Protests erupt against the PIE Amendment Bill across South Africa

Abahlali baseMjondolo is holding protests in Durban, Johannesburg, and Mpumalanga against the PIE Amendment Bill.

Shack dwellers' movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has intensified its opposition to the proposed Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) Amendment Bill, staging coordinated marches and protests in Durban, Johannesburg and Mpumalanga on Friday.

Joined by members of progressive trade unions and left-wing organisations, the movement said the demonstrations were aimed at resisting what it described as an attempt by the Government of National Unity (GNU) to criminalise poverty, land occupations and grassroots struggles for land reform.

Hundreds of supporters gathered in Durban, marching from Curries Fountain to City Hall, while protesters in Johannesburg marched from Jeppe Park to the Gauteng Legislature, where a formal submission opposing the Bill was handed over. In the Pixley ka Isaka Seme Municipality in Mpumalanga, activists held a picket in solidarity with the nationwide action.

Abahlali baseMjondolo president S'bu Zikode said the proposed amendments would make it easier for authorities and private landowners to evict vulnerable communities while imposing severe penalties on those supporting land occupations and community-led land reform initiatives.