Statement of Solidarity from the Socialist Party in Zambia

Stop the political persecution of Abahlali baseMjondolo activists and leaders

The Socialist Party of Zambia stands in solidarity with the shack dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo in South Africa as their activists and leaders continue to face political persecution.

As a young political Party, we have learned many lessons from our comrades in AbM. Just like we are building socialism in Zambia through our agroecology and literacy programs, Abahlali baseMjondolo is fundamentally changing the material conditions of the people in South Africa. We have seen this specifically with the example set by the eKhenana Occupation in Durban where the movement has successfully built the Frantz Fanon Political School, the Sifiso Ngcobo Poultry farm, the Thuli Ndlovu Community Hall and more.

AbM has consistently stood at the side of the most oppressed and marginalised people. They have stood in solidarity with all the people of Africa (from the Congo to Zambia, Tunisia and Mozambique) and the world (including Palestine, Brazil and Venezuela). In South Africa where they are organised, they have been gracious in welcoming all people into their movement and standing against the social ills of xenophobia wherever they raise their heads.

While we welcome the release of Lindokuhle Mnguni, Landu Tshazi and Ayanda Ngila, we know this struggle has not ended as Mqapheli George Bonono, Maphiwe Gasela and Siniko Miya will appear on 1 October on trumped up charges and false accusations. We echo the demand for an end to the persecution and the extrajudicial violence imposed upon the membership and leaders of AbM.

In solidarity,
Socialist Party