WHEREAS:

            In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to democracy, millions of South Africans of all races went to the polls to vote for an interim government that will guide that nation into democracy and a new century; and

WHEREAS:

            Despite attempts of right-wing extremists to terrorize voters and prevent full participation in the process, an estimated 85% of South Africans eligible to vote waited patiently in lines that stretched for many miles so that they could cast their votes; and

WHEREAS:

            A unity government has been installed made up of many different parties, dedicated to working together to place South Africa on the path to participatory democracy and economic development for the benefit of all the people; and

WHEREAS:

            For many years AFSCME was in the vanguard of the struggle against apartheid, providing leadership in the campaign to force disinvestment in South Africa. In the final hours of the process toward democracy AFSCME provided election observers who farmed out across the entire nation to help guarantee that the election was fair and free from interference; and

WHEREAS:

            Despite the euphoria of the victory for democracy, South Africa faces enormous challenges of investment and development in order to bring the benefits of freedom to millions of its citizens who have never shared in the wealth of that country.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            That this 31st Constitutional Convention of AFSCME applaud the people of South Africa for their demonstration of commitment to change and to a future that will include all of that country's citizens; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME recognize that the struggle for political freedom having been won, an even larger fight for economic justice and equity must now be waged in South Africa; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME urge Councils and Locals to seek repeal of any restrictions on investment in South Africa; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME urge the U.S. government, having joined with so many other nations to help bring down an apartheid government, to maintain that unity in providing assistance, investment and other support so that the fruits of victory can be developed into a society of freedom and justice for all in South Africa.

SUBMITTED BY:

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD