Bahlali Bayanda! Three Branches Launched on Sunday.

Monday, 28 July 2014

Abahlali baseMjondolo Press Statement

Bahlali Bayanda! Three Branches Launched on Sunday.

On Friday we joined thousands of others in Durban and marched in support of Gaza. We will continue to look for ways to support the struggle in Palestine.

On Sunday we launched three branches. The first two branches to be launched were in eNsimbini in Chesterville and KwaNdengezi in Pinetown. The comrades in eNsimbini have been struggling against evictions. They are being left homeless as their traditional homes are being demolished to make way for RDP houses. In April Baba Cele and Baba David Ngubane were both shot and wounded when they asked to see a court order during an illegal eviction perpetrated by the eThekwini Municipality. This was the twelfth eviction in the area. There have been no demolitions here for the last two months, probably due to strong resistance. The comrades at eNsimbini have named their new branch ‘Chris Hani’. They have requested copies of the Constitution for all members. They are well aware that when residents know this law this knowing does not force the Municipality to obey the law but they feel that it is important that everybody understands clearly that the Municipality is a criminal organisation and that resistance to it is just.

There has also been a long struggle in KwaNdengezi. Here the struggle has focussed on the Councillor, Mduduzi Ngcobo (known as Nqola), and his very serious corruption and intimidation. The attempt to launch the branch here last week couldn’t go ahead as Nqola locked the community hall and would not allow our movement to use it. Once again all proper channels were followed to book the hall for yesterday and once again it was locked. But preparation had been made to hold the launch outside if necessary and it went ahead successfully outside. They way in which Nqola denies the community hall to the community is a disgrace.

After these two launches a big launch, attended by hundreds, was held at the Marikana Land Occupation in Cato Crest. The Cato Crest Abahlali baseMjondolo branch was launched as well as the new Cato Crest branch of the Abahlali baseMjondolo Women’s League. There were choirs, poets and dancers, all proudly red. We remembered the three comrades who have died in the struggle for this land – Thembinkosi Qumbelo, Nkululeko Gwala and Nqobile Nzuza. But we also celebrated the strength of the people who have occupied this land and their success in holding the land despite so much repression. The Mfene Dance Group from Kennedy Road performed, Melissa Deyi, a six year old poet performed and Khaya Nodwengu, a poet from eNsimbini performed too. It was a wonderful occasion. The new branch of the Women’s League made it clear that they have suffered enough and committed themselves to building women’s power in struggle.

For further information contact:

Mr. TJ Ngongoma / National Spokesperson  084 613 9772

Mr. Ndabo Mzimela / National Secretary  079 355 6758

Mr. Sbu Zikode / President  083 547 0474