We are South Africans united to Stop the War!

Represented amongst us are men and women, young and old, from all sectors of society and from all shades of political opinion: all colours, all creeds, all religious beliefs and all spiritual convictions find expression in this diverse collective.

Our democracy celebrates the expression of diversity, and none of the participating organisations have agreed to withhold or modify their divergent positions on the many questions facing our country, our continent and the world.

Nevertheless, our purpose is clear: to state simply and forthrightly that all South Africans have the responsibility to Stop the War and secure Peace for Development all over the world.

We are united in our conviction that war against Iraq is wrong. It is wrong because it is the poor who will be its main victims. It is wrong because it will inflame, rather than resolve, global conflicts, particularly those in the Middle East. It is wrong because the forces of power and greed motivate it.

The preparations for war currently underway therefore impose a challenge on all peace loving people around the world to act in unity to defend world peace and global democracy.

We are convinced that, as a people, South Africans are united in their opposition to war. We believe that it is of utmost importance that we show this to the world.

We also call on the South African government to continue its work to bring about a peaceful settlement of the current dispute, through whatever mechanisms are available to it.

Together, we call on all our people to unite in support of the international day of action against war, on Saturday 15 February 2003.

We will support the demonstrations planned in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other major centres on that day. We will also join together, as a united people, to present our concerns to the United States Embassy in Pretoria on 19 February 2003.

Supporting Organisations