EFF ON THE ONGOING PROTEST AND VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE @KASIBCNEWS

 

EFF ON THE ONGOING PROTEST AND VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the concerning and destructive protest and violence in Mozambique following the October elections and the official proclamation by the Constitutional Council affirming the results. The election outcomes, widely criticised as fraudulent, have ignited widespread unrest, leading to the deaths of more than 20 people, including two police officers, with over 390 injured and 800 detained. 

This crisis is a direct result of a liberation movement, now led by corrupt and selfserving individuals, clinging to power by undermining democratic institutions and manipulating elections. 

The Mozambican government has failed to address the basic needs of its people, as evidenced by declining education, health, and economic growth. This mismanagement has fuelled public outrage, which the state is repressing with excessive force. 

The EFF calls for the Mozambican government and security forces to exercise maximum restraint and a high level of discipline in dealing with the protests. Launching tear gas from helicopters, restricting internet access to silence dissent, and using live ammunition against unarmed citizens is a gross violation of human rights. Such actions only serve to escalate tensions and push Mozambique toward a devastating civil war. 

We strongly condemn these repressive tactics and remind FRELIMO leaders of the consequences faced by other oppressive regimes around the world. History has shown that when repressive governments are overthrown, their leaders often face severe reprisals for atrocities committed against their own people. 

We further call on the people of Mozambique to refrain from vandalising critical infrastructure and assets. These resources will be essential for rebuilding the nation after their legitimate demands for democracy and justice are realised. We urge protestors to remain united, disciplined, and peaceful to ensure their struggle is effective and does not harm their future. 

The EFF reiterates its call for the South African government to convene the ambassador of Mozambique to record its strongest condemnation of the killings, arrests, and repression of protestors. While the EFF acknowledges the South African government’s statement noting the ongoing violence and urging dialogue, we emphasise that more decisive action is required. It is not enough to merely call for calm and restraint. 

We insist that the South African government, in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), take urgent and concrete steps to facilitate a sustainable resolution to the crisis. The ongoing failure to take decisive and direct action has emboldened repressive elements within the Mozambican state, leaving citizens vulnerable to violent crackdowns. South Africa’s readiness to assist Mozambique must translate into tangible efforts to hold the Mozambican government accountable while working toward an inclusive, long-term solution that priorities the democratic will of the people. Mozambique stands at the precipice of a civil war that could be more devastating than the apartheid-sponsored destabilisation of the 1980s, which claimed the lives of many, including President Samora Machel. 

The EFF warns that such a conflict would have dire consequences for the region, threatening the stability of SADC and undermining decades of progress. There is a sweeping change in the SADC region politically, which has seen and will continue to see the rapid decline and ultimate extinction of former liberation movements. The solidarity amongst these former liberation movements at a time when there is clear manipulation of electoral process, is testament to an alliance of regressive forces and must be recognized as an axis of evil which will be detrimental to the political future of the region. The former liberation movements have reached a point of desperation, and have become either collaborators or oppressors as they refuse to accept that they have lost the popular support of the people. 

The EFF emphasises that any intervention must prioritise sustainable and lasting solutions, rooted in democratic processes and the will of the Mozambican people. Imposing external solutions risks alienating the population and exacerbating the crisis . The EFF calls on all stakeholders to act decisively and collectively. SADC and the AU must demonstrate that they are capable of preventing a descent into chaos and ensuring that the democratic aspirations of the Mozambican people are upheld. 

We stand in solidarity with the people of Mozambique and reiterate our support for their legitimate demands for justice, democracy, and good governance. It is important that regional leaders work toward restoring peace and stability in Mozambique and preventing further regression and backwardness. Mozambique and the SADC region cannot afford the consequences of inaction. 

ANCWL ON TEENAGE PREGNANCY @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) expresses profound concern over the rising rate of teenage pregnancy in our communities. This alarming trend not only jeopardizes the health and future prospects of our young girls but also underscores the critical issues surrounding broken homes, inadequate parenting structures, and the overall social fabric of our society. 

Teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted issue rooted in a variety of societal challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education, and limited awareness regarding sexual and reproductive health. Young women who become pregnant during their teenage years often face significant challenges that can affect their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. 

The demands of motherhood at such a young age can lead to a cascade of difficulties, including the interruption of their education and limited employment opportunities. This, in turn, perpetuates a cycle of poverty that can impact future generations. Many of these young mothers are raising children in broken homes or unstable environments, leading to potential neglect and emotional instability for both the parents and the children involved. The effects of familial disintegration can be profound, contributing to feelings of isolation and despair among young pregnant women. This situation can further exacerbate the challenges of parenting, as they often lack the necessary support systems that promote healthy child development. 

When discussing teenage pregnancy, it is imperative to reflect on the role of parents and guardians in guiding their children through the tumultuous teenage years. Parents are often the first line of support for young people, and their involvement is crucial in fostering an open dialogue about sexual health and relationships. By providing a nurturing and communicative environment, parents can equip their children with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. Unfortunately, for some teenagers, parental support may be lacking due to various issues, including socio-economic pressures, mental health challenges, or generational patterns of neglect. As such, it is vital that we encourage parents to take an active role in their children’s lives, engage with them in discussions about sexual health, and model positive relationships. 

By normalizing conversations about sexuality and healthy relationships, we can empower our youth to recognize their worth and make choices that prioritize their health and well-being. Moreover, we must acknowledge that teenage girls face significant limitations regarding their rights and opportunities. 

They often lack access to essential resources, including education, healthcare, and social support, which are crucial for their development and well-being. These limitations impede their ability to make informed choices, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and unplanned pregnancies. To effectively combat this issue, the ANCWL calls for a united effort from all sister departments, including the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Each department has a vital role to play in building a comprehensive support network for our youth, including:

1. Department of Basic Education: The newly enacted BELA Act is effectively mitigating on the future prospects of young girls who fell pregnant during their school years and ensures this predicament does not determine their social and economic development, This department must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive sexual education programs in schools. Such programs should not only educate young people about the biological aspects of reproduction but also address the emotional and social implications of sexual activity. It is vital that we provide our youth with the information they need to make informed decisions, as well as promote healthy relationships. 

2. Department of Social Development: The department should extend its support services for pregnant teenagers and young mothers. This includes providing access to counseling services, parenting classes, and economic empowerment initiatives. Importantly, social workers should be trained to understand the unique challenges facing teenage mothers and equipped to provide targeted interventions that support family stability and child development. 

3. Department of Health: The health department must ensure that all teenagers have access to comprehensive reproductive health services. This includes providing confidential advice, contraceptive options, and prenatal care. Public health campaigns should also focus on educating young people about their reproductive choices, emphasizing the importance of consent and personal agency. 

4. Department of Justice and Constitutional Development: It is crucial for this department to strengthen legal measures against statutory rape and ensure that law enforcement agencies are equipped to act decisively in cases where young girls are exploited and abused. This includes providing training for law enforcement on the sensitive nature of these cases and ensuring there are proper mechanisms in place for reporting and supporting victims. Protecting our youth from exploitation must be a top priority, and offenders must be held accountable for their actions. 

The ANCWL calls on all sectors of society, including inter-governmental departments, the progressive student movement, teachers’ association and the private sector, to take urgent and collective action to address the epidemic of teenage pregnancy. We need to work together to cultivate an environment where young women are empowered to make choices that enhance their dignity, health, and future prospects. 

By reinforcing our support systems, enhancing education and awareness, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can break the cycle of disadvantage and build a brighter, healthier future for all our youth. Together, we can transform our society and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.