Lifeless Gwala’s yearning met as Abahlali’s Cato Crest branch has been launched

By Sthembiso Shozi

Not so very long after Abahlali BaseMjondolo Movement lost its altruistic Cato Crest housing activist Nkululeko Gwala who died in agony after being shot 12 times near his home, on the 21st of July the movement proved no terror and successfully launched its new branch in the very same area.

The launch was expected to take place in the Cato Crest Sports ground which is the main ground, however due to ANC using the venue for its purposes trying to sabotage the Abahlali Launch, it was then held in an obscure small space that looked like a soccer field. It is alleged that the party had some kind of a tournament scheduled for the day.

Despite the ongoing intimidation and hounding received by the members of Abahlali, Cato Crest Gwala’s wish came true, the launch accompanied by the songs of struggles, brought back the reminiscences of Gwala’s death as some were devoted to him and some meant to affront Nigel Gumede who is in the housing Department.

The focal rationale of the launch was to honour Gwala as it was his yearning to have a branch in the area. Newly allotted Chairperson Ndabo Mzimela said the launch was due to take place weeks ago but due to Gwala’s death it was then deferred.

“As it was something we planned while Gwala was still alive we then decided to go ahead with the launch, it has always been his wish to have an Abahlali branch hear in Cato Crest so to fight corruption, by doing this we are full-filling his wishes, said Mzimela”.

The appointed committee is as follows, Chairperson Ndabo Mzimela, Deputy, Zodwa Khanyile, Secretary, Aron Mthethwa, Treasurer Scelo Ngidi, lastly the Co-ordinator Nkosinathi Mngomezulu and his deputy Mpindelo Mahlwanisi. This committee was designated by Abahlali from Cato Crest .President of Abahlali Mzwakhe Mdlalose urged Abahlali to support and protect the committee if they want to see progress and fight corruption in the area.

“As you have chosen your committee you will stand by it and protect it by all means this is a dream come true”, said Mdlalose.

Since Gwala’s death the residents have been receiving intimidations and they now fear for their lives, members from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Cato Manor police station were in attendance to keep an eye on things. According to President Mdlalose this was one of the steps to building a good relationship with the police as they have been victims of police viciousness in the preceding protests.