March against mayor

SHACK dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo launched a scathing attack against eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede, labelling her a disappointment during a march on the city hall yesterday.

They accused her administration of presiding over the death of its members, saying “bodies were piling up” under her leadership.

Two people, including 2-year-old Jayden Khoza, died of suspected teargas inhalation a few weeks ago and Samuel Hloele, who was shot dead during land evictions, was buried this weekend. The movement has blamed the metro police for the shooting.

The group, who marched from Curries Fountain to the city hall yesterday to deliver a memorandum detailing their grievances, tried to storm the building after becoming impatient waiting for officials.

Abahlali baseMjondolo leader, S’bu Zikode, called for marchers to invade the city hall. The police had to move quickly to close the only open door and police reinforcements were summoned.

“(The mayor) attended several meetings of Abahlali, where she made several promises,” said Zikode. “A while ago, she came to our meeting and promised that her administration would do things differently from the previous administration.”

In its memorandum, the group demanded an end to evictions and for the mayor to treat its members with respect and dignity. The group claimed it was excluded from the city’s integrated development plan and job opportunities, and demanded an update on the status of informal settlements and corruption investigations into the sale of RDP houses.

“We demand electricity and basic services in shack settlements while waiting for housing,” it said.

Mayoral spokesperson Mthunzi Gumede said the city had received the memorandum and would respond.