“There is no reverse gear”: S’bu Zikode
By Sthembiso Shozi
Zikode was speaking to a crowd of companions who attended the court appearance of Abahlali’s Secretary General Bandile Mdlalose and other three Cato Crest comrades: Nokulanga Magobongo, Sibongile and Mr. Mzihle after charges of public violence were laid against them last month
Bandile spent a week in Westville prison after being denied bail and was released on a R5000 bail and banned from entering Cato Crest. The other three spent roughly four hours in the holding cells of the Cato Manor police station where they paid dearly after being heavily beaten by the police.
“We are virtually there. We need people with guts and self-assurance in the organisation, there is no reverse gear, assuredly we’re getting there. We should continue with our blockades until the fat lady sings”, said Zikode to a large crowd at the gates of the court. His words seemed to be sinking into the hearts and heads of many.
Bandile’s appearance was postponed to November 14 due to her trip to overseas whereas the other housing activists will return on the 10th of the same month. The prosecutors said that they needed more time to gather evidence against the accussed. All four comrades were not very satisfied with the court’s verdict.
“We wanted to put this whole nightmare behind us, once and for all said Nokulanga and Sibongile. We are sad that we came all the way for nothing, nevertheless we would truly like to thank Abahlali for the exertion and provision presented to us. It is much cherished”, said the two comrades
Bandile said while there’s repression shown to them by the ANC and the South African Police Services (SAPS), their spirits won’t enervate because this not the times for the government to be passing judgment for the deprived.
“You have a right to do whatever you can so as to fight exploitation and claim your necessities. You are not doing anything wrong by scorching tires. We live in shacks; we have no electricity so is not wrong to use them as illuminations” said Bandile.
Another three comrades are due to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s court tomorrow (November 29). They were arrested on an Umlazi road blockade arranged to call for the release of Bandile Mdlalose and to demand that the City stops its subjugation of the movement and start discussions with Abahlali on their demands given to them at the march on 16 September 2013.