CHICAGO-ALEXANDRA SISTER COMMUNITY PROJECT SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1992 MINUTES

Contents: 1. Soweto Day Walkathon • 2. Report from Vicky Baecher • Political Campaign • Housing • Health • Education • Media • 3. Committee Reports • Housing • Media • Education • Health • Organizational structure • The minutes say the June 13th event raised about $6500; about 120 people walked; thanks to those who walked, pledged and worked on the event; additional contributions should be sent in as soon as possible; half of the proceeds will be sent to the ACO Women's Desk for their projects in Alexandra Township. The minutes say Vicky recently returned from Alex after 6 months in the township; during this period, she saw the township reduced to a virtual war zone; she reported that the violence is perpetrated largely by members of the Inkatha Freedom Party which took over the M1 hostel in Alex last year; IFP thugs have driven families out of homes in the area surrounding the hostel (now known as the Berult Area); displaced people are living in community halls as well as in the already overcrowded homes of family and friends. The minutes say random attacks on commuter trains led to a train boycott and the use of taxis (mini-vans) for commuter transportation; now the taxis are targets of attacks; the ACO has called for the closing of the hostels and for the Sandton Town Council, which manages the hostels, to stop paying for electricity and other services to the hostels; the ACO and other Alex organizations met with the Minister of Law and Order regarding the violence; the ACO is organizing defense units in the township. The minutes say Vicky felt our political campaign (meetings at consulate and city council resolution etc.) are useful; she said ACO would like closer links with the city government. The minutes say Vicky reported that the violence has slowed plans for development projects as meetings are difficult if not impossible and ACO leaders are preoccupied with aiding victims of the violence; she gave a brief report in each project area and is willing to meet with each committee separately to give more details. The minutes say many projects are on hold because of violence; a Habitat for Humanity project cannot be finished; projects in the East Bank area continue; ACO is participating in the Alexandra Community Development and Service Agency, which involves members of NUMSA, the Alex Clinic, the small business association and others in planning and representing the community with developers, researchers etc. The minutes say the Joint Negotiating Forum has been working on plans for waste management and for training citizens to use the system. The minutes say ACO is working with the Alex Clinic to take over the Evendale Hospital, formerly a 200 bed unit, now 100 beds for whites only half full; Alex residents now travel 36 kilometers to the Tembiza hospital which is overcrowded; people die on route to the hospital; there is a great need for training in hospital administration, perhaps an exchange program; there was a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Swing but he says U.S. is not funding health projects this year; they are now pursuing other funding sources; the South African government is willing to transfer control of the hospital to the community if they can manage it (and pay for it) for 3 years; the ANC Health Minister is supporting this project. The minutes say scholarships needed in many areas; literacy and adult ed programs are a priority; ANC has been leading workshops on leadership development (how to run a meeting, fundraising and budget etc.) ACO needs books on Fundraising. The minutes say ACO is still working toward having their own newspaper; the only local newspaper is an English paper aimed at conservative business folks and funded by the government; again, training is needed in journalism and management. The minutes say Lisa January talked to Chris Benner regarding which system will be purchased; Slim Colman told Carol Thompson that he has been talking with Mzwanele about the Media Center. Kevin Thompson is willing to consult on desk-top publishing. The minutes say the DePaul library project is still in planning stage; the DePaul administration has agreed to fund travel to Alex. The minutes say Carol Thompson will ask Dr. Rachel Rubin who recently returned from 2 years in Mozambique and visited the Alex Clinic to Chair this committee. The minutes say Kay Burnett reported on phone calls to clarify Steering Committee membership; 20 members have been confirmed, 1 said no, 2 have moved away and 3 still need to be reached; there are still about 4 slots to fill; Carol Thompson will ask Dr. Rachel Rubin to fill one; ELECTIONS FOR STEERING COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP WILL BE HELD AT THE NEXT MEETING. The minutes discuss Joan Gerig, the ANC (African National Congress), NUMSA (National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa), and the Alexandra Civic Organization (ACO). [Note: The correct spelling of the name may be Vicky Beecher. The correct spelling may be Tembisa Hospital. Mzwanele is Mzwanele Mayekiso.]