Leaders of the shack dwellers movement in South Africa live with intimidation and death threats. Ndabo Mzimela is one of them. The movement has been accused of being funded by foreign agencies to cause riots, destabilize the country and undermine the ANC. But the members refuse to give up agitation for land, housing and a dignified life

Thuli Ndlovu had been threatened for being in the forefront of fighting for the rights of shack dwellers and leading spirited opposition to a controversial housing project. Now her blood has been spilled by a gunman.

South Africa’s largest shack-dwellers’ movement decided to back the Democratic Alliance in last week’s election, citing frustration with the ruling ANC over the last 20 years. Although they knew that ANC would not lose the election, the shack-dwellers were intent on weakening the party

For the shack dwellers of South Africa, the past 20 years since the end of apartheid have not meant a better life for them. It is oppression and neglect by the ruling ANC

On 4 June, the mayor promised to meet the residents by the end of the month to address their demands. But more than a week into July the residents have heard nothing further about the proposed meeting

‘The City of Cape Town is heartless. They want us to get sick. They want to punish us for trying to do what’s best for our families, for our children. But we are not going anywhere’

Police ministry agrees to pay damages after police brutality against Abahlali baseMjondolo members in 2006

The government denies shackdwellers the basic things they need to live healthy and safe lives

The shack-dwellers movement in South Africa is growing, with the recent opening of new branches that bring the total to 64.

‘Today is the third year of our homelessness. We had humble homes but were made homeless by the ruling party.’