http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/shack-dwellers-threaten-protest-1.1155348

Shack dwellers threaten protest
October 12 2011 at 08:05am

by Zama Nene

The shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali Basemjondolo has vowed mass protest action after what it called being “disrespected” by eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo.

Abahlali chairman Sbu Zikode said Abahlali had hoped that Nxumalo would be different to the previous mayor, Obed Mlaba, who it said was never prepared to meet them.

Nxumalo was supposed to meet the members of the movement on October 6, but cancelled with no explanation.

His spokesman Thabo Mofokeng said the mayor had been busy with other engagements and another meeting would be scheduled.

Zikode said,: “They hate us. They think we are dirty, un- educated and unorganised. They want nothing to do with us, they look down on us. We are rolling our sleeves for mass mobilisation. Mass action is the only language they understand.”

Abahlali want the mayor to accommodate all Durban citizens regardless of political affiliation, race or affluence.

Its president, Mzwakhe Mdlalose, urged the mayor to engage with them.

It has also called for the city’s head of housing, Nigel Gumede, to resign.

The protest is scheduled for October 19 and during the COP17 climate conference.