Last week, the Media Mobilizing Project and Put People First PA were proud to host the Philadelphia premier screening of Dear Mandela, a film that documents the rise of South Africa’s largest post-apartheid social movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo.

For nearly a decade, Abahlali, also known as the Shack Dwellers’ Movement, has fought for the rights of South Africans living in informal settlements and held municipal and national governments accountable for their unkept promises and failed policies.

In this MMPTV update we are pleased to offer a special 30-minute conversation with Zodwa Nsibande and Mnikelo Ndabankulu, two leaders from Abahlali, along with Dara Kell, the film’s co-director. In this interview, they offer insight into their personal and communal struggles, the history and growth of the movement, the lessons that can be drawn from their experiences, and the vision behind Dear Mandela.

This episode was filmed during their three day visit in Philadelphia, which included a community screening of the film, as well as gatherings with local groups and leaders, including Media Mobilizing Project, Put People First PA, the Unified Taxi Workers Alliance, the Fight for Drivers Licenses, Fuerza at Juntos, Residents of Point Breeze, PA from Below, the One Love Movement and Drexel University Law students. Their five week tour across the United States will take them to 8 towns and cities and connect dozens of groups, leaders, and communities to Abahlali baseMjondolo.

This episode was produced in partnership with PhillyCAM. Watch here or on PhillyCAM Tuesdays at 7pm and Sundays at 11am on Comcast channel 66 and Verizon 29.