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IN SUMMARY:
- Unity against austerity and solidarity with Palestine: The group of organisations below are united in the campaign against austerity in the Western Cape, linking it to the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
- Condemnation of violence in Palestine: We state that the killing and displacement of Palestinians as a severe injustice, and condemn the destruction of hospitals, schools, and infrastructure by Israel.
- Link between South African and Palestinian struggles: We say struggles in Palestine and South Africa are connected through shared experiences of colonialism and capitalist oppression.
- South African government comparison: While South Africa condemns Israeli actions, it fails to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality at home. The crises in both countries are tied to a global system of profit over human dignity.
- Impacts of austerity in South Africa: Budget cuts affect essential services like education, healthcare, and safety, are worsening conditions for the poor.
- Comparison of education crises: Education systems are suffering both in Palestine (due to war) and South Africa (due to austerity).
- Healthcare struggles: The attacks on medical facilities in Palestine are compared to the collapse of healthcare services in South Africa under austerity.
- Neoliberal policies and rising costs: Policies such as budget cuts and privatisation contribute to the growing cost of living, particularly affecting the poor.
Demands:
- Pass the Apartheid Bill: Enforce laws to hold those accountable for human rights violations and support boycotts and sanctions against Israel.
- Fully fund public services: Restore full funding for education, healthcare, safety, and other sectors.
- End budget cuts: Stop planned cuts to education and healthcare, including teaching positions and health funding.
- Stop land dispossession: Redistribute land, end forced evictions, and build social housing.
- Address unemployment: Create jobs and support industries that can offer sustainable employment.
- Implement Basic Income Grant: Introduce a Universal Basic Income to reduce poverty and hunger.
- Reject privatisation: Stop privatisation and ensure essential services remain publicly funded and accessible.
Endorsed by:
- Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC)
- Back to Work Campaign (B2WC)
- Intlungu Yasematyotyombeni (IYM)
- The Cry of the Xcluded (CryX)
- The Commercial Stevedoring Agricultural & Allied Workers Union (CSAAWU)
- The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU)
- The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW)
- The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
- The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- The Western Cape Education Crisis Committee (WCECC)
- Trust for Community Outreach and Education (TCOE)
