This week we’re in conversation with Thapelo Mohapi, General Secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo, about land, democracy, political education, and what it takes to build people’s power from the ground up.

We talk about eKhenana Commune, the struggle for land and housing, and why organised communities are so often treated as a threat. Thapelo reflects on the social value of land, how communities can govern themselves collectively, and why meaningful democracy depends on people participating in decisions that shape their own lives.

He also shares lessons from grassroots organising: why political education matters, how solidarity is built through shared struggle, and what it takes for movements to endure in the face of repression and violence.

🎙️ popEd Episode 6: The state works for capital