Two members of Abahlali baseMjondolo - Mashumi Figlan (AbM Deputy President and Kennedy Road Settlement Chairperson) and Mzonke Poni (Chairperson of AbM in the Western Cape) - are currently at the World Social Forum in Brazil. Mzonke is quoted in the widely syndicated article below. Last year, in Nairobi, AbM and the AEC mobilised against entry fees and high prices at the forum with Kenyan shack dwellers. Both movements have also protested against (the often very authoritarian) NGO domination of South African representation to the forum.

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN0141748820090201

South African strike turns violent
7.6.2007. 20:03:23

South African police used stun grenades and a water cannon to disperse striking hospital workers in the port city of Durban.

The violence came as a crippling public sector strike entered its seventh day.

The pay strike has highlighted the ideological battle facing the ruling African National Congress as it prepares to elect a new leader in December,with unions saying President Thabo Mbeki's business friendly policies have
left millions behind.

The SAPA news agency said police in Durban moved against about 200 workers who they charged were blocking the entrance to the King George V hospital.