The Congress of South African Trade Unions congratulates its affiliate, the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union, on its historic victory in the fight to prevent the Chinese vessel, Ai Yue Jiang, from unloading its deadly cargo of weapons and ammunition destined for the illegitimate government of Zimbabwe. We shall never know how many lives of Zimbabwean workers will have been saved thanks to SATAWU members' act of international solidarity.

The fight is however not yet over, as the ship heads in the direction of Angola. As SATAWU says, this is just the beginning of the campaign. COSATU is doing everything possible to alert the international trade union movement to the danger to the workers of Zimbabwe if the cargo is allowed to be unloaded and delivered to Mugabe's forces. The federation is writing to its comrades in other federations, including those of Angola and China to enlist their support for the international workers' boycott. COSATU full supports SATAWU's calls on:

• African transport workers in both the maritime and road freight industries not to allow the vessel to dock nor to handle or transport its cargo; 
• All African governments and port authorities not to allow entry of the vessel into any of its ports;
• All employers not to use scab or replacement labour when trade union members refuse to handle the container or its cargo.

Workers of the world unite in solidarity with the workers and people of Zimbabwe in their fight for democracy, peace and food! 

No to lethal weapons to kill and repress! Return them to Beijing now!

Statement issued by COSATU April 21 2008