Human rights defender Zweli “Khabazela” Mkhize was shot and killed on the evening of 12 February 2026 in the eNkanini commune, Allendale, Gauteng. He served as treasurer of the local Abahlali baseMjondolo branch despite ongoing threats. The incident draws attention ahead of Human Rights Day on 21 March.
Zweli “Khabazela” Mkhize, described as an upright and principled man, was integral to establishing the democratic structures of the Abahlali baseMjondolo branch in Allendale, Gauteng. On the evening of 12 February 2026, as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepared to deliver the State of the Nation Address, Mkhize was shot and killed in the eNkanini commune. He had faced continuous threats to stop his organising work 'or else', but persisted in his commitment to community rights. His death prompted support from trade unions and civil society organisations, but received no condemnation or condolences from the government. Mkhize joins a list of killed South African human rights defenders, including Muhsin Hendricks (2025), Pamela Mabini (2025), Cloete and Thomas Murray (2023), Lindokuhle Mnguni (2022), Ayanda Ngila (2022), Nokuthula Mabaso (2022), Babita Deokaran (2021), and Fikile Ntshangase (2020). Civil society has long highlighted the lack of policy or law in South Africa to protect such defenders, despite international obligations to enable their work safely. The opinion piece coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of South Africa and Human Rights Day on 21 March, which commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre victims protesting apartheid pass laws. It quotes the Constitution's preamble: “We, the people of South Africa, Recognise the injustices of our past; Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land...” Cassandra Dorasamy, a campaigner at Amnesty International South Africa, calls for action to protect defenders amid rising authoritarian practices.
