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Abahlali baseMjondolo condemns the opportunistic and disrespectful inclusion of our movement in the latest programme for the SACP-hosted ‘Conference of the Left’ without our consent. This blatantly disregards and disrespects our autonomy and democratic processes.
We first saw our name and logo on the poster allegedly released by the SACP. We released a public statement making it clear that the poster was misleading and that we will NOT be participating in the conference.
We have now seen that COSATU has included us in the programme for the conference circulated in advance of their Special Central Executive Committee meeting on 14 May 2026. We did not attend this virtual meeting as we refuse to attend the ‘Conference of the Left’.
We have repeatedly stated that we were not consulted or involved in the planning of this conference. The continued use of our name and logo is a clear attempt to co-opt and undermine our struggle.
We are aware of at least five organisations listed on the latest version of the programme that have taken a clear decision not to participate in this conference but nevertheless continue to have their names included on the programme.
We demand respect for our movement and our right to self-determination. We will not be used to legitimise events that are contrary to our interests, values and political principles.
We are a democratic grassroots organisation in which decisions about important matters are always taken by our members through open public discussions. We will not be silenced, manipulated or disrespected by the organisers of this conference.
We call on all our comrades and allied organisations to reject this opportunism and to stand with us in our insistence on principled forms of unity in our struggle for justice and dignity.
Issued by Abahlali baseMjondolo