By Brenda Zulu
ANNOUNCING......
THE 5th EDITION OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN SOCIAL FORUM 2009

Theme;
Southern Africa peoples Unity against Economic crisis and Oppression

Dear Friends;

Lesothowill be hosting the 5th edition of the Southern Africa Social Forum 2009 in Maseru, Lesotho from 6 - 9 October 2009.

This year’s SASF is expected to bring together thousands of participants from community-based groups, social movements and civil society organizations from SADC under the theme, ‘Southern Africapeoples Unity against Economic crisis and Oppression’

The Southern Africa Social Forum is a prelude to the African Social Forum (ASF) and World Social Forum (WSF) that take place annually. The first Southern African Social Forum was successfully held in 2003 Zambia, the 2nd edition was hosted by Zimbabwe, with the 3rd and 4th edition held in Malawi and Swaziland in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

The Social Forum is not an organization, not a united front platform, but "…an open meeting place for reflective thinking, democratic debate of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences and inter-linking for effective action, by groups and movements of civil society that are opposed to neo-liberalism and to domination of the world by capital and any form of imperialism, and are committed to building a society centered on the human person". (From the WSF Charter of Principles).

Your participation and contribution

Economic Justice Network-Lesotho is pleased to invite you to apply for participation in this landmark event.

We envision your participation and involvement in the following ways:
1. Pay your travel costs to and from Maseru and accommodation costs.
2. Make the three day event stimulating by bringing in your experience, enthusiasm and commitment

EJN - Lesotho will in addition take responsibility for

1) coordination and administrative costs related to planning the event
2) Report writing and distribution

It is our sincere hope that you will plan to attend the Social Forum in
October. In the mean time you can help Economic Justice Network-Lesothoin its planning in a concrete way by completing and returning the attached form either by fax or email.

We look forward to hearing from you.

E-mail: info@ejnl.org.ls Or phone the Economic Justice Network Lesotho on telephone numbers Tel:(+266)22314124

Contact
Teboho Nonyana
Finance & Administration Officer: Economic Justice Network Lesotho (EJN-L)
Contacts: Tel: (+266)22314124
Fax:(+266)22315156
Email address: tnonyana@ejnl.org.ls
Website: www.ejnl.org.ls