Swedish Government awards Per Anger Prize to human rights defender in South Africa

South African human rights activist Sibusiso (S’bu) Innocent Zikode is awarded the Swedish Per Anger Prize for 2021. His activism is for the right to decent housing, land, and dignity for the those living in informal settlements. This prize from the Swedish Government is awarded by The Living History Forum on April 21. Afrikagrupperna nominated S’bu Zikode.

The Per Anger Prize is the Swedish Government’s international prize for human rights and democracy. The prize was established in 2004 in recognition of diplomat Per Anger’s efforts during the Second World War, when he saved Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust. The Living History Forum is commissioned by the Swedish Government to award the annual prize.

Sibusiso dedicates his life to the struggle for equality and dignity for all South Africans. He fights for the right to decent housing and land for society’s marginalised, and for better living conditions for shack dwellers.

– A shack without water, electricity, and sanitation is not worth calling a home. On the contrary, it means life-threatening circumstances that are particularly harsh towards women, children, and minority groups. The injustice is even more apparent now that the pandemic affects those who are already disadvantaged, says S’bu. Zikode.

S’bu is the president of the movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, which he co-founded 16 years ago when he lived in a shack settlement in Durban himself. Today, the movement has 82 000 members. The movement challenges the violations perpetrated against those living in shacks through litigation, media awareness and solidarity actions. In addition, Abahlali baseMjondolo seeks to hold those in power accountable.

It is dangerous to be an activist in South Africa. S’bu Zikode has been subjected numerous threats and violence because of his dedication. Within Abahlali baseMjondolo, 18 members have been murdered for their commitment over the years.

- Sibusiso embodies bravery and solidarity and has shown immense courage and knowledge in his effort to stand up for the most vulnerable. He is an activist at heart and mobilizes the movement as well as leading the way as spokesperson, he deserves all the praise and appreciation in the world. The struggle continues! says Secretary General Louise Lindfors, Afrikagrupperna Stockholm

Afrikagrupperna is a Swedish member-based solidarity organisation focusing on development cooperation in partnership with civil society in southern Africa.

For more information and interviews, please contact:
Afrikagruppernas Secretary General and spokesperson
Louise Lindfors
Phone: +46 739-417976
E-mail: louise.lindfors@afrikagrupperna.se 

Sibusiso (S'bu) Innocent Zikode:
Phone: +27 83 5470 474 
E-mail: sbuzikode@gmail.com