Violent Political Repression of the eKhanana Commune in Cato Manor, Durban

On the 15th of June 2022 The Forge hosted a panel discussion on Violent Political Repression of the eKhanana Commune in Cato Manor, Durban

The eKhanana Commune began as a land occupation in Cato Manor, Durban and was then developed into a working commune. The residents created a food sovereignty project: they have a poultry farm and a vegetable garden. Earlier there was a tuck shop which was destroyed. The residents are known for their practice of cooking and eating together. They also have a political school named in honour of Frantz Fanon and ran cultural projects including poetry and theatre work. In short, together they have built social solidarity and social responsibility.

On 8 March Ayanda Ngila, Deputy Chairperson of eKhanana Commune, was brutally murdered. On 5 May Nokuthula Mabaso was also brutally murdered eKhanana: she was shot six times – four bullets into her back – in front of her children. Several leaders of eKhanana have been in and out of jail, sometimes for months at a time, under false accusations. Residents have also had their homes burnt and been subject to severe assault. Members of eKhanana community live in a state of perpetual violent political repression.

Facilitator:
Thato Masiangoako a researcher at SERI.

Panellists:
Nomfundo Xolo a journalist at New Frame

Lindokuhle Mnguni Chairperson of eKhanana Commune (Abahlali baseMjondolo, Shack Dwellers’ Movement)

Mbali Kubheka from Kubheka and Associates Law Inc.