Nokuthula Mabaso
Nokuthula Mabaso was a woman human rights defender and leader in the eKhenana Commune and the Women’s League of Abahlali baseMjondolo. Abahlali baseMjondolo is a grassroots movement of poor shack dwellers in Durban, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg and other parts of the province, as well as the Western Cape. The movement advocates for the rights of people living in shacks, including campaigning for access to decent housing, services and education
The Republic of South Africa voted for the adoption of the resolution on the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18th 2015. Nevertheless, HRDs face threats, intimidation, harassment, and physical attacks, sometimes resulting in death, by private individuals and members of the police force. This is especially true for those human rights defenders working on corporate accountability and the impact of extractive industries on local people and the environment. Moreover, suspected perpetrators often go unpunished. There is overwhelming impunity for those who violate the rights of human rights defenders
