P R E S S R E L E A S E
UnFreedom Day! No Freedom for the Poor! Why we mourn on April 27th, 2006

For further details, please contact, unFreedom Day Media committee:

S'bu Zikode: 083 547 0474/ Des D'sa: 083 982 6939/

Lubna Nadvi: 083 786 4918/ Orlean Naidoo: 084 838 5628

UnFreedom Day! No Freedom for the Poor! Why we mourn on April 27th, 2006

DURBAN. On April 27th Durban will be mourning during its first "UnFreedom Day" event. Communities from throughout Durban's social movements join forces to mourn the denial of their collective rights, and to celebrate the strength that enables communities to work together, across barriers of race, during a day of cultural celebration and political action.

For how long we must suffer?…I want to ask Mayor Obed Mlaba when he will fulfill the promises. That is why we say there is no Freedom in Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal .

– Howard Jili with his son Mvikeli Jili, Foreman Road

The first democratic elections were held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. The promise of that day was equality, a vision that all South Africans might be able to share the country's wealth, that all would be equal under the law, that all would have inalienable rights. That day is commemorated as "Freedom Day", and its memory celebrated in a national holiday each April 27th. As years have gone by, the hope has turned to bitter irony. Twelve years after the first democratic elections, the gap has increased between the rich and the poor!

What are we fighting for?

§ Decent Houses for All in the City

§ Free Basic Services

§ Basic Income Grant for All

§ Unconditional access to all resources of this land

§ Rights for All informal workers

§ A health, clean environment

§ Equality for All, including all vulnerable groups (women, children, sick/disabled).

What are we against?

§ Forced Relocations

§ Evictions

§ Water and Electricity Cut offs

§ Lying Politicians

§ Pollution

§ State Repression, police brutality and impunity

§ Land Theft

Held at St John's church on Rippon Road in Claire Estate, the day offers a diverse cultural programme, with music and art from the Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement (shackdwellers movement), Women of Ward 80 (Umlazi), South Durban Residents, Chatsworth Flat Residents, Marianridge, Merebank, Sydenham, Newlands, and many other areas, in a four hour programme. Listen and enjoy the talent of communities from all over the City. Come to the rally! Join the movement!

For further details, please contact, unFreedom Day Media committee

Orlean Naidoo: 0848385628/ S'bu Zikode: 0835470474/ Des D'sa: 0839826939/ Lubna Nadvi: 0837864918