Uploaded July 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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.
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.
