Approximately 200 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA/MOZA) delivered an open letter to President Thabo Mbeki at the South African Embassy in Harare this morning. The letter was pressing for a genuine agenda to the South African mediated-talks that is more transparent, inclusive and addresses socio-economic issues.

WOZA gathered at the Embassy in suburban Harare today to highlight the unfairness of talks that only involve politicians who will be not be addressing issues of social justice – the ‘Bread and Roses’ Zimbabweans need. It was also to pressure for the inclusion of voices at the negotiating table that will raise socio-economic issues – issues at the heart of ordinary Zimbabweans.

When the group arrived, they affixed placards and material strips carrying their messages to the fence. Some of the messages read – ‘The talks should be about Bread and Roses’, ‘all Zimbabweans have views – lets all talk about talks’ and ‘politicians don’t cut deals in our name’.

Whilst the peaceful group gathered outside the gates to the Embassy, male and female representatives went inside to deliver WOZA’s open letter, as well as their vision for a new Zimbabwe and a plan on how to get there through the People’s Charter and ‘10 Steps to a New Zimbabwe’. Embassy staff received the letter, and having delivered their message, the group dispersed. There have been no reports of arrests since then.

Please see below for a copy of the open letter. WOZA’s ’10 steps to a new Zimbabwe’ and People’s Charter can be found elsewhere on this site.

As the protest was carried out during a time of great repression and police brutality, only a select group of the very brave participated, acting as representatives of their communities.

WOZA would like to thank the staff of the South African Embassy for receiving both the open letter and the peaceful gathering in the spirit that they were intended.