News / International
ZAPU Belfast Rally: A Revolutionary Protest
25 Apr 2016 at 14:57hrs | Views
ZAPU BELFAST took to the streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland, on the 18th of April to protest the so called Independence Day. While other movements and the majority of Zimbabweans protested all over the country and the world, ZAPU Europe gathered at Belfast City Hall and held a protest/toyi toyi whereby ZAPU shared the plight of the stolen revolution in Zimbabwe with the international community.
ZAPU was challenging the illegal farm invasions, the $15 billion corruption scandal, the abduction of political activists and civilians, continuous human rights abuses and the sham independence that we have had for the past 36 years.
The toyi-toyi was vibrant and attracted passers-by, opposition parties and others who came to support, enquire and observe. It was all noise and the drums banged as the comrades burst out in song and the banners came out. ZAPU slogans resonated all over the city hall and the yellow Tshirts illuminated the streets as photographers helped themselves to photos.
After the singing of protest and revolutionary songs, speeches were made. First came up, the ZAPU Europe Vice Chairman, Arthur Molife, who touched on a few issues affecting the party and country as a whole. Mr A Molife spoke on the importance of embedding the youth into the new ZAPU set up, and emphasised the importance of laying strong foundations and building bridges so that when the youth take over the party they have something tangible to push the party forward. He also mentioned the tribalism which was caused by ZANU to divide the country.
Then came the radical and outspoken Europe Youth Front Vice Chairman Cde Cakes who spoke deeply on the history that brought about the independence of our country. Cakes spoke on a revolution betrayed and challenged the ZANU government that brought about Gukurahundi, destroyed the economy and dignity of the country and suppressed the will of the people. He said young people had to stand up and be counted.
Soon after took to the floor the interim chairperson of ZAPU Belfast, Cde Cosmas, another young commander who spoke very briefly, touched profoundly on the importance of being united in Belfast and keeping the ZAPU flag flying high. Finally stepped up Cde Sipho Sibanda who spoke on behalf of ZAWU ( The women's wing of ZAPU). Sipho Sibanda, as she was closing the speeches, thanked all the comrades who made it happen and also thanked the guests from various political movements and groups who had come to show support. Part of those were Zunde and other political movements from across Europe. Sipho Sibanda focused her speech on the role of the women within ZAPU and Zimbabwe. She spoke on the empowerment of women in ZAPU and encourage all women to draw inspiration from the ZAWU of yesterday and the revolutionary women of the past, who dared and challenged the smith regime until the country was taken.
ZAPU was challenging the illegal farm invasions, the $15 billion corruption scandal, the abduction of political activists and civilians, continuous human rights abuses and the sham independence that we have had for the past 36 years.
The toyi-toyi was vibrant and attracted passers-by, opposition parties and others who came to support, enquire and observe. It was all noise and the drums banged as the comrades burst out in song and the banners came out. ZAPU slogans resonated all over the city hall and the yellow Tshirts illuminated the streets as photographers helped themselves to photos.
Then came the radical and outspoken Europe Youth Front Vice Chairman Cde Cakes who spoke deeply on the history that brought about the independence of our country. Cakes spoke on a revolution betrayed and challenged the ZANU government that brought about Gukurahundi, destroyed the economy and dignity of the country and suppressed the will of the people. He said young people had to stand up and be counted.
Soon after took to the floor the interim chairperson of ZAPU Belfast, Cde Cosmas, another young commander who spoke very briefly, touched profoundly on the importance of being united in Belfast and keeping the ZAPU flag flying high. Finally stepped up Cde Sipho Sibanda who spoke on behalf of ZAWU ( The women's wing of ZAPU). Sipho Sibanda, as she was closing the speeches, thanked all the comrades who made it happen and also thanked the guests from various political movements and groups who had come to show support. Part of those were Zunde and other political movements from across Europe. Sipho Sibanda focused her speech on the role of the women within ZAPU and Zimbabwe. She spoke on the empowerment of women in ZAPU and encourage all women to draw inspiration from the ZAWU of yesterday and the revolutionary women of the past, who dared and challenged the smith regime until the country was taken.
Source - Thulani Nkala
