From 7 to 11 February 2023, SERI's Edward Molopi and Thato Masiangoako participated in a social movement gathering hosted by Abahlali baseMjondolo and International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net).
The gathering was hosted in Durban and brought together social movement activists and leaders from the continent and across the globe. On the opening of the dialogue, attendants were welcomed by Abahlali baseMjondolo president S'bu Zikode, SERI executive director Nomzamo Zondo and ESCR-Net executive director Chris Grove. The opening also included performances by Abahlali baseMjondolo's Women's Choir and the Internationale by eKhenana residents.
The social movement dialogue included political education sessions led by Abahlali baseMjondolo as well as discussions about the ESCR-Net Common Charter for collective struggle and core principles shared by network members; how different social movements have built alternatives and developed solutions to the various challenges they face; how the different social movements have dealt with increasing criminalisation and repression; areas of possible collaboration and plans for the future.
The dialogue concluded with a solidarity visit to Abahlali's eKhenana Commune in Cato Manor where attendants learned more about the commune, its different communal projects and were able to share gifts of solidarity from their respective countries with the commune.
