Nusas head calls for courage

Mr. Paul Pretorius, president of the National Union of South African Students, speaking at last night's meeting in the Cape Town City Hall, appealed to students and members of the public to "think and act rationally and not be afraid"

He said that "State violence" was the natural consequence of a society ' rotten to the core".

"As far as Nusas is concerned no amount of batons, tear-gas, or arrests will stop us," he said.

"Black and White must Iearn to work together for peace, justice, tolerance, and for a new South Africa."

Mr. Sonny Loon, leader of the Labour Party, said that yesterday morning he had received a message that police had visited his home.

"As an elected leader of my people I have the right to speak out on any injustice done to the people I represent.

"Some of you may be feeling guilty about the events of last Friday. You could have assisted by using your votes in the right direction.

"We Browns and Blacks have been living under this type of brutality for quite a while. Assault by police is the order of the day for us."

Mr. Leon said that others in many lands had been appalled.

"I am deeply grieved to think that this type of measure could have been carried out against young people who want change in the South African scene."