To see more short films by Elkartasun Bideak click here and here.

The film is about the eNkwalini community’s struggle for land rights. It highlights the attacks by the local neighbouring farmer who has been trying to evict them since 2005 when he started to demolish their houses. The film tells a story of a rural community that is waging a struggle against ferocious tides of oppression. It is a story about a territorial war between the poor rural community and rich land owner. It is a story that reminds us that although South Africa may be celebrating 15 years of democratic rule, however, conditions under for those who are poor and marginalized, such as the rural and farm dweller communities, have hardly changed. For them it is not yet “uhuru” (freedom).

Rural Network Press Release

RIETVLEI COMMUNITY PROTEST MARCH AGAINST VIOLATIONS OF LAND AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE MASIKANE FAMILY BY LOCAL FARMER AND POLICE

Abahlali baseMjondolo & the Rural Network at the Reitvlei Protest - 21 March 2009

On March 21, 2009 the Human Rights Day, we the community of Rietvlei (black and white) and the Masikane family will march on our streets to protest against the:

1. Eviction of the Masikane family by a local farmer
2. Flagrant biasness of the Rietvlei Police Station against the Masikane family

16/02/2009

Land owner attacks the Masikane family with poison

In the late after of February 15, 2009 Ms. Joyce Fikile Masikane was alone at home when the owner of the land on which her family has been residing for generations attacked her. Mom Fikile as she is fondly known in her area was chased out of her home. Her family house was sprayed with some bluish powder which she and her neighbours suspects it was poison. This incidence happens two weeks after Mom Fikile’s daughter, Dudu and her cousin Zinhle were also attacked by the same land owner. The Masikane family called the police but they did not show up.

PRESS RELEASE FROM eMASANGWENI COMMUNITY
9 January 2009

eMasangweni Community Still Awaits Justice for 2006 Farm Killing

In 2006, two school boys from eMasangweni were killed at an area farm by two employees of Farm Watch. Five boys were crossing a sugarcane field on the afternoon of June 17. After being spotted in the field they were chased by Farm Watch; and after surrendering to the guards, two boys were fatally shot. Thembinkosi Mpanza, age 19, was shot in the head and died instantly. Vukani Shange, age 15, died a few months later from gunshot wounds to his abdomen.