Thapelo Mohapi, General Secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo, talks about the neglect of the poor and working people that led to at least 77 deaths in a recent fire in Johannesburg. He also explains the rampant xenophobia in the aftermath of that horrific tragedy

Since 2021, a ‘vigilante’ group called Operation Dudula has carried out actions targeting people perceived to be foreign nationals. A group of social movements, including the militant shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM), have gone to court against Operation Dudula and the alleged complicity of the South African state

Chairperson of the eKhenana commune of Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM), who was out of prison on bail, was gunned down at his home two days before he was to appear in court. This is the third murder of AbM leaders in eKhenana commune in Cato Crest this year.

The congress of Abahlali baseMjondolo, held at a time of severe repression but also of expanding influence, has laid out for South Africa’s shack-dwellers’ movement the road ahead for the next three years.