The eKhanana Commune began as a land occupation in Cato Manor, Durban and was then developed into a working commune. The residents created a food sovereignty project: they have a poultry farm and a vegetable garden. Earlier there was a tuck shop which was destroyed. The residents are known for their practice of cooking and eating together. They also have a political school named in honour of Frantz Fanon and ran cultural projects including poetry and theatre work. In short, together they have built social solidarity and social responsibility.

On 8 March Ayanda Ngila, Deputy Chairperson of eKhanana Commune, was brutally murdered. On 5 May Nokuthula Mabaso was also brutally murdered eKhanana: she was shot six times – four bullets into her back – in front of her children. Several leaders of eKhanana have been in and out of jail, sometimes for months at a time, under false accusations. Residents have also had their homes burnt and been subject to severe assault. Members of eKhanana community live in a state of perpetual violent political repression. 

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