SOUTH AFRICA: UnFreedom Day protests

On April 26, "Freedom Day", 5000 people joined a protest in Durban to mourn the "death of freedom". S'bu Zikode, leader of the shack dwellers movement Abahlali base Mjondolo, said residents from 35 informal settlements joined the demonstration to speak out against their oppression. "How can we celebrate freedom when we only hear tales of freedom or see people's lives changed for the better in other parts of the country, but never in our communities?" asked Zikode. "We are the forgotten people who are expected to be content with sharing five toilets among 5000 people. How can a community of 5000 people celebrate when it is expected to make do with six taps?"

From Green Left Weekly, May 3, 2006.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 666