The shackdwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has announced that it will be voting the National Union of Metalworkers of SA’s political party, the Socialist Revolutionary Workers’ Party. Other political parties have proven to be deceit, the movement said.
On Tuesday, the shack dwellers’ movement in KwaZulu-Natal announced to the media that the only organisation that has its vote is the ‘party of the people’, Socialist Revolutionary Workers’ Party.
“Abahlali came into a decision after the general assembly that was held following presentations from several political parties. The decision was a result of honesty from the party, which clearly stated that they had nothing to promise us but asked that we join our struggles and fight together,” Abahlali base Mjondolo’s Mqapheli Bonono told the Daily Vox.
The movement boats 5,000 members in KwaZulu Natal alone, but chose not to contest elections this year.
Although the movement which advocates for the poor’s rights has been accused of driving a political agenda, it remains resolute that political power is not what they are after.
“We still maintain that we are a movement that fights for people’s rights and dignity. SRWP is the only party which speaks the same language as us, and although our vote is for them, we remain an independent civic organisation,” Bonono said.
Meanwhile, this year’s ballots boasts contestation from numerous upcoming political organisations, they all have unique stances on burning issues.
SRWP was launched in March, promising to end capitalism in South Africa should it win. .
Abahlali say they won’t be forming any alliance with the party but will remain its own wing.
“Abahlali will not take membership of the party or join the party. We will keep our autonomy separate from the decision making structures of the party.
“We do, though, hope that we can build and sustain unity in struggle between all the progressive forces among the working class, including precariously employed, unemployed and impoverished people,” Bonono said.
Featured image supplied by Abahlali baseMjondolo
