The correspondence to the President followed the Commission’s receipt of various complaints pertaining to the plight of Abahlali baseMjondolo relating to, amongst other things; the assassination of their members and/or supports including complaints relating to socio-economic rights, access to adequate housing, access to water and sanitation and high mast lighting. It has been reported that  to date over 24 members and/or supporters of the AbM have been killed over the past 14 years. Only two convictions have been secured by the authorities in connection with these killings, many of these assassinations take place in informal settlements where members of the movement reside.

The Commission wishes to inform the public that it has received confirmation that a task team has been set up, under Lt Col Mthembu in KwaZulu Natal, to investigate the assassinations of the members of the Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement (AbM). The task team has further undertaken to provide regular progress updates to the Commission.

The Commission has also been engaging with the eThekwini Municipality regarding the socio-economic challenges faced by the AbM. As a result, thereof the Municipality has delivered 12 chemical toilets to the eNkanini Informal Settlement and 8 chemical toilets to the eKhenana Informal Settlement. The Department of Human Settlements has embarked on a process of numbering the dwellings/structures that are being occupied. The application process by the residents has since commenced and is on-going. Regarding access to water, the Commission has engaged with the Municipality, and they are in a process of installing standpipes in these settlements. The Municipality has further conducted an assessment to look into the availability of sufficient space, topography of the land to mast a foundation for the installation of high mast lighting. The Municipality will also be connecting electricity when the housing process has been finalised.

The Commission will continue to pursue its abovementioned initiatives and to monitor the progress thereof.  The Commission remains committed to supporting and alleviating the plight of the AbM. 

Ends.

For further information contact SAHRC KZN Provincial Manager, Ms. Pavershree Padayachee on Tel: 031 304 7323 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.