FREE MQAPHELI BONONO AND OTHER ABAHLALI MEMBERS!!!

Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM) is a shack dwellers' movement in South Africa that was founded in 2005. Since its emergence as a movement, AbM has campaigned relentlessly against the eviction of South Africans while simultaneously creating public housing opportunities for the homeless. This has been achieved through occupying, claiming, and developing underutilized lands in order to establish healthy and progressive communities. Taking such a direct, democratic, and peaceful approach to addressing the legacies of apartheid, including the shelter and livelihood crises, has allowed the AbM movement to achieve international respect. Many of those concerned with social justice in South Africa, Ghana and Brazil hold this same level of respect for Mqapheli Bonono, the Deputy President of AbM. Bonono is widely recognized for his dedication and courageous activism in the struggle for land and justice.

Considering the degree of commitment to nonviolent activism, the announcement of Bonono’s arrest on May 4th, 2021 by the South African Police Service was alarming to both his peers and those who follow his work. Bonono, along with other members of Abahlali, have been detained since the 4th, and face the serious charge of ‘conspiracy to commit murder.’ Given AbM’s description of Bonono as “one of the greatest organisers of his generation”, the charges facing Bonono seem unfathomable and as information emerges it is becoming apparent that they are also unfounded. On March 14th, Bonono had chaired a meeting to check in with the residents of the eKhenana Occupation following a murder that had occurred in Cato Manor. The meeting had the intention of providing an opportunity for residents of the occupation to share their views, experiences, and knowledge in relation to the murder. Despite numerous credible accounts that this was indeed the focus of the meeting on the 14th, members of the South African Police Service claim that the meeting was held to conspire a murder. The police have since failed to present any evidence supporting the charges and arrest, while messages of solidarity and outcries for justice continue to be expressed by the members and supporters of AbM.

The unlawful detention of Bonono and other Abahlali members acts as an example of systemic corruption and the abuse of power, coming as no surprise to the participants of the AbM. Over the past 15 years AbM has faced threats, violence, wrongful imprisonment, and even murder by those in positions of authority. Yet the movement persists and remains as committed as ever to achieving social justice, supporting and defending the most vulnerable when no one else will. By freeing Bonono and creating the opportunity for the AbM to advocate and organize, there is hope for a stronger and more equal South Africa. Signing this petition and standing in solidarity with AbM and Bonono is a simple step that can be taken to show support. Your signature will help hold the South African government accountable while simultaneously supporting the fight for land and dignity. International attention towards the hostility and oppressive nature of the African National Congress could be the pressure needed to generate substantive systemic change.

For more information on the arrest of Mqapheli Bonono and the AbM:  https://abahlali.org/node/17258/