Cape Town March launches anti-war actions
by WarIsADrag Friday, Feb. 14, 2003 at 10:15 PM

An estimated 10 000 people (estimate from SABC TV news) marched in Cape Town this morning against the looming War on Iraq.

The march, which was organised by trade unions, Islamic organisations and the Anti-War Coalition, was a major success, with a diverse crowd taking over the streets of Cape Town to protest against impending war.

At the post-march rally at the US embassy, one of the speakers, Rogger Ronnie of SAMWU, spoke of the need to oppose this war, wether it is a US war or a UN-supported war.

A speaker from the Muslim Judicial Council highlighted the way the 'War on Terror' is in fact a 'War on Muslims', with Islam automatically being identified with terrorism. These words were supported by great applause from the many Muslims in the crowd.

The small 'War is a Drag' affinity group made a major impact by adding some colour and fun to the event, with slogans like 'Fun not Guns!', 'Bubbles not Bombs!' and 'Bush is a Moron!' (as well as many renditions of the 'Bomb Iraq' song)

Unfortunately, the post-march rally at the US embassy was marred by an attempt to shut down autonomous actions from the podium. A group who burned a US flag were told that they were 'disorganising the event' . The fact that this was more exciting than listening to a speaker read out a list of endorsing organisations seems to have offended some 'leaders'.

Hopefully, the next action will not be marred by this intolerance.

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