Reply from MACUA Christopher Rutledge christopher.rutledge@macua.org.za
- Details
- Category: Africa
- Created: Thursday, 30 January 2025 12:19
- Hits: 1
Dear Comrade Andreas Tadysiak and the International Miners' Coordination, Revolutionary greetings from MACUA and all the mining-affected communities we represent. We deeply appreciate your solidarity and the continued efforts of the International Miners' Coordination (IMC) in amplifying the plight of miners, their families, and the broader community affected by the horrific events in Stilfontein. Your letter of support, protest action in Berlin, and fundraising initiatives in Germany are a testament to the internationalism and shared struggle of working-class and mining-affected communities globally.
The rescue of miners in Stilfontein was a hard-fought victory, achieved not through the goodwill of those in power but through the relentless determination of communities and their allies. However, as you noted, this victory is bittersweet, overshadowed by the loss of so many lives and the glaring failures of the state.
Your alignment with our statements regarding the government's accountability is both encouraging and reaffirming. Indeed, deliberately letting people starve and providing misinformation constitutes a heinous crime, and we stand united in our call for justice. Those responsible must not only be held accountable in South Africa but should face global condemnation.
On Your Offer of Support:
Your question about how you can further support our struggle is timely. We believe that international solidarity is a critical weapon in the fight against injustice. Here are some suggestions for how the IMC could strengthen this cause:
Global Protest Actions:
We welcome your idea of a joint international protest. Coordinating a day of action in South Africa and across other mining regions globally will not only keep the spotlight on the tragedy but also send a strong message to governments and corporations complicit in the exploitation of miners.
MACUA our allies and the community will be marching to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on Wednesday 05 February, and we would welcome your participation in protesting this heinous crime through a solidarity action in Germany.
As part of this process, we will also be holding a conference from the 04 -06 February where we will be planning our strategy and we will ensure that an international component is considered. We will update you accordingly.
Legal and Investigative Assistance:
We are currently working on filing charges against the state and key actors for their role in this tragedy. If IMC has access to international legal experts or can provide financial resources to aid this legal fight, it would be of immense value.
Media Amplification:
Continued international media coverage is critical to maintaining pressure on the South African government. If IMC can mobilize its network to amplify this crisis through global media outlets and platforms, it would bolster our campaign.
Resource Mobilization:
Your ongoing fundraising efforts are deeply appreciated. These resources could assist the affected families, support legal fees, and strengthen MACUA's grassroots efforts.
International Partnerships:
We look forward to your follow-up letter introducing the IMC and exploring the possibility of working together continentally and globally. Joint advocacy campaigns and knowledge-sharing initiatives could bring much-needed unity and strength to our struggles.
Moving Forward:
MACUA stands ready to collaborate on a coordinated international action. Let us convene virtually in the coming weeks to solidify plans, align on messaging, and ensure that our actions resonate powerfully across borders.
In conclusion, we thank you and the IMC for your militant solidarity and unwavering support. Together, we are building a global network of resistance, proving that the power of the people can overcome the greed and negligence of those in power.
With revolutionary and solidaristic regards,
CHRISTOPHER RUTLEDGE | MACUA/WAMUA ADVICE OFFICE