diff --git a/gitsvnhelpers/utils.py b/gitsvnhelpers/utils.py
index f2e7ca3..33a3ee6 100644
--- a/gitsvnhelpers/utils.py
+++ b/gitsvnhelpers/utils.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 
 def basename():
-    return popen('basename $PWD', False, False)[1][0]
+    return os.path.basename(os.getcwd())
 
 
 def is_git():