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S'Bu Zikode

S'bu. Zikode is the former President of Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement SA. Prior this he was the President of Abahlali and a chairperson of the Kennedy Road Development Committee before becoming its president. He was born and raised in Estcourt by a single mother, who worked as a domestic worker. In December 2009 Bishop Rubin Phillip conferred the Order of the Holy Nativity on him. He was the first non-Anglican to be honored in this way. In 2010 he was listed by the Mail and Guardian as one of 'two hundred young South Africans that you have to take to lunch. He has written a number of widely published articles on popular politics and the struggle for just cities. As a result of his political work he has lost two jobs, been arrested and assaulted. In September 2009 S'bu's home and other leaders were looted and attacked by the armed mob associated with the ruling African National Congress. S'bu and other leaders were forced to hiding, after the Kennedy 12 were arrested and charged with serious crimes, including murder. The 12 were acquitted on the 18 July 2011 by the Durban Regional Court after the state failed to produce evidence before the court. S'bu continued to receive death threats from local ANC leaders and supporters. At the end 2013 S'bu was forced again into safe house following death threat to his family.