CCISSA Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa CH ICACO-ALEXANDRA I P.O. Box 578066 Chicago, IL 60657 Newsletter Fall 1993 / 1821 W. Cullerton Chicago, IL 60608 312-421-551 3 MANDELA CALLS FOR LIFTING OF SANCTIONS OCTOBER 1 RECEPTION FOR ANC LEADER On September 24, Sk. In CIDSA, over 60 labor, church addressed the UN, calliig for an end to and civic organizations and hundreds CHERYL CAROLUS economic sanctions against South of individuals joined together in a suc- Africa. This action followed the vote in cessful drive to use Illinois and Chica- CCISSA is honored to welcome the South African Parliament to accept go investment funds and purchasing ANC Executive member Cheryl Caro- the establishment of the Transitional power to combat the evil of lus to Chicago. Please join us for a Executive Council (TEC), which will The City of Chicago adopted a reception at 7:00 PM on Friday, govern the country until the April 27, divestment ordinance in 1986 which October 1, 1993, at the Lutheran 1994 elections. prohibits the City from depositing School of Theology Student Those of us who have worked long funds in banks that make loans to Lounge, 1100 E. 55th Street, and hard to end apartheid are pleased and corporations doing Chicago. to join Nelson Mandela and the African business there. In 1987, the State of Cheryl Carolus is currently the head National Congress in calliig for an end Illinois passed legislation prohibiting of the ANC Department of Health and to economic sanctions against South subsequent pension fund investment in Social Welfare. Ms. Carolus also holds Africa. We take pride in the fact that South Africa-related stocks. CCISSA the ANC Education Portfolio. Before we helped to make this historic victory will work with State and City officials the release of Nelson Mandela and possible. to lift these sanctions at the earliest unbanning of the ANC, Ms. Carolus In 1983, activists formed CIDSA, the possible date. was on the Executive Committee of the Coalition for Illinois Divestment from United Democratic Front (UDF). She South Africa, which later became CCIS Continued on page 2 Continued on page 4

ANTI-APARTHEID CALENDAR

October 1,1993 Reception for ANC Executive member Cheryl Carolus (see page 1for details) October 2,1993 Forum on South African Elections (see page 2 for details) October 7,1993 Chicago-Alexandra Sister Community Projects meets with Chris Benner CCISSA chairperson Basil Clunie makes a presentation to Nelson Mandela at the July 7, (see page 3 for details) 1993 Labor Rally. On CCISSA's behalf, Basil presented Mandela with a photo of the late Oliver Tambo taken years ago when Tambo visited Chicago. Moved by the presentation, Mandela thanked CCISSA for many years of struggle against apartheid.

CCISSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Lisa Brock, Kay Burnett, Basil Clunie, Selena Derey, Michael Freedberg, Joan Gerig, Cheryl Harris, Toni Moore, Prexy Nesbitt, Barbara Ransby, Rachel Rubin, Zeva Schub, Carol Thompson ANTI-APARTHEID MOVEMENT GEARS UP FOR October 2 -Forum on SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTIONS South African Elections US.-South Africa Sister Community Project to Assist US Volunteers Ever since the July visit to Chicago In a recent communique from tion, planning, media, writing and com- of Nelson Mandela and several mem- Johannesburg, Sister Community Pro- puter skills. Volunteers must be pre- bers of the African National Congress ject staff person, Myesha Jenkins, pared to play a supportive, behind the National Executive Council, activists of outlined roles that US activists can scenes role in the organizations where Chicago's large and diverse anti- play in the election process. Myesha they are placed. This is a very sensi- apartheid movement have been work- notes that the election planning is tive area as South Africans want to vali- ing to provide answers to many of the only just beginning as many critical date this as a uniquely South African problems surrounding the upcoming issues involved with the electoral pro- experience. Volunteers will also be elections in South Africa. cess are still being hammered out in expected to teach their skills to South As a result of meetings in the past the multi-party negotiations. The first African counterparts. two months, the Chicago Committee non-racial elections are scheduled for Volunteers should be prepared to for Fair Elections in South Africa April 27,1994. stay for at least one month, longer if (CCFESA) has been formed. This There are a number of US and possible, during the months of January committee has announced a public international organizations which will through May 1994. US volunteers are meeting to be held at Malcolm X Col- be sponsoring delegations - the UN, expected to cover their own transporta- lege, 1900 West Van Buren, Chica- OAU, Democratic Party , National tion, hou.iing and living expenses. In go on Saturday, October 2, 1993 Council of Churches, Lawyers Com- South Africa, every rand is needed for from 11:OO AM to 1:00 PM. mittee for Civil Rights are a few education work and the election itself; At the meeting, three subcommit- examples. They are recruiting pri- there are no extra funds to provide tees will form and accept members to marily for monitors to witness the assistance for international volunteers. coordinate Chicago's support for Mate- elections. Monitors' presence is If you are willing and able to go to rial Aid, Cash Fundraising expected to counter intimidation and South Africa, the Sister Community and South African Election violence. These groups are seeking Project may be able to assist you with Monitors. Interested sup government officials, religious and contacts to regional organization porters should attend community leaders, business people offices, housing, local transportation the meeting or call and specialists who can legitimize and moral support. Contact the Chica- Harold Rogers at (312) and attest to the fairness of the elec- go-Alexandra Sister Community Project 6847309 or Basil Clu- tions. Those interested in volunteer- at (312) 421-5513 for more information. nie at (708) 8691963. ing with these groups should contact them directly in the US. There are many South African orga- nizations who will be organizing elec- Sanctions (continued) tion activities. Both partisan and non- Chicago Churches Support In a letter to Jennifer Davis, Execu- partisan groups will be conducting vot- Democracy for South Mca er education, campaigning and elec- tive Director of the Africa Fund, Nelson tion monitoring programs. Myesha Mandela thanked divestment activists met with the Matla Trust, Voter Edu- The Southern Africa Network of for their role in the struggle against cation and Elections Training Unit, Chicago Churches (SANCC) has apartheid. Independent Forum for Electoral Edu- launched a campaign of prayer and Mandela wrote, "...We hope that the cation, the ANC, Congress of South action leading to the April 27th elec- cities and states that were the fu-m African Trade Unions, South African tions in South Africa. SANCC backbone of the anti-apartheid move- Council of Churches and the Center encourages area churches to invite ment in the United States will commit for Democratic Studies. Based on this South African preachers and speak- themselves to actively supporting re- research, she makes the following ers during this period, join the investment in the South African econo- observations. "Keeping the Watchn campaign of my in a socially responsible manner There is a great need at the grass- prayer for South Africa, and con- which will help address the devastating roots level for people to come to tribute to material aid campaigns for legacy of apartheid. South Africa to work. The need is election needs. For more informa- Sanctions played a critical role in particularly great in the regions out- tion contact Joan at (312) 421-5513. bringing us close to freedom day and I side of Johannesburg. Experts are will be forever grateful to the American not needed, rather actual workers. people you work with, to help us as we Volunteers are needed in the areas of seek to establish a new democratic general office skills and administra- order on a solid foundation. " Chicago-Alexandra Sister Community Project Update

In April 1990, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution linking Chicago and Aleszandra Township (Alex) in South Mcaas sister communities. The Chicago-Alexandra Sister Community Project (CIASCP) works with the Aleran- dra Civic Organization to promote this relationship, and to provide solidarity in the stwefir education, housing and health care fir all Alex residents

News from Alexandra Township 28 July 1993 Excerpts from an ACO progress report from Margaret Mokgadi Mashabela: "...The Organization is growing everyday. The phase one of the Far East Bank land project is now available ACO members model their Soweto Day Walkathon T-shirts which were presented by CASCP for Alex residents to move in but the and CCISSA Board member Dr. Rachel Rubin when she visited Alex this summer. Additional T- government is not prepared to build shirts are available for $1 0.00. Send checks to CCISSA, P.O. Box 578066, Chicago, IL 60657. houses.They can only provide sites and service. People are expected to cators as well as cultural officers. CASCP to Meet with Chris Benner build structures for themselves. At They are working on a play that they on October 7 the moment, plenary workshops are will use to take this education into the The Chicago-Alexandra Sister Com- taking place for the second phase of community. This play, we believe, munity Project will meet with national the Far East Bank Development affords people the opportunity to actu- Sister Community Project (SCP) staff ...We would like to thank the Sister ally "cast" a vote. The comrades have person, Chris Benner, who has recently Community once more for helping us also been running workshops for the returned from South Africa. Chris will to buy the Macintosh and laser printer ANC local branch at the request of the continue working for the SCP in San for the media project. Margaret branch executive. Francisco. He is also continuing to Mashabela has been appointed by the This process of training the area work on an economic development ACO for media training organized by education and cultural officers will project for Alexandra Township with Civic Association of Johannesburg and take us through September. In Octo- PLANACT, a community development we are expecting her to produce the ber, together with the area commit- organization based in Johannesburg. newsletter for the organization soon. tees, they will visit blocks in block The CASCP meeting will take Chris Bemer has been very helpful in meetings to spread the gospel. They place at 7:OO PM on Thursday, programming our computers and in will then concentrate on door-to-door October 7,1993 at the First many things." blitzes throughout the township assist- Church of the Brethren, 425 S. ed by the area committee members Central Park, Chicago. This meeting 2 September 1993 wherever possible ..." will take the place of the regularly scheduled CASCP meeting on the sec- ACO Executive member Nkele Ancona School Sends Books to Alex (Mary) Ntingane reports: ond Sunday of October. 3rd and 4th grade students of Chica- "Greetings to all! Just to say things go's Ancona School held a used toy are still a bit on the quiet this end. We sale which raised over $300.00 which Walkathon Total Tops $11,000 for had a national peace prayer day yester- was used to purchase and ship chil- Voter Education in Alex day and Alex also got involved in the dren's books to Alexandra Township. Contributions to the Soweto Day activities to pray for peace. It was quite 250 new and used books were sent to Walkathon have exceeded the $10,000 in moving. All that is left now is for the the children of our sister community in total pledges made before the June 12th forces of darkness to have a change of South Africa The ACO and the fundraising event CCISSA and the heart and let the spirit that prevailed CASCP thank Ancona School for their CASCP again wish to thank all who yesterday continue into the future. solidarity and support walked, pledged and contributed to Our voter education programme is make the 1993 Walkathon such a starting, though slowly at the moment tremendous- success. The funds have The two comrades, Caroline and Ray- been transferred to the ACO for voter mond, are busy training our area edu- education in Alexandra Township. Join CCISSA and the Southern ATrica Response Network Carolus (continued) CCISSA has initiated the Southern Africa Response Network to consolidate the Illinois anti-apartheid constituency into a solid, consistent voice for change in U.S. was a key leader in UDF activities on policy in southern Africa. The Network will communicate with President Clinton the Western Cape of South Africa. and our representatives to pressure the South African regime to curb township At the reception, Ms. Carolus will violence, halt land transfers and other moves designed to cripple a future demo- speak on the current state of negotia- cratic government. The network will work to end US. support for destabilization tions and on preparations for South campaigns in South Africa and the frontline states. The network will also be acti- Africa's first non-racial elections sched- vated on behalf of Chicago's sister community Alexandra Township in the strug- uled for April 1994. gle for decent housing, health and education for Alex residents. Please join us as we celebrate the lift- CCISSA will work closely with the American Committee on Africa, Washington ing of sanctions and welcome one of Office on Africa and TransAfrica in monitoring key legislation, hearings and South Africa's most dynamic leaders. issues that need our support. We expect the Network to be activated approxi- For more information call Carol mately once a month. Network members may choose to have Action Alerts sent Thompson at (312) 327-0545. to them for response or to have CCISSA send letters/mailgrams in their names with copies of communications sent to them. Join CCISSA and become a part of this Response Network as we create a new era of US policy toward southern Africa.

rmmm-9--9------lmm--IImIIIImIImmIIIII--=------mI------9-9-9--- 1 I I I IPLEASE RElTJRN TO CCISSA, P.O. Box 578066 CHICAGO, IL 60657 I I I I NAME I I I j PHONE (Day) (Evening) I I ; Enclosed is my check for: I I I $25. CCISSA and Response $10. CCISSA Membership I would lieto get involved in 1 I- the Sister Community Project 1 I Network Membership I I Q Send Action Alerts to me Additional Contribution I I I am unable to make a contri- I I 0 Send letters in my name I $10. Walkathon T-shirt bution but would like to be on I I I the mailing list I

CCISSA P.O. BOX 578066 CHICAGO, IL 60657-8066