both networks have focused on opposition to the constitutional changes with which in 1955. The Freedom Charter has since Clearly, both coalitions have statements become the ideological foundation of the that call for the creation of a new economic African National Congress (ANC). and social system in South Africa, and The UDF does not steer too far away both are intent upon the absolute destruction from the ideas embodied in the Freedom of apartheid. Where then, do their differ­ Charter. For example, one declaration ences lie? adopted at the UDF congress states, "We, Both coalitions have publicly acknowledged the freedom loving people of South Africa, their points of difference. There are say with one voice to the world that we a full variety of disagreements, from the cherish the vision of a united derrocratic name of a future liberated country (South South Africa, based on the will of the Africa or Azania) to rrore corrplex ideolog­ people and we will strive for the unity ical formulations. We, in SAMRAF, believe of all peoples through united action against that this debate is i.rtportant. Differences the evils of apartheid, economic and all over objectives and strategies do not alway~ forms of exploitation." In addition, the lead to disruption. Often, the issues UDF list of patrons includes ANC jailed are sharpened and clarified, a process leaders Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, leading to greater unity. Govan Mbeki and Dennis Goldberg. Much of the debate centers on the leader­ The UDF, defining itself as an "alliance ship of the struggle and within that context, of extra-parliamentary groups," has stated the role of whites. Groups adhering to clearly that it will not work with groups the ideals of the Freedom Charter usually who participate in underrocratic structures, support rrrulti-racial organization and leader­ such as the Progressive Federal Party, ship. They see it as a point of strength the so-called opposition party in the all­ that progressive white organizations join white parliament , and Gatsha Buthelezi's their efforts against the white government. Inkatha rrovement that participates in the Whites are usually permitted equal partici­ management of the "Zulu homeland." How­ pation. ever, the UDF is making a concerted effort On the other hand, groups adhering to to attract syrrpathetic whites and liberals the principles of Black solidarity often to its ranks, forming a definite rainbow reject alliances of equal status with whites. coalition. · As Dr. Neville Alexander, a forrrer political The NF is an independent grouping and prisoner held on Robben Island and involved is not clearly aligned with the ANC or with the NF, stated, "There are many arrong the politics of the Freedom Charter. It the whites who are corrmitted to the ideal has brought together Black Consciousness of liberation and who are prepared to groups "to look at ways of achieving closer make sacrifices. They rrrust be allowed working relationships between organizations to play a part in the struggle, but the in the Black corrrnunity." The NF' s initial leadership of the struggle rrrust remain meeting was attended by over 800 people, with the Black working class." representing over 200 organizations. The These issues are very errotionally charged NF drew up a docurrent entitled "The Manifesto for Black activists who have witnessed of the Azanian People." The document states: both the enorrrous sufferings of their people "Our struggle for national liberation is at the hands of whites and the betrayals directed against the system of racial cap­ of the struggles by whites and blacks who italism, which holds the people of Azania have been bought off by various partial in bondage for the benefit of the small measures offered by the white government. minority of white capitalists and their SAMRAF is conscious of these differences allies, the white workers and the reactionary within the Black rrovement on the questions sections of the Black middle class. of leadership and the role of whites. The struggle against apartheid is no rrore Our position is that whites in South than the point of departure for our liber­ Africa, who have benef itted all their lives ation efforts~ Apartheid will be eradicated and for generations from the blatant racial with the system of racial capitalism." domination of black people, have no right Groups such as AZAPO (the Azanian Peoples' to expect equal participation in leadership Organization) and SACOS (the South African in the struggle, nor to expect equal shares Council of Students) and some of the indepen­ in the future of a liberated South Africa, dent workers organizations and unions partic­ unless they make a contribution to that pate in the NF. liberatory process. Many whites will jurrp 2. on the bandwagon as it becomes even clearer DENNIS BRUTUS A YSLUM DECISION that the apartheid regirre will not determine the future shape of things. They will Dennis Brutus has finally been granted asylum in try and seek power and influence even within the United States. Reagan's State Department never the liberation structures. Even Harry changed its position seeking deportation, but an immi­ Oppenheimer, one of the world's richest gration judge ruled in favor of Dennis. Still, his case and powerful capitalists, has rejected highlights many of the blatant abuses of U.S. immigra­ the constitutional revisions offered by tion policy. the Botha regime. We believe that he and Dennis Brutus, born in what is now Zimbabwe, to other ruling class whites cannot have a South African parents, lived most of his life in South say in the future of South Africa, because Africa. He is a prominent activist known widely for his they will never be representing the needs work in SANROC (South African Non-Racial Olym­ of the people. pic Comm.), publicizing apartheid in sports and coor­ How can someone who has reaped eno.nrous dinating international boycotts of South African sport. benefits from the colonial situation expect In 1961 he lost his job as a schoolteacher as a result of to benefit from a revolutionary situation? his political involvement. He was prohibited from pub­ It's impossible. Black people in South lishing his writings, banned, shot at by the security po­ Africa will be their own liberators. lice and finally arrested and impirsoned in 1963. He The role for us as whites is to spread fled to Britain in 1966, where he obtained a British pro-liberation sentiment arrong our people passport on the basis of his birthrights in Rhodesia. and carry out a program of action that He has been in the U.S. since 1970, becoming a ten­ is defined in a clear and focused way in ured professor of English at Northwestern University. order to make a contribution to tearing The Immigration Service routinely renewed his visa down the institutions currently defending until 1980 when Rhodesia became Zimbabwe and Brit­ white supremacy in South Africa. ain revoked his passport. He obtained a Zimbabwean To attack either the UDF or the NF and passport in November 1980 and applied for a new visa fully support one position over the other in January 1981. However, the new Reagan adminis­ is not the appropriate approach, particular­ tration refused to renew his visa and instituted deporta­ ly for whites. Indeed, there are many tion proceedings, because his visa renewal application areas of unity between the 2 coalitions was filed six months late and Dennis continued to that are very obvious. There are strengths work at Northwestern while he was technically "out of to both positions. The UDF is right ... the status." people will decide. However, no program Given leave to apply for asylum, Dennis did so, but can be carved in stone. It has to be able the State Dept. in an advisory opinion held that he did to deal with the new threats and dangers not meet the requirements for political asylum. Al­ that the enemy so willingly provides, as though conceding that he has a "well founded fear of well as'learning from the mistakes made persecution in South Africa" he would not face such in the past. danger in his native Zimbabwe, according to the Rea­ In this light, we welcome the formation gan administration. of both the UDF and the NF with the knowledge The advisory opinion also discounted the numerous that the minds and actions of many people political assassinations in the frontline states which can help solve the problems facing the have been linked to the South African security forces, poor and landless in South Africa. abductions across international borders, and the out­ right military invasions of Angola, Mozambique, and Lesotho. Dennis, in his legal brief, cited the cas!! of Joe Gqabi, a representative of the African National Con­ gress (ANC) who was killed by machine gun fire in Zimbabwe in 1982. The State Department's reply: "[I]t has never been proven that this assassination was com­ mitted by South African agents." At a January 1983 hearing, the administration intro­ duced a new and sinister element to the case. It indi­ cated its intention to rely on "classified" documents in requesting the expulsion of Dennis Brutus. These docu­ ments were not made available to Dennis or his attor­ ney. The administration implied that Dennis was an "excludable alien" on the basis of his membership in subversive or Communist groups, but refused to cite

3. specific information. that draft resistance is already a major issue in certain Finally on Sept. 6, Immigration Judge Irving sectors of the white South African community. Schwartz ruled in Chicago that "Brutus posed a threat In their letters to us, these resisters have quite clear­ to the government of South Africa," and that he has ly stated their opposition to the regime and what it "made himself hated by just about every South African represents. We are printing one such letter, to give our for his views and actions on sports." He also held that readers more of an idea of the position that these indi­ evidence presented "clearly" showed that South Africa viduals are in. pursues its enemies across its borders with squads that "go in and commit mayhem or murder or even kidnap­ Dear Sir: ping." Calling Dennis "a prime target" Judge Schwartz It has been brought to my attention that your organi­ granted political asylum, but not before the specter of zation assists South African draft-dodgers. Possibly, and McCarthyism reared its ugly head in the courtroom. I hope, you will be able to assist me, but first let me tell Called to testify by the Immigration Service, Dennis you about my predicament. denied that he was a Communist. On completion of my Matric at High School After a two-year struggle Dennis Brutus has won in • South Africa, I was forcibly conscripted into the what he calls a "victory in the fight against racism." South African Army. I, with a heavy heart, and against He did not say whether he meant the racism of the the principles by which I stand, entered the South Afri­ South African government or the racism of the U.S. can Forces on the 7 July 1982 (see enclosed photostats). immigration system. I was stationed at South African Infantry Battalion Racism is endemic to immigration policy in the U.S. in . I completed my basic tr~ ining, which was fol­ ~he cou~s have. frequently ruled against the Immigra­ lowed by a series ofp ropaganda films, supporting the tion Service for its unequal treatment of Black and His­ South African war effort and painting a very evil and panic refugees and immigrants. The Haitians and Sal­ dark picture of SWAPO. When I started voicing my ob­ vadoreans are currently receiving discriminatory and jections to this, and to fighting against SWAPO on the grossly unequal treatment. Namibian/Angolan border, as I sympathize with Immigration policy also has a bias towards granting SWAPO's aims and I believe SWAPO has a very legiti­ asylum to all those coming from East-Bloc or socialist mate right to govern over Namibia, I came under in­ countries while denying asylum to refugees from worse tense pressure from officers and N. C. O.s in the S.A. Army who made my life miserable. When I started ex­ co~ditio~~ whi~h prevail under such oppressive regimes as m Halt!, Chile, El Salvador, the Phillipines, and pressing my disgust at the racist, white minority regime South Africa, apparently because the U.S. maintains which controls the country and the inhumane policy of such friendly relations with these dictatorships. apartheid which they practice, I was subjected to beat­ Dennis Brutus was subject to both these common ings and my life became totally unbearable. I decided to disadvantages, but was additionally saddled with the desert as I believed it was far better to proclaim my be­ unusual problem of not being able to challenge or rebut liefs from outside a prison, rather than from inside one. '~classified" allegations made against him. His clear eli­ I fled to on the 1983, where I was registered as gibility for· asylum eventually carried him over all the a refugee with the United Nations High Commissioner obstacles. for Refugees (see enclosed letter). I have applied for re­ The precedent is nevertheless disturbing. The Immi­ settlement in Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, gration Service seems intent on expanding its already and the United Kingdom, however all my efforts have vast discretionary powers in asylum cases. It also raises been in vain. It would appear to me, that these countries questions concerning the source of such "classified" in­ are too busy to hear the appeals for assistance from fel­ formation and the nature of the relationship between low human beings. U.S. information gathering agencies and the South Af­ I have now concentrated my efforts on resettlement in rican security police. This tactic must be challenged the USA, where I hope to further my education at a whenever it reappears, lest asylum become the sole do­ College/University. I have consulted with the US Con­ main of Russian musicians and Polish shopkeepers to sul, who has informed me, that if I can get a scholar­ the exclusion of devoted political activists like Dennis ship, or some form offinancial assistance in the USA, Brutus. my chances of being accepted into the US would be in­ creased astronomically. I have 4 good friends who stay in Philadelphia and who have offered to accommodate SOUTH AFRICAN WAR RESISTERS me in the first few months which I am in the USA. All that remains is for me to get the financial assis­ Recently, we have received a number of queries for tance to get to the States and/or a scholarship to study assistance from white South African war resisters in there. refugee camps situated in countries neighbouring South Other young people my age in the US will be attend­ Africa. These young men have voted with their feet ing Universities or Colleges this year, oblivious to the and refused to serve in apartheid's army. Such actions fact that what they're receiving is a luxury, and that are extremely hopeful and add substance to the belief freedom is never appreciated until it is lost. But because 4. I had the guts to stand up for the oppressed people of with the South African regi.rre, the Angolan South Africa, and my belief in basic human rights for governrrent and representatives from SWAPO. all people irrespective of the colour of their skin, I am According to a report published in Africa stagnating in a refugee camp, penniless, a bleak and un­ News (September 12, 1983), the Secretary certain future facing me. General was quoted as saying that as far Please, I appeal to you to help me. as the UN role was concerned, rmst of the Yours Hopefully, outstanding issues have been resolved. What appears to be the main stumbling SAMRAF, in conjunction with the United Method­ block? According to both the U.S. and ist Church and Church World Services, hopes to ar­ South African regi.rres, the presence of range sponsorship into the United States of refugees Cuban troops in Angola makes it inpossible who are now living in camps just across the borders of for them to accept any independence plan. South Africa. Sponsors are individuals, community The current US administration has coined groups, or church congregations that agree to offer the phrase "linkage". Through a process food and shelter to a refugee for the first 90 days in the of devious political thinking and interven­ U.S. tion, they have been able to justify that We see the effort to aid military resisters who have the presence of Cuban troops in Angola fled to the frontline states of Southern Africa in the allows them the right to deny the Na1libian same light as the assistance we provide to genuine re­ people their self-determination. The bottom sisters who flee South Africa and come directly to the line is that "linkage" rreans the continued U.S. We are able to ease the transition and to ensure sufferring for Namibian and Angolan people. that free legal help is provided to resisters seeking refu­ The MPLA governrrent is seriously threat­ gee status and/or political asylum. We firmly believe ened by South Africa and South African that they are entitled to this service, as are all refugees backed UNITA dissidents. On the one hand, from South Africa who are opponents of the apartheid MPLA needs the protection of the Cuban system. forces to prevent this destabilization from being total. On the other hand, the South Africans and the U.S. are quite happy with t he Cuban 11 1111111111 ,, '' .. forces in position, although they say the ~~1~111~rn1 1 t- opposite. Tne Arrericans coined the phrase "linkage" and the South Africans have sub­ ~~ IE>I sequently jurrped on the bandwagon, using the presence of Cuban troops as a further weapon in their arsenal against the liber­ ation struggle, after all, the South African regi.rre claims it is protecting the peoples of Angola, Namibia and South Africa from the great "comm.mist" threat. The presence of the Cuban troops (between 10,000 and 20,000) may be posed as the major stumbling block, but it is just part of the overall campaign waged by irrperialism to show that a socialist governrrent cannot survive in Africa and that Namibia cannot be controlled by SWAPO. Whether there are Cuban troops in Angola or not, South Africa would still be waging war in that region, because African liber­ ation, as articulated and practiced by SWAPO, remains a very serious threat to ANGOLA. BIG CHEESE CAN'T BUr:x;E S. AFRICANS. apartheid's regional rule. We are not undererrphasizing the inp)rt­ The Secretary General of the United ance of Cuban support for Angola. No govern­ Nati ons, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, recently rrent in the world is going to make its led a delegation to southern Africa, specif­ existence vulnerable and surely for the ically to deal with problems confronting Angolan government, Cuban presence is part independence for the Namibian people. of their overall security. It is also Late in August, he and his delegation rret an indication of international solidarity.

5. For the U.S. and South Africa to make such a noise about the presence of foreign troops in Angola, while South Africa has an equiv­ alent number (if not rrore) in that same region, while the U.S. has hundreds of thousands on every continent in the world, is hypocritical to say the least. The Angolans are faced with sorTE tough choices . The U.S. wants them to send the Cuban troops home with the promise that South Africa will pull out. The South Africans want Jonas Savimbi represented in the Angolan governrrent. These terms, according to both regil'TEs, will allow the irrplementation of Namibian independence. lf the Angolan governrrent were to go along by outside forces. Indeed, it is easy with these proposals they would have to to say "the struggle continues" for the embrace UNITA, a group which has been act­ solidarity rrovement in the U.S. and in ively attemting to overthrow the governrrent, Europe. But for SWAPO and MPLA they have and put their trust in the hands of the no choice, they have to continue waging enemy. Neither the U.S. governrrent, nor anred struggle and militarily resisting the South African governrrent would ever the South Africa/U.S. conspiracy. Here accept members who seek to overthrow these in the U.S., we can expose their plight, respective governrrents into their ranks. build support for their liberation and Yet they expect the Angolans to do so, subvert this very reactionary power which and have the arrogance to make this a pre­ does not permit them to enjoy basic human condition. freedoms. If the Angolans call the U.S. and If UN resolution 435 (the independence South Africa on their bluff, the risks of Namibia resolution), which SWAPO supports, would be too great. Angola would be stripped is to be implemented, then the strategy of yet another line of defence (the Cubans). of the U.S. and South Africa rrrust be combat­ The intentions of the U.S. are to support ted every inch of the way. Our ability South Africa, so any deal that's entered to fight this enemy in the U.S. can give into with the U.S. will only strengthen strength to the struggle in Southern Africa, South Africa's position in the region. and strength is so desperately needed. The other choice facing the Angolans is to step up the military struggle. This will no doubt play further havoc with an FEDS ARE AT IT AGAIN. already chaotic Angolan economy. Angola has to spend so much on defence, that it As a result of the hearings on "terrorism" is unable to implement its other social initiated by right wing politician Jeremiah programs properly. '!he risk attatched Denton, Southern African liberation rrovement to this possibility is that victory is offices in the U.S. are having to deal not certain. It is questionable whether with increased probing by nosy G-Men. Angola alone can face up to the U.S. backed The Feds are demanding access to files South African war machine. and financial records. Apparently, they There are no easy answers to the current demand a copy of any public statement made predicarTEnt facing the peoples of Angola. by a member of ANC or SWAPO. They have already exhibited their solidarity Representatives from the ANC have pointed and support for SWAPO and continue to pay out that such harrassrTEnt is nothing new a high price for this. They really have to the Black South African rrovement. Such no choice but to continue struggling. rroves occur regulalry inside South Africa SWAPO is also very clear that it intends against many political organizations. to maintain its struggle at a very high This sentil'TEnt truly reflects what no agency level. or conservative politician can stop, narTEly If the Angolan and the Namibian people the right of South African people to deter­ are willing to fight in the face of such mine their own future. obstacles, then they rrrust be supported Denton is going out of his way to harass

6. and banish the external rrovements for nation­ by 5 transit Authority Cops. He died 2 al liberation from the U.S. (not to mention weeks later. Now, the ~dical Examiner what he's doing to the internal ones'). of New York City is saying that Michael During these hearings, former rrembers of died of pneurronia and a heart attack. the ANC and rrembers of dissident Namibian He might well have died of a heart attack, groups were wined, dined and rrost probably as a result of the stranyulation to which paid very well by Denton's conmittee. he was subjected. Whatever occurred, he These people then testified during public was alive and well before the police inter­ hearings to bolster Denton's gross mis­ fered with him and now he is dead. Despite conception of "terrorism." all the quotes from senior city officials It is important that progressive people about the "myths" of police brutality, around the U.S. know that this activity people are still being murdered. has been stepped up. The connection between the liberation rrovements in southern Africa and the solidarity rrovement here is a vital link in the international struggle to defeat apartheid.

WARNING: SUBWAY TRACKS ARE DANGEROUS.

The New York City Transit Police seem responsible for the death of a 25 year old Black man, Michael Stewart. Michael, an artist, was doing sorre creative -work with a spray canister in a subway station in Manhattan, when he was beaten senseless

POLICE BRUTALITY. A RESPONSE. and the "rights of a human being". (Droits Dear Comrades, de l'horrroo; droits du citoyen.) Your article on the parallels between This distinction is very useful in thee U.S. and S.African police racist ac­ shedding light on the difference between tivities was very perceptive and well thought political emancipation and human emancipation. out. In fact, one can easily extend the Thus in the U.S., Black people have consti­ parallelism to the "back yard" concept tutional (political) rights, but not the shared by both governm2nts. Just as the rights of human beings. In South Africa U.S. considers Central and South Arrerica on the other hand, Blacks have neither as its "back yard", so does South Africa political nor human rights. The absence consider southern Africa as its domain. of human emancipation in both South Africa Thus·, South Africa will invade Angola, and the U.S. is the fertile ground upon fvbzarnbique or any other country in the which the dragon of white supremacy feeds region on the same basis as the U.S. will so voraciously. invade any country in their "back yard". The "back yard" concept is in fact This parallelism is easier to under­ a rrere pretext for national chauvinism stand in teilT\S of foreign policy; but of both the U.S. and South African govern­ not in teilT\S of dom=stic discriminatory rrents. If we can understand the full import policies. In South Africa, Blacks are of both white supremacy and national chauvin­ discriminated and brutalized on the basis ism, the parallelism of both U.S. and South of racism, and the doctrine of white sup­ African police brutality against Blacks remacy is constitutionally accepted. But becomes abundantly clear. In this regard, in the U.S., and in accordance with the your article's call on progressive whites constitution of the "Founding Fathers", in these societies to struggle for social all people are equal in the eyes of the change in solidarity with Black liberation law. Unlike the French declaration of rrovements is very welcorre indeed. rights, the Arrerican declaration does not In struggle, distinguish between the "rights of a citizen" Carlos Rodriguez (~xico City).

7. GREAT WHITE HOPES ment ... "I just want to say hi to Mom in Benoni and all the boys in USUALLY FALL FLAT IN RING the Royal bar," ... in other words, this man had nothing to say. Another born-loser was Arnie Taylor, a lightweight of some cali­ They have to be raising their glasses in the all-white bars of South bre who acually became world champion for a whole 2 months. Tay­ Africa, toasting their latest hero ... Gerrie Coetzee-the heavy­ lor was distinguished for singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way" in the weight who recently defeated Michael Dokes to become "almost dressing room before each fight. Arni-= Taylor knnrked out Romeo world champion." He now is hoping to fight Larry Holmes for the Anaya in 1973, but 8 weeks later a young Vietnamese lad wandered W. B. C. crown-"the real thing" in the boxing scene. into town and beat the Jiving shit out of Arnie. He went the way of Much has been written, particularly in this newsletter, about the all losers. role of white South African sportsmen internationally. For whites in Perhaps the most classic idiot of them all was a fighter called Mike South Africa, a superior-race mentality is woven into the fabric of Schutte. Nicknamed Tank, this character had a physique closely re­ the culture. Whites identify with their sportsmen and harangue the sembling that of Jackie Gleason. He used to sit on his opponents. rest of the world for isolating South African sports, completely miss­ Schutte wobbled around for a number of years, and was known for ing the main point: Most of the world objects to apartheid, in sports his classic statement of why he was a boxer. He said, "I do it for and everywhere else. God, my country, and my family." What could be better for white supremacy than to have a white Then there was Kallie Knoetze, the white flying squad cop who South African punch out a Black American and get paid millions of had crippled a young Black man with a bullet during the Soweto dollars to do it? We're not speculating as to the outcome of the ex­ uprisings. pected fight between Holmes and Coetzee ... some people couldn't The racism in South African sport is designed to insure white care Jess .. . but, some of us see another "great white hope" being set champions. For instance Elijah Tap Tap Makhatini, who was one of up to fuel the patriotic fervor and all of the sick supremacist values the best black boxers in South Africa and who knocked down Curtis inherent in apartheid. Cokes, was never really able to get out of South Africa because he With this in mind, we offer some "slightly deviant info" to maybe kept on having to fight "white boy wonder" Charlie Weir. The fights give folk in America a little lowdown on some of the fighters that usually went the distance, but because the panel of judges was all apartheid has thrust into the ring. white, Weir got the decision every time. One of SAMRAF's members, who for now will remain anony­ Now Gerrie Coetzee is the latest hope. He has made statements mous, but who has been known to drive a hack in New York City, distancing himself from apartheid, saying thay he opposes racism in once picked up Don King-the fatcat boxing promoter. Don King, his country and wishes that he could be viewed as an individual inde­ who has managed both white and black boxers in South Africa, pendent from South Africa's policies. claimed in the course of idle banter along the Van Wyk Expressway Well, Gerrie it's not that simple. White South Africans carry a to Kennedy Airport that Black South African boxers are among the violent history around with them. It's going to take more than words toughest and strongest men in boxing. But, because of apartheid they to undo some of that damage. do not receiive the right nutrition and training programs. Thus their At this point in history Black people are sacrificing their lives to ability to maintain stamina and to train effectively is seriously ham­ see change in South Africa. If whites hate apartheid too then they pered. After liberation, it is possible that many black boxers from have to make some contribution to destroying it. Perhaps Gerrie South Africa will gain the recognition they deserve. (Mr. King Coetzee might offer a large part of his earnings to those forces who wasn't willing to come out in support of the revolution, though, and will defeat racism in South Africa. he gave a lousy tip, too-the cheap shiester.) Just as Hitler had a lot riding on Max Schnelling to knock down the Brown Bomber, Joe Louis, the South African government has a NAAS BOTHA GETS THE BOOT real investment in its white boxers. One such individual was Pierre Fourie, who fought Bob Foster for the title a number of times. At the Naas Botha, who tried out for the Dallas Cowboys as a placekick­ end of one fight the jerk from the SABC (South African Broadcast­ er, didn't make the team. A career cop in South Africa, Botha gave ing) thrust a microphone in Pierre's face, asking him what he up white supremacy's glory game of rugby to come and "make it" in thought of the fight, Pierre responded with the classic state- America. Well, he didn't.

COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE ••• The issue of military resistance and the role that subversion can play within the ranks of the oppressor armed forces have always been of special interest to us. Our next newsletter will focus on this topic, and look particularly at other international exarrples such as the Portuguese Arrred Forces Movement and the GI Movement in Arrerica.

8. ENTERTAINMENI' SCOOPS. that 4 Black members of BWMI', who were turned away at the door, filed a corrplaint On September 14, a press conference with the Human Rights Cornnission. A boycott, was sponsored at the United Nations by picket line and news confercnces were organ­ a group called "Artists and Athletes against ized~ Apartheid." The co-chairs are Harry Bela­ This kind of pressure and exposure has fonte and Arthur Ashe, and participants forced the owner to make a public apology, in this event included Tony "Felix Unger" to set a deadline of 4 ITDnths in which Randall, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee and others. a new hiring policy will bring ITDre Black The role of the group is to encourage other and Hispanic folk into jobs at the club, star performers not to play in South Africa to post signs at the door stating that until apartheid is eradicated. no discrimination will be practiced {in other words admitting that they're a bunch of racists), and to make a $2000 contribution WHOSE ALL BEEN? to BWMI''s Discrimination Documentation Project {shelling out for being racists}. Linda Ronstadt, who somehow or other This particular white South African wound up on the television show of the "Baas" or "Massa" negotiated and signed 25th anniversary of l'-t)town music earlier an agreerrent within 4 ITDnths of opening this .year, indicated her real respect for his club, and one ITDnth of concerted action Black people's cause and culture by touring to expose his backwardness. One small Sun City recently. victory showing the inter-connectedness of the struggle.

WHOSE ALL GOING?

Tom Selleck, the Magnum P.I. gumshoe has signed to tour South Africa in October. This man, who on television is capable JUSTICE TAKES A BEATING. of solving just about every problem that confronts him, is obviously not as bright According to the South African Digest, as the tube makes him out to be. the Northern Transvaal division of the Others soon to be dancing to the tune South African Police has formed a branch of white supremacy will include Elton John, of the International Police Association. Nana l'-t)uskouri and the life and soul of The International Police Association was popular music, Liberace. established in Britain in 1950 and has branches in 50 countries, with 250,000 members. The objectives of the International Police RACISM AT NEW YORK CITY GAY BARS. Association are: * To irrprove the relationship between police A progressive, anti-racist gay activist forces of different countries. group in NYC, Black and White Men Together * Holiday exchange scherres and study groups. { BWMI') , has developed a program to combat * The exchange of relevant study material. discrimination in places of entertainrrent. Many clubs in NYC refuse to let Black people through their doors, often asking for 3 SOlITH AFRICANS HAVE WRONG A'ITITUDE. or 4 pieces of identification. The latest club to be exposed is one called the Union The "Keep South Africa Beautiful" organ­ club on Union Square in the city. The ization recently hosted a tour by Marilyn Union club happens to be owned by a white Godwin, an executive co-ordinator of the South African. "Keep Arrerica Beautiful" group. She said New York BWMI' has documented previous inci­ that many South Africans littered because dents in which clubs exhibited racist poli­ there was an efficient cleaning service cies. This time, the racism was so clear, coming to pick up behind them.

9. M.s. Godwin could not have spent too * Contributing towards involving wc:.rren much time in Soweto or any other Black in war resistance work. ghetto, because Black people don't have The US government and rrulti-national their own efficient cleaning service ••. they corporations are a serious enemy to both are too busy being coerced to clean up the peoples of South Africa and Black, after all the lazy white folk. How anyone Third World and working people here. Racism can corre' to South Africa and corre to the in the US is one of the major stuniJling conclusion that the major problem facing blocks in building a viable novement which the people in South Africa is littering challenges US collaboration with South is stretching it a bit far. Africa and fights for peoples liberation As the guest of that wonderful institution, here. SAMRAF believes it ITUSt be involved the Pretoria City Council, the representative in the struggle in the US, not only because of this totally irrelevant organization the US is a threat to liberation in South might indeed have her hands full, as long Africa, but also because it is our respons­ as the liberation rroverrents continue to ibility to fight the enemy on all fronts. create rrore rubble and debris. QJr programne to support this struggle The audacity of these people is sorretimes includes the following: overwhelming. Want to bet M.s. Godwin hasn't * Participating in the Southern Africa wandered down Fulton Street in Brooklyn .. solidarity moverrent, thereby raising poli­ there are too niany poor untidy folk down tical and material support for the national there. liberation moverrents. * Participating in other social movements such as the disarmament moverrent and the SOlJI'H AFRICAN AIRWAYS GETS AWARD FROM BUDDIES. anti-war moverrent, raising the issue of South Africa and the need to fight white South African Airways has won Israel's supremacy. "MJst popular Tourist Enterprise" for 1983 * Participating in the anti-racist struggle award, given to foreign airlines. in the us and thus supporting the liberation of oppressed peoples here • • SAMRAF AND OOR PR03'!"w-t1E.

SAMRAF is a political organization made up of white South African military resis­ SAMRAF CONI'ACTS: ters, political exiles and Airerican supp­ orters. SAMRAF's goal is to contribute Nerw York: toward the creation of an independent South Africa, free fran white supremacy and 29 7th Avenue foreign exploitation. To do this, we en­ Brooklyn, N.Y. 11217. courage resistance within the alirost all­ (212) 638-0417. white South African anny, in order to weaken its deadly effect and to help create a San Francisco: pro-liberation sentiment within certain sectors of the white ccmnunity, partiCll­ ( 415) 641-9055. larly draftees. We believe this provides concrete support to the liberation rtDVe1T1ents Chica9?: in Namibia and South Africa. OJr' programne to support war resistance (312) 252-2849. includes the following: * Producing and distributing propaganda • * * which encourages resistance to apartheid military service. * Providing services for genuine South ~1Jil'll4• African war resisters who flee South Africa ~l~OF'lJ.Ut and arrive in the US, especially tb:Jse ~J.4,AVase who are considering alternatives. 10.