Free Xolani Khoza!

Endorsements:

Defend Xolani Khoza!

Everyone in the cross-hairs of the neoliberal ANC-DA government has an urgent interest in mobilising to defend EFF militant Xolani Gregory Khoza. Khoza is facing charges of incitement to commit terrorism, public violence and intimidation. His “crime”? Posting a TikTok video calling for a shutdown to protest the so-called Government of National Unity. Xolani was targeted by the state after he played a leading role in a SACCAWU strike in Mbombela in May.

Trade unionists, land rights activists, civic organisations, radical nationalists, socialists: This is an attack on all of us. Xolani’s persecution is a blatant assault on freedom of speech which threatens to brand any who would resist the attacks of the GNU as “terrorists”. We must not let our political differences stand in the way of uniting to fight this! On 2 and 27 September, Spartacist/South Africa and EFF Ward 29, Enhlanzeni, brought out dozens for a united-front protest outside the Mbombela courthouse where Xolani appeared for trial. Now we must build on this to pull together far broader forces to defend him when he is due in court again. Drop all charges now!

To see how this pro-imperialist government is going to crack down on dissent, just look at the killing of EFF councillor Moshe Mphahlele by cops and security guards repressing a service delivery protest on 4 August in Alex. Don’t let them silence Xolani, or they will come for all of us next!

Xolani was charged under the apartheid-era Riotous Assemblies Act of 1965 and the Cybercrimes Act of 2020. While he was released on bail, the conditions include muzzling him with a social media ban. This shows that despite the bourgeois media hype, the white rulers know very well that neo-apartheid South Africa is a tinderbox and the guise of “national unity” is extremely fragile. End the social media ban and state surveillance!

What the ruling class really fears is that mass struggle, particularly by the black proletariat, can challenge the GNU’s pro-imperialist agenda. That makes defending Xolani a necessary first step in organising the trade unions, black masses and all the oppressed to fight back!

Fighting for Black Freedom Is Not Terrorism!
Build the Campaign!

Since June, EFF member Xolani Khoza has faced abduction, persecution, and relentless surveillance and harassment from the Hawks and police on behalf of the GNU and white bosses. To spark resistance, Spartacist/South Africa called for protest when Xolani’s trial began on 2 September, where we carried out a united-front action with ground forces from the EFF’s Ward 29, Enhlanzeni Region. Our two organisations formed the Committee to Defend Xolani Khoza after the state postponed his trial. The Committee continues to work to break the news blackout of Xolani’s case, raise funds for his legal defence, and mobilise further protests.

From the beginning, we have emphasised the shared interest of all who face austerity and attacks from the GNU in uniting to fight this persecution. The only reliable force that can bring justice for Xolani is mobilisation of the masses in united-front action. This is the best way for trade unions, left groups, and other activists to combine their efforts without giving up their independent political views. “March separately, strike together!”

Many more forces must be mobilised to press for justice for Xolani! Join the campaign:

• Get resolutions passed in your unions, community and student organisations to defend Xolani!
• Donate to his legal defence!
  details

  Account Number: 10237063008
  Account Name: Defend Xolani Khoza Legal Fees
  Account Type: Standard Bank Society Scheme Savings
  Bank: Standard Bank
  
• Endorse the campaign: https://forms.gle/w773pCrst1YFZwAV7
• Mobilise contingents and send solidarity greetings to the protests!