CIHA is pleased to share a video for the event Abahlali as a Movement for Dignity and Courage. The event is part of a series organized by Black Reconstruction as a Portal. In this insightful and powerful event, abolitionist scholar and organizer Ruth Wilson Gilmore and President of Abahlali baseMjondolo (Shack Dwellers Movement) S’bu Zikode spoke about Abahlali’s ongoing work for land, housing, and dignity in South Africa. Among the numerous topics covered was the history of Abahlali — an 18-year journey that, according to Zikode, has had a successful track record despite anger, frustration, and scars. The conversation also touched on the democratic principles that are integral to the movement and reflected in the day-to-day actions of members. We invite you to watch the video in full and comment your thoughts and reactions.
For more on the Abahlali, we invite you to look at Critical Perspectives on Governance, Religion and Humanitarian Aid in Africa. Published in 2021 and edited by our co-editors Simanga Kumalo, Cilas Kemedjio, Cecelia Lynch, and Luce Graduate Fellow Albert Bangirana, the volume includes an analysis of the Abahlali movement by Stephen Phiri (Research Fellow at the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Studies) and Emmanuel Matambo (Research Director at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Africa-China Studies). See their chapter, Top-Down Advocacy as an Antithesis of Emancipatory Politics: A Brief Review of the Politics of Abahlali baseMjondolo.