R2K Champions 2019: Abahlali baseMjondolo
Shack-dwellers’ movement facing attacks on its members, launched a campaign against violence and killings of activists. 
For years, Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM) activists have faced a history of violence and assassinations during their struggle for land and dignity – the organisation has lost 16 members in the last ten years by hitmen and security thugs, many of them connected to local ANC politicians and criminals.
In 2018, the organisation spoke out at renewed threats and attacks against its leaders, after branch chairperson S’fiso Ngcobo was gunned down outside his home in eKukhanyeni, and death threats forced Abahlali leader Sbu Zikode into hiding. Authorities continue to use violent actions to silence and intimidate AbM in its struggle for land and housing rights for the poor. These tactics of violence are being used to create a climate of fear and intimidation against anyone who ‘speaks out’ for justice in KwaZulu-Natal.
Abahlali baseMjondolo launched a national campaign against the killing of activists and are demanding a commission of inquiry into the killing of its members.
Read more here.
Abahlali BaseMjondolo are featured on the 2019 Champions for the Right to Know Calendar.
