On behalf of the International Alliance of Inhabitants, I would like to extend our solidarity to the organisation during the current attacks upon your members. The viciousness of these is an indication of the real threat your voices pose to those elite interests who are more concerned with profits than the well-being of the citizens of South Africa.

 

The refusal of bail to Comrade Bandile is an outrage to justice. She is an outstanding figure in the fight for social justice whose only 'crime' is to organise against injustice and oppression. Our thoughts are with her and all the comrades of Abahlali. Abahlali baseMjondolo is a leading example of the power of independent peoples' organisations which do not allow their voices to be mediated or domesticated by NGOs or 'professionals'. We recognise the sacrifice of those whose voices have been silenced by murder, those whose bodies have been broken by thugs, and their families who have suffered for their principles.

This October is the month of the World Zero Eviction Days when we are focussed on the struggle for an eviction-free world, where the dignity and security of all our peoples are respected by those in power. The International Alliance of Inhabitants calls upon the South African government to prosecute the real criminals not activists and to uphold the principles of the Freedom Charter which formed the basis of the struggle against apartheid and expressed the desires of the South African people to live in "another possible world".

 

In Solidarity

 

Mike Davies

Interim Convenor – Southern Africa

International Alliance of Inhabitants