Interview with Jabulani Dlamini, Jubilee, SA

INDYM: Can you introduce yourself and tell us where you are from?

DLAMINI: My name is Jabulani Dlamini. I am from Jubilee South Africa and I am based in the Vaal Triangle. INDYM:      Why are you here?

DLAMINI: I am here because of the Winter School, which is conducted by Khanya College.

INDYM: So far, what do you think of the Winter School? Is it a good idea?

DLAMINI: Really, it is a marvellous idea, because, bare in mind, we have to have knowledge. And at the same time, we have to be linked with other people so that we can share. It is a very, very good idea to have the Winter School.

INDYM: Since you have people who are from different countries here, have you found struggles or experiences of struggles that are similar to those in South Africa?

DLAMINI: You know, I have discovered something. It looks like we have different problems from different countries. And at the very same time, I have learned that we Africans have to unite and exchange our knowledge of problems. And have a forum where we can advise each other. Because it seems that on the other side of Africa, there is not just poverty, there is a starvation.

INDYM: So what is your view on NEPAD?

DLAMINI: On the issue of NEPAD, really I am very ashamed of our African leaders. NEPAD is another form of colonisation. I have seen that NEPAD is about satisfying the G8 at the expense of the masses of Africans. And it reflects that we don’t have leadership in Africa that can serve our interests. Really I am very ashamed of NEPAD. I don’t know who came with that idea because it is a bad idea. It does not serve the masses of the people. It serves the interests of the countries of the world

INDYM: So do you see a vehicle in the Social Movements?

DLAMINI: I can see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Do you remember the WSF meeting during February this year in Brazil? The response was very positive because different social movements from different countries gathered together to discuss about the way forward. There is a light, and I see the light.

INDYM: So what is your way forward after this Winter School?

DLAMINI: After this Winter School we have to organise other workshops as Jubilee people to conscientise the masses on the ground, so that they can understand NEPAD and other issues and arm themselves with knowledge. Then they can attack capitalism.