Zimbabwe in Crisis - Your chance to help

The peak union federation, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), has recently asked Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA for support to keep the union structures going in the face of great poverty and repression.

An orphan receiving mealie meal in Seke, Zimbabwe

UNIONS IN NEED

FUNDS RAISED IN THIS APPEAL WILL BE USED TO ASSIST THE ZCTU'S EMERGENCY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.

Unions will play a key role, along with other civil society groups, in the democratic reconstruction of Zimbabwe.

The drawn-out, asymmetric struggle between the Mugabe-led, military-backed ZANU-PF and the democratic opposition has shattered Zimbabwe's economy, social infrastructure, and the livelihoods of many millions.

Inflation rates have surpassed the almost incomprehensible rate of 231 MILLION per cent. Political instability and continuing power hoarding by the ZANU-PF elite and its leader, Robert Mugabe, have translated into injustices at the most basic levels - most people are now out of work, but even catching public transport for those who still have work, has become too expensive; there is little food to eat, and millions of children are missing out on education as school fees are now out of reach. 80% of the population is suffering extreme hunger.

GETTING THROUGH

Communications in such an environment are extremely difficult - staff in our partner agencies must regularly change phone numbers to avoid the harassment and intimidation of the military. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is however managing to coordinate with our partners in the local trade union movement, for whom emergency food and essentials are now their most urgent priorities.

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to read more, then please download the colour information sheet below. It gives a run-down of how Zimbabwe's current situation came to be, and outlines Union Aid Abroad's response.

To deliver much needed assistance, Union Aid Abroad is asking for a ONE-OFF DONATION, of your choice, in order to help continue to implement our program.

It's vital at this stage that Zimbabwean's have the capacity to organise themselves in order to fight the repression they are facing. Our projects are aimed at strengthening this capacity through the Zimbabwean trade union movement, leaders of which are keeping us up-to-date on their day-to-day struggle against poverty and starvation - just two of the hurdles they face in their fight for lasting change.

Please give generously to the people of Zimbabwe.

How to Donate

Phone
1800 888 674 (toll free)

Email
office@apheda.org.au

Cheque
Made to Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA and posted to:
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA, Level 3, 377-383 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Online
Follow the steps below (Visa or Mastercard only).

1. Click here to access the secure online donation form

2. Go to Section C ONE-OFF DONATIONS and select Festive Season Appeal from the drop-down menu

3. Enter your donation amount in the $ box at right

4. Click Continue

5. Enter your credit card payment details (Visa and Mastercard only accepted)

6. Enter your contact details and please type "ZIMBABWE APPEAL"; after your name in the name field to ensure that your donation is directed to our appeal.

7. Click Finalise Order to send your donation

THANK YOU

Download File:
Background to Zimbabwe's crisis [ pdf ]
Contact Details
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA
Ph:  (02) 9264 9343
Fax: (02) 9261 1118
office@unionaidabroad.org.au

© Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA 2003.

Last Modified: Sunday, 28-Dec-2008 22:16:13 EST
This page: http://apheda.org.au/news/1228106340_28666.html