SAFTU STATEMENT CONDEMNS THE ASSASSINATION OF ABAHLALI BASEMJONDOLO LEADER ZWELI “KHABAZELA” MKHIZE

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) expresses its deepest shock, outrage, and anger at the barbaric assassination of Comrade Zweli “Khabazela” Mkhize, the Treasurer of the eNkanini branch of Abahlali baseMjondolo, who was gunned down on the evening of Thursday, 12 February 2026, in eNkanini, Ellandale, Gauteng.

According to reports, Comrade Khabazela was at the home of a close friend, someone he regarded as a brother, when two men arrived in a Renault vehicle and immediately opened fire on him. He was brutally murdered in cold blood in what bears all the hallmarks of a targeted political assassination. This is not merely a criminal act. It is an attack on democratic organisation, community leadership, and the fundamental right of the working class and the poor to organise and defend their dignity.

SAFTU conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and the entire Abahlali baseMjondolo movement, as well as to the community of eNkanini, who have lost a courageous, principled, and honest leader.

Comrade Khabazela was known as a committed, transparent, and trustworthy leader who dedicated his life to advancing the interests of his community. His commitment to democratic processes and grassroots organisation reflects the finest traditions of working-class struggle in South Africa. His assassination represents a direct assault on the democratic rights of shack dwellers and the broader working class.

A PATTERN OF POLITICAL ASSASSINATIONS AGAINST COMMUNITY LEADERS

This killing is not an isolated incident. It forms part of a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of assassinations targeting Abahlali baseMjondolo leaders and community activists across South Africa. Over the past decade, numerous leaders of this movement have been murdered under similar circumstances. These assassinations expose the brutal reality that activists who stand up against corruption, land dispossession, housing injustice, and local elite patronage networks often face intimidation, violence, and death.

The working class and the poor are being told, through bullets, that their lives and their democratic rights are disposable.

This is a damning indictment of the state’s failure to protect activists and uphold the constitutional rights to organise, protest, and participate in democratic life without fear of assassination.

THE FAILURE OF THE STATE AND THE CULTURE OF IMPUNITY

SAFTU condemns the culture of impunity that allows these assassinations to continue without consequence. In far too many cases, the perpetrators, the planners, and those who benefit politically and materially from these killings are never arrested or prosecuted.

This raises serious questions about:
• The failure of law enforcement agencies to investigate political assassinations with urgency and seriousness;
• The possible involvement of local power brokers threatened by democratic grassroots organising;
• The broader environment of lawlessness, corruption, and violence that has taken root in many communities.

A democracy cannot function when community leaders are silenced by bullets.

A society cannot call itself free when the poor are murdered for organising themselves.

AN ATTACK ON THE ENTIRE WORKING CLASS

An injury to one is an injury to all.

The assassination of Comrade Khabazela is an attack on the entire working class, the unemployed, shack dwellers, and all those who struggle daily for land, housing, water, electricity, and dignity. It is an attempt to intimidate and silence those who refuse to accept the unbearable conditions imposed by poverty, inequality, and state neglect.

History has taught us that violence against grassroots leaders is often used to protect corrupt interests, maintain unjust power relations, and suppress legitimate democratic demands.

SAFTU stands in full solidarity with Abahlali baseMjondolo and all community movements fighting for justice.

OUR DEMANDS

SAFTU calls on the South African government and law enforcement agencies to:

1. Immediately launch a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the assassination of Comrade Zweli Mkhize;
2. Arrest and prosecute not only the gunmen but also those who planned, ordered, and financed this assassination;
3. Provide protection to Abahlali baseMjondolo leaders and other community activists facing threats;
4. Publicly report on progress in investigating political assassinations of community leaders across the country;
5. Take decisive action to dismantle the networks of violence, corruption, and intimidation operating in communities.

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

Throughout our history, the working class has paid a heavy price for freedom, justice, and dignity. From the assassinations of trade unionists and community leaders under apartheid to the present day, the forces of repression continue to target those who dare to organise and resist injustice.

But history also teaches us that repression cannot defeat a just cause.

SAFTU salutes the life and struggle of Comrade Zweli “Khabazela” Mkhize. His commitment, courage, and sacrifice will not be forgotten. His death strengthens our resolve to continue the struggle for a society based on equality, justice, dignity, and democratic control by the working class.

We call on all workers, unions, and community organisations to unite in defence of activists, democracy, and the right of the poor to organise without fear.

The blood of Comrade Khabazela must not be in vain.

A statement was issued on behalf of the SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.

For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at:

Newton Masuku
newtown@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564