Lindela Figlan

Lindela Figlan, also known as 'Mashumi' is a founder member of the South African shack dwellers' movement Abahlali baseMjondolo and has served as the organisation's Deputy President.
Figlan is from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He works as a security guard. His father was involved in the revolt in Pondoland in 1960.

Repression

In 2009 he, along with other members for Abahlali baseMjondolo, was driven from his home by an group of armed men associated with the ruling party during the Attack on Kennedy Road.

Political Commitments

Figlan argues that "Our movement continues to be led by its members amid the common belief in the fundamental equality and dignity of every human being." He is critical of electoral politics and argues that “Voting someone into government just gives them power to oppress and exploit us. If the government were to implement the Freedom Charter, which calls for the benefit of all and not for a select few to keep getting fatter, we would not have to act in such a manner.”