Joint media statement issued by the South African Human Rights Commission and Cosatu after their meeting to discuss issues related to an earlier statement by Cosatu's general secretary Jul 22 2008

The South African Human Rights Commission and a COSATU delegation met today in Johannesburg to discuss issues relating to the statements made by the General Secretary, Mr Zwelinzima Vavi at the funeral of the Second Vice President of POPCRU, Ms Pretty Nomhle Singonzo-Shuping.

After extensive discussions, setting out the context within which the statement was made, Mr Vavi explained as follows:

"This is not a call for lawlessness. Against this background, does this mean the climate in contemporary South Africa calls for armed action? To that my answer is a resounding no! In my speech I was not agitating that we should now take up arms because we have exhausted peaceful attainment of our goals.  I was merely stating a principle that comrades should be ready to defend one another and when necessary that may involve killing. I understand that the word ‘killing' jars some peoples' sensitivities and that I regret. This does not, however, detract from the general principle that taking up arms is always a possibility, but not under the current conditions."

Mr Vavi further stated that "I understand that some people feel uncomfortable with the use of words "kill". I do appreciate that kill is a strong word. At the same time I wish to explain that willingness to lay down life does not mean that like a sheep one is prepared to stand in front of a bullet and get killed just to fulfill the literal meaning of the word. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are just but one of the advances of the revolution. When I spoke about willingness to lay down our lives for our revolution I essentially, at the same time, speak of the willingness to die for the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the rule of law."

"In my statement there is no talk of any matter subject to the Constitutional Court or any court. There is only praise of a fellow fighter who passed on."

The Commission, however, agrees with Mr Vavi that the use of the phrase ‘shoot to kill' was too strong and is regrettable. 

The Commission accepts the above statement and considers the matter closed. The two organisations recommit to strengthening their working relationship in promoting and protecting human rights and strengthening democracy in South Africa and resolving matters in a more constructive manner.

Statement issued by the SAHRC July 22 2008