tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47054144518693984572024-03-18T05:04:09.951+02:00Swazi Media CommentaryInformation and commentary in suppport of human rights in SwazilandPublisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.comBlogger5315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-78689279458514999782024-03-15T09:39:00.000+02:002024-03-15T09:39:03.320+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 818 – 15 March 2024<p style="text-align: center;"> <a name="_Hlk135932955" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 818 – 15
March 2024</span></b></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Girl sexually harassed in class, cops investigate<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By<span style="color: #666666;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Joseph Zulu, <i>eSwatini News,</i> 9 March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144273-girl-sexually-harassed-in-class-cops-investigate.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">MBABANE:
Sexual harassment is now happening during class time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In a
disturbing incident that shocked a community in the northern Hhohho, a female
pupil was allegedly subjected to sexual harassment during class time at a high
school near Pigg’s Peak. The incident, which occurred approximately a week
ago, has left the community angry and demanding justice. They are complaining
that the alleged perpetrators of the incident are roaming freely.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">According to
reports obtained by <i>Eswatini News,</i> the female pupil, *Dela, was
allegedly fondled by her male colleagues, *Juba and *Joko. It is said the
alleged sexual harassment happened in full view of other pupils. The class
teacher is said to have been away at the time of the incident, but was informed
later. It was said to have all started when Juba grabbed Dela and forced
her to sit onto Joko’s lap. Despite her residences, Juba is said to have forced
Dela, who is said to be a teenager to sit on the lap of Joko. After Dela had
allegedly been thrown onto Joko’s lap, Joko is said to have held her tightly,
ensuring that she could not escape.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">While Joko
held her, it is alleged that both male pupils then proceeded to fondle her. It
is alleged that Dela had her breasts, buttocks and even private parts
fondled. After the embarrassing incident, Dela is said to have reported
what had transpired to one of the teachers, hoping that this would result in
the punishment of the two boys but this did not happen. Instead, the
teacher is alleged to have said the school’s authorities needed to be informed
about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Upon being
informed about the incident, the school’s authorities reportedly advised that
the alleged assault was a criminal matter relating to the Sexual Offences and
Domestic Violence (SODV) Act. The school is then said to have advised that
the matter should be reported to the police because it was now beyond their
authority to act on it.<br />
An enquiry into the matter is said to have been lodged at the Pigg’s Peak
Police Station by officers under the anti-domestic violence unit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">News of the
incident quickly spread beyond the confines of the school, reaching concerned
parents around the community where the school is situated. It is alleged
that some of the parents expressed dismay and sought answers, demanding to know
if any action had been taken against the two male pupils, who allegedly fondled
the teenager.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In response to growing public outrage, police officers visited the school last
Wednesday to follow up on the incident and gather further information.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The presence
of the police, according to some of the parents is said to have calmed down
some of the angry parents.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Despite the
fact that the affected pupils are reportedly at least 18 years of age, it was
gathered that the police had indicated that they would also engage the parents
because the incident happened within the school setting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">*Not real name
to protect complainant from victimisation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To
read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144273-girl-sexually-harassed-in-class-cops-investigate.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/144273-girl-sexually-harassed-in-class-cops-investigate.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Teachers in love affairs with pupils
to be fired<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144274-teachers-in-love-affairs-with-pupils-to-be-fired.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/144274-teachers-in-love-affairs-with-pupils-to-be-fired.html</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Heatwave
leaves over 1 000 people hungry, 70 cattle dead</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mthunzi
Mdluli, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini</span></i><span style="color: black;">, 11 March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144300-heatwave-leaves-over-1-000-people-hungry-70-cattle-dead.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">LUBULI: The sweltering heatwave caused the death of about 70
cattle and scorched vast acres of crops and vegetation at Lubuli, leaving over
1 000 in dire need of food.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lubuli is in the Lubombo
Region. Distraught residents said they were experiencing one of the worst
drought spells, which has turned lush vegetation into arid fields of brown
shrivelled crops, in the region known for poverty and hunger. Lubuli
residents believe they were targeted by the dreaded El Niño, which is a climate
phenomenon causing dry weather conditions, when rains are extremely
scarce. National authorities have said the drought will worsen the ailing
food security by drastically reducing the country’s maize harvest, and potentially
increasing the need to import more food. Residents took the <i>Times of
Eswatini</i> on a field trip, where this reporter was shown carcasses cows and
dried up rivers and dams. Some boreholes can no longer produce
groundwater. Lubuli lies in the Lowveld Region, where on some days,
temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Horrified farmers said their
crops started drying up between December 2023 and January this year. They
said the situation worsened last month, when the area did not receive a drop of
rainfall. The farmers said due to insufficient rainfall and extreme
temperatures, it was impossible for them to get any harvest from crops this
year. Some of the farmers lamented having spent their savings growing
crops this season. Ntuthwakazi Bucopho Bonginkosi Mabaso said Lubuli had
been perched in dry weather conditions since September 2023, but the worst was
witnessed in October, when the soil lost moisture, resulting in crops
waning. He said the entire Lubuli Constituency, comprising of Bhadlane,
Sinyamantulwa, Ntuthwakazi, KaMngometulu, Ngonini, Mconcwane, among others,
were affected.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mabaso said some farmers
resolved to plant afresh, with the hope of rains falling towards the end of
2023. “Kushe konkhe emasini (everything was scorched in the fields). We
will not harvest anything this season. Even in 2014, this area was not spared
from El Niño since crops, livestock and rivers dried up. I presume that
farmers will only harvest one or two per cent of what they initially expected,”
said Mabaso. Those likely to reap anything, he said, were those who had planted
crops much earlier, in October last year. Mabaso said when the heatwave
started, he had assumed that it would be a temporary condition, not knowing
that El Niño had struck the whole area. He said: “When some of the rivers
and boreholes dried up, we thought it was the work of the proverbial snake
haunting the area (kunenyoka kulendzawo). The majority of farmers who planted
their fields in December will harvest nothing, since the moisture had long
dried up.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144300-heatwave-leaves-over-1-000-people-hungry-70-cattle-dead.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/144300-heatwave-leaves-over-1-000-people-hungry-70-cattle-dead.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk161335322"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Cyclone Filipo
impact felt in Lubombo<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161335322;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Wonderboy Dlamini, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i>
14 March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22179"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKdDvWaTmdmSY0if1rJcvRjD4QZjuNG_jV7NQWULCavrhnk3AAAmbwIck5fhqZ2QB6loUsRYy0doTE8yW8wZ75yEt8ItzXX_awBYZEULlnKMZ1Es1QNl-UsRR6fVgAsPKPdrOhEUKu_Kftq3ood0dr6Si_iaXX3L0f2hMgnM9o_uNj1iYvRRL0EKtNaH2/s640/1710404193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="640" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKdDvWaTmdmSY0if1rJcvRjD4QZjuNG_jV7NQWULCavrhnk3AAAmbwIck5fhqZ2QB6loUsRYy0doTE8yW8wZ75yEt8ItzXX_awBYZEULlnKMZ1Es1QNl-UsRR6fVgAsPKPdrOhEUKu_Kftq3ood0dr6Si_iaXX3L0f2hMgnM9o_uNj1iYvRRL0EKtNaH2/w400-h256/1710404193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">THE eastern part of the Lubombo
region experienced torrential rains in the early hours of yesterday [Wednesday
13 March 2024] as the effects of tropical Cyclone Fillipo which dominated in
Mozambique overlapped to Eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Many parts of the Lubombo
region, in general, received significant amounts of rainfall between Tuesday
night and yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The heavy rains were
accompanied with strong winds, which left a trail of destruction in some parts
of the region. As a result of the cyclone, some places and essential centres
were inaccessible due to overflowing rivers and streams. Some of the areas which
were affected included Ka-Langa, Sitsatsaweni, Makhewu and Lomahasha.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Some members of the public took
caution and stayed home after government issued a warning on the cyclone
impact. The overflowing streams and members of the public having opted to stay
away saw Siteki town deserted as some shops were also closed. Siteki Bus Rank
was almost empty as more than 80 per cent of public transport vehicles were not
available. Secretary General of Lubombo Kombi and Mid-bus Association, Cromwell
Shongwe said some public transport operators opted to park their vehicles due
to the unstable weather conditions. Shongwe said most routes; especially gravel
ones, were inaccessible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Almost all public transport
vehicles that service rural communities were not on the road for the better
part of the day. Shongwe said this was also because some people had opted to
stay home. These included pupils, who commute to school on a daily basis. Most
schools had advised pupils to stay at home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Meanwhile, Lugongolweni Indvuna
Yenkhundla Jabulani Mamba said there had been minimum damage caused by the
heavy rainfall and strong winds under the inkhundla. Mamba said two homesteads
around Makhewu had their stick and mud houses destroyed by the rains.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Moreover, Mamba said some areas
under the inkhundla were inaccessible due to overflowing streams and
footbridges.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"We currently have a
challenge at Sitsatsaweni whereby residents are unable to cross the Manzamnyama
stream which usually overflows during rainy days," said Mamba.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">He also reported that most
parts of the constituency were without electricity for the better part of the
day after some poles were destroyed by the strong winds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Similar situations were faced
at Maphungwane, Tikhuba and Mambane communities under Matsanjeni North
Inkhundla. The inkhundla experienced an electricity blackout since the early
hours of yesterday. A resident of Maphungwane, Sabelo Matsenjwa said they also
experienced networks blackout as a result of the unavailability of electricity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To read more
of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22179"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22179</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk161335337"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini Queen ‘forces’ young girls
to attend traditional alcohol drinking ceremony in violation of children
protection laws, King’s Spokesperson says regulations only prevent them from
drinking</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 11 March, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6186"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Eswatini Queen Ntombi Tfwala
allegedly violated international and the country’s laws protecting children by
exposing young girls to a traditional alcohol drinking ceremony held at Hlane
Royal Residence last weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Buganu Ceremony is an annual event
hosted by King Mswati and his Mother Ntombi Tfwala where thousands of women
come together to drink alcohol and socialize with men.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Efforts to reach Dumsani Mnisi,the
Director of Save the Children eSwatini proved unsuccessful at the time of
compiling this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Responding to this publication when asked
to share a comment, Sibongile Mazibuko, a former Deputy Headteacher and
President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress(NNLC)said, the country
“has the Child Protection Act” that protects children from being exposed to
harmful environments including buganu drinking spree.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The NNLC President alleged that, the
Buganu ceremony “is sometimes” marred by acts not meant to be witnessed by
minor children.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It happened during the last event in the
same place where the nearby primary school kids were forced to pick up condoms
from the venue, that’s why we’re disappointed to see young children seating and
slumbering behind the Queen Mother at a ceremony that lasted for very long
hours since they were even deprived resting hours, we condemn such action”,
said the NNLC President.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane,
when asked by this Swaziland News to clarify why the children next to
Indlovukazi were taken to the alcohol drinking ceremony, held a different view
on the subject matter. He said to the best of his knowledge, children were only
prohibited from drinking alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We are aware of a regulation militating
against sale of alcohol to children under the age of 18 years. This regulation ideally
cuts them out of drinking. We are not aware of any piece of regulation that
explicitly says their parents should not take them along when they are going to
participate in traditional ceremonies that involves drinking alcoholic
beverages. We will continue to believe that normal thinking Swati parents are
conscious of keeping their children out of harm during festivals such as this one
and in family households where everybody drinks”, said the King’s Spokesperson.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk161335353"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Give blood, give
now, give often<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">World Health Organization, 13
March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/give-blood-give-now-give-often"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>Blood transfusion saved my life, so I know how important it is to
donate blood</i>” - Mphikeleli Mlotsa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2023 during school break, Mphikeleli Mlotsa, a Form 4 student at
Nyetane High School was involved in a grisly car accident that almost cost him
his life. The accident occurred at a time when the Blood Transfusion Service
was experiencing a blood shortage topped by inadequate people to donate blood
as school-going children were on break, yet the blood bank targets them during
blood drives. Thanks to the blood donation of well-wishers, Mlotsa was able to
receive blood that played a huge role in his recovery and months later inspired
him to donate blood during a blood drive at his school organized by the
Ministry of Health.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“I needed a lot of blood since I had excessive
bleeding during the accident and without a blood transfusion I was going to
die.”</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The blood shortages experienced in 2023 hurt Eswatini’s healthcare
system, increasing morbidity and mortality rates due to delayed medical
interventions. Blood shortages caused interruptions of services leading to
failure in supporting maternal and neonatal cases, renal cases, cancer network
cases, trauma/ road traffic accident cases, and management of chronic illnesses
such as HIV/AIDS and orthopedic surgical campaigns which were being conducted
at the time. To mitigate the effects of the blood shortage in the country, the
World Health Organization Eswatini (WHO) stepped in to support the Eswatini
National Blood Transfusion Service (ENBTS) organize and conduct regional blood
drives in high volumes within 14 days targeting Lubombo and Northern Hhohho
Regions. From the campaign, the Blood Transfusion Service was able to collect
1054 units out of the targeted 2000 units limit they had set. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>I am grateful that I eventually got the blood, and I would like to
encourage school-going children to donate blood because you never know what may
happen tomorrow, one day it may save your parent, your relative, or even
yourself. It always feels good to help someone in need, especially when saving
a life, hence I will continue to donate blood even when I am an adult</i>,-
Mphikeleli Mlotsa. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/give-blood-give-now-give-often"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/give-blood-give-now-give-often</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="lx-stream-postheader-text"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk161335366"><span class="lx-stream-postheader-text"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini
denies reports kingdom faces shortage of men<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="lx-stream-postheader-text"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BBC, 11 March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-africa-68531430?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=65eeb99646578322549bf39c%26Eswatini+denies+reports+kingdom+faces+shortage+of+men%262024-03-11T14%3A23%3A09%2B00%3A00&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn%3Aasset%3Aafde91f4-3b89-47ca-9312-fec15cfb4318&pinned_post_asset_id=65eeb99646578322549bf39c&pinned_post_type=share&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_medium=social&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_link_type=web_link&at_link_id=A1604022-E061-11EE-9A6A-D249AAF30DC0&at_link_origin=BBC_News_Africa&at_ptr_name=facebook_page&at_campaign_type=owned&at_format=image&fbclid=IwAR34e3nUrpY-wbUozlryP-TdZsN8WSA95zSVgQsFmVrqqS5zakAb2oZwojs"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The kingdom of Eswatini has been forced to
deny reports it was offering citizenship to men from other southern African
countries because of a shortage at home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A faked viral letter, pretending to be
from King Mswati III, expressed concern over the “scarcity of men” in Eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The faked letter also claimed the king
would help willing men from southern Africa to marry wives and get free houses
in the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The public is notified that this
circulating notice is fake,” the Eswatini government </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/EswatiniGovern1/status/1766891342452392152/photo/1"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">said in a short statement posted on X (formerly Twitter)</span></b></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is not clear who authored the fake
letter which had excited plenty of social media users in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy,
has a population of about 1.2 million people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">X (formerly Twitter):
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> @Swazimedia</span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-66661803699510405202024-03-08T10:02:00.000+02:002024-03-08T10:02:14.403+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 817 – 8 March 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 817 – 8
March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini’s reconstruction fund fraud: 12 investigated
for claiming over E1 million<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Saboor Bayat</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">,
BNN Breaking News, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">6 March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://bnnbreaking.com/finance-nav/eswatinis-reconstruction-fund-fraud-12-investigated-for-claiming-over-e1-million"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE:
In a significant development, at least 12 applicants are under investigation by
the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) for allegedly defrauding the
government of over E1 million through false claims to the Reconstruction Fund.
This revelation comes from the Ministry of Finance’s annual performance report
for the 2023/2024 financial year, highlighting a concerning misuse of funds
meant to aid businesses affected by the 2021 civil unrest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The investigations focus on
applicants accused of submitting claims for damages that never occurred, using
tampered documents, including quotations and invoices, and fraudulent company
stamps. This misconduct undermines the fundamental aim of the Reconstruction
Fund, introduced by His Majesty King Mswati III in September 2021 with an
initial government injection of E500 million. The fund’s objective is to
provide financial support for the rehabilitation of business infrastructures
and the replacement of machinery, equipment, and stock for micro and small
business enterprises devastated during the June and July 2021 civil unrest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As of January 31, 2024, the
fund had approved 553 applications totaling E267 581 096.73, with E236 122
555.66 already disbursed to applicants. Despite the significant financial aid
provided, the Ministry of Finance reported several challenges, including the
difficulty in ensuring compliance and accountability among recipients. Issues
such as applicants’ failure to respond, indecision, and the reluctance of
suppliers to accept guarantees without upfront payment, have paved the way for
fraudulent activities. Moreover, the refusal of suppliers to honor old
quotations has necessitated new quotations at the payment stage, further
complicating the fund’s operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In response to these
fraudulent activities, suspicious files were handed over to REPS for thorough
investigation. The Fraud Unit within REPS has played a crucial role in this
process, leading to charges and court appearances for some suspects, who are currently
out on bail. The Ministry of Finance and REPS are working closely to address
these issues, ensuring that the Reconstruction Fund fulfills its purpose of
aiding those genuinely affected by the civil unrest, rather than becoming a
vehicle for fraudulent gain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This situation underscores the
challenges of administering large-scale financial aid programs and the
importance of rigorous oversight and accountability measures. As the
investigations continue, the outcome will not only impact the accused
individuals but also shape future policies and procedures for managing and
distributing aid funds in Eswatini, ensuring that assistance reaches those
truly in need and contributes to the nation’s recovery and development.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk160715673"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is so special about spending
R160million renovating King Mswati’s Palaces amid shortage of drugs in
hospitals?</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160715673;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160715673;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Opinion
by Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 3 March, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6140"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is surprising that, at the time when
emaSwati are struggling with no drugs in hospitals and a collapsing education
system, King Mswati and his Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg opted to steal
R160million claiming to be renovating Palaces and/or State houses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The budget suggests that around eight
hundred thousand Rands (R800,000.00) was allocated for rural water or boreholes
and to the best of my knowledge, with each borehole costing one hundred
thousand Rands(R100,000.00), this means only eight (8) borehole might be
introduced across the entire country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mswati is pocketing R160million to
renovate his Palaces and the 1.2million emaSwati will share boreholes worth
R800,000.00, what nonsense is this?.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What service is Mswati providing to the
citizens of this country to deserve such a huge amount of money, while emaSwati
are struggling with no drugs and access to clean water?.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The State owned <i>Eswatini Observer</i>
described the recent Budget delivered by Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg as
the people’s budget, that was King Mswati’s budget and his Members of
Parliament (MPs) will approve it because as convicted MP Bacede Mabuza
articulated in court, there’s no Parliament in country where the word from one
man is final.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mswati remain a political parasite that
public resources, there’s nothing like renovation of Palaces or State houses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every year the King is cashing this money
saying he will renovate his Palaces, this is a legitimated ‘fraud’ by a person
whose extravagancy and absolute addiction to a lavish lifestyle, has undermined
the State’s capability to deliver basic services to the people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But even if the Palaces are renovated, the
question is; why are taxpayers forced to renovate another man’s homes while
emaSwati are struggling with no drugs in hospitals?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Clearly, there’s no political will to
solve the social challenges affecting this country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But then time will tell, this regime must
continue to keep emaSwati hungry, poor and frustrated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One day even the security officers who are
sustaining the Tinkhundla in democratic system with guns will have no
alternative but take part in the process of removing this cruel and oppressive
regime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">R160million to renovate
King Mswati’s Palaces.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6136"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6136</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk160715685"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Untouchable, powerful people involved
in corruption – AG<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160715685;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">by
Sibusiso Dlamini, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 3 March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22126"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Auditor General (AG) Timothy Matsebula has
alleged that his life remains at risk, as he is yet to receive the essential
security he so requires as he faces the people he reprimands for corrupt
practices against government on a daily basis. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a week that has seen him dominate
headlines for exposing a maze of irregular practices draining billions of
Emalangeni from taxpayers, he has revealed to the nation that he is facing a
daunting challenge in combatting widespread corruption in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matsebula bemoans the pervasive grip of
influential and untouchable figures armed with substantial financial resources,
which he says make it an uphill battle to reprimand those found with their
hands in the cookie jar and instigate meaningful change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The AG said he felt it was important that
the nation knows that he grapples with formidable challenges in executing his
duties, emphasising that the prevalence of influential figures complicates the
process of exposing and holding wrongdoers accountable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There are way too many corrupt and
powerful people in our country,” he said, disclosing the intricacies of his
struggles in combating corruption.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He underscored the nexus between wealth
and corruption, disclosing an alarming occurrence from the past year when he
was given the green light by Cabinet to initiate forensic investigations, only
to then be ‘disturbed’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22126"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22126</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk160715698"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ICC stolen material has completed a
house - MP</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160715698;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160715698;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nonduduzo
Kunene and Sabelo Majola, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>, 5 March 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144213-icc-stolen-material-has-completed-a-house-mp.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Lobamba MP Michael Masilela stunned legislators when
he alleged that theft at the ICC and FISH construction site was so rampant that
a house had been completed using the stolen material.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masilela said he could even
take the Members of Parliament (MPs) to the house in question, if they needed
proof on what he was submitting about. He shared that the house was
boasting costly material, like water taps, which cost no less than E25 000 and
these were the same taps that had allegedly been procured for the ICC and FISH
project. Masilela submitted that one of the biggest setbacks at the
International Convention Centre (ICC) and Five Star Hotel (FISH) was theft and
this anomaly was contributing immensely to the delay in completing the
project. The MP said this during the debate of the Ministry of Finance’s
annual performance report for the financial year 2023/24 in Parliament
yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masilela’s argument was that
emaSwati had adopted a culture of stealing and made it a normal way of life. He
said some employees at the site were complaining that the project would take
forever to complete, because people were helping themselves to the building
material. Masilela mentioned to the MPs that, given the setting of the
project, which is within the Lobamba Constituency, he was aware of the
anomalies that were ongoing at the construction site and he challenged the
Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, to do something about it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It is such a pity that when one raises these issues, the concerns are
interpreted out of context and it appears as though you are attacking the
country’s authority. My biggest concern is that we are stealing too much and
the country will not achieve much until the issue of corruption is dealt with
head-on,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to the Ministry of
Economic Planning and Development report, the ICC’s actual expenditure for the
current financial year was E175 116 785 and the revised practical completion
date was now December 2024. One of the challenges in this project, as
highlighted in the report, include that the process of having the EXIM Bank
money being disbursed was delaying, much against the expectation of the
ministry. “The current budget allocation under local resources has been
exhausted; any claim for work done cannot be paid under the prevailing
situation,” reads the report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masilela also submitted that
another sad part was that when arrests were made on corruption, it was only the
small fish that was made scapegoats and targeted, leaving the head-honchos scot
free. This was also a concern from Speaker in the House, Jabulani ‘Buy
Cash’ Mabuza, who drew the attention of the MPs to recent reports, that there
were individuals ‘labangabopheki’, as revealed by the Auditor General, Timothy
Matsebula. Mabuza said there was need to disclose the names of those
individuals, so that legally, action could be taken against them. The
Speaker said as it was, people were making their own assumptions from such
statements and unfortunately everyone was put in the same basket, because
people did not know who these people were. “Why make such statements if
the people referred to will not be disclosed. We need to know who these people
are and if they have indeed committed acts of crime, they should face the law,”
Mabuza said. Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane was concerned about the security of the
AG, submitting that it was seemingly not a priority to government. He also
raised a concern that the Office of the AG was not only deprived of
independence, but was understaffed and as such, he could only do an audit in
only nine schools out of over 200 across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is rampant looting at ICC – MP</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22136"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22136</span></b></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk160715714"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Roman Catholic
church grabs schools from community<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160715714;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sdn?__eep__=6&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWFzWPO3K7X3tMbB2bre6BZT9PB1_Bm1De1fDW-K2aZeDLUPncvfam86HXp62Y043Yij0xP5-BOj_vOs7otJ7v0YXfBtc0Q8rdHqnsBP9ktXmGRDbs_zcqZgu5JI_rjyIg-_-afC7R-oCikZdKWtgHVMkCh0N0SqeGtmg2RMZnqbcTl94SCq6xxw6XMHXb0Yxw&__tn__=*NK-R"></a>Swaziland
Democratic News, 5 March 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072019954167"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ezulwini: There is an outcry
by residents of Ezulwini community and surrounding communities after the Roman
Catholic Church came up with a new and uncompromising position of grabbing
ownership of the Ezulwini Community Primary and High Schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For many years now, these
schools have been led by local parents as they footed the bill of building the
schools from scratch to finish and today, Roman priests are taking control and
performing rituals on students at the school as they please.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is said that recently the
Roman Catholic Church hosted a mass service at the schools and also inscribed a
cross on the foreheads of the school kids without first appraising the parents
about these maneuvers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One parent who sought to
remain anonymous complained that since the arrival of a new head teacher at the
primary school, their kids are not allowed to sing other gospel songs but only
those in the Catholic hymn book like they are a Roman Catholic school and
evidently, last week, a Catholic priest came to conduct mass at the school. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“What is annoying is that all
these years we were building the school from our pockets without help from the
church and it is very unimaginable that they are taking over. For a first we
saw a grantee being introduced to be the chairman of the schools. All these
years we have been electing committees of our choice but now, the school board
has to be of Roman Catholic believers.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is reported that the school
will soon be called Saint Peter School.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-2195600769595265682024-03-01T10:04:00.006+02:002024-03-01T10:04:40.520+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 816 – 1 March 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk159654108"></a><a name="_Hlk135932955"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 816 – 1 March
2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News
from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (</span></span><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">) in collaboration with
Swazi Media Commentary (</span></span><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">), and sent to all with
an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini dictator King
Mswati deploys armed soldiers at troubled University of eSwatini <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland
News</i>, 26 February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"></span><a href="https://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6110"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">KWALUSENI:
King Mswati allegedly deployed armed soldiers at the troubled University of
Eswatini (UNESWA) on Monday morning, after Lecturers boycotted exams and
marched to Parliament as the institution of higher learning faces deepening
financial constraints, while failing to pay salaries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mswati
rules eSwatini as an absolute Monarch, citizens are shot by the police and
soldiers merely for protesting, while human rights defenders are arrested or
killed for demanding democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Responding
to this Swaziland News on Monday, Dr Salebona Simelane, the Registrar of the
University of Eswatini (UNESWA) asked this journalist to contact the army
authorities, he then claimed to have not witnessed the deployment of the
soldiers some who were pictured within the premises of the institution of
higher learning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Good
morning, Nkhosi. Please ask the army authorities on this issue, but I did not
witness a deployment of the army today”, said the UNESWA Registrar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Registrar subsequently released a memo later on Monday afternoon, informing
UNESWA staff and students about the postponement of the exams amid the
challenges faced by the institution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The
Senate resolved at its meeting held on the 26th February, 2024 that the
2022/2023 Second Semester Examinations should be postponed by one week.
Effectively, the examinations shall commence on Monday, 4th March 2024”, reads
the memorandum in part released on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To
read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"></span><a href="https://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6110"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6110</span></i></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Navigating uncharted
waters: eSwatini’s bold move into maritime registry despite landlocked
geography<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159654108;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
BNN Breaking News, 23 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://bnnbreaking.com/world/africa/navigating-uncharted-waters-eswatinis-bold-move-into-maritime-registry-despite-landlocked-geography"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Imagine a country where the concept of a
‘sea view’ is purely imaginative, where the closest shore is miles away beyond
its borders. Now, picture this landlocked nation launching a maritime registry,
welcoming ships to fly its flag without ever sailing its non-existent waters.
This is not a plot from a whimsical novel but the reality of Eswatini, a
country boldly stepping into the realm of international shipping without a
coast in sight. Established in October 2023, Eswatini’s maritime foray raises
eyebrows and questions alike, challenging the norms of what it means to be a
seafaring nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini’s venture into the maritime
industry mirrors a David versus Goliath tale, with the tiny kingdom taking on
the colossal task of establishing a ship registry. The initiative is pitched as
offering high-quality maritime services and the allure of ship registrations, a
tempting proposition for vessels seeking the benefits of ‘flags of
convenience’. These advantages include lower taxes, more lenient labor laws,
and fewer regulations. However, the irony of a landlocked country hosting a
maritime registry is not lost on observers, who question the viability and
integrity of such an operation. Despite these doubts, Eswatini has managed to
list a provisional fleet of 13 cargo ships, signaling its earnest intentions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The intrigue surrounding Eswatini’s
registry deepens with the revelation of its vessels’ involvement in supporting
the Syrian regime and evading sanctions, including exporting grain from
Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. This association with a ‘dark fleet’, a term
coined for ships operating under the radar to bypass sanctions or conceal cargo
origins, casts a long shadow over the registry’s credibility. The global
maritime community watches with bated breath as Eswatini navigates these
turbulent waters, attempting to reconcile its aspirations with the harsh
realities of international scrutiny and the potential for environmental and
regulatory disasters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In response to growing concerns,
diplomatic efforts and proposals for tighter regulations have emerged, aiming
to anchor ships more firmly to their flags of registration. These initiatives
underscore the imperative for accountability and transparency in the maritime
industry, especially for new entrants like Eswatini. The kingdom’s bold
experiment highlights the evolving dynamics of global shipping, where
innovation and ambition meet the steadfast currents of tradition and
regulation. As the world watches, Eswatini’s maritime adventure unfolds, a
testament to the fluid nature of international commerce and the uncharted
territories it seeks to explore.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The journey of Eswatini’s ship registry,
from its landlocked origins to the contentious waters of the ‘dark fleet’,
encapsulates a broader narrative of aspiration and challenge. In a world where
geographical limitations are increasingly blurred by global connectivity,
Eswatini’s maritime endeavor stands as a bold statement of intent. Whether it
will navigate to success or flounder in the depths remains to be seen, but one
thing is clear: the tides of change spare no one, landlocked or otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Record
E5bn allocation for education, E3bn for health</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sabelo
Majola, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>, 27 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144088-record-e5bn-allocation-for-education-e3bn-for-health.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">LOBAMBA: The education sector received a record high of E5 billion budget
allocation while the Ministry of Health received E3 billion.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These two sectors received a combined
allocation percentage of 27, with education getting 17 per cent of the overall
budget and health getting 10 per cent. The Ministry of Education and
Training was allocated E3.96 billion in the 2023/24 financial year and this
year’s allocation depicts a growth of 20.8 per cent. The health sector was
allocated E2.76 billion in the previous financial year and this depicts a
growth of eight per cent. Part of the improved budget allocation for the
education sector was government’s approval of a revised fee schedule structure
for free primary education.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government, as revealed by Minister of
Finance Neal Rijkenberg when presenting the budget speech yesterday in
Parliament, also converted 794 temporary teachers to permanent and pensionable
positions in the 2023/2024 financial year. He pointed out that in the
2024/2025 budget, government had allocated E65 million to continue with
conversion of temporary teaching positions into permanent roles, to address
teacher shortages and also contribute to the overall quality of education,
providing students with a more stable and conducive learning environment. In
summary, government allocated E3.94 billion in the recurrent budget, E200
million in the capital budget to the Ministry of Education and Training, E194
million in the orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) fund and E647 million for
scholarships, equalling a total of E5 billion for the provision of education
and training, at all levels in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This represents 17 per cent of the total
budget spent on educating emaSwati. Challenges like drugs and human resource
are some of the considerations that saw the Ministry of Health getting an
improved budget of E3 billion. It was also in the spirit of implementing
the policy of a health facility for every eight-kilometre radius across the
country, that the health sector received so much in allocation. Rijkenberg
highlighted that the outcry at Sibaya People’s Parliament around the problems
in the Ministry of Health, as well as from the public in the submissions for
the budget speech on the virtual platforms, emphasised the need for additional
funding to turnaround the ministry. “For this reason, we have allocated E250
million more to the health budget, bringing it to E3 billion. This represents
10 per cent of the total budget,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula said
he was grateful to the Finance minister for prioritising the health sector in
the budget and he mentioned that they would do everything in their power to
tackle the challenges in the sector. However, Matsebula mentioned that the
health budget was still not reaching the 15 per cent of the overall budget as
required by the UN Conventions and he was hopeful that one day, that dream
would become a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Royal government continues with Lies?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Minister Neal says they have allocated E3 billion to
address health sector challenges<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek 26 February,2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">LOBAMBA: Neal Rikenburg, the
eSwatini Minister of Finance said E3 billion has been allocated for health.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini has been battling
with drugs shortage for over 17 years. Many elderly people died due to lack of
treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, the regime twisted
the story and claimed officers in the ministry of health were involved in
scandal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Minister of Finance Neal
Rijkenberg announces that E3 billion has been allocated towards health, in
response to ongoing challenges within the sector. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Minister Rijkenberg: “For this
reason, we have allocated E250 million more to the health budget bringing it to
a budget of E3 billion. This represents 10% of the total budget.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In 2006 the international
organisation called Relief World their reported highlighted the drugs shortage
in Swaziland. However, investigation reveals that more money goes to the Royal
family in Swaziland. The Royals rely on foreign health institutions whenever
they are sick. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A financial report reveals
that King Mswati III and his mother Ntombi Tfwala had been allocated E431
million salaries for 2023 financial year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The right to life is no longer
guaranteed in Eswatini health facilities including government clinics and
hospitals as there is massive drugs shortage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Elderly people and the youth
continue to die in local Swazi hospitals as the regime fails buying medicines
and drugs on time from international drug companies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini elderly citizens are
amongst a group of patients who were turned back at local hospitals because of
lack medication. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They were referred to local
pharmacies by hospital medical staff. Patients are now forced to buy their
medicines at local pharmacies which are expensive. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Lizzie Nkosi, Eswatini
Minister of Health publicly admitted that Eswatini faces a shortage of drugs.
She posted a statement on Eswatini government Facebook page. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Around 2023, King Mswati III
told close to 10 000 Swazi who gathered at his Palace that health institutions
had improved. However, his statement sounds has been rejected by many people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On 03 July, 2023, Eswatini
government Facebook page reported: “The minister of health Lizzie says
government has met suppliers to try and forge a way forward aimed at mitigating
the medicines shortages experienced by the health sector.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The report continued, “This
process is what leads to the delay in the supply of medicines. However, the
Ministry of health has started supplying the available medicines and medical
suppliers to the country's health facilities. As additional medicines and
supplies are recieved by the central medical stores (CMS) These are also
supplied to the health facilities as emergency deliveries.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However in a previous
interview Mayibongwe Masangane, the Secretary General of the Swaziland
Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) disagrees with Minister Nkosi and insists that
drugs shortage still exists. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“There are no drugs in public
institutions. The crisis is persistent and seemly there is no political will to
resolve it,”Masangane said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In a 2019 news report
published around November The Eswatini Ministry of Health Principal Secretary
Dr. Simone Zwane was quoted as saying,” government’s challenges also affected
his ministry. “The ministry of health is currently experiencing challenges of
meeting the needs of patients especially the availability of medication in
hospitals. Which is caused by suppliers not being paid, It’s a pity we are
going through this economic challenges as a country,” said Zwane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Neal tables Sibaya-inspired E29.42bn
budget<span style="color: #141517;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22091"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22091r</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Budget falls short of expectations on
Free Primary Education<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144087-budget-falls-short-of-expectations-on-fpe.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/144087-budget-falls-short-of-expectations-on-fpe.html</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eS</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">watini's Budget Announcement Sparks Debate Among
Education and Health Sectors<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://bnnbreaking.com/world/eswatini/eswatinis-budget-announcement-sparks-debate-among-education-and-health-sectors"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">https://bnnbreaking.com/world/eswatini/eswatinis-budget-announcement-sparks-debate-among-education-and-health-sectors</span></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How
Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Simon Zwane assisted SwaziPharm Director Kareem
Ashraff to defraud State about R70million in one day amid shortage of drugs in
public hospitals</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 28 February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6119"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Dr. Simon Zwane, the then
Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health allegedly assisted
SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff to defraud the State through the Ministry of
Health about R70million in one (1) day, a forensic investigation report
reveals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The investigation report in possession of
this <i>Swaziland News</i> was compiled by Funduzi Forensic Services subsequent
to an investigation into the shortage of drugs in public hospitals, the
investigation was commissioned by Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg through
the Office of the Auditor General (AG).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been disclosed through the report
that on or around 2nd July 2020, the Principal Secretary (PS) allegedly
approved an advance payment amounting to R9,999,999.00 for Kareem Ashraff
AvaPharm (Pty) Ltd.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">An advance payment is the type of payment
that is made before or without the delivery of good or services.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The investigation report further suggests
that, the same payment was duplicated and paid six (6) times with voucher
numbers 0004122,0004124, 0004125, 0004119, 000120 and 000121 bringing the total
amount to R59,999,994.00<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But on the very same day, the PS allegedly
approved another payment amounting to R8 610 756.31 bringing the total to
R68,610,750.31.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A questionnaire was sent to Dr. Simon
Zwane who was later transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Development, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this
report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The above payments were motivated on the
basis of an invoice received from Avapharm dated 17 June 2020 and signed off by
the Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Simon Zwane to the Accountant-General. The
copy of the Invoice is annexed hereto and marked Exhibit 16.Based on the
conventions for the processing of payments in Government, we were advised that
each payment has its own batch number and therefore it would be irregular to
process more than one payment on the basis of one batch number. The only
rationale for processing more than one payment tied to one batch number would
be to hide the true nature of the payment in circumstances akin to fraud. The
payment batch reflecting the same batch number for the multiple payments above
is attached herewith and marked Exhibit 17. Based on this,it is apparent that
Avapharm would have been unduly enriched at the expense of the Government. This
overpayment which constitutes fraudulent payment, should be recovered from
Avapharm (Pty) Ltd and the Public Officials involved, disciplined accordingly”,
reads the investigation report in part.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6119"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6119</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-64559675548499192172024-02-23T10:21:00.001+02:002024-02-23T10:21:28.419+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 815 – 23 February 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 815 – 23
February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk159493668"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are tortured in prison – 17
terrorism suspects</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159493668;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159493668;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mbongiseni
Ndzimandze, <i>T<span style="color: black;">imes of eSwatini</span></i><span style="color: black;">, 21 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/144003-we-are-tortured-in-prison-%E2%80%93-17-terrorism-suspects.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Seventeen accused persons, who were arrested for
having allegedly committed terrorist acts, claim they are being subjected to
callous treatment in prison.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They claim that at the
Correctional Services, facilities, they were subjected to torture and to other
inhumane and mortifying treatment for no apparent reason. Some are
complaining about the rationing of the food they get on a daily basis, the
daily menu and the quality of the food. The accused persons further
claimed that they were being refused medical attention after being purportedly
assaulted by warders. Another allegation is that those who were on special
diets sometimes slept on empty stomachs. This has resulted in their
Attorney, Professor Dlamini, writing to the commissioner general of His
Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), where he made a litany of allegations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All the complaints are from
those who are facing charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2018,
and they include among others, self-confessed commander of the Solidarity
Forces, Thabo Kunene, Musa Kunene, the man who was reportedly responsible for
recruiting people to be trained in South Africa to overthrow the government and
Ncamiso Mabuyakhulu, who is a member of the proscribed Swaziland Youth Congress
(SWAYOCO). In a three – page letter, the lawyer said his clients informed
him that, they were allegedly subjected to all sorts of inhumane and degrading
treatment at the Correctional Services facilities. Dlamini brought it to
the attention of the commissioner general that, when some of the accused
persons were brought to prison, they were told to provide a list of 20
relatives who would visit them four times a month. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is alleged that per week,
only four visitors were allowed. According to Dlamini, due to the fact that the
list was compiled in haste, his client gave the prison authorities names of
people, who eventually did not come to check on them in prison. He alleged
that his clients had made numerous requests to the social welfare officers, to
have their list of visitors reviewed and/or changed but that proved an
impossible mission, as same was refused. These are allegations whose veracity
is still to be tested. “Some of the suspects are from time-to-time
subjected to torture and other inhumane and degrading treatment for no apparent
reason. This has resulted in some of the suspects approaching the courts to
expose the unjust treatment they suffered at the hands of your subordinates and
for the protection of their rights, especially their right to medical attention
after having been assaulted,” reads part of the correspondence directed to the
HMCS commissioner general.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He also alleged that some of
his clients informed him that, even though they were on medication, which they
were required to take in the evening, they were unable to do so. Dlamini
mentioned that some of the accused persons were on special diets due to different
ailments they development while in prison and they requested prison medical
staff to allow them to have food in the evening, but such request was allegedly
turned down. It is alleged that as a result, the affected accused persons ended
up not taking their medication in the evening. “All the suspects sleep on
small mats or tattered blankets and as winter approaches, they will be exposed
to cold and that will compromise their state of health,” alleged the
attorney. Dlamini further claimed that his clients further brought it to
his attention that they allegedly did not get the necessary medication they
required for their ailments. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The attorney asserted that his
clients informed him that, instead of being provided with the medication, they
were prescribed medications they would have to buy on their own. He
pointed out that his clients could not afford to buy the medication prescribed
by the doctors in prison and could not supplement their food rations. It
was their lawyer’s contention that even if his clients were taken to the public
hospitals, like all members of the public, they would more often than not, be
given prescriptions to secure medications from private pharmacies, yet they did
not have money. He highlighted that it was common knowledge that
government allegedly did not have enough medication in all public health
centres in the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk159493682"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">New eSwatini prime
minister threatens media clampdown<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159493682;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Anton Harber, News 24 (South
Africa), 19 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/new-eswatini-prime-minister-threatens-media-clampdown-20240219"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini’s
new Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has begun his term of office with a threat
to regulate the media. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In a
meeting with members of the Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF) at the Cabinet offices
on 14 February, Dlamini said he would enact the long-dormant Media Commission
Bill to create a government-controlled media regulation body. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He was
addressing editors for the first time since he was appointed by King Mswati III
in 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Editors
left the meeting surprised by the prime minister’s hard-line and fearful of
their future in a country with limited media freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Though
the meeting was behind closed doors, the Campaign for Free Expression reliably
gathered that Dlamini was highly critical of news content, especially in
independent newspapers. One person who was present at the gathering said the
prime minister cited the media’s failure to set up a self-regulatory
mechanism. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">A few
years ago the EEF set up the Media Complaints Commission (MCC), a
self-regulation body that is yet to be operational.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Said
[one] inside source: ‘He [Dlamini] frowned at the Media Complaints Commission,
which is a self-regulatory mechanism that is still not operational. He then
said if editors were failing to operationalise it, the government would have to
revisit the Media Commission Bill.’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Dlamini
is also said to have registered concern over poor salaries and working
conditions in some publications that are making high profits. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Some
members of the EEF are said to have been displeased with his tone and asked to
be given time and resources to make the MCC function.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Editors
pointed out that the government was as much to blame for the MCC’s inaction
because broadcast media, which is controlled by the government, had not shown
any interest in it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Asked to
engage further on this issue, Dlamini is said to have “toned down”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The prime
minister’s concerns came after similar submissions by former president of the
Swaziland National Association of Journalists and now MP Welcome Dlamini, who
said in Parliament that the Media Commission Bill should be revived if the
media fails to regulate itself. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/new-eswatini-prime-minister-threatens-media-clampdown-20240219"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/new-eswatini-prime-minister-threatens-media-clampdown-20240219</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Harber writes as executive director of </span></i><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.freeexpression.org.za/" target="_blank"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">the Campaign for
Free Expression</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">, which works to expand and protect free expression
across southern Africa. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk159493701"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Constitution not worth paper it’s
written on</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159493701;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159493701;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Son
of the Soil, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini</span></i><span style="color: black;">, 19 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/feature/143951-constitution-not-worth-paper-it%E2%80%99s-written-on.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Over 15 years ago, as country, we embarked on a process of
expressing our aspirations and defining of our political architecture through
the Constitution making process.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Millions of Emalangeni went
into this exercise to put in place commissions which steered this exercise,
getting expertise from around the world to add value to the process as well as
an attempt at consultations to get all emaSwati to make contributions. The
mass democratic and labour movement today is happy to take credit for this
process as they view it as one that happened as a result of their incessant
demands, particularly as it formed part of the then Swaziland Federation of
Trade Unions’ (SFTU) famous 27 Demands. Of course, there were many complaints
with the manner in which the process was carried out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The progressive movement saw
it as a primarily royal project that would not serve the interests of the
nation and some individuals, such as the late Mario Masuku, of the People’s
United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), turned down appointments to the Constitutional
Review Commission (CRC) because they felt strongly that they should be in those
positions, not as individuals, but as representatives of a collective. The same
argument was raised by some who elected to boycott the exercise and would not
contribute during the consultation stage, citing that the process would be
enriched if there was space for people to make contributions as representatives
of various sectors of society because getting views of all emaSwati would be
impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those complaints were never
entertained and more millions were spent attempting to reach every corner of
the country for people to make their contributions. I can already imagine that
this process left out thousands of the working class who could obviously not
participate and this meant views of many of the educated emaSwati could not
have pride of place in the final document. Towards the end of the process, more
taxpayers’ funds were expended transporting in trucks and feeding those who
could spare the time to go to Sibaya where more views were collected.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember very well while I
was in high school listening over the radio as people made their contributions.
I also remember how Prince David, then Chairperson of the Constitutional Draft
Committee (CDC) was at pains trying to guide the contributions as people seemed
at sea at what the process was about. Scores and scores of people kept talking
of their struggles back home and what they wanted government to do to alleviate
poverty. Others even used the process to ask for jobs. It was patently clear
that thousands had not quite gotten the memo on the business of the day. The
process came and went, the Parliament of the day had its chance to debate the
document and sometimes ‘special messages’ from the throne were delivered to
influence the process, and eventually a Constitution was presented at Sibaya.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Commonwealth, which had
provided technical assistance, hailed it as one of the best constitutions in
the continent. Some traditionalists were of the view that it did not represent
the views of emaSwati, citing what they said was under-cutting King’s powers.
By the same token, the progressive movement was of the view that the document
only served to entrench and fortify the 1973 Decree dispensation, with no
fundamental shifts politically. Fast forward to 2024, the Constitution, with
all its frailties, real or imagined, remains the supreme law of the land with
all force of law.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a document that is an
expression of national aspirations, all arguments conveniently ignored, it has
to be respected and complied with. While no law, properly legislated and
assented to, should be breached without consequences, breaching of the Constitution
should carry even stiffer punishment. Regrettably, we seem to have little
regard for the Constitution in this country. Our human rights record has always
been on the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and our behaviour as a country
suggests that putting in place this document was only but a political gimmick
and just box-ticking.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If almost 20 years in this
constitutional dispensation we pick and choose what to comply with and what we
flout with impunity, it speaks volumes about how (not) seriously we take
ourselves as a nation and this document that is losing its worth every day. The
Constitution itself enjoins us all, without distinction, to uphold and protect
it. Our leaders should lead us in this regard. Apologies and merely conceding
that we are at variance with the spirit and letter of the law, while at best
admirable in so far as it reflects that we know what the truth is, is not
enough to inspire confidence in the sanctity of the law and respect of the will
of the people. Let’s not erode trust in the one thing that we all should take
refuge in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk159493715"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Exiled Swazi opposition
leader granted UK asylum amidst political turmoil<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk159493715;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Ayesha Mumtaz, BNN Breaking
News, 20 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://bnnbreaking.com/world/exiled-swazi-opposition-leader-granted-uk-asylum-amidst-political-turmoil"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In a move
that has rippled across the political landscape of Eswatini and beyond, former
Siphofaneni Member of Parliament, Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane, has been granted
asylum in the United Kingdom, igniting a flame of hope among many Emaswati. The
announcement, coming from the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), marks a
significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of political dissent and asylum
within the African continent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The UK’s
decision to grant asylum to Simelane has been met with widespread acclaim,
especially from those opposing the current regime in Eswatini. Simelane, a
vocal critic of the government, found himself in the crosshairs of the state,
leading to his flight in July 2021. His departure was precipitated by an arrest
warrant under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008, a law widely criticized
for its use in quelling political dissent. The British government’s
acknowledgment of Simelane’s plight underscores the international community’s
growing concern over the human rights situation in Eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">While
Simelane’s asylum marks a personal victory and a beacon of hope for many, it
introduces a complex layer of international legal maneuvering. Government
spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo’s comments shed light on the nuanced dance
between seeking justice and navigating the intricate web of international
asylum laws. Nxumalo’s remarks that the asylum status does not alter Simelane's
position as a fugitive but rather exposes his location for potential
extradition, highlight the ongoing tension between Eswatini and the UK.
However, the absence of a formal extradition treaty between the two countries
adds a layer of uncertainty to the government's pursuit of Simelane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Since his
flight, Simelane has not remained silent. Instead, he has used his newfound
platform to draw international attention to what he describes as egregious
human rights abuses within Eswatini. This international advocacy has placed
additional pressure on the Eswatini government, which finds itself under the
scrutiny of the global community. Meanwhile, legal practitioners and government
officials within Eswatini have maintained a notable silence on the matter,
particularly concerning the intricacies of extradition treaties and procedures.
This silence could be indicative of the complex legal and diplomatic
considerations at play or perhaps a strategic pause as the situation unfolds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In
conclusion, Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane's grant of asylum in the United Kingdom
is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who seek justice and
accountability, even in the face of formidable opposition. It represents not
only a personal victory for Simelane but also a glimmer of hope for many in
Eswatini who yearn for political reform. As the international community watches
closely, the implications of Simelane's asylum status may have far-reaching
consequences for Eswatini's political landscape and its relationship with the
global community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘Gawuzela’s UK status an advantage to
Govt’</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143984-%E2%80%98gawuzela%E2%80%99s-uk-status-an-advantage-to-govt%E2%80%99.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143984-%E2%80%98gawuzela%E2%80%99s-uk-status-an-advantage-to-govt%E2%80%99.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk159493728"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King Mswati’s regime wants me dead:
Exiled eSwatini editor Zweli Dlamini says Mpumalanga court case is a ruse</span></b></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Jonisayi Maromo, Independent On-line (South Africa), 18 February 2024</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/king-mswatis-regime-wants-me-dead-exiled-eswatini-editor-zweli-dlamini-says-mpumalanga-court-case-is-a-ruse-da69c009-4945-4b82-b0e2-866744c83af5"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Veteran eSwatini investigative journalist,
Zweli Martin Dlamini insists the eSwatini government’s court application to
extradite him to face a myriad of charges is a ruse to kidnap and send him back
to Mbabane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
eSwatini regime is fighting me merely for being the voice of the voiceless and
demanding transparency and accountability in the public administration,”
Dlamini said speaking to IOL.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The eSwatini government has launched a
high court bid in Mpumalanga, to have the South African government extradite
the editor of <i>Swaziland News,</i> which the regime led by King Mswati III insists
has to answer a plethora of serious charges including terrorism.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In an interview with IOL, an unfazed
Dlamini said for a very long time, he has had to fend off multi-pronged efforts
by the eSwatini government to shut down his independent publication, in a
country where media is heavily controlled by the State.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The Mpumalanga High Court case is just
another strategy to try and fight the publication and apart from that, the
regime was hoping that, I will be dragged to court and then after attending
court proceedings, I will be traced and assassinated or abducted. The regime is
so desperate,” said Dlamini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The issue here is that the King’s regime
has been striving by capturing the media to mislead emaSwati and the world,
that the current ruling Tinkhundla system is the best, I must say that, the
King’s government is one of the most cruel and oppressive in the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The editor said his publication, the
<i>Swaziland News</i>, is registered in South Africa “where there is democracy and the
rule of law”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We will ensure that the media, as an
institution that acts as the voice of the voiceless is protected from this
oppressive regime,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“This is regime wants to spread propaganda
and mislead the world without being exposed in a country were innocent
civilians and human rights defenders are killed for demanding democracy,” said
Dlamini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“In the first attempt, they tried to push
for an extradition by following the legal procedures in South Africa and after
realising that those efforts were not successful, they are now working with
certain senior police officers in South Africa to try and abduct and traffic me
to eSwatini.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/king-mswatis-regime-wants-me-dead-exiled-eswatini-editor-zweli-dlamini-says-mpumalanga-court-case-is-a-ruse-da69c009-4945-4b82-b0e2-866744c83af5"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/king-mswatis-regime-wants-me-dead-exiled-eswatini-editor-zweli-dlamini-says-mpumalanga-court-case-is-a-ruse-da69c009-4945-4b82-b0e2-866744c83af5</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-53531263287986024512024-02-16T10:14:00.001+02:002024-02-16T10:14:25.294+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 814 – 16 February 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 814 – 16
February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini
pro-democracy MultiStakehokder Forum (MSF) resolved to support United Nations
(UN) call for an international credible investigation into human rights lawyer
Thulani Maseko’s assassination</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 12 February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6033"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Sivumelwano Nyembe, the
Spokesperson of the Eswatini MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF) says, the
organization has resolved to support the United Nations (UN) consistent call
for an international, transparent and credible investigation into the
assassination of lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A questionnaire was sent to Alpheous
Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson, however, he had not responded at the time
of compiling this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko, the
Chairperson of the MSF, a coalition of pro-democracy groups in eSwatini was
killed allegedly by King Mswati’s mercenaries, the Eswatini Government has been
staggering in allowing international investigators to investigate the
politically motivated assassination.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The human rights lawyer was killed at the
time when he was corresponding with the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) and other international organizations in facilitating an all inclusive
political dialogue as part of peaceful means to resolve the political crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The MSF held its Annual Meeting last
weekend at Ermelo, Republic of Africa where the resolution was taken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The recently held MSF meeting at Emerlo
is constitutional meeting whereby MSF membership come together to review the
past year and make a plan for the following year. So it was basically a review
and planning meeting. This meeting reflected on the assassination of the first
Chairperson of the organization Comrade Thulani Maseko and the response of the
State in investigating this assassination, and supported the call by the United
Nations (UN) to force or demand that the government of Swaziland institute an
international independent and transparent investigation on the assassination of
Comrade Thulani Maseko. The meeting also made a very critical plan in moving
forward the democratic revolution in Swaziland”, said the MSF Spokesperson when
speaking to this <i>Swaziland News</i> on Monday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini is ruled by Mswati as an absolute
Monarch, political parties are banned from participating in elections and human
rights defenders are killed for demanding democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a result of the persecution and the
ongoing killing of human rights defenders, the MSF leadership opted to hold the
Annual Meeting in the neighboring South Africa, security was contracted and
provided by the leadership to ensure the safety of the political activists.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Judge
recuses himself after death threats</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
John Sukati, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 14 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22017"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Industrial Court Judge, Muzikayise Motsa,
has recused himself from hearing the medical drugs and procurement case, citing
threats to his safety and his family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The judge yesterday said when his personal
safety and the security and safety of his family and children, who he endears
so much was now threatened, just because he presided over a particular matter,
it was no longer worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He also cited persuasive misinterpretation
of the true facts in the application, saying these were obviously calculated to
distort the correct version of events to create an eschewed public impression
about the judicial officer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The judge said those responsible for this
must hang their heads in shame.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is in the case where government
applied for the judge to recuse himself from presiding over the matter where
Principal Procurement officer in the Ministry of Health, Sincedzile
Dlamini-Magwaza, and Deputy Director Pharmaceutical Services Fortunate Bhembe,
took government to court in a bid to stop the forensic investigation into the
issue of procurement of medical drugs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The investigation involved Nikilitha
Consultancy and Funduzi Forensic Services (Pty) Ltd.<br />
Ministry of Health Principal Secretary, Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, in his application
calling for the judicial officer to recuse himself, alleged that Judge Motsa
was not regulating the proceedings in a fair manner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mabuza alleged that the judge proceeded to
adjudicate the matter and made orders and rulings that were always tellingly in
favour of Magwazwa and Bhembe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22017"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22017</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Catholic
entity in eSwatini ‘perturbed’ by stockouts of medicine, call for ‘urgent’
action</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Silas Isenjia, ACIAfrica, 10 February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.aciafrica.org/news/10240/catholic-entity-in-eswatini-perturbed-by-stockouts-of-medicine-call-for-urgent-action"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Members of the </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.zcbc.co.zw/commissions.html"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> (CPLO)
in the Kingdom of Eswatini have expressed their concern about persistent
shortage of medicine in the health institutions of Africa’s last absolute
monarch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a paper analyzing the possible effects
of medicine stockouts in the country that is also known as Swaziland, CPLO
members weigh in on the situation </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=4947"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">reportedly caught</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">the attention of the
country’s king, with his spokesperson lamenting that corruption has undermined
efforts to address the challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“As citizens, and/or collaborators in the
provision of healthcare service in the Kingdom of Eswatini, we are perturbed
with unending reports of medicine (stockouts),” CPLO members say in their paper
shared with ACI Africa on Thursday, February 8.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The evidence of the Catholic entity that
exists to update ecclesiastical authorities and the Catholic communities on
parliament issues in Eswatini is based on the fact that “medicine stock outs
have always been something being taken by those frequenting health care
facilities in the Kingdom of Eswatini,” they say. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They add that “in the recent months,
patients nearly went to the street but were prevented by their conditions.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CPLO members underscore the necessity of
stocking health facilities with medicine, saying, “The availability of
medicines is the basis of any medical or health institution to run
competently.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Persistent shortage of drugs in health
facilities has far reaching implications and consequences, members of the
Liaison office say, and continue, “Drug shortage is demoralizing healthcare
workers since it impacts negatively on their ability to carry out a treatment
plan in an appropriate manner.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The shortage also frustrates patients, who
visit health facilities and “do not receive the health care” they need to
address their situations, they say.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.aciafrica.org/news/10240/catholic-entity-in-eswatini-perturbed-by-stockouts-of-medicine-call-for-urgent-action"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.aciafrica.org/news/10240/catholic-entity-in-eswatini-perturbed-by-stockouts-of-medicine-call-for-urgent-action</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Malema’s call for democratic reforms in eSwatini
sparks controversy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">By </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Momen Zellmi, BNN, 12 February
2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/malemas-call-for-democratic-reforms-in-eswatini-sparks-controversy"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Julius
Malema, the charismatic leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters
(EFF), faces criticism from Eswatini’s government over his calls for democratic
reforms in the neighboring kingdom. Alpheous Nxumalo, a government
spokesperson, has accused Malema of threatening Eswatini’s national security
and undermining regional stability.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">During a
recent EFF rally, Malema unveiled six resolutions focused on Eswatini,
including supporting a transition from an absolute monarchy to a more inclusive
governance system. The fiery leader urged democratic reforms, sparking a wave
of reactions from the Eswatini government and its supporters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Malema’s
resolutions come at a time when Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy,
faces growing pressure to embrace democratic principles. Protests have erupted,
with citizens demanding political change and an end to King Mswati III’s rule.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In
response to Malema's comments, Nxumalo asserted Eswatini’s sovereignty and
territorial integrity, emphasizing that it was not a subsidiary of any other
country. He criticized Malema for what he perceived as interference in Eswatini’s
internal affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/malemas-call-for-democratic-reforms-in-eswatini-sparks-controversy"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/malemas-call-for-democratic-reforms-in-eswatini-sparks-controversy</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">PM speaks out against unfair promotions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">By Phiwase Phungwayo, </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> 9 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/sports/143821-pm-speaks-out-against-unfair-promotions.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MATSAPHA: The premier has spoken out against unfair promotions and
unequal opportunities within the police service, saying these demoralise staff
and hinder the service’s ability to carry out its mission.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini stressed the need for a culture of
fairness and transparency, where everyone was given a fair chance to advance
and contribute to the success of the organisation. He said this during the
opening of the senior officers and senior civilian support staff members’
conference of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) at Matsapha Police
Academy yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He also said corruption should be uprooted within the police
service. “There should be no unfair promotions, and promotions should not
be based on who you know, but only by qualifications,” he said, to the
rapturous applause of the audience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Dlamini further invited police officers, who had concerns regarding this
issue, to visit his office as he said it was open to whistleblowers. He said
his office aspired to create a motivating environment within the police
service.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The PM said as crucial as it was to empower officers with knowledge and
skills through studies, there should be alternating of opportunities among
police officers and doing away with providing these opportunities to one and
the same people. Likewise, he said this should be done away with among officers
who went on international trips.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><br />
“Akungahambi labagangako nalabangati umsebenti,” he reiterated, loosely
translated, ‘the corrupt and lazy should not be afforded opportunities to
travel’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/sports/143821-pm-speaks-out-against-unfair-promotions.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://www.times.co.sz/sports/143821-pm-speaks-out-against-unfair-promotions.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk158894900"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">NEWS 24: eSwatini King, state want SA
Judge to rule ‘defamatory’ Swazi journalist committed terrorism</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk158894900;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk158894900;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 15 February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6044"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Eswatini King and the Government
wants South African Judge to rule that exiled journalist Zweli Martin Dlamini
committed terrorism by reporting about the Swaziland International Solidarity
Forces (SISF), </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/eswatini-king-state-want-sa-judge-to-rule-defamatory-swazi-journalist-committed-terrorism-20240214"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News24,</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
a South African publication reported on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2021, Eswatini - the last absolute
monarchy in Africa - was rocked by a series of pro-democracy protests. A
subsequent crackdown killed dozens of civilians.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now the Eswatini monarchy and its
government have asked the Mpumalanga High Court to rule that an exiled
journalist they accuse of defaming them with dozens of “wildly improbable”
stories is guilty of terrorism. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News24 further reported that, the Eswatini
King and Government also want the court to order that <i>Swaziland News</i>
editor Zweli Martin Dlamini can only publish stories on them after they have
seen the articles and been given seven days to respond to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They claim that <i>Swaziland News</i>
editor Zweli Martin Dlamini is guilty of terrorism because he and his
publication “clearly support” the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces
(SISF), a group aligned with an extremist faction of the Eswatini pro-democracy
movement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“According to Eswatini authorities, the
SISF is guilty of terrorism - and, by extension, Dlamini and the <i>Swaziland
News’</i> allegedly favourable coverage of them amounts to “acts of terrorism”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While lawyers for the Eswatini monarchy
and state have slammed dozens of Dlamini's reports as potentially fabricated,
human rights groups have increasingly raised alarm about the alleged violent
repression of the pro-democracy movement in the country, which is Africa's last
absolute monarchy. Three years ago, the tiny region was shaken by pro-democracy
protests, which were followed by a violent crackdown that resulted in the
deaths of dozens of civilians and triggered a political crisis. Two opposition
lawmakers elected in a 2018 election were jailed and a third is in exile”,
reads the News24 report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to Eswatini's monarchy and
government, Dlamini and his publication have falsely claimed that King Mswati
III and his allies “shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding
democratic reforms”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These claims, they say, are “incendiary
and are published maliciously as advocacy of hatred”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They further allege that such reporting “constitutes
incitement to cause harm with the intention to incite a violent response, and
to justify the actions of the terrorist organization”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Because the <i>Swaziland News</i> was
hosted online in South Africa, the Eswatini state argues, Dlamini and his
publication have violated the provisions of South Africa's Protection of
Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and Related Activities Act Number 33
of 2004 - because they were involved in, among other things, trying to
unlawfully overthrow the Eswatini government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini has denied these accusations - and
told the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela that the Eswatini government's
litigation against him was driven by a desire to suppress his reporting “on the
killing of civilians in Eswatini”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6044"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6044</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-49512992800314675092024-02-09T11:00:00.003+02:002024-02-09T11:00:49.123+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 813 – 9 February 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 813 – 9
February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">16
people wanted by cops for unrest terrorist acts</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By<span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mbongiseni Ndzimandze, <i>Times of eSwatini,</i> 6 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143788-16-people-wanted-by-cops-for-unrest-terrorist-acts.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE - At least 16 people are wanted by the police in
connection with alleged terrorist activities committed during the civil unrest
in 2021 and 2022.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to the police, on
the list of those who are at large, are security officers and civilians who
were employed. They are alleged to have abandoned their different occupations,
homes and children after they were made aware that they were wanted in connection
with terrorism offences. They are believed to be hiding outside the Kingdom of
Eswatini. The number of the people who are now of interest to the police
is contained in court papers where the prosecution is strongly opposing the
bail application of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) student, who was
arrested for alleged terrorist activities committed during the civil unrest in
2021 and 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The student, Mayibongwe Pupu
Nyawo (20) of Siphofaneni, is the 23rd person to be arrested and charged under
the Suppression of Terrorism Act, for crimes that were committed during the
unrest. He is accused of the same offences as Bonginkhosi ‘Bongo’ Nkambule
and Menzi Bhembe, who were arrested in the past two weeks. Nkambule is a member
of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS). The trio is alleged to have
burnt a police car at the Mbabane Government Hospital and a national flag at
UNESWA Mbabane Campus, during a students’ march to the Ministry of Labour and
Social Security on September 30, 2022. So far, none of the 23 accused persons
have been granted bail. Detective Collen Mazibuko, who works under the
Criminal Investigations Department (Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism
Unit), told the court that it would not be in the interest of justice to
release Nyawo on bail. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He alleged that in the event
the accused was released on bail, he would flee the country and join those who
were wanted by the police. Mazibuko told the court that the overwhelming
evidence, coupled with the likelihood of being convicted, as well as the heavy
custodial sentence, would entice the accused to escape the
jurisdiction. “About 16 of the accused persons who participated in the
terrorist acts are at large and out of the court’s jurisdiction,” submitted the
investigator. He averred that in the event that Nyawo was released on bail, he
was likely to join them as they seemed to have many sympathisers, who were
readily available to sponsor their stay in the foreign jurisdiction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to the investigating
officer, Nyawo could fit easily in a foreign jurisdiction, as he was still
young and could be able to enrol at any university and continue with his
education. It was further his contention that it would be easy for Nyawo to
flee the jurisdiction as he was unemployed, without assets, but just a
student. Detective Mazibuko also averred that the accused was
likely to interfere with and influence two independent Crown witnesses, who
accompanied the police during point-outs. “It is submitted that the
applicant’s (Nyawo) release on bail will, therefore, endanger the lives of the
witnesses, mostly because he is aware of who was present when they torched the
police van. He can easily reach to them directly or indirectly, through those
in solidarity with overthrowing the current government,” he argued.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He implored the court not to
release the applicant on bail, as he would allegedly endanger the safety of the
public. The investigator pointed out that during the march, the applicant
failed to heed orders of the Hhohho Police Operations officer, when he
instructed them to disperse and return home. It was alleged by the
investigating officer that the applicant was able to threaten to assault a
police officer, who was in full uniform, before allegedly setting alight the
police van. “So clearly granting him bail will undermine or jeopardise the
objectives or the proper functioning of the criminal justice system, inclusive
of the bail system,” submitted the law enforcer. He added that the allegation
that the applicant was a student at UNESWA did not make him entitled to being
granted bail.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said even though the
applicant alleged that he would be sitting an examination, he did not take the
court into his confidence by stating the exact date. He highlighted that the
applicant and his co-accused were facing charges of terrorism, arising from the
civil unrest and that the objective of same was to bring about an unlawful
regime change. “The blanket statement is a result of the fact that he was
writing no test and that no examination is commencing on February 24,
2024. Such has been alleged to mislead the court,” argued the
investigator. The bail application is pending before Judge Nkosinathi Maseko
and appearing for the applicant is Noncedo Ndlangamandla. The Crown is
represented by Mxolisi Dlamini from the chamber of the director of public prosecutions
(DPP).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAGAA
Director says organization spending more money on victims amid collapsed health
system, urges Senators to support looming motion seeking to declare GBV a
national disaster</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 7 February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6011"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Nonhlanhla Dlamini, the Executive
Director of the Eswatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) says the human
rights organization is spending more money providing health care to some
victims of violence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Responding to this <i>Swaziland News</i>
on Wednesday, the Director said, some victims of violence arrive at SWAGAA in
urgent need of medication and organization found itself with no alternative but
to assist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“With the shortage of drugs in hospitals,
you cannot then dump the victim and sometimes we find ourselves buying
medication for the victims. That’s why we are urging Government to declare
Gender Based Violence (GBV) a national disaster so that the country can
allocate resources to fight domestic violence. We also urge Senators to support
the looming motion seeking to declare GBV as a national disaster and should the
motion pass, Cabinet is requested to implement it”, said the SWAGAA when
speaking to editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, some Senators and Members
of Parliament (MPs) told this publication that, they will support efforts to
declare GBV as a national disaster including supporting a motion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini
prepared to treat cholera - PM</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">eSwatini Observer,</span></i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> 3 February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21953"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says
Eswatini is highly-prepared to treat cholera in the event the disease manifest
itself in the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said this yesterday on behalf of His
Majesty King Mswati III in a speech during a virtual SADC Extra-ordinary Summit
on the cholera outbreak.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At the summit, Dlamini presented a report
on Eswatini’s cholera situation, wherein he said the country had not yet
recorded any case this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, the prime minister noted that the
country recorded only two cholera cases in 2023, and that the bacteria was
successfully contained through support from international partners, as well as
other interventions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On the cholera response, Dlamini stated
that the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Africa Region Office afforded
Eswatini technical assistance. In addition, the premier said health workers
along with laboratory personnel at national and regional levels were trained on
how to diagnose, isolate and treat cholera patients.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We also received a stock pile of
equipment for cholera use, which includes cholera beds, spraying kits, testing
kits and protective wear to protect our health personnel from contracting this
infectious disease,” he asserted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Further, the prime minister said not
having any recorded cholera case this year did not mean the country is out of
the woods yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We are cognizant of the fact that even
though we have no recorded cases as yet in 2024, we remain at risk and
therefore we support a regional approach to fighting cholera,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Also, Dlamini said Eswatini, with
assistance from Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO Africa Region
Office, conducted a national simulation exercise (SIMEX) for cholera and it
placed the country at 72 per cent in terms of readiness for this epidemic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We are currently embarked on an exercise
to assess the extent of health facility readiness. We have also procured
medicine through emergency procurement,” added Dlamini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On behalf of His Majesty’s government,
Dlamini expressed his gratitude to international partners who have pledged
support to the region in the fight agaisnt cholera.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, the prime minister
mentioned the saddening news of a Liswati student who died of cholera while in
Zambia. Dlamini expressed gratitude to the republics of Zambia and South Africa
for their cooperation as preparation for the repatriation of the deceased body
is made.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To SADC member states where lives were
lost due to the cholera epidemic, the premier, on behalf of Their Majesties and
citizens of Eswatini conveyed his deepest condolences.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The Kingdom of Eswatini welcomes and
appreciates the contents of the report on cholera. We regret to learn of the
slow pace at which the interventions and recommendations to contain this global
emergency are implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We would like to urge ourselves to
accelerate implementation so as to prevent the spread of the bacteria and
protect our people,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini concluded by expressing Eswatini’s
support for the appointment of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema as
the Regional Cholera Champion to spearhead the fight against cholera in the
region.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We believe in your leadership and the
experience amassed by your country in the fight against cholera, we will
successfully eliminate this epidemic in the region,” Dlamini said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>See also </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>Your stomach bug is
not cholera<span style="color: black; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143720-your-stomach-bug-is-not-cholera-health.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>http://www.times.co.sz/news/143720-your-stomach-bug-is-not-cholera-health.html</b></span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">EmaSwati must unite and take government to court for
the medical and education crises<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Swaziland Liberation Movement media statement, 8
February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072019954167"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Swaziland Liberation
Movement (SWALIMO) calls on all EmaSwati to unite and take the government of
Eswatini to court for the continued shortage of medical supplies in the medical
sector which has sure led to thousands of deaths and affected thousands of
families and livelihoods. This must be done alongside a prayer for government
to recognise the now abandoned responsibility on Free Primary Education to all
EmaSwati school going kids.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">EmaSwati have painfully
endured this horrendous ordeal while king Mswati 111’s government continued to
shift goal posts when it was very evident that fraud and corruption had taken
place leading to glaring and extreme shortages of drugs in the country’s hospitals
and health centers yet not even a single face has faced justice for this
anomaly while we died and suffered from diseases.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Every death and health
deterioration that happened on EmaSwati during this period was as a result of a
careless government that does not honor its obligations and thrives on lies and
empty promises. This act by the Eswatini government when diagnosed well, points
to treason by all involved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On the one hand, the
government of this country has renegaded on its responsibility to ensure Free
Primary Education (FPE) and graduate to also the High School level as many
parents are left to themselves to foot the bills at schools to ensure that
their kids get an education. This happens while kids of those in power get
scholarships to study in upmarket schools while the kid of a commoner is left
burdened by expensive school fees.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">EmaSwati must not hesitate,
but bring these matters to court soon. All fronts of the liberation struggle
must be active and not once should we seek to abondon any. In as much as the
courts remain strangled by the monarch, we have responsibility to seek redress
in the courts as a means to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If we stand up and face the
State in court we will be honoring our late leader Thulani Maseko who never
cowered from taking authority to court for every power abuse. We are the
generation that must never leave any stone unturned until we attain all the freedoms
we seek and democracy. It is up to us now!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Issued by:
Thantaza N Silolo, SWALIMO Spokesperson.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk158290825"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Come here only if you will pay from
your pocket, wait for August if funded by Government”, financially struggling
University of eSwatini (UNESWA) tells first year students</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk158290825;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk158290825;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News, </i>2 February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5984"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">KWALUSENI: The Administration of the
University of Eswatini (UNESWA) has informed all first year students that, only
those paying from their own pockets will commence their studies and those who
secured scholarships from Government have been told to wait until the August
2024 intake.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a text message sent to the University
students this week, the Administration further informed the students that, this
resolution was adopted by the University Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“UNESWA applicants who were admitted for
the 2023/2024 academic year, are hereby advised that Senate has resolved that
the 2023/2024 academic year should commence on the 15 April 2024. Orientation
is scheduled to start on 15 April 2024.Registration starts on 18 April 2024 and
classes will commence on 22 April 2024."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments, Gabie Ndukuya, the
President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) said, the purpose
of the enrolling the first year students in April 2024 “is to collect funds” to
mitigate the ongoing financial crisis within the institution of higher
learning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The truth is; all the students will start
in August 2024 but they are trying to collect money from the self-funded
students to mitigate the ongoing financial crisis within the institution. Once
they pay, they might find ways to tell them to start in August with the other
Government funded students”, said the Students President.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments, Dr. Salebona
Simelane, the Registrar of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) confirmed
knowledge of the gradual intake but, he promised to share more details with
this publication at the later stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s that some students will start in
April but, will come back to you Nkhosi later with more details how this will
work”, said the UNESWA Registrar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Registrar then came back with a press
statement confirming the decision for the gradual intake with a few changes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The University would like to make the
following announcement with respect to an adjustment to an earlier announcement
made regarding the enrolment of new first year students and the commencement of
their classes in 2024:Classes for the admitted first-year full-time students,
classes for the Institute of Post-Graduate Studies students and part-time
classes for the admitted Institute of Distance Education (IDE) students who
will pay their tuition and related fees shall commence on Monday, 15"
April, 2024;Classes for the admitted first-year Mbabane Campus students who
will pay their tuition and related fees shall commence on Monday,1 2 ‘February,
2024; and a second group of students who will not be able to enrol in April,
2024 shall enrol in August, 2024.Any inconvenience caused is regretted”, reads
the statement in part.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-83760063089545250002024-02-02T10:23:00.006+02:002024-02-02T10:23:45.699+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 812 – 2 February 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 812 – 2
February 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Adequate funding needed to address violence
against women<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Chinomso Momoh, Development Diaries, 30
January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://developmentdiaries.com/eswatini-adequate-funding-needed-to-address-violence-against-women/"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The government of </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.developmentdiaries.com/tag/eswatini" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Eswatini</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> needs to urgently address violence
against women in the country, as the menace remains a pressing and deeply
rooted issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Development
Diaries</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> reports that
approximately one in three females has experienced some form of sexual abuse by
age 18, and 48 percent of women have experienced some form of sexual violence
in their lifetime, according to </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://eswatini.unfpa.org/en/topics/gender-based-violence-2#:~:text=In%20Swaziland%2C%20gender%2Dbased%20violence,sexual%20violence%20in%20their%20lifetime." target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">figures</span></a></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">from the United Nations Populations Fund (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.developmentdiaries,.com/tag/unfpa" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">UNFPA</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">One of the setbacks identified
by Human Rights Watch (HRW) is the lack of resources to effectively implement
the 2023–2027 National Strategy to End Violence in Eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is understood that the 2018
Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act lacks a funding mechanism, and the
government has not ensured coordination amongst departments responding to
violence against women and girls, to expedite trials involving sexual assault,
or to offer victims and survivors adequate support and shelter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">As highlighted by the rights
organisation, the year 2023 ended with a spate of killings of women and very
little to show by way of concrete government action, despite the rise in the
frequency and brutal nature of violence against women.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The consequences of such
violence extend beyond the immediate physical harm, affecting the mental
health, economic well-being, and overall quality of life of survivors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The legal framework in Eswatini
has undergone some positive changes to address gender-based violence, including
the enactment of laws and policies aimed at protecting women’s rights.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">However, the enforcement of
these measures faces significant challenges, including resource constraints,
inadequate infrastructure, and a need for increased awareness and education.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The former 2017–2022 National
Strategy and Action Plan to End Violence in Eswatini called for the
establishment of a multi-sectoral strategy to address violence in the nation, including
violence against women and girls. However, the plan was never completely
executed and was not funded by the government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Addressing violence against
women in Eswatini requires a sustained and collaborative effort to challenge
deep-seated cultural norms, enhance legal frameworks, and provide support
structures for survivors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To ensure the safety of women
and girls in Eswatini, <i>Development Diaries</i> calls on the
country’s parliament to give the matter top priority in both words and deeds by
ensuring that sufficient resources are available to implement laws and policies
that seek to guarantee the safety of women and girls in the country.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">See also</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Address Violence Against Women<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/29/eswatini-address-violence-against-women"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/29/eswatini-address-violence-against-women</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Public sector associations want meeting with PM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Sibusiso Dlamini, <i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">eSwatini Observer,</span></i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> 29 January
2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21922"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Public sector associations want
a meeting with Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, amid growing concerns over
salaries and healthcare crisis, which they said government was seemingly
failing to address.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The unions also highlighted
challenges in the education sector, in particular that teachers were
demotivated and were leaving for countries such as Taiwan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> The unions, which include
the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), the Swaziland National
Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP), Swaziland Democratic
Nurses Union (SWADNU) and National Public Services and Allied Workers Union
(NAPSAWU), said salaries were low, thus the need for a salary review to be
prioritised.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">They said the issue of the
salary review dates way back despite that government in 2022 awarded civil
servants a three per cent cost of living adjustment (CoLA), a decision which
PSAs are still bitter about, arguing that it was taken after government negotiated
in bad faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Civil servants had initially
tabled an 8.7 per cent CoLA but government countered with a three per cent
offer, which the unions said they were forced to take.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">They said the low salaries had
resulted in the country losing experienced professionals to other countries
thus it was one of the priority areas they wanted government to urgently
address thus the proposed meeting with the prime minister. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">According to SWADNU Secretary
General, Mayibongwe Masangane, said they had already made a request to meet the
premier and were awaiting a response, stating that they were looking forward to
developing a strong relationship with the prime minister.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“Previous heads of government
always met us regularly, in particular the late Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini as
well as his successor in the late Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini,” Masangane said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“The only one we never got to
meet was Cleopas Dlamini, so we would like to ensure that there are no strained
relations from the onset with the incumbent,” he added, stating that they hope
for a positive response to their meeting request.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A focal point of concern raised
by Masangane was the pressing issue of the drugs shortage crisis, making it
known that an urgent solution to the crisis was imperative.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">He also highlighted the salary
review, citing how low salaries have prompted numerous skilled healthcare
professionals to seek better prospects in the United Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The ministry of health had
previously stated that it could not stop nurses from being recruited in the UK
as there was no policy that prevents a nurse from leaving the country even if
they were trained by government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This was after it was reported
that 87 nurses with experience in mental health and learning disability were
recruited to work within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“We cannot afford to keep on
losing experienced professionals in such a manner because it is costing us
greatly, so the issue of the salary review takes priority for sure,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SNAT Secretary General, Lot
Vilakati, echoed the concerns about the salary review, emphasising the
protracted delay in addressing this matter, despite the escalating cost of
living.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“It's becoming increasingly
challenging to survive on the meagre salaries we receive,” Vilakati said,
highlighting the financial challenges faced by teachers, leading to many of
them opting to seek opportunities in Taiwan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“The inadequate remuneration
leads to a drain of invaluable experience, which adversely affects the
education system,” Vilakati stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">He said teachers were not
motivated to do their best because they are depressed by their living
conditions, which is bound to negatively impact the learning process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Vilakati further disclosed the
intention to make a plea to the prime minister about SNAT’s inclusion in the
Teaching Service Commission to ensure accountability in the hiring of teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“We saw that the prime minister
met the TSC a few weeks ago and urged them to deal with the alleged corruption,
but we strongly believe that transparency can only be ensured through the
inclusion of SNAT to oversee,” he stated. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To read more
of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21922"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21922</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Candidate
with lowest score picked for Mbabane CEO post</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Timothy
Simelane and Ntombi Mhlongo, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>, 30 January 2024<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143684-candidate-with-lowest-score-picked-for-mbabane-ceo-post.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Councillors of the Municipal Council of Mbabane have
recommended a candidate who scored the lowest in the recent interview for the
position of chief executive officer (CEO).</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This happened yesterday [29
January 2024] during a council meeting convened to, among other things,
deliberate on the report of the consultant, who carried out the recruitment
exercise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been gathered that
during the council meeting, which had members of the Royal Eswatini Police
Service (REPS) present; the councillors ignored the recommendation made by the
consultant, as they picked a female candidate who scored 49 per cent and was
placed third. They are said to have completely overlooked a candidate who
had scored 87.5 per cent and had topped them all. In terms of the Urban
Government Act, 1969, a council is mandated to appoint a fit person to be town
clerk or CEO, upon such terms and conditions as it may determine.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The candidate chosen by the councillors once worked for the municipality a few
years ago, but will not be named as the recommendation is yet to be handed over
to the Minister of Housing and Development Appolo Maphalala, as per the
procedure. The one who scored the highest mark is well-known in the local
government circles, having worked in different municipalities before joining
the corporate sector. The latest developments come at a time when reports
had surfaced that there was division among the councillors regarding a variety
of issues, one of them being that of the recruitment of the CEO.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143684-candidate-with-lowest-score-picked-for-mbabane-ceo-post.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143684-candidate-with-lowest-score-picked-for-mbabane-ceo-post.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Councillors go for third choice<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21927"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21927</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government
cash flow challenges affect more institutions: Alliance Church Clinics closed,
nurses in strike over unpaid January salaries</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1
February, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5976"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBIKWAKHE: Thabo Dlamini, a
former <i>Times of eSwatini</i> journalist and resident of Mbikwakhe has
confirmed that nurses working for the Alliance Church clinic in the area are on
strike.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking to this <i>Swaziland
News</i> on Wednesday Dlamini said, patients were not receiving services when
visiting the health facility.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Patients are not receiving services and
when I enquired from the nurses, they told me, they haven’t received their
January 2024 salaries,” said the journalist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Efforts to reach the
Management of the Alliance Clinics proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling
this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But a nurse who spoke to
this publication on Thursday morning confirmed that, they were still waiting
for their salaries as Alliance Clinics health workers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s true that we haven’t
received our salaries and when we asked the administrators, they told us
Government did not pay the subvention to all mission health institutions”, said
the nurse.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A questionnaire was sent to
Mduduzi Matsebula, the Minister of Health, however, he had not responded at the
time of compiling this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments,
Mayibongwe Masangwane, the Secretary General (SG) of the Swaziland Democratic
Nurses Union (SWADNU) described the challenges faced by the health workers
within Alliance Clinics as unfortunate particularly at the time when parents “are
in need of monies” for schools fees.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“This is an unfortunate
situation and extremely bad for the staff. January is the toughest month when a
lot of people are required to pay school fees for their children. No worker
deserve such treatment after providing his or her services to the employer. It
is government's responsibility to provide health to the populace and when
missionary health institutions are struggling government should subvert them.
We condemn the act by government and the employer in the strongest possible
terms”, said the Nurses Union Secretary General.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk157691557"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">AJ Electrical accused of intimidating
workers who want salary raise<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk157691557;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Nokwanda Mamba, Swaziland Democratic News, 31 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072019954167"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MATSAPHA: AJ Electrical is accused of
refusing to raise salaries for its workers while intimidating those who
negotiate on behalf of their colleagues.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking to this Publication, one of the affected
workers said they were being underpaid by the company and those who petitioned
the management to address their grievances were dismissed from work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We are being underpaid, sometimes we don’t
get our salaries in full, our employer doesn’t even communicate beforehand when
they are facing cash flow challenges and our last pay raise was in 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Our representatives petitioned the
management but were sadly dismissed from work just for fighting for our rights”,
revealed one of the aggrieved workers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Andrew Begg, the Manager at AJ Electrical
had not responded at the time of compiling this report. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments Wander Mkhonza, the Amalgamated
Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) Secretary General said the workers were
failed by government particularly the Ministry of Labour.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Employers continue to put workers on a
precarious position because the government, particularly the Department of
Labour is failing in her primary responsibility to make sure that anyone in the
Labour space respected the law. The fact that inspections are not carried out,
informs us that government is in bed with these rogue employer”, said the
ATUSWA Secretary General.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-12434028744044872062024-01-26T10:37:00.001+02:002024-01-26T10:37:41.684+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 811 – 26 January 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 811 – 26
January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No justice for murder of eSwatini activist<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, Human Rights Watch<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/19/no-justice-murder-eswatini-activist"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">January
21 [2024] marks one year since human rights lawyer and opposition activist
Thulani Maseko was brutally </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/01/25/eswatini-activist-rights-lawyer-brutally-killed"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">killed</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> in his home in front of his wife
and two young children in Eswatini. Maseko championed democratic reforms in
Eswatini and played a key role in the country’s transitional political process
amid widespread protests in June 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">One year
later, Maseko’s killers have yet to be apprehended and there is no indication
that the government has undertaken a credible investigation, despite a
government </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/EswatiniGovern1/status/1740749738184790120"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">statement</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> on December 29, 2023, that the
police are prioritizing Maseko’s murder and the killings of others following
the June 2021 civil unrest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Instead
of providing answers to his family, the government’s statement made untrue,
accusatory and defamatory remarks against Maseko’s widow, Tanele Maseko. This
came after Tanele delivered a </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfDanxYBULU"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">speech</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> accepting the Outstanding Human
Rights Lawyer Award on behalf of her late husband at the </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.magnitskyawards.com/magnitsky-awards-2023/"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">2023 Magnitsky Human Rights Award</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In her
speech, Tanele spoke of the trauma she and her children experienced watching
their husband and father killed before their eyes. She blamed King Mswati III
for her husband’s killing and called for people to join the #JusticeForThulani
campaign and support the Thulani Maseko Foundation, which continues Maseko’s
legacy of promoting human rights and democracy in Eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Hours
before Maseko’s murder, King Mswati III warned those calling for democratic
reforms that mercenaries would deal with them. The government has denied
allegations of involvement in Maseko’s killing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Since his
brutal murder, Eswatini’s </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.sadc.int/latest-news/statement-his-excellency-dr-hage-g-geingob-president-republic-namibia-and-chairperson-0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">regional</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> and </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-risch-booker-scott-introduce-resolution-condemning-eswatinis-human-rights-record"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">international partners</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> and </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/news/6356-eswatini-over-390-orgs-call-for-an-investigation-into-the-murder-of-activist-thulani-maseko"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">civil society organizations</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> have repeatedly called on the
government to conduct an independent, thorough, and impartial investigation. If
investigations are indeed underway, as the government says, they should ensure
transparency and accountability for the family instead of intimidating Maseko’s
widow, who is merely seeking answers for her husband’s killing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini authorities accused of
attempting to silence Justice for Thulani campaign</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-19-eswatini-authorities-accused-of-attempting-to-push-back-and-silence-justice-for-thulani-campaign-and-widow/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-19-eswatini-authorities-accused-of-attempting-to-push-back-and-silence-justice-for-thulani-campaign-and-widow/</span></b></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Govt cuts communication with Zwemart, ‘Swaziland News’<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Ntombi Mhlongo, <i>eSwatini
News,</i> 20 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143537-govt-cuts-communication-with-zwemart-swaziland-news.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MBABANE: Despite having declared him a terrorist over a year ago, it is
only yesterday that government cut communication ties with Editor Zweli Dlamini
and his online publication, the <i>Swaziland News.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The cutting of the ties means that government employees, in their
official capacity, and chief executive officers (CEOs) of state-owned
enterprises (SOEs) or parastatals are no longer expected to entertain the two
and government will monitor if there is compliance regarding the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Through a press statement issued by Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo,
government notified the nation of its position to discontinue, with immediate
effect, communication with certain proscribed entities, particularly Dlamini
and the online publication. Interestingly, the spokesperson is reported to have
recently applauded the editor for giving government a platform to offer clarity
on certain issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In the statement issued yesterday, Nxumalo said Dlamini and his
publication were declared ‘specified entities’ through Legal No.261 of 2022 in
line with the Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008 in that they allegedly
‘knowingly facilitated the commission of terrorist acts’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Such a stand has happened 17 months after the declaration of the two
being terrorist entities was made. It was in June 2022 that government,
through the then Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, made the declaration and
branded Dlamini and his publication terrorist entities for among other things
allegedly threatening to kill police officers and instigating violence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The declaration was made in terms of the Section 28 (2) of the
Suppression of Terrorism Act 2008. But despite that the former PM said the
declaration was with immediate effect, government, through its departments and
subsidiary enterprises entertained the editor in various ways, including
responding to questionnaires he sent or interviews he set up to balance his
articles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In particular, the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Alpheous
Nxumalo, gave the online editor his attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Besides Nxumalo, the King’s Office, through Director of Communications
Percy Simelane, entertained the online editor and this gave the insinuation
that government continued to recognise him as a journalist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In the press statement announcing the cutting of the communication ties,
Nxumalo said government had since issued a circular memorandum to all
government ministries, advising all its officials and employees to desist from
communicating and or responding in any form or method to such entities and
individuals, including on social media platform facebook and others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143537-govt-cuts-communication-with-zwemart-swaziland-news.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143537-govt-cuts-communication-with-zwemart-swaziland-news.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #141517; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Govt amplifies ban on
Zwemart, <i>Swaziland News</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21886"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21886</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">OPINION:<i> </i>Government
Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo desperate to have his expiring contract renewed, stopping
public officials from commenting will not prevent publication of stories.</span></b><b><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5905"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5905</span></b></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Govt ‘regrets’ Percy’s reaction to
Zwemart ban</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143552-govt-%E2%80%98regrets%E2%80%99-percy%E2%80%99s-reaction-to-zwemart-ban.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143552-govt-%E2%80%98regrets%E2%80%99-percy%E2%80%99s-reaction-to-zwemart-ban.html</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Communist
Party of Swaziland (CPS) member Bongnkosi Nkambule charged with terrorism as
Mswati intensifies crackdown against pro-democracy activists who were leading
political unrest</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 19 January, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5901"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Bongnkosi ‘Bongo’ Nkambule, a
member of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) has been charged with
terrorism as King Mswati’s Government intensifies crackdown against
pro-democracy activists, University students and human rights defenders who
were leading the recent political unrest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nkambule who appeared in court this week, has
been arrested and charged for allegedly burning a police vehicle and a national
flag, the State alleges that this, amounts to terrorism.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The CPS is one of the most active
political parties on the ground in the fight against King Mswati’s autocratic
rule.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Political parties are banned in eSwatini
and human rights defenders and independent journalists are arrested, tortured
or even killed for demanding democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In January 2023, King Mswati allegedly
unleashed his mercenaries and security forces to assassinate human rights
lawyer Thulani Rudolf, the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder
Forum (MSF).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t
open schools, parents back SNAT</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Sifiso Nhlabatsi, <i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">eSwatini Observer,</span></i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> 22 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21888"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Parents have backed the Swaziland National
Association of Teachers in calling for schools opening to be delayed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Eswatini Schools Committee and Parents
Association (ESCAPA) in a press briefing with SNAT yesterday reiterated the
teachers call because there were a number of issues that government must first
address.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Among the main issues discussed was the
call for an Education Indaba where everyone would present his side.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SNAT revealed that it had an axe to grind
with the Examinations Council of Eswatini, issues which could be discussed and
addressed if an Education Indaba was held.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Other issues include the introduction of
Free Primary Education in Grade Zero, hiring of teachers and paying contract
teachers have been raised by SNAT before when making their first call to delay
the opening of schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Schools are expected to open tomorrow for
the first term of the academic year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Representing parents were the ESCAPA
President, Cedric Chirwa and Deputy President, Sisana Mamba while SNAT was
represented by its President, Mbongwa Dlamini and Secretary General, Lot
Vilakati.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The organisations also revolved that they
would today visit the ministry of education and training where they intend
tabling their concerns on why schools should not be opened
tomorrow. The ESCAPA deputy president said despite reports that
government had started disbursing orphaned and vulnerable children funds, when
she checked her account nothing reflected as the balance was from the schools
coffers since last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Overgrown vegetation is still a constant
sight in most schools and many other issues, which shows the poor state of
preparedness in schools. It is totally incorrect that government has disbursed
OVC funds to schools,” Mamba said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She said children should not go to school
hungry.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The deputy president said children had performed poorly and teachers were
blamed yet they could not work. “I do not see teachers achieving quality
education while schools are still faced with the challenges they are facing
now,” Mamba stated. She said by the look of things government was not
ready to open schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We need enough teachers in schools not
robots,” she further stated. This was in response to government wanting to
introduce artificial intelligence onto the education system. The robot
will deliver educational content, provide personalised instruction, and
facilitate learning experiences.<br />
lamented<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The ESCAPA president decried that
stakeholders should have been consulted on this.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Parents further lamented the four-year
high school programme saying it was not properly introduced.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The ministry of education has introduced
the programme in 32 schools as a pilot project.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The project aims to establish if learners
could successfully complete the Eswatini General Certificate of Secondary
Education in four years instead of five. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Chirwa went on to state that before the
programme was implemented there was a need to engage in thorough discussions
with the relevant stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It does not help for you to just come and
implement or shove a project down our throats yet claim we are on board in
these issues,” he stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21888"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21888</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini law students champion justice<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By </span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://diplomaticwatch.com/author/adekunleo/"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Adekunle Owolabi</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">, Diplomatic Watch</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">, </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">20
January 2024</span></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://diplomaticwatch.com/22277/news/eswatini-law-students-champion-justice/"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">MBABANE:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> Law students at
the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) are embarking on a journey to uphold human
rights and carry the torch of non-violent activism, thanks to a collaborative
initiative by the U.S. Embassy, the Coalition of Atinga NGOs (CANGO), and
UNESWA’s Legal Aid Clinic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The initiative, fueled by the inspiring legacy of celebrated human
rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, aims to equip students with the knowledge and
passion to champion justice for the most vulnerable. Through engaging events
and workshops, students are exploring career paths in human rights law and
learning to navigate the complexities of advocating for fundamental freedoms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“We are incredibly proud to partner with UNESWA and CANGO in nurturing
the next generation of human rights defenders,” stated CDA Piper of the U.S.
Embassy. “UNESWA’s Legal Aid Clinic plays a vital role in ensuring access to
justice for those who need it most, and this initiative further strengthens the
foundation for a just and equitable society in Eswatini.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">A recent event saw students join forces with CANGO, the
Multi-Stakeholder Forum, and the Legal Aid Clinic to screen the #MLK55
documentary. This powerful film sparked discussions on creating safe spaces for
open dialogue about human rights, fostering a culture of community service,
empowering youth, and promoting tolerance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“The #MLK55 screening ignited a fire within us,” shared Sabelo Dlamini,
a UNESWA law student participating in the initiative. “It’s not just about studying
the law; it’s about using it as a tool to transform lives and build a better
future for Eswatini.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ashraf
lifts lid on health crisis</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Sibusiso Dlamini, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 24 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21897"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swazi Pharm Director Kareem Ashraf has
blown the whistle on the health crisis, describing it as 'self-created'.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The crisis, according to Ashraf, was not
only about shortages, but also about mismanagement and what he termed ‘criminal
negligence’ within the ministry of health.<br />
Ashraf said the situation was critical and therefore, immediate action was
imperative to prevent further loss of lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The businessman questioned the
decision-making processes that perpetuated this cycle, decrying that it leaves
companies like Swazi Pharm in a precarious situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The heart of his complaint centred on
government orders being placed with suppliers lacking stock, often at
exorbitant costs, while leaving suppliers with stocked inventory at the
agreed-upon tender prices.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ashraf, who took over ownership of the
pharmaceutical distribution company and long-time supplier of medicinal drugs
to government last year, made this assertion during a handover event of a
donation of E1.8 million worth of drugs to the health ministry, which he said
was the company's contribution to dealing with the prevailing lack of crucial
medications in public health facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The health crisis has led to a public
outcry, prompting government to initiate a forensic audit investigation into
alleged irregularities concerning the requisition, acquisition, and
distribution of medicinal drugs to public health facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The businessman recognised government's
attempts to implement short and long-term strategies, but took a critical turn,
exposing what he deemed a 'self-created' crisis.<br />
“We wonder why Emaswati's lives are being put at such risk when medical drugs
are stocked at suppliers?” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The businessman said they were troubled
that hospitals were grappling with a surge in infant mortality rates when the
company was awarded an intensive care tender intended for maternity and ICU use
in neonates and infants worth E80 million.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21897"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21897</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hunger
crisis: ‘Now I can take care of my own family’</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News
and Press Release <span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;">International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 23 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://reliefweb.int/organization/ifrc"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A three-year partnership with the EU in
the southern African nation of Eswatini is improving food security through cash
assistance, climate-smart farming and epidemic prevention<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the Lubombo region of Eswatini, near
the town of Big Bend, 39-year-old Bongani Masuku looks over at his field of
maize. He just harvested a section last week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“But there is still work to do,”
Bongani says and starts working the land.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lubombo is one of the hottest areas in
Eswatini. As Bongani weeds his field, the temperature has already risen to over
34 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I remove the weeds so that my maize
will grow properly,” he says. “If I let the weeds take over, the
seedlings would grow to be very thin and not offer good harvest.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Earlier in the season, Bongani attended an
agricultural training, after which he received a cash grant of around 70 euros.
He invested the money in maize seeds that are more resilient to drought, as
climate change has made rains more irregular and increased drought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Around 70 per cent of Eswatini’s
population are directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. This is
why the changing weather conditions are extremely concerning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The recent heatwaves have really made
farming more difficult. The maize should not receive too much sunlight when it
is blooming. Rain is important at that stage. The last time the maize was in
bloom there was no rain at all, so my harvest was smaller than I expected.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The maize field has a great significance
to Bongani. “This allows me to feed my family, but also to sell some of the
crops and get money,” he adds. “This money helps me put my children to
school. I have five children with my darling wife. Now I can buy them
schoolbooks and other school supplies, like pens. If I make enough money, I can
also buy them shoes to wear to school.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like elsewhere in Southern Africa, people
in Eswatini are suffering from a severe and prolonged food security crisis that
began in 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The drought caused by the El Niño
phenomenon, further strengthened by climate change and the irregular rains and
floods ever since, have damaged harvests year after year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bongani is one of the 25,500 people
included in the three-year project funded by the European Union to improve food
security by means of cash assistance. In addition to the Finnish Red Cross, the
project includes the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society and Belgian Red Cross
Flanders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://reliefweb.int/organization/ifrc"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://reliefweb.int/organization/ifrc</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-44625932013092547922024-01-19T10:26:00.005+02:002024-01-19T10:26:36.316+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 810 – 19 January 2024<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 810 – 19
January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk156481549"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala who is
accused of corruption within the Master of High Court appoints his team of judges
to investigate allegations</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481549;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481549;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 17 January, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5889"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Chief Justice (CJ) Bheki
Maphalala has violated the basic principles of investigation by appointing a
team of Judges who are his ‘close friends’ to investigate alleged corruption
within the Master of the High Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Efforts to seek a comment Charity
Simelane, the Secretary General of the Law Society of Swaziland (LSS) proved
unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report, she said she was in court
when contacted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Master of the High Court is under the
Chief Justice’s Office and the Judges report directly to the CJ, Maphalala
stopped an independent Parliament investigation that was seeking to investigate
the disappearance of public funds and/or alleged looting of estates with the
Master’s Office.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Addressing the media during a press
conference on Tuesday the Chief Justice said, the Commission of Inquiry “has
been established” after a public outcry during Sibaya.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I have appointed these Judges to listen
to the public outcry in the administration of the Master of the High Court
Office and I’m confident that they will work independently”, said the Chief
Justice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Judges who are closer or alleged
puppets of the Chief Justice and has been appointed as members of the
Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption within the Master of the
High Court Office include Judge Majahenkhaba Dlamini, Judge Mzwandile Fakudze,
Judge Lorraine Hlophe, Judge President of the Industrial Court Sifiso Nsibandze
and Judge Maxine LaNgwenya.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, the Judges who were
appointed by the Chief Justice to investigate the Master of the High Court,
reports directly to him as the Head of the Judiciary.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CJ appoints 5 judges for commission
of inquiry: public invited to probe of Master’s office</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143491-cj-appoints-5-judges-for-commission-of-inquiry-public-invited-to.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143491-cj-appoints-5-judges-for-commission-of-inquiry-public-invited-to.html</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk156481565"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></a></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk156481565"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No cars, cops
unable to attend GBV cases<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481565;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">eSwatini News,</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> 13 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143414-no-cars-cops-unable-to-attend-gbv-cases.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MBABANE: Despite the increasing number of gender-based violence (GBV)
cases, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is reportedly not equipped to
fight it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">It is not a secret that GBV continues to be a pressing issue in the
country, prompting calls from mainly pro-women non-governmental organisations
for it to be declared a national emergency. By classifying GBV as a national
emergency, it is hoped that government would allocate the necessary resources
and funding to effectively combat this pervasive problem. It is essential to
note that the majority of those affected by GBV are women and children,
highlighting the urgent need for action. Also, the Sexual Offences and Domestic
Violence (SODV) Act, 2018, was enacted to empower the police to act on
offenders, while at the same time ensuring that the courts gave tough sentences
to offenders, sending a tough message.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To address GBV-related issues, the REPS have a specialised unit called
the Domestic Violence and Children’s Protection Unit. The unit has branches at
all police stations and posts throughout the country, ensuring that they reach
affected community members promptly. The primary objective of this unit is to
prioritise the needs for GBV survivors when they come forward with complaints,
including cases of rape. In the past, rape survivors needed a specific unit to
address their concerns, instead of being attended to in the presence of others,
who arrived to report other crimes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">However, concerning reports have emerged regarding the lack of resources
available to adequately address GBV cases. The phrase: ‘we are grounded’ is now
being used by some police officers, whom, speaking off the record said they
were concerned about the lack of tools. They said it was not only vehicles as
there was also a shortage of rape kits. The kits are used to assist during
traumatic situation when a person is reporting rape. The police officers
also said that they sometimes used personal funds to assist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According to some police officers interviewed from various bases, nearly
all police stations (and posts inclusive) had a shortage of vehicles to attend
to GBV-related matters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">One police officer, *Mkhaba, disclosed that he was aware of
stations in the Manzini Region, such as Mankayane, Bhunya and Kapunga that they
complained of lack of vehicles to go about their duties.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Mkhaba further revealed that, in some instances, police stations could
only attend to less than 20 per cent of the reported GBV-cases, due to the lack
of transportation resources. Tragically, some abuse survivors are forced to
make their own way to the police station due to lack of vehicles. A police
officer also revealed that this lack of vehicles, had in the past, resulted in
fatal attacks. He also said the Manzini area appeared to have been hard hitting
because it had a very high number of GBV cases. Recently, there had been
calls to end GBV and that it should be declared a national emergency. More
police officers are now saying that it would be impossible to end GBV without
the necessary tools.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">They blamed their superiors for this, accusing them of not taking time
to understand what was taking place on the ground. *Jomo, who is also a police
officer in the Hhohho Region stated that the REPS did not prioritise the
matters, especially those under the SODV Act 2018. He said these cases
also included rape or even some cases of assault. Jomo said an area such as
Buhleni was very large and that it had many case of GBV, yet they did not have
vehicles specifically for matters relating to GBV. Meanwhile, some police
officers are now demanding that the Prime Minister (PM) should act on this. The
PM is the minister responsible for the police.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">* </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not their real names</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143414-no-cars-cops-unable-to-attend-gbv-cases.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143414-no-cars-cops-unable-to-attend-gbv-cases.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk156481579"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #141517; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cops called in for
picketing ex-TLC employees</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481579;"><b><span style="color: #141517; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481579;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Kwanele Sibiya, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 14 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21855"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Police had to be roped in as about 30
former employees of The Luke Commission (TLC) convened next to the hospital
premises to deliver a petition, demanding, among other things a settlement
agreement payment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They claim that their contracts were
terminated prematurely before the agreed period. The 30 are among the 160
employees who were retrenched last month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The former employees also demanded long
service and notice pay from the hospital. They alleged that the authorities of
the hospital promised to take care of them and protect them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“They said we won’t struggle financially,
however, they have failed to pay us on time,” alleged the former workers. They
claimed that they had been summoned to a meeting by the authorities where they
were told that they had been laid off from work, but after some time, they
received SMSes informing them that they had been retrenched.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They accused the hospital of breaching the
contracts, as some claimed that their contracts were to elapse on September
this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The workers said they were supposed to be
notified about the termination of the contracts 90 days before the contracts
were terminated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“They should have given us a three months’
notice as per the provision of Section 32 of the employment Act,” they said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They demanded that the hospital furnish
them with a notice pay as well as their settlement agreement fee, since,
according to the law, if there was an existing contract that was terminated,
they should receive all their benefits contained therein.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They further demanded long service
payment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The former workers also demanded to know the criteria used by the hospital when
deciding which worker to retrench.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They also requested a copy of the letter
from the office of the labour commissioner indicating that they were being laid
off or retrenched lawfully. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They claimed that workers who were of
foreign origin at the hospital were receiving special treatment as they were
allegedly paid higher wages.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is worth noting, however, that the
petition delivery was a futile exercise as a battalion of police officers, who
were camped by the entrance of the hospital, prevented the workers from
delivering the petition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">An officer who was in charge of the
operation, who was only identified as Tsabedze, is said to have informed the
workers that they were not allowed to deliver the petition at the hospital due
to safety reasons, which he frankly refused to unpack. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21855"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21855</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk156481592"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PM open to debate to attain political
stability</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481592;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481592;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Mthunzi Mdluli, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i><span style="color: black;"> 12 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143403-pm-open-to-debate-to-attain-political-stability.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini says
political stability may not be easy to achieve but it is attainable.</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini said there were risks
involved in attaining political stability. During a live interview with
Eswatini Television senior editor John Molelekeng, on Wednesday, Dlamini said
engagement with each other was the best option for maintaining peace, despite
differences based on political affiliation. The PM was responding to a question
on what he thought should be done to ensure that Eswatini continued to be a
peaceful country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said it was important to
allow people with different political views to state their case, without
engaging in a fight. “I believe that if you and I were to sit here and have a
debate on which political system was the best, I would then have to explain the
reasons for my conviction. After that, I need to give you the opportunity to
state why you feel another system is better,” he said. He said on merit,
one might possibly win the debate, despite that some people may feel that such
an individual did not make sense.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said media platforms, such
as Eswatini TV, could create a safe space for debates. “I am saying a safe
space because when the debates take place, some of the participants end up
using vulgar language when they realise that they are losing,” he said. He
said during the debates; “Let the best idea win.” Dlamini said he believed
that emaSwati had the best ideas due to the fact that this was one of the
countries that had maintained its culture and traditions. “We have the best
ideas and ways of handling our issues.” He further stated that financial
stability was one way in which the country would come out of the challenges it
faced.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Political analyst Mbho Shongwe
says there is a difference between a debate and a dialogue. He was
responding to Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s assertion that having
debates on certain political issues was one of the risks to be taken by any
country to attain political stability. Shongwe said during debates,
participants chose which side they wanted to support. He said this, at times,
did not bear solutions. On the issue of dialogue, Shongwe said this was an
essential means to address issues of national interest. “On national interest
issues, we only need a dialogue and not debates in order to formulate policies,
government development, and how citizens must be governed. A dialogue must be
open and not one-sided to avoid a situation in which the one with the upper
hand would have the final say. This does not help anyone, but causes wars in
most countries,” said Shongwe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said the country needed a
dialogue, following the June/July 2021 political unrest, where some people lost
their lives and property. The dialogue was announced in 2021 after the tragedy
by government. According to Shongwe, the dialogue would help in finding
out the cause of the unrest, the people involved, or those who were responsible
for the unrest. “People died during the unrest. The government was present at
that time, but we are not told exactly what happened. We are told that the
unrest came as a result of terrorists, but we are not informed of who they
are,” Shongwe said. He said emaSwati were the ones in need of the dialogue.
“The dialogue is supposed to take place in a conducive environment, so that
everyone can be free when making submissions. YemaSwati le dialogue,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Also, former UNESWA political
lecturer Professor Qambukusa Magagula said there was a boardroom debate,
shaping the policy that was supposed to be developed. He said such a debate was
not only held for fun, but to come up with solutions regarding issues revolving
around the politics of that country. Regarding the political system,
Magagula said there was a ‘boardroom debate’ conducted by the government. He
said in this kind of debate, the government had the final say, thus sidelining
the views of the outsiders on the issues being addressed. “Sometimes, the
ruling government listens to the views of the other parties, but not to their
satisfaction,” he said. According to Magagula, any country not willing to
have discussions was heading for disaster. “Conversation is what builds any
society. Kuyakhulunyiswana,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk156481609"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile
Dladla threatens to arrest parents for not taking children to school, SNAT says
Government yet to pay school fees</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481609;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156481609;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 16 January, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5887"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Thulisile Dladla,the Deputy Prime
Minister(DPM) has threatened parents or guardians who fail to send their
children to school under the Free Primary Education (FPE) with arrest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a press statement released on Tuesday, the
DPM reminded parents to abide by the Children Protection and Welfare Act of
2012 to avoid possible prosecution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It is disheartening to note increasing
number of children of school going age roaming the streets and not attending
school. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister cautions parents/guardians not
to abdicate their duty to be involved in their children’s upbringing as
positive role models. This year, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister will
up-scale efforts to monitor these children and will implement and enforce
relevant provisions of the Children Protection and Welfare Act. Those parents/
guardians found to be on the wrong side of the law will be prosecuted”, said
the DPM through the press statement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But Lot Vilakati, the Secretary General of
the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), when asked by this <i>Swaziland
News</i> to clarify if the situation in schools was conducive for children to
learn said, Government was yet to pay school fees and provide equipment under
the Free Primary Education(FPE).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We have contacted some Headteachers and
they confirmed that Government hasn’t paid monies under Free Primary Education,
stationary is yet to be delivered. Furthermore, contract are yet to sign their
contract and this means no contract teacher has signed a contract for now,” said
the SNAT Secretary General when speaking to editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-59454876857259176202024-01-12T10:23:00.002+02:002024-01-12T10:23:17.686+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 809 – 12 January 2024<p> <a name="_Hlk135932955" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 809 – 12
January 2024</span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Govt
faces cash flow crisis, failing to pay E700m arrears</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Stanley Khumalo, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i><span style="color: black;"> 8 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143323-govt-faces-cash-flow-crisis-failing-to-pay-e700m-arrears.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MANZINI: There is a cash flow crisis in the country, which
has led to government failing to pay arrears reportedly in excess of E700
million.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A cash flow shortage,
according to Growthforce, happens when more money is flowing out of a
business and or an establishment than it is coming in. As such, the website,
which offers expert information on financial management, states that this means
that during a cash flow shortage, an entity might not have enough money to
cover payroll or other operating expenses.<br />
According to impeccable sources, government has in recent weeks been stretched
in meeting its financial obligations, which include settling arrears for local
private hospitals and doctors of over E220 million for services rendered under
Phalala Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The sources claimed that there
were arrears of over E480 million, which were owed to suppliers and service
providers as well. They supposed that the debts had accrued in the third
quarter of this financial year as most of the resources needed in the country
had been poured towards resuscitating the collapsed health sector. This is
because in recent months, government has been settling arrears of the Ministry
of Health to ensure that suppliers were catered for while also ensuring that
there was activity in the economy. The sources proximated the arrears to be in
the region of E700 million and claimed that the delay in their payment could
lead to long-term challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Inasmuch as government
budgets for each financial year, the revenue inflow is not consistent with the
demands,” the source said. The source explained that when government set
its budget for the year, it projected on revenue collections, which included
the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) receipts, which were received
quarterly, tax collection and other streams of income, like fines. The
source explained that currently, the demands by the various sectors of
government were beyond what was available. He said the demands were in all the
sectors government rendered services in and included the payments of grants
(elderly, disability, free primary education (FPE) and the orphaned and
vulnerable children (OVCs). The source said there was also the issue of
scholarships and ensuring the smooth flow of government operations, which
needed to be catered for at all instances.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The source said all these
services needed government to regularly disburse money towards ensuring that
they were flowing without hindrance and when a cash flow crisis ensued, it
destabilised these services. “If the cash flow challenge persists for a
longer period, it leads to issues like schools complaining that they have not
been paid their grants and or other sectors voicing out their challenges in
terms of financing,” the source explained.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Minister of Finance, Neal
Rijkenberg, acknowledged that there was a cash flow crisis, but said it would
be sorted out this week. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143323-govt-faces-cash-flow-crisis-failing-to-pay-e700m-arrears.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143323-govt-faces-cash-flow-crisis-failing-to-pay-e700m-arrears.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini struggling to pay salaries for contract teachers amid
collapsed education system, Union says Government promised to pay on Monday</span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Colani Khulekani Maseko, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 6 January
2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5837"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Life is literally a
struggle for qualified contract teachers here in the Kingdom of eSwatini, they
were employed in October 2023 but three (3) months later, they haven’t received
their salaries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini is ruled by Mswati
as an absolute Monarch, the country is struggling with the high poverty and
unemployment rate and is among the most unequal countries in the Southern
Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A questionnaire was sent to
Owen Nxumalo,the Minister of Education and Training, however, he had not
responded at the time of compiling this report. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments on
Saturday morning, Lot Vilakati, the Secretary General (SG) of the Swaziland
National Association of Teachers (SNAT) confirmed to this Swaziland News that,
contract teachers who were employed in October 2023 have not received their
salaries in three (3) months, Government promised to pay everyone by Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Contract teachers were
employed in October not December, all contract teachers were invited into a
meeting where everything was addressed. Otherwise government promised to pay
everyone by Monday," said the SNAT SG.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, the
eSwatini Government has been postponing dates when asked about the delayed
salaries, in a previous report published by this Swaziland News, the Government
had promised to pay before Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">12-year-olds exploited in illegal gold mining<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By<span style="color: #666666;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Joseph Zulu, <i>eSwatini News,</i> 6 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143301-12-year-olds-exploited-in-illegal-gold-mining.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">NTFONJENI: The Lufafa Mountain was once revered for painting the
landscape of Hhelehhele with its natural beauty but today, its image has been
tainted by illegal mining an exploitation of children.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The Lufafa Mountain is situated in Hhelehhele under the Ntfonjeni
Inkhundla. In a shocking revelation by concerned residents, children as
young as 12 years, are being exploited as illegal miners in the
mountain. It was gathered that older teenagers are also being used in the
illegal mining, as it is easier for them to get into the small tunnels where
the gold is extracted. However, it was also gathered that most of the children
assist in transporting the soil that is dug out and contains the unextracted
gold.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Child labour remains a pressing global issue, and Africa is no
exception. In the context of illegal mining activities, the exploitation
of children in hazardous conditions, is a grave concern. Many children are
drawn into the web of illegal mining, due to poverty and limited opportunities.
Due to its rich gold deposits, the gold mountain has attracted illegal miners,
informally known as zama zamas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The zama zamas are said to have dug makeshift tunnels inside the
mountain, risking their lives including those of children. Unlike a normal
mining conditions which ensures safety of the miners, illegal miners lack the
means and the expertise to ensure safety. It was also gathered that
sometimes, the illegal mining takes place during night time and this
compromises their safety even further.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This publication spoke to some residents and also traditional
authorities to shed light on the distressing plight of these young souls and
the alarming state of lawlessness that persists, despite the presence of armed
forces. It was gathered that some of the children participate in the
illegal mining activities in the presence of their parents. The children are
also used in carrying the soil mixture that contains the gold for extraction of
the mineral at a different site, usually a homestead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In the past, this publication has written about children being used in
illegal cultivation of dagga. However, some children are now being used in the
illegal mining of the gold. Some parents are divided about the use of
children in the illegal mining. One of the parents who spoke on condition of
anonymity, said she would never allow her child but *Maluti said poverty
was the main reason she had no problem with her child getting involved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“We are living a better life than before because we are able to buy some
food and clothes,” said Maluti. She also said she was aware of the dangers of
the makeshift mines collapsing, but they were advised that during the wet
season, they should avoid it. She insisted that poverty was a driving factor
and that if this was not the case, she would not take the risk. A recent
report by our sister publication, the Times of Eswatini, uncovered the illicit
mining operations taking place at the now treacherous mountain. Also, some
of the illegal mining is said to be operated at an old abandoned mine near
Pigg’s Peak, over 20 kilometres from Lufafa Mountain, where more illegal mining
takes place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The abandoned mine, known as old Pigg’s Peak Mine is also guarded by
members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) just like the Lufafa
Mountain. However, despite the security measures in place, the illegal
miners are allegedly brazenly pilfering gold right under the noses of the very
soldiers assigned to prevent such activities.<br />
Security guards are placed at the Lomati Mine which is licensed to mine the
gold at the mountain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This flagrant disregard for the law, by the zama zamas, is said to have
created an atmosphere of audacity and lawlessness, leaving the authorities
grappling for effective solutions, such that others have suggested that the
soldiers should operate under a rotating roaster. “If the same soldiers keep
guarding the mines for a long time, they may end up being influenced by the
criminals,” said a senior resident.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143301-12-year-olds-exploited-in-illegal-gold-mining.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143301-12-year-olds-exploited-in-illegal-gold-mining.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Swazi PM happy after weeding Mswati’s maize fields<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Pholie Maseko, Swati Newsweek, 7 January, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE: Thousands of needy
people in eswatini are compelled by poverty to go and weed the King's maize
fields.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The destitute young men and
old men then live in the King's compound (emalawini). They neglect their homes
hoping to get food and jobs from the King. Poverty forces them to rely on the
king. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In most case they are given
alcohol, meat and pap when weeding the fields. They also get little cash.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Poverty is caused by misuse of
public funds in eswatini. The Swazi nation fork out E1 billion a year for the
upkeep of the Swazi Monarchy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Prime minister said, “Today
I had the great pleasure of joining emabutfo at the weeding of the Mfabantfu
Royal Fields. This is a voluntary exercise in which emaSwati honour our culture
as well as the call to make Eswatini food secure. It is pleasing to see
emaSwati, particularly young people, taking part in such celebrations of our
beautiful culture,” said Dlamini the appointed prime minister of eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mentally ill patients kept in police cells<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By <span style="color: black;">Sabelo
Ndzinisa, <i>eSwatini News</i>, 6 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143302-mentally-ill-patients-kept-in-police-cells.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MBABANE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Ministry of Health
employee has revealed that in Pigg’s Peak, mental patients were detained at the
police station due to, among other things, the shortage of nurses in the public
hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This civil servant, employed as a nurse at Pigg’s Peak Government
Hospital, testified before CMAC Commissioner that he worked at the psychiatric
hospital in Manzini for over 20 years, before being transferred to Mankayane
Government Hospital and finally to Pigg’s Peak. He testified that he was
currently based at the psychiatric unit in Pigg’s Peak.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He was testifying in a matter currently before CMAC, where hospital
orderlies are challenging government’s decision to pay them at different scales
despite that they are doing the same duties. The nurse also testified that the
patients in question were taken to the police cells for security reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior
Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said the arrangement to keep mentally ill
patients in police cells was not isolated to Pigg’s Peak Police Station. “This
happens in all the police stations where mentally ill patients considered to be
violent are referred to police custody for security reasons before they are
transferred to the Psychiatric Centre,” Vilakati stated briefly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According to some police officers, who asked not to be mentioned, it is
not unusual for them to house people who were mentally ill at the police
station, pointing out that it was not easy to determine how many people had
been housed there throughout the month or year, as such incidents were
frequent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“This usually happens when the person who had been admitted became
violent due to mental challenges. Unlike the Manzini Psychiatric Centre, which
is able to house mentally ill patients even when they become violent, this is
not the case at the Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital. It is not safe to house
them in the hospital as they could end up damaging the equipment or furniture
there.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Further, the officer alleged that most people who were brought in
with mental illness appeared to have a drug use problem, pointing out
that in almost all reports, the medical personnel indicated that the behaviour
was drug-induced. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The witness testified that from his observation, the duties done by the
orderlies between the two different institutions were similar in that it
required somebody to clean. He said the entry requirements were that the person
would be from around that community, physically fit and strong. The nurse said
there were no special qualifications and the work required on-the-job-training.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He further pointed out that the risks varied between the different
wards, making an example that the TB wards carried the risk of exposure to
contagious diseases, while maternity wards carried more risks, as the patients
were inclined to develop mental problems and attempt to manhandle the hospital
personnel, whereas with the mental patients, there was a high exposure of
violence on admission and thereafter, they are sedated and separated
indifferent wards.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Research by this publication revealed that psychological therapies can
be helpful for most people affected by mental health issues. For some mental
health conditions, medications can also be helpful. Other support options
include counselling, peer support, and community support services.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-48623262098745618222024-01-05T10:00:00.000+02:002024-01-05T10:00:16.865+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 808 – 5 January 2024<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 808 – 5
January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PM’s
stern warning to Federation of Eswatini Business Community</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Kwanele Dhladhla, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 3 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21778"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, has
sternly warned FESBC that government will not hesitate to deal strongly with
the federation if it continues to exhibit actions of a terrorist entity, which
threatens peace and economic stability in the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The premier said during a meeting convened
with the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) executive yesterday,
he advised them to stick to their mandate and stop either meddling or
interfering in political issues that were outside the ambit of the federation’s
core function to avoid attracting the wrath of government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The meeting, which he said ought to have
been convened before Christmas at the instance of FESBC, had not been
fast-tracked by recent statements made by the federation. These included, but
not limited to the call for a probe into the operations of Inyatsi Group of
Companies, Montigny and Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES) Corporation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The organisation has also indicated that
it would report the country to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if their
grievances were not attended to in the manner they deem fit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, the Eswatini Competition
Commission has stated it was not undertaking any investigation because the
appropriate channels of reporting a grievance had not been followed by FESBC
when reporting the grievances, which were widely publicised, particularly on
social media platforms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21778"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21778</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PM warns FESBC, those alleging King
killed Thulani Maseko</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143261-pm-warns-fesbc-those-alleging-king-killed-thulani-maseko.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143261-pm-warns-fesbc-those-alleging-king-killed-thulani-maseko.html</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We’ve already acquired guns for
safety: FESBC<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143163-we%E2%80%99ve-already-acquired-guns-for-safety-%E2%80%93-fesbc.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143163-we%E2%80%99ve-already-acquired-guns-for-safety-%E2%80%93-fesbc.html</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Business eSwatini CEO Nathie Dlamini
on FESBC tension with foreign investors</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5793"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5793</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over
100 patients turned back at TLC</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Sifiso Nhlabatsi, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 29 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21762"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The conditions at The Luke Commission
(TLC) are dire as over 100 patients were yesterday turned back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This has seen patients pleading with government
to rescue the institution, which had become the country’s go-to hospital
following the drugs and personnel shortages in public health facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With TLC also faced with financial
challenges leading to the shattering situation at the hospital where over 160
employees were laid off and some services scaled down, over 300 patients were
informed that not all of them would be attended to. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Immediately after being informed of the
decision, despair was written on some of the patients
faces. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of the patients said they were
disheartened that the facility, which was very helpful to them, would operate
on selected days a week yet before it was operating 24/7.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They pleaded with government to ensure
that it kept the hospital afloat, as it was and still is helping Emaswati.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the patients, who identified
himself as Simelane, said he went to the hospital yesterday with the hope of
being assisted but unfortunately he received bad news when he was told about
the downscaling of operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We are requesting from the ministry of
health and government as a whole to intervene. We are in long queues and are
not even sure if we will eventually receive the help we desperately need. We
have heard that there are challenges faced by the organisation and we plead
that government does whatever it can to assist the institution,” Simelane
stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gogo Manana from Nhlambeni said she was
turned back because limited services were being offered. She requested that
government intervenes and assists the health centre because there were many
Emaswati who were receiving help from TLC.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The hospital is close to where I stay,
and it is helpful to us people of Nhlambeni as we do not have to travel long
distances to seek help,” Manana stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Other patients expressed that TLC had been
very helpful and expressed shock that they were now being turned back at the
centre.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mkhulu Buthelezi said they had seen how
the hospital had been of great help to the nation but of late they were being
turned back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">TLC is facing one of its hardest phases
and is doing everything to ensure that every patient visiting the centre is
assisted with the limited resources they have, but yesterday it was a different
story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over the past couple of days despite
downscaling services, the centre has seen an influx of patients and the Miracle
Centre has been forced to use the little resources left.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21762"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21762</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So
Government Spokesperson is intimidating human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s
widow with treason charges for expressing herself after the assassination of
her husband?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Opinion
by Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 2 January 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5814"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo
must know that, it is our duty to protect human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s
widow Tanele Maseko from political character assassination and intimidation by
a regime that killed her husband.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The threat of treason charges by
Alpheous Nxumalo against the widow is just a fragment of Nxumalo’s
imagination, Tanele Maseko must continue to demand justice for her husband who
killed for demanding democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King Mswati allegedly killed human rights
lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko and we need an international investigation to
investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the human rights lawyer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Alpheous Nxumalo is just trying to
intimidate the widow, targeted sanctions are coming for human rights violators
in the country, we will continue to demand justice for Thulani Maseko until the
international community takes action against this oppressive and evil regime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Government Spokesperson is trying to
tell us that, accusing Mswati of killing human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf
Maseko amounts to treason, that is nonsense.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mswati is a political killer who commanded
his police and soldiers to shoot and kill dozens of civilians for demanding
democracy, that information was disclosed by former Army Commander Jeffery
Shabalala in an electronic evidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The King then threatened those calling for
democracy saying his mercenaries will deal with them, hours later,Thulani
Rudolf Maseko was assassinated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">An international investigation that seeks
to investigate the assassination must be commissioned, we don’t need government
conflicting theories.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Human rights lawyer
Thulani Maseko was killed by Mswati, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo’s
attack on wife Tanele won’t wash away blood on King’s hands<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5806"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5806</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thulani Maseko’s death should be investigated by the
FBI: PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek,1 January, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The People’s Democratic
Movement (PUDEMO) President Mlungisi Makhanya said that the investigation into
the killing of Human Rights attorney Thulani Maseko must be investigated by
international organisations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is contained in the
PUDEMO President’s end of year statement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Makhanya said, “We demand, as
we so do, that an urgently backed international investigation be carried out.
Further to that, we want an investigation into the June 2021 Massacre, the
killing of SFDF leader Cde Muzi Mmema, and all the subsequent extra-judicial
killings that have taken place in the country, since June 2021. We want those
who are responsible to be held accountable in line with international law, and
that there must be no holy cows in the process of accountability as we move
forward as a nation,” said Makhanya. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He also urged other
organisations in the MDM to support the call. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Responding to Social Media
allegation of criminality, murder and delaying the struggle, the PUDEMO
President called upon those who claim to have evidence to come forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Makhanya who has been fingered
by the Solidarity Forces military wing remnants as one of the suspects in
Thulani Maseko’s death challenged people who have evidence to come out and
reveal such information.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Watsap messages published by
Voice of the People News revealed issued an order that one of the Solidarity
Forces military wing to be killed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Makhanya said, “PUDEMO once
again calls upon all those who claim to be in possession of evidence of any
form of corruption, criminality and/or maleficence against the President of
PUDEMO to come forward and adduce such. This call is also extended to the
entities mentioned on the online videos or any third party who may have on
behalf of the said entities, or on his own accord, given any form of money to
the President to come forward. In relation to matters involving those that are
in prison, PUDEMO believes that they, in the course of their upcoming trials,
will speak for themselves and only then will we all get to know the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Additional information sourced
from Eswatini Newsroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini 3rd in the world in alcohol consumption<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By <span style="color: black;">Nonduduzo
Kunene, <i>Times of eSwatini,</i> 15 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143072-eswatini-3rd-in-the-world-in-alcohol-consumption.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MBABANE: Eswatini has been listed as the third highest country in
alcohol consumption per capita.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Statistics that were issued by Wise Voter yesterday showed that
emaSwati, who took alcoholic beverages, were over indulging. The survey was
based on individual consumption, not a percentage of the entire
population. The survey statistics defined alcoholic beverages as those
which went through the process of fermentation and have been a staple of human
society as far back as records go. Examples of alcoholic beverages include
beer, wine and hard liquor (such as whiskey, tequila and vodka). Alcohol, which
is a depressant, is designated as a drug and regulated by governments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The survey report mentioned that one serving of alcohol was classified
as 0.0177 fluid litres of alcohol. This corresponds with 0.354 litre can/bottle
of beer, one 0.148 litres glass of wine, or one 0.044 litre shot of liquor.
When comparing alcoholic consumption across countries, organisations will look
at litre of pure alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According to the survey, Zimbabwe has the highest alcohol per capita
globally. An individual Zimbabwean, according to the survey, may consume 62.8
litres of pure alcohol when comparing the alcoholic beverages they would have
taken in 12 months, with a prevalence alcohol dependence of 2.2 per
cent. Tunisia came second with 36.6 litres consumption per capita. The
country has a prevalence alcohol dependence of 0.2 per cent. The Kingdom
of Eswatini was placed in third place with 34.4 litres of alcohol consumption
per capita, with prevalence alcohol dependence of 2.5 per cent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">All top three countries, according to the report, do not have alcohol
illegality but drinking is allowed to people above the age of 18 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In 2018, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that Eswatini was
among countries identified to have high per capita consumption of alcohol
globally, estimated to be at 9.9 litres per capita compared to a global average
of 6.4 litres per capita. Other countries that followed Eswatini were
Maldives with a consumption of 33.7 litres of alcohol consumption. The country
has a prevalence alcohol dependence of 0.9 per cent. South Africa was
placed in seventh position, with consumption of 29.9 litres per capita. The
neighbouring country, according to the report, has a prevalence alcohol
dependence of 2.4 per cent, which is a point below Eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The statistics compared 180 countries in the world. The country with the
least alcohol consumption, according to Wise Voter, was Kuwait with one litre
per capita. Heavy consumption of alcohol can be dangerous and lead to
alcoholism. Serious side effects include decreased motor skills function, liver
failure, cancer and death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According to a study that was conducted by Oxford Economics when
assessing the economic impact of the Eswatini’s beer industry in 2019 with a
focus on its contribution to GDP, jobs and taxes, which was presented by
Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, the beer sector
contributed around 1.2 per cent to Eswatini’s national gross domestic product
(GDP).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He said one in every 91 jobs in Eswatini was linked to the economic
activity of beer, which amounts to more than 3 200 jobs and over 25 000
livelihoods. Furthermore, two per cent of national tax revenue collected comes
from economic activity linked to beer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-25076126124693346672023-12-15T10:44:00.000+02:002023-12-15T10:44:03.517+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 807 – 15 December 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk153466989"></a><a name="_Hlk135932955"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 807 – 15 December
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News
from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (</span></span><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">) in collaboration with
Swazi Media Commentary (</span></span><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">), and sent to all with
an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King Mswati’s wealth now
worth R10billion according to Forbes, as unfair competition by royal linked
companies worsen poverty situation and creates tension in eSwatini</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland
News</i>, 14 December, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"></span><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5736"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE:
Mswati has accumulated wealth worth R10billion ($500million), according to
Forbes rating, as alleged unfair competition business environment created by
giant companies linked to the King worsen poverty situation while creating
tension.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini
is a tiny Kingdom with about 70% of the population living below the poverty
line, has been struggling with a collapsed health and education system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hundreds
are reportedly dying amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals while State
Universities or institutions of higher learning now rely on donations for
working equipment with financially struggling students dropping out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
World Bank reported that, the unemployment rate increased in eSwatini from 23%
to 33.3% in 2021 amid escalating costs of basic commodities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But
in the midst of the poverty situation, King Mswati, the Africa’s last absolute
Monarch, owns shares in giant companies in the construction, tourism, agriculture,
telecommunications and forestry industries among others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153466989;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments by this <i>Swaziland
News</i>, Percy Simelane, the King’s Spokesperson said, it was difficult to
know how Forbes reached the figure suggesting that, the King’s wealth was worth
R10billion(500million).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“As the King’s rating formulae is an
exclusivity to the person(s)who do the rating it shall continue to be difficult
to figure what exactly was being calculated or considered as variables to his
wealth. We therefore elect not to commit half-headedly and pretend we know how
the sum total was reached. The figures keep on changing and we never get to
know why it changes from time to time”, said the King’s Spokesperson when
responding to a questionnaire from this publication.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On Wednesday this week, Thulisile Dladla, the
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) visited Mgidzangcunu in the outskirts of Vuvulane, one
of the areas situated in the poverty stricken Lubombo Region which is facing
high levels poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The purpose of the visit, it has been
disclosed, was to assess the poverty situation however, similar visits by
senior Government officials and politicians were witnessed before without a
political will to address the challenges affecting the people of Mgidzangcunu.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But the poverty situation at Mgidzangcunu
is experienced a few meters away from sugar-cane fields that supply the Royal
Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESC) at Mhlume and Simunye, some of the
Mgidzangcunu citizens were forced to poverty after their sugar-cane fields were
forcefully grabbed by King Mswati and his Mother Ntombi Tfwala.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been reported that in 2021, eSwatini
exported raw sugar worth over R8billion, the sugar was exported to countries
that include South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and other parts of Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking to this publication on Thursday, Mphisi
Dlamini, the Acting Chief of Vuvulane said, the poverty situation in the area
was worsened by the King’s decision to grab their land for his personal
sugar-cane farming business.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5736"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5736</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mswati not remitting
25% ‘in trust for the Swazi Nation’ minerals shareholding worth billions amid
shortage of drugs in hospitals, King’s Spokesperson says public benefiting
through Tibiyo scholarships<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5728"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5728</span></i></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mswati spends over
R100million purchasing Ferrari cars for his children amid shortage of drugs in
public hospitals, King’s Spokesperson says it’s a private matter<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5711"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5711</span></i></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masculinity
supposed to protect vulnerability of our community</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Thamsanqa KrTC Sibandze, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 14 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21671"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a man, a son, a brother and a member of
this society, the rising levels of gender-based violence (GBV) in Eswatini
demand our immediate attention and unwavering commitment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We can no longer stand by as our sisters,
mothers and daughters face the brutal realities of violence – it is time for us
to RISE!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The One Billion Rising Eswatini movement
is gearing up for the 2024 ‘Rising’ to unite Emaswati against the scourge of
GBV. We, as men, are called upon to join this movement, to be part of the
solution, and to imagine a world free from the shackles of violence, inequality
and injustice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In recent times, the world has been marred
by turmoil and Eswatini is no exception. Our country grapples with
socio-economic and political challenges, with an alarming rise in violence
against women.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Femicide, the brutal killing of women, has
reached unprecedented levels, often perpetrated by spouses or partners. The
escalating figures are not just statistics; they represent human beings whose
security has been violated, often without access to support and justice. We
cannot afford to turn a blind eye any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rising festivals, organised by the One
Billion Rising Campaign, provide spaces for compassion, healing and envisioning
a world without violence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As men, we must ask ourselves: What world
do we want to create? How can we contribute to a society free from oppression
and abuse?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We must rise to the principles of ending
violence towards women, understanding patriarchy, and promoting care,
community, trust and interconnectedness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When men stand up and speak out against
social issues, the impact resonates throughout society like a powerful ripple
effect.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">History has shown that real change occurs
when men, as allies and advocates, take a stand against injustice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21671"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21671</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Drugs
shortage: cops question 8 civil servants</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stanley
Khumalo, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>, 13 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143033-drugs-shortage-cops-question-8-civil-servants.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MANZINI: About Eight civil servants have reportedly been
interviewed by the police to date as part of investigations into the shortage
of medical drugs in public health facilities.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to sources,
following the call by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, to the Royal
Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to intensify investigations into any corrupt
practice by service providers and government employees throughout the entire supply
chain of pharmaceuticals, with the intention to punish offenders; eight people
have been interviewed. It is worth noting that in February 2023, the Auditor
General (AG), Timothy Matsebula, presented his Forensic Investigation Proposal
and Audit of Acquisition, Distribution and Management of Pharmaceuticals
Report, where he stated that drugs worth E151.6 million were missing and or
unaccounted for in public health facilities around the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is despite that in the
past five years; the Ministry of Health was awarded a budget of E12.66
billion. Conversely, the call to present information to the police was
also emphasised by the Director of Funduzi Forensic Services, Zakhele Dlamini. Dlamini
said people with information should assist government in finding the root cause
of the medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies shortage. He said this
would assist the police in investigating the issue in line with the forensic
investigation done by his entity. Dlamini said by registering information with
the police, the ‘whistle-blowers’ would be assisting in speeding up the
investigations into the health crisis. He pleaded with the nation to
assist in bringing the issue to its finality. Dlamini said his company was
willing to assist in any manner regarding the investigation as per their
commitment to government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Funduzi Forensic Services was
recruited by government to conduct a forensic investigation into the supply of
medicines to public health facilities. The sources shared that, the police
had engaged with the eight civil servants and others who were implicated,
seeking information to establish their role in the procurement of medical drugs
and pharmaceutical supplies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been gathered that
those who were interviewed were also questioned on what they knew about what
led to the shortage of medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies in public
health facilities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/143033-drugs-shortage-cops-question-8-civil-servants.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/143033-drugs-shortage-cops-question-8-civil-servants.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Storm
leaves damage worth millions in eSwatini shortly after Senator Tony Sibandze
moved a motion to establish a Climate Change Committee</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 9 December, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5699"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">NGCULWINI: The effects of climate change
are beginning to be costly to ordinary eSwatini citizens as a storm that
destroyed cars and houses was experienced at Ngculwini and other areas on
Friday afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The storm came after the landlocked tiny
Kingdom situated in Southern Africa, experienced an extremely hot weather.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, Senator Tony Sibandze successfully
moved motion a motion for the establishment of a Climate Change Committee, the
Senate Committee seeks to work with the Executive arm of Government and other
stakeholders in addressing issues of climate-change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking to this <i>Swaziland News</i>,
one of the affected residents at Ngculwini said, she had prepared her house for
children to visit during the festive season but the storm damaged all windows.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I was preparing for the kids to visit
home during Christmas but the storm has destroyed all windows”, she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo
had not responded at the time of compiling this report, he was asked if
government had or will assess the damage caused by the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The United Nations (UN)Sustainable
Development Goals(SDGs) list climate change as goal number thirteen(13), that
seeks to encourage countries to limit and adapt to climate change. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Climate change is one of the seventeen (17)Sustainable
Development Goals established by the UN General Assembly in 2015 and the
official mission statement of this goal is to “take urgent action to combat
climate change and its impacts”.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Random countrywide raids to curb crime coming: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minister<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Sifiso Dlamini, <i>Times Sunday,</i> 10 December
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142980-random-countrywide-raids-to-curb-crime-coming-%E2%80%93-minister.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE: Random countrywide
raids, 24-hour roadblocks could be a norm in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This may well be the new
normal should the aspirations of the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional
Affairs, Prince Simelane come to fruition. Presenting an idea on how to
curb corruption and crime in the country, the minister proposed embarking on
random raids countrywide, through a joint venture by the country’s security
forces. He also envisaged that mounting roadblocks in various strategic areas
around the country day and night would go a long way towards cleaning the
country’s streets and ridding it of crime. The minister advocated for
sweeping operations meant to ensure peace and stability and a crime free
country. He said this would have a positive contribution towards removing
the now abundant illegal firearms from the hands of criminals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The minister revealed that
such security tactics have been adopted by other countries, including some in
the SADC region, yielding measurable success in reducing crime levels. He
used Lesotho as an example, where he stated that the national army took over
security duties from the police and conducted patrols and roadblock
checks. He clarified that, this however, was doable through collaborative
work by all security forces in a joint venture. However in order to
achieve his dream for the country, the minister echoed his submission during
the parliamentarians courtesy call to His Majesty King Mswati III at Mandvulo
Grand Hall, where he proposed the increase in number of security force
personnel. This was where members of the 12th Parliament introduced themselves
to the King and made their presentation on how they believed the country could
move forward and fulfill His Majesty’s vision to end corruption, address the
poverty crisis and unemployment, as well as economic growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While making his submissions
the minister pleaded with His Majesty and government to consider increasing the
number of security forces personnel to provide a fence or shield around the
country, to maintain peace and order. Adding, the minister said this was
essential because no investor would be interested in investing in an unstable
country where businesses, government structures, equipment and tinkhundla
centres were burnt down and vandalised at any given time. The minister
suggested that the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) should be increased to
15 000, Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to 12 000, His Majesty’s
Correctional Services (HMCS) to 10 000. The minister also suggested
increasing the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services
(ENFRES) personnel, which he also pleaded that they should be recognised
as security forces to 5 000.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">During an interview with the <i>Times
Sunday</i>, Minister Prince Simelane asserted that his current ministry was
also an important fence or shield for the country, as it was mandated to
enforce the law through prosecuting cases working together with the other law
enforcement agencies. He assured that during his tenure in office, he would do
the best he could to ensure justice prevailed and was fair to all. He
further pointed out that increasing the number of security forces personnel
alone, would not be practical, as there was also a need to ensure that they
were provided with all the working tools and equipment they required. “For
this to be a success, government has to ensure that the security forces are
well-equipped, unlike in previous situations where there was a shortage of
vehicles and fuel for police officers resulting in them being unable to
promptly attend to calls,” said the minister. Simelane has urged the
Correctional Services which falls under his portfolio to engage the REPS and
UEDF to embark on periodic random sweeping exercises, where they would conduct
raids across all four regions in the country and be proactive in preventing
crime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He suggested that these raids
should be conducted once a month and should not be isolated to urban or
peri-urban areas, but countrywide in all four regions including townships and
rural areas. “Currently, crime is on the rise in the country and there are
a lot of illegal firearms circulating and being used to commit heinous crimes
as well as drug smuggling. I believe that such raids would be important in
sweeping the country and curbing crime,” he said. The minister further
called for 24-hour patrols across the country and the mounting of roadblocks
even at night no matter the weather conditions to ensure safety and peace in
the country while reducing crime. “If we can manage to do this as a
country, it will go a long way in ensuring service delivery and allowing
emaSwati to rest easy while knowing they and their assets are protected,” he
said. The minister also proposed that all tinkhundla centres across the
country should be guarded day and night as well as all schools and government
structures such as ministerial buildings, court houses as part of what he
themed efficient service delivery.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-59257398161328366732023-12-08T10:14:00.005+02:002023-12-08T10:14:34.986+02:00 Swaziland Newsletter No. 806 – 8 December 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> <a name="_Hlk135932955" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 806 – 8
December 2023</span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Senior
official: eSwatini economy poorly managed by Govt</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nonduduzo
Kunene. <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i><span style="color: black;"> 1 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142856-senior-official-eswatini-economy-poorly-managed-by-govt.html#:~:text=Dlamini%20said%20the%20plan%20looked,fiscal%20crisis%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">EZULWINI: You would swear parliamentarians were having a
moment of silence when an officer from the Ministry of Economic Planning and
Development detailed how poorly government was managing the Eswatini economy</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The officer said there was
lack of monitoring of government resources, high corruption in ministries which
had made service delivery impossible, and uncontrolled spending, which had
affected some sectors of the economy. During the presentation, the parliamentarians
would simply squirm in their chairs, nod in agreement or show faces of
exasperation when Principal Planning Officer in the Ministry of Economic
Planning and Development, Siphiwe Dlamini, detailed to them that transforming
the lives of people would remain a dream because government was poorly managing
the economy. Dlamini was speaking during the ongoing induction conference for
the 12th Parliament yesterday. She was taking the parliamentarians through the
2023 to 2026 National Development Strategy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini stated that the plan
clearly stated that good governance was the anchor of economic
recovery. “It is impossible to transform people’s lives if the economy is
not performing well,” she said. She started by presenting figures to put
things into perspective. She noted that the numbers did not give a good picture
of the country. Dlamini said the National Development Plan was aimed at
changing the picture of the country. She told the MPs that, according to
the figures, the population of the country was 1.1 million and its growth was
at 0.7 per cent, with a majority being the youth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini added that 33 per cent
of the population was unemployed. This group, Dlamini said, was formed by the
youth, which is 58 per cent of the polulation. She noted that these statistics
were as per the 2021 Labour Survey. The officer added that 69 per cent of
the population had access to clean water. She noted that the Human Capital
Index was 37 per cent. Dlamini said the lower figures of the human index
reflected the need for the government to invest more in education and health.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Not just education but
quality education, that will make them productive when they reach productive
ages,” she said. Dlamini stated that it was unfortunate that the current
education system was not good enough, because it was providing opportunities
for white-collar jobs, yet that sector was saturated. She said there was need
to bring in more skills. She recalled that the lockdown that was
introduced due to COVID-19 cost a lot of people, who had white collar jobs,
their employment, while only those with technical and vocational skills
thrived.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“That showed that having a
life skill is very important in life and for the economy, for the good
production of goods and services,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The officer said when they
were drafting the National Development Plan, they assessed the situation in the
country and in government. She said they also assessed what needed to be done
to develop the lives of the public.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini said the plan looked
at the management of the economy. She mentioned that the assessment showed that
the country’s economy was poorly managed. “It is for that reason that it is
growing below average, and government is facing a fiscal crisis,” she
said. Dlamini told the MPs that it had been announced that the country
would receive a lot of money from regional economic bodies. Noteworthy, the
country received the highest Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts of
E11 billion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Can you see or feel the
money?” she asked. The house was as quiet as a graveyard when she posed the
question. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this
report, click here <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142856-senior-official-eswatini-economy-poorly-managed-by-govt.html#:~:text=Dlamini%20said%20the%20plan%20looked,fiscal%20crisis%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142856-senior-official-eswatini-economy-poorly-managed-by-govt.html#:~:text=Dlamini%20said%20the%20plan%20looked,fiscal%20crisis%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Who’s telling who? and what?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/feature/142918-who%E2%80%99s-telling-who-and-what.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/feature/142918-who%E2%80%99s-telling-who-and-what.html</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg appeals for
donations to end Malaria, Nurses Union Secretary General Mayibongwe Masangwane
says money will be looted through corruption</span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i> 7 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5684"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Neal
Rijikernberg,the Minister of Finance has launched the End Malaria Fund Border
Resource Mobilisation Campaign, an initiative that seeks to raise funds that
will help the country drive its end malaria activities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been reported through
Government online platforms on Wednesday that, boxes will be placed at selected
ports of entry such as Ngwenya Border Post (Oshoek), Matsamo Border Post,
Lomahasha Border Post, Mhlumeni Border Post, King Mswati III International
Airport and Lavumisa Border Post where members of the public and tourists will
donate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Malaria Elimination remains
Eswatini’s top priority as we gear up to attain this vision in the
not-so-distant 2025 and as such,we need to work collaboratively across sectors
to ensure the realization of this vision. As a Government, we remain committed to
ensuring that health is one of the key priorities as we embark on the national
budget. As we seek more resources from various international and local
partners, we continue to appeal to the people of Eswatini to use these
facilities and donate towards funding the malaria program,” said the Finance
Minister.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But Mayibongwe Masangwane,
the Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) said,
the donations will not help, in any way, as corruption was rife in the Ministry
of Health.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">”Corruption is at the
highest level within the Ministry of Health, so even if the Finance Minister
can raise funds to fund Malaria, the money will be looted through corruption,”
said the Nurses Union Secretary General.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">PM statement on International Day of Persons with
Disabilities<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Swati Newsweek, 3 December, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MANZINI:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini
Dlamini published a message early today as the globe commemorates the day of
people living with disabilities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The PM said, “As Prime
Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, I join the world in giving a message of
support to Persons with Disabilities and make a personal commitment to create,
foster and promote a more disability inclusive Eswatini.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However Eugene Dube, the Swati
Newsweek Online editor says the Mswati regime undermines the economic rights of
people living with disability. He urged the new PM Russell to address this
issue. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Swati Newsweek Online editor
Eugene Dube says, “We have people living with disabilities who earn E280 each
per month in Swaziland. This is a disgrace. Swazi leaders have greatly
oppressed our people including disabled persons. The people with disabilities
need money and love to survive. We need to live together and have equal
rights.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Lydia first female NatCom<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Kwanele Dhladhla, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 1
December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21591"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">His Majesty King Mswati III has
appointed Lydia Sijabulile Dlamini as the first female to serve as acting
National Commissioner of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">According to a memorandum
directed to all divisions within the police service, Dlamini, whose substantive
position was Senior Deputy National Commissioner, began serving as NatCom at
the beginning of November.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It was stated that the king
gave Dlamini, who has been a police officer for over two decades, the
responsibility to lead the police service until February 28, 2024.<br />
“Bayethe Wena Waphakathi,” read the message from Dlamini in appreciation to the
king for the appointment to lead the service.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Lydia, who holds an LLB Degree
and Masters in Public Sector Management, takes over from William Tsitsibala
Dlamini, who passed away about a month ago at the age of 69 after collapsing at
the OR Tambo International Airport while on his way back home from an Interpol
meeting in Angola.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">He had served as the head of
the police service since 2019 after his predecessor, Isaac Magagula, was
appointed senator. The late national commissioner served in the police service
for 46 years.<br />
The incoming NatCom will be expected to uphold His Majesty King Mswati III’s
instruction to ensure that police officers strive in building trust and
confidence in the community they work in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The king also directed that the
guiding principle and value of the policing profession should be discipline and
that as officers of the law they should always exhibit conduct that was
exemplary and above reproach.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">His Majesty added that as law
enforcers, police officers must always refrain from behaviour that would bring
disrepute to the police badge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">His Majesty the King
highlighted that another key defining trait of being a police officer was
serving the nation whenever the need arose, whether in or out of uniform.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Further, NatCom will also be
responsible for the provision of security for Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini
and Deputy Prime Minister, Thuli Dladla and the entire Eswatini nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">According to Finance Circular
No.2 of 2023 following the 2021 situation of the unrest in Eswatini, there was
a shift in the country’s security landscape in May/June 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The commission that tabled the
report to be used by the 12th Parliament stated that it was their view that the
NatCom remained ultimately responsible for ensuring adequate security within
the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How
Govt failure to pay E85k led to drugs shortage</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sibusiso
Zwane, <i>Times of eSwatini,</i> 7 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142934-how-govt-failure-to-pay-e85k-led-to-drugs-shortage.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MATSAPHA: Failure by government to pay E85 000 is one of the reasons that
led to the health crisis that has resulted in medical drugs shortages.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In fact, the Health Crisis Sub-committee
members learnt with shock that one of the things that lead to the shortage of
drugs in the country was the unavailability of E85 000. This amount is
what the Central Medical Stores (CMS) required to service and/or renew a
licence for its fleet management system, which include closed-circuit
television (CCTV) cameras and tracking devices. These devices were
instrumental in curbing the theft of the medical drugs when they were being
transported to various hospitals and clinics. Without these devices, some
officers took advantage of the situation and diverted the vehicles, resulting
in the drugs being delivered to unintended places. Following the expiry of
the service and/or non-renewal of the licence, the CMS team told the
sub-committee that government said it did not have a budget to service and/or
renew the system. As such, the CMS team said the cctv cameras and tracking
devices in their delivery trucks were not functioning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the sub-committee members, Manqoba
Khumalo, who is the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, asked in
disbelief if indeed government had said it did not have the E85 000. The CMS
team maintained its statement. The sub-committee, which comprises of
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister Khumalo, Minister of Labour and
Social Security Phila Buthelezi, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg and
Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health Khanya Mabuza, was tasked by
Cabinet with addressing the ongoing health crisis in the country and it visited
the CMS warehouse in Matsapha to get a feel of the prevailing situation, so
that it could take an informed decision. However, during yesterday’s visit, one
of the sub-committee members (minister of Finance) was not present.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After the CMS team had given a
presentation to the sub-committee, Minister Khumalo, who also chaired the
meeting, asked what controls the medical stores had in place to ensure that the
drugs it dispatched reached the final and intended destination. He highlighted
that he was asking this question because there were stories out there, which
suggested that CMS delivery vehicles were sometimes spotted delivering medical
drugs to vehicles, instead of health facilities. In response, the CMS team
said they registered every box of drugs they dispatched and also registered
where it was going. Thereafter, they said they would get a delivery note and
rely on information which they got from regional pharmacists, who visited the
health facilities in the regions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142934-how-govt-failure-to-pay-e85k-led-to-drugs-shortage.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142934-how-govt-failure-to-pay-e85k-led-to-drugs-shortage.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk152855713"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Judges must be investigated to
ascertain how they benefited in questionable lawsuits against the <i>Times of
eSwatini</i></span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152855713;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152855713;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Opinion
by Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 4 December 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5663"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve been conducting research on the
lawsuits and/or court judgements against the media particularly the <i>Times of
eSwatini</i> and some of these judgements suggest that the judiciary has been
pushing a corrupt agenda to undermine the independence of the media.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apart from the judgement in the matter
between African Eco (Pty) Ltd trading as the <i>Times of eSwatini</i> and the
then Senate President Gelane Zwane, there are other matters that were concluded
and the courts awarded damages while disregarding the provisions of the law of
defamation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In South Africa where the media is free
and independent, it cannot be so easy to successfully challenge a newspaper for
publishing articles of vital public interest particularly where the conduct of
the journalist in the process of establishing facts before publishing, has
proven that, there was absolutely no intention to defame.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It should be noted that even before
concluding that the applicant was defamed, the Presiding Judge must be
convinced with evidence that, there was an intention to defame and the story
was not of public interest and/or, it was intended to defame.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The courts have an obligation to protect
the media in line with the constitutional right to information but in eSwatini,
the judiciary is colluding with corrupt individuals to award huge monies as
compensation for defamation with an intention to discourage journalists from
exposing corruption, the <i>Times of eSwatini</i> has been, over the years, a
victim of this corrupt agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The media, as the Fourth Estate
institution must be protected particularly by the courts to promote the free
flow of information.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A free and independent media positively
shapes the society by providing information to enable citizens to make informed
decisions regarding issues affecting their welfare either politically,
socially, economically or otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The <i>Times</i> has written many stories
about public figures including some of us(journalist) but, you cannot suggest
that, the media must be destroyed just because it has exposed or criticized
you, the media was established to inform the public and hold those in power
accountable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Judge Nkululeko Hlophe who used to call
the <i>Times</i> and complain about articles involving him, opted to use his
judicial powers to attack the <i>Times</i> and award huge monies to applicants,
perhaps, as a revenge and this, I would suggest, is very unfortunate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, we will monitor the conduct of Judges
particularly on cases involving or threatening the independence of the media,
Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala once fined the <i>Nation</i> Magazine and its
editor Bheki Makhubu two hundred thousand Rands (R200,000.00) merely for
criticizing the Judiciary, he wanted the Magazine to struggle financially and
subsequently close.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I once wrote an article for the <i>Sunday
Observer</i> titled “The Judicial Dictatorship” where I was criticizing Judge
Hlophe and the then corrupt Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi, after reading
that article Judge Hlophe asked journalists in an open court saying “where is
the journalist who wrote this, I want to issue a warrant of arrest”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As journalists, we are not here to massage
the feelings or egos of corrupt Judges, all public figures must be subject to
criticism, even editors and/or journalists, criticism is meant to, among
others, enhance or demand accountability of public power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It should be noted that there are
established editorial structures within newspapers to discuss complaints and
where a lawsuit has been filed, the court must balance the public interest and
the dignity of the affected person and award a reasonable amount as
compensation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The statements by Mbabane East Member of
Parliament (MP) Honorable Welcome Dlamini who suggested that the media must be
regulated by the State will never see the light of the day while we are still
alive, we cannot allow the Executive, Judiciary and Parliament to collude
against and/or undermine the independence of the media.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We will capacitate the society to
understand what media State regulation means and where the need arise, the
people must rebel against the State and protect the media because the media is
their only voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Regulating the media would mean those in
power will establish policies that will undermine the independence of the media
so that, the corrupt can loot more public resources with impunity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the situation stands, we are monitoring
each and every Judge who is handling a lawsuit against the <i>Times</i> or any
newspaper, Judges must research on South African cases involving the media and
come-up with fair judgements not to award huge monies and then claim a certain
percentage from the lawyers behind the scenes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are not suggesting that the media must
be allowed to disregard the law, journalists must uphold an ethical conduct
but, it is the duty of the courts to strike a balance between public interest
and the right to human dignity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But having said that, where a newspaper
has been found to have deliberately published stories with an intention to
defame, the courts must protect members of the public in this regard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-75841337525205749632023-12-01T10:51:00.004+02:002023-12-01T10:51:40.794+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 805 – 1 December 2023<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><a name="_Hlk135932955" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 805 – 1
December 2023</span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">State must regulate media – MP Welcome<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Phephile Motau, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 29
November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21576"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Former journalist Mbabane East
Member of Parliament, Welcome Dlamini, said the State should regulate the
media.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dlamini, who also is the
President of the Swaziland National of Journalists (SNAJ), was speaking
yesterday afternoon during the second day of the parliamentarians’ five-day
induction conference at the Happy Valley Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This was after a presentation
by Chairman of the Editor’s Forum and Eswatini Observer’s Managing Editor,
Mbongeni Mbingo, who presented on the relationship between the media and
Parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The parliamentarians showed a
lot of interest in this presentation as many wanted to comment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mbingo had raised that since
the enactment of the Media Council Bill about 20 years ago; the media had not
been successful in regulating itself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dlamini said the media had a
chance to regulate itself for 20 years and it had failed and this was because
media houses did not see eye to eye.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The legislator said
journalists from the <i>Times of Eswatini</i> were not reported on in <i>Eswatini
Observer</i> and vice versa because of this adding that they had failed to come
up with funds for the media complaints commission.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Since you have failed to
self-regulate, how about government brings back State regulation because you
have failed to regulate yourself for over 20 years now,” Dlamini said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To read more of
this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21576"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21576</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘I
will lobby international journalists should the State consider regulating the
media’, says editor</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 30 November, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5635"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor
of the <i>Swaziland News</i> says, he will lobby international journalists to
oppose Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini’s sentiments
urging the State to regulate the media.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini said even though the State
regulation will not affect this publication as it is registered in South
Africa, he was eager to see the media in eSwatini operating freely without any
influence from the State particularly because, the <i>Swaziland News</i> will
eventually have an office in eSwatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I will not sit down and relax just
because this won’t affect the <i>Swaziland News,</i> the media is an
institution with different owners including government. Each media house
whether it’s the <i>Times, Observer</i>, Eswatini TV or Channel S is important
because it diversity the flow of information, it is important. There are
stories that could be covered by the <i>Observer</i>, the <i>Times</i> or
Channel S that cannot be covered by the <i>Swaziland News.</i> On the other
hand, there are stories that could be covered by the <i>Swaziland News</i> that
cannot be covered by other media houses. But, the public needs all the
information even if it’s weather forecast. So, no media house is important than
the other, we need diversity of views and information. We can say the <i>Observer</i>
is pro-government or Tinkhundla but the truth is; the public wants to know what
government is saying or doing and the <i>Observer</i> fills that vacuum,” said the
editor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, the editor thanked <i>Eswatini
Observer</i> Managing Editor Mbongeni Mbingo for defending the media before
Members of Parliament (MPs), he pledged to play his part at international level
should government dare regulate the media. He said editors compete for stories
and clash sometimes but, their common interest is the independence of the media
and the public and should anything emerge threatening the “common interest”,
they will speak in one voice and rebuke it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No freedom of speech for Swazi widows<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Opinion by Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek 26 November,
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MANZINI: As inequality
continues to exists in Eswatini widows' rights including freedom of expression
have been greatly undermined. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Multitudes of Swazi widows
face both physically and verbal attacks as their voices continue to be
infringed upon at Eswatini and other parts of Southern African region.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These widows are voiceless,
during their bereavement season they are not allowed to be in any discussions
or in any conflict involvement. On the other hand, the Commonwealth Freedom of
expression Charter promotes universal rights regardless of gender, race, and
religious ethnic group. “Everyone has a right to freedom of expression, which
includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all
kinds through any media and regardless of frontiers”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In Eswatini a widow is
regarded as an inferior member of society. Most of her rights are taken from
her by in-laws.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These restrictions include
limitations to move around freely in public places. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A widow in Swaziland is not
allowed in a national school or to sit in the front row in some churches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In a previous interview
Sikelela Dlamini, the former Secretary General of the Swaziland National
Association of Teachers (SNAT) confirmed that teachers who are wearing mourning
gowns are not allowed to teach in national schools linked to the Royal family. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dlamini added, "Yes
teachers wearing mourning gowns are not allowed to teach in national schools.
This has always been a practice ever since and is a gross violation of human
rights."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A widow’s freedom of
expression is taken away from her as she can’t speak in public even if it is
for the benefit of the larger society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They are not allowed to visit
areas like government offices, palaces. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In some churches they are not
allowed to speak while wearing morning gowns. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A widow is not allowed to
address a Chief or Indvuna whilst in mourning gowns because the latter
represent the king in communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A widow’s voice is not heard
and this is attributed to culture and patriarchy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As country we need new laws
which can protect the interests of the widows.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MPs
told: you are to blame</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Phephile Motau, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 28 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21568"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Former ambassador, Njabu Gwebu, has blamed
parliamentarians for portraying a negative picture of the country to the
international community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gwebu yesterday educated parliamentarians
about etiquette during their Induction Conference held at the Happy Valley
Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She said those who caused people to speak
badly about the country were parliamentarians, making an example of a
legislator who accused judges of being corrupt saying they were bought, a
statement which was captured and highlighted by all media in bold headlines.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the countries where they were
stationed, Gwebu said diplomats were called to explain issues that appeared in
local newspapers and they had to defend the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21568"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21568</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PM’s
statement sets Govt policy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Mfanukhona Nkambule<i>, eSwatini News,</i> 25 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142768-pm%E2%80%99s-statement-sets-govt-policy.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In his policy
statement, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Russell Dlamini, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">the PM, touched on key performance
indicators, that might inform his administration’s strategic plan. He
committed himself to the following programmes:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Formulation and
implementation of a short to medium-term plan anchored on the Sibaya
submissions;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Development of a
long term plan, grand plan. The Grand plan will seek to modernise the country
based on the Tinkhundla System as a vehicle for development; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Tinkhundla
Administration and Development will be strengthened institutionally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Long term plan to
incorporate country’s socio-economic development model and the investment
models will be at the centre of government’s plans;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Transformation of
both economic and social outlook through investment attraction and job
creation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Create an
environment that will attract investment, foster exponential growth, and
nurture innovation ultimately ensuring sustainable job opportunities and
well-being for all;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Government to work
towards a society where every citizen, including persons with disabilities,
women and children as well as the elderly feel safe and valued.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Government to
improve the education curricula to reflect our African values and instill a
winning mindset.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Strengthening of
vocational institutions curricula with business acumen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Government to
strengthen the healthcare system by finding a lasting solution to the current
crisis and by strategically increasing the focus on preventive health.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Government will
give due attention to social services on which the poor and vulnerable depend;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Agriculture’s
potential will be harnessed to employ many of the unemployed youth. This will
be through large projects of commercialisation, mechanisation and building
strong market systems that offer attractive returns to individual farmers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Government
to ensure that agricultural systems are adapted to climate change while
fostering resilience and ensuring food security and sovereignty; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Every sector and
government department will be integrated into the plan to attain the desired
growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ICT, tourism,
mining and manufacturing, among other important sectors, will receive
appropriate attention and investment from government;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Infrastructure
development plans will be ambitious and reflective of the mindset of thinking
big.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With a majority of
people predicted to live in cities, the future is urban, and it is critical
that government builds resilient infrastructure that is long lasting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To
read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142768-pm%E2%80%99s-statement-sets-govt-policy.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142768-pm%E2%80%99s-statement-sets-govt-policy.html</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘I
am under surveillance. Everywhere I go, around my residence premises, and workplace
premises, I met State Security Officers,’: Sibusiso Dlamini<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 28 November, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">LOBAMBA: There is no freedom of speech in
Eswatini?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">African United Democratic Party Secretary
General Sibusiso Dlamini who spoke bravely during Sibaya National discussion
might be in danger.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini confirmed that members of the
Royal Eswatini Government have been monitoring him after his speech he made at
the recent Sibaya People’s Parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I am under surveillance. Everywhere I go,
around my Residence premises, and work place premises, I met State Security
Officers,” said the AUDP leader.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dlamini urged the King to allow the
Parliament to elect the prime minister. People who have been calling for an
elected PM have been put in prison. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Kings emabutfo including Sifiso Mashampu
Khumalo grabbed the microphone while Dlamini was speaking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mthandeni Dube, Gawuzela Simelane and
Bacede Mabuza greatly popularised the idea of having an elected PM in
Swaziland. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mabuza and Dube were arrested and charged.
Simelane was forced to flee into exile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-20834247178065221282023-11-24T10:29:00.006+02:002023-11-24T10:29:56.191+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 804 – 24 November 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 804 – 24
November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk151651294"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Can eSwatini develop
in its current political impasse?<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651294;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">By Melusi Simelane,<u> </u>Southern
Africa Litigation Centre, 21 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/2023/11/21/can-eswatini-develop-in-its-current-political-impasse/"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Another
election has come and gone in Eswatini. A Prime Minister and a Cabinet appointed
without the express will of the people. The election happened despite an
express call by the Southern Africa Development Community, SADC, for an </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sadc-calls-urgent-national-dialogue-eswatini"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">inclusive national
dialogue</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> after the July 2021 political killings and the recent
assassination of human rights lawyer </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/2023/01/22/reemembering-thulani-maseko/"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">Thulani Maseko</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> in January 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini,
also known as Swaziland, is a small country in Southern Africa. On paper, it is
a semi-constitutional monarchy, but the monarch has absolute power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini’s
lack of democratic governance has resulted in stifled economic growth,
inadequate infrastructure, a weak education system, and a vicious cycle of
poverty, unemployment, low wages, inequality, and instability. Additionally,
the lack of accountability and the prevalence of corruption allows for the
misallocation of resources and diverts funds away from essential infrastructure
and social services.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">After the
August 2023 elections, the monarch convened, as per section 232 of the Eswatini
Constitution, the ‘Swazi National Council’, known as <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">‘Sibaya’</span></i>, where ‘the nation’ is supposed to convene and
form the <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">‘highest policy and advisory council of the nation.’ </span></i>The
Eswatini Government spokesperson has declared the national dialogue </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/times-of-eswatini/20231119/page/1"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">concluded,</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> noting the recently
completed <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Sibaya.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">While <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Sibaya</span></i> has a long and rich history in Eswatini, it
has also been criticised for its lack of transparency, inclusivity,
accountability, and democratic legitimacy, giving the monarch an upper hand.
Political activists in the country have constantly emphasised that the
said <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Sibaya</span></i> is not the same as the national dialogue
envisioned by SADC and expected by local </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-23-eswatini-activists-reject-sibaya-dialogue-chaired-by-mswati/"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">political activists</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> and civil society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">One of
the main criticisms of <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Sibaya</span></i> is that
it is not a representative body and lacks fundamental democratic principles,
particularly openness and inclusivity. Only adult citizens who support
the <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Tinkhundla </span></i>system of government are allowed to
participate in <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Sibaya</span></i>. This excludes a significant
portion of the population, particularly those with a dissenting voice or those
who might call for political reforms and the democratisation of the kingdom.
The recent <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Sibaya </span></i>is an example of this,
where </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142384-drama-as-microphone-grabbed-from-audp-sg-at-sibaya.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">Sibusiso Dlamini</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">, a political activist, had the
microphone violently grabbed from him as he called for democratic </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/eswatinis-king-mswati-let-his-people-have-their-say-until-one-dared-to-call-for-proper-democracy-20231025"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">reforms</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">. The effects of the <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Tinkhundla </span></i>system of governance on democracy in
Eswatini are devastating.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Tinkhundla </span></i>system of governance is a mockery of
modern democracy. It violates several fundamental principles of democracy, such
as the principle of popular sovereignty. In a democracy, the people are the
supreme authority, and the government is accountable. The <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Tinkhundla </span></i>system, on the other hand, gives the
monarch absolute power, making him accountable to no one. As a result, the
Swazi people have no real say in their governance, and their rights are not
protected.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The lack
of political freedom also plays a role, as circumstances or the state often
exiles political dissidents. The Eswatini government does not tolerate dissent,
making it difficult for people to express their views and advocate for change.
This extends beyond political dissenters. Minority groups such as the LGBTIQ+
community also have to fight twice as hard for fundamental liberties like the
right to </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://news.yahoo.com/lgbtq-groups-denied-registration-even-103004026.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHdDKU1UD3ZvPg1Vt4_GG8dof1XWaex4aGygBiBsNshGlPPcF3mY791gZRwLMqkJUJ0dmCgKMZvKsNi14s4KvWI_gbHtuqLoQtq6QANnCFhsx35iL2aFEG_Sw6xXqU_NCgxQJWeMoD3X9X83eT2hKgahtqg3oMKnwMDrRWraKC6k"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">freedom of
association.</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">While the
government spokesperson has declared the national dialogue concluded, it
remains to be seen whether the political turmoil in Eswatini comes to finality
paving the way for human development in the country. SADC must revisit the
Eswatini question and seek finality to the 50-year-old call for democracy and
political plurality by putting the country back on its agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Only by
embracing democratic principles and empowering citizens can Eswatini develop
and pave the way for a brighter future. For a healthy democracy to thrive,
there needs to be a political plurality which expands to the right to criticise
and hold accountable those in positions of power. No institution should be
above criticism, and a political institution such as a monarchy, whose everyday
existence impacts the lives of over 1.3 million citizens, should undoubtedly
expect and encourage scrutiny and debate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">By</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Melusi
Simelane, </span>Civic Rights, Consultant Programme Manager<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk151651309"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini on track
to end Aids by 2030<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Medical Brief, South Africa, 22 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"></span><a href="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/eswatini-on-track-to-end-aids-by-2030/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SOURCE</span></b></span></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In 2020, Eswatini
became the first African country to achieve the 95-95-95 target, well ahead of
2025, and since then, seems on track to end Aids by 2030 in a country that once
had the highest HIV prevalence in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In 1991, in the
former Swaziland, being diagnosed HIV-positive was a death sentence, as there
had been no antiretroviral medicines for the 73 000 people living with the
virus since the first case was recorded in 1987 – but the country has seen a
remarkable turnaround of statistics in the past two decades.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By 1995, about 2
400 people had died of Aids, reports <i>News24</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Hannie Dlamini was
one of them – diagnosed in 1991 – but instead of giving up on life, he became
one of the first people to openly declare his condition and became an HIV
activist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The public sector
began providing antiretroviral therapy in 2001 at Mbabane Hospital, and in
2002, Dlamini was part of the history-making movement that fought for
community-based ARV programmes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“When we asked the
government (in 2002) for ARVs in Eswatini, we did a pilot project with NECHA
(National Emergency Response Council on HIV/Aids) to see if people would use
the drugs,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“We initially
planned to enrol 200 people in treatment, but the demand was 630.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The overwhelming
response could be one of the drivers of Eswatini achieving the “95-95-95”
target in 2020, becoming the first African country to do so ahead of the 2025
set date.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The target means
that 95% of people living with HIV should be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed
with HIV should be receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of all those
receiving ART should achieve viral suppression.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The WHO reports
that the number of new HIV infections has steadily declined over the years,
falling from 14 000 in 2010 to 4 800 in 2020, and is anticipated to fall
further to 4 300 by the end of this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">HIV-related deaths
have also decreased, from a peak of almost 10 000 in 2005 to 2 600 in 2021 and
2 370 in 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Mother-to-child
transmission of HIV has also dropped from 6.3% in 2017 to 1.2% in 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">End of Aids still
possible by 2030: UN</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Dlamini and other
people with HIV, and non-governmental groups, continue working to eliminate
Aids in Eswatini by ensuring everyone with the disease who needs treatment has
access to it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">They also
established the Swaziland Aids Support Organisation, a community-led
organisation that offers HIV critical information on general healthy living.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Community-led
initiative</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Dr Michel Morisho,
an HIV management specialist at Mbabane Government Hospital, acknowledged that
“government could not have achieved 95-95-95 without communities”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He said it was
government policy that anyone who sought medical care at a public hospital was
also offered HIV testing and counselling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This is part of an
ambitious 100-100-100 target, an upscale from the 95-95-95.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Community
organisations such as Kwakha Indvodza are also key in encouraging men
to take full responsibility for their well-being and reducing toxic masculinity
and gender-based violence, which are some of the drivers of HIV.<br />
Shortcomings<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">While Eswatini is
on the path to ending Aids, the country is facing other health burdens
associated with ageing, including non-communicable diseases like diabetes and
cancer, which highlights the vital need to strengthen the healthcare system to
provide easily accessible holistic disease management and treatment, along with
HIV services, to improve quality of life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">PUDEMO calls
upon Exams Council to take full responsibility for leaked exam papers, says
parents must not be forced to pay extra fees<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651309;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 18 November
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5559"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE: Penuel Malinga, the
Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) has urged
the Examination Council of Eswatini(ECESWA) to take full responsibility of the
leaked Form V exams papers and ensure that parents are not forced to pay extra
fees.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In a public statement sent to
this <i>Swaziland News</i> on Friday, the political organization said, it has been
following with keen interest the developments at the Examination Council of
Eswatini (ECESWA) regarding the form 5 leaked examination papers and the
subsequent decision ordering the learners to rewrite them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“We first note the negligence
in handling the papers with confidentiality within the production, storage and
distribution chain of ECESWA and we suspect that this might be born of the
corruption which characterise Tinkhundla and its entities. The consequence of
this negligence does not only affect the credibility of the institution but
also the process of the examination and the qualification that is sought to be
obtained. To this end, we are calling upon ECESWA to be genuine on her alleged
investigation, speed up the process and hold accountable all those who have a
hand to the leakage of the papers. We also send a strong call that all the
stages of the process must be transparent and no individuals should be
protected for such malpractice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“On the decision to rewrite,
we note that the costs associated with the rewriting the papers are many to
both schools and parents,” reads the statement in part.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The political organization
further noted that, as a result of the leaked exam papers, parents are expected
to yet again pay transport fees, lunch and other related cost for their
children to resit the examination and schools on the other are expected to
recommit resources. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“This has dire effects to both
schools and family budgets. We hold a strong view that the decision that was
taken was not a product of thorough stakeholder consultation and it greatly
lacks the feeling and interests of parents and learners. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are calling upon ECESWA to
consider the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To take responsibility of the
rewriting costs to schools inclusive of paying for invigilators, boarding
facilities where applicable and other associated logistics; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To assume full responsibility
of the negligence and do not charge examination fees to learners for all the
papers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To give learners enough time
to prepare for the exam before it commences and in between papers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">PUDEMO takes this time to
remind ECESWA that as an entity that works with stakeholders who have interests
in the operations of the entity and who are capable of thinking and providing
solutions when there are challenges, it ought to consult them when taking
decisions that will affect them. We are also calling upon all parents and
learners to follow closely the said investigation process conducted by ECESWA
and ensure that a malpractice of such magnitude and costs does not go
unpunished,” reads the statement released by PUDEMO.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk151651327"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Justice Minister worried about ACC’s
absence<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651327;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Andile Dlamini, <i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">eSwatini Observer</span></i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">, 12 Novembr 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21533"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Where is the Anti- Corruption
Commission?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was a question posed by Minister of
Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane when giving a brief outline
of his intended focus in the new ministry he is heading. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was during his farewell dinner hosted
by the ministry of housing and urban development at Happy Valley Hotel on
Monday. He was occupying the housing portfolio in the 11th Parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Simelane questioned the absence of the
Anti-Corruption Commission.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Where is the Anti-Corruption Commission?,
because I remember in the former years, ex-minister Majozi Sithole announced
the loss of E40 million to corruption and two months later announced another
E80 million.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You ask yourself what happened to the ACC
as government engaged services of external investigators. This all shows that
the law needs strengthening,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The minister also vowed that in his new
portfolio he will strengthen laws that deal with gender-based violence (GBV),
corruption and other crimes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said GBV has ravaged the country,
comparing it to a demon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Today the country is faced with this
demon of gender-based violence, I would compare it to the angel demon Beelzebul
and even Beelzebul is better. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You can tell that perpetrators find it
easy to commit crimes because they know that that they will be in prison for a
short time, the laws must be strengthened now more than ever,” he said. The
minister said that would act as a deterrent to would be offenders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We need to find a way to strengthen our
laws, and tighten all bolts and screws within the justice system,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said now he would act upon his
statement at Mandvulo Grand Hall two weeks ago, where he asked the king to hire
more people in the police and Correctional Services as well as in the Umbutfo
Eswatini Defence Force.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Even as a farmer, you need to adequately
secure your property so that any animal that wants to disturb cannot. In front
of His Majesty I asked for more security forces and today where I have been
deployed, I will put a strong boundary that is the law, they must fear breaking
the law because this fence of mine will be fortified,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk151651339"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Health crisis: heads must roll, Minister
Matsebula<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651339;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Timothy Simelane, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>, 21 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142703-health-crisis-heads-must-roll-minister-matsebula.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Minister of Health Mduduzi
Matsebula says everyone who played a role in the ‘collapse’ of the health
system will face the consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matsebula was speaking at the Hilton
Garden Inn in a meet-and-greet event, with senior managers of the
ministry. He said he would not tolerate corruption, and that all such
elements would have to be removed for the ministry to provide a reliable healthcare
system to the nation. Some of those present at the meeting included the
Health Ministry Principal Secretary (PS) Khanya Mabuza, Under Secretary
Ncamsile Mtshali, Director of Health Services Dr Velephi Okello, Deputy
Director of Public Health Dr Rejoice Nkambule and others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You may be aware that I am not new to
politics, as we have had interactions in the 11th Parliament, where I have been
one of the legislators as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Siphocosini
Inkhundla. I am cognisant of the huge successes that this ministry has had in
controlling diseases such as HIV, Malaria, TB and recently COVID-19 and in
reducing the maternal and child mortality. I am also aware of the challenges
that the health sector is facing, which I myself have raised in Parliament and
during Sibaya submissions,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The minister promised to working closely
with the senior management team on these issues. “I know that together we
can overcome some of the challenges that have burdened the health sector over
the past few years,” he said. PS Mabuza said he was pleased to welcome the
minister and also recalled that he had special interest in health issues, even
before he was assigned to the ministry. “I have also seen his resume,
which details how he worked in the transformation of the Eswatini Revenue Service
(ERS). He is also skilled in forensic audit and compliance,” Mabuza said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the priorities of the minister will
be the establishment of a semi autonomous Central Medical Stores (CMS). He said
this would be done as a means to improve the supply chain management system and
save the country from wasting money on drugs that were either surplus or got
lost before reaching their final destination. “We need to find a lasting
solution to the drug shortage crisis, by attending to all issues raised at all
levels of the supply chain management system; including the establishment of
the semi-autonomous central medical stores,” he said. CMSs in
low-income countries are usually the backbone of public health procurement and
distribution models. However, in practice, CMSs have had inadequate performance
in areas that include procurement, financial and logistical management,
security and storage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The talk around transforming the CMS to a
semi-autonomous institution started at the sunset of the previous Parliament,
where it was revealed that a total of E40.2 million had been committed by the
World Bank and the Republic of China (Taiwan) towards addressing the persistent
drug crisis in the country. Semi-autonomous public organisations are ones
that operate at arm’s length from the government, usually reporting to a
ministry and mandated to carry out public tasks (e.g. regulation, service delivery,
policy implementation) in a relatively autonomous manner (i.e. with less
hierarchy and political influence in daily operations.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142703-health-crisis-heads-must-roll-minister-matsebula.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142703-health-crisis-heads-must-roll-minister-matsebula.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk151651354"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SWALIMO angry as
royal family deploys dozens of muti men to citizens’ homes<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151651354;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Pholile Masuku, Swati Newsweek, 23 November, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MANZINI:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO)
women’s league has warned the water party to stop harrassing women as they
invade homesteads as the Incwala ritual begins.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The muti men are led by the
Nxumalo men who were captured by the Dlamini dynasty and turned them into muti
men. These men travel to the Indian ocean for spiritual powers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They toyi-toyi in the
homesteads of the citizens and grab money and old pieces of clothes. These
items are then taken to witchdoctors who then begin the process of ‘healing the
nation’. Swaziland has been a docile society for ages. The spiritual role played
by these men can’t be taken lightly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SWALIMO Women’s League
president Liphie Pereira said, “Swaziland Liberation Movement Women’s League
(SWALIMO-YL) challenges the traditional water party (Bemanti) to respect women
and girls as they go about doing their traditional raids (kuhlamahlama).”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Swaziland Liberation
Women’s League is not against Eswatini cultural practices and traditions but
challenges Bemanti to ensure that women and girls are not abused or harassed
during such raids as the norm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She added,” In the past, women
and girls were abused, harassed and even beaten during such raids but we
believe that this time around they will ensure not to cause harm to the fairer
sex.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Women always become
uncomfortable immediately news of the dispatch of Bemanti are circulated around
the country. This is due to instances wherein girls and women were tortured for
wearing trousers, having their fingers and toenails polished with cutex, not
covering their heads with doeks or carrying their kids on backs without a baby
carrier sling (imbeleko).”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She explained,” We call on all
of them to ensure that women all along their raids passage ways feel
comfortable and as normal citizens without being treated as foreigners or
secondary citizens by being teased by the male dominated water party.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-22526248813202952212023-11-17T09:42:00.004+02:002023-11-17T09:42:31.876+02:00 Swaziland Newsletter No. 803 – 17 November 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 803 – 17
November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">147 murders in 11 months<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Thokozani Mazibuko, <i>eSwatini
News,</i> 11 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142584-147-murders-in-11-months.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MANZINI: “These cases illuminate that GBV is an issue of critical
national concern.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">These were the exact words of Acting National Commissioner (NATCOM) of
Police Sula Dlamini during the launch of the national campaign against
gender-based violence (GBV) held in Manzini yesterday. His Majesty’s
Correctional Services (HMCS), Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency
Services (ENFRES), security guards and the members of the Royal Eswatini Police
(REPS), yesterday came together and marched through the city of Manzini from
Boxer Supermarket to the Manzini Bus Rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Despite the fact that the band from the Correctional Services was
playing entertaining music and leading the pack throughout the city, one could
see that members of the public were touched with the messages, which were on
the placards.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">As a result, most of them were seen joining the walk, apparently taking
part in the campaign against GBV.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">It should be noted that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced
either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual
violence. Globally, seven per cent of women have been sexually assaulted by
someone other than a partner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">It is said that 38 per cent of murders of women are committed by an
intimate partner. “I welcome all stakeholders to the event prompted by
spiralling cases of GBV. While cases of GBV have always been occurring at
a concerning rate, where women are killed and maimed in the most gruesome of
manners (stabbings/hackings/setting on fire), of late, the rate seems to have
taken an unprecedented turn for the worse,” the acting NATCOM said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Dlamini said police were left shell-shocked by the murder of four
(4) women in Ezulwini, some of them were related. He said another hair-raising
issue was the murder and suicide involving intimate partners at Ngwane Park.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In making reference to the recent cases, the NATCOM expressed their pain
as a police service about these incidents and at the same time condemned such
gross acts of violence which he said, should never be countenanced in the
society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, and pray
that God will continue to comfort them as they deal with their loss, including
closing the social gap created by the tragedies,” Dlamini stated. It is
worth mentioning that there were stakeholders such as the non-governmental
organisations. NGOs included SWAGAA (Swatini Group Against Abuse, Kwakha
Indvodza and others.Fellow government functionaries, churches, schools, public
transport sector and numerous others were also present.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Moreover, Dlamini pointed out that fighting the scourge could be reliant
on policing interventions alone, especially as most incidents unfolded in
private spaces, out of the reach of the police, hence he called for the
multi-stakeholder approach from each and every partner to make interventions
that would coalesce to an effective response.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Today here in Manzini, we are launching and kick-starting a national
campaign that will cover all regions under the theme ‘Speak out now, stop the
silence,” he said. He mentioned that through this campaign, the nation should
join hands towards ending GBV as it hinges on every member of
society. “Let us not ignore abuse and violence when we see it occurring,
but let us intervene, through reporting to the police or the other agencies
involved in the fight against the scourge,” Dlamini said.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142584-147-murders-in-11-months.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142584-147-murders-in-11-months.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Study
reveals young people say wife-beating excusable</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Phephile Motau, <i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">eSwatini Observer,</span></i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> 14 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21474"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A study suggests that 47.5 per cent of
adolescents in eSwatini (15-19 years) and 37.5 per cent of young adults (20-24)
believe that it is justifiable for a husband to beat his wife under certain
circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is according to a report titled
‘Situation Analysis of SRH Including HIV and GBV Services for Adolescents and
the Youth in Eswatini’ by the Ministry of Health.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The report states the young people believe
that wife beating is justifiable if the wife goes out without telling husband,
if she neglects the children, if she argues with husband, if she refuses sex
with husband, if she burns the food, if she refuses to accept step children, if
she sleeps with another man, if she initiates sex and if she refuses to give
food.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To red more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21474"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21474</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">GBV
fight: survivors prefer to suffer in silence: DPP’s office</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By<span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Timothy
Simelane, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini</span></i><span style="color: black;">, 13 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142618-gbv-fight-survivors-prefer-to-suffer-in-silence-dpp%E2%80%99s-office.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: The war against gender-based violence (GBV) is being
lost because of survivors who prefer to suffer in silence.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Office of the Director of
Public Prosecutions (DPP) under the Domestic and Child Welfare Unit, says
ignorance of the law is to blame for the failure to do away with the GBV
scourge in society. They said survivors who preferred to maintain an abusive
relationship cited such issues as a change of heart by the perpetrator, the
imminent loss of maintenance should the perpetrator be arrested and cultural
norms. “But they are oblivious to the provisions of the Sexual Offences
and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, 2018, which stipulates that once a case has
been reported, the discretion to prosecute now lies in the hands of the DPP,”
said the prosecutors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142618-gbv-fight-survivors-prefer-to-suffer-in-silence-dpp%E2%80%99s-office.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142618-gbv-fight-survivors-prefer-to-suffer-in-silence-dpp%E2%80%99s-office.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">GBV petition delivery: rude welcome for MDM at DPM’s
office<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Sithembile Hlatshwayo, </span></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> 10 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142572-gbv-petition-delivery-rude-welcome-for-mdm-at-dpm%E2%80%99s-office.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MBABANE: Members of the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) received a rude
welcome at the DPM’s Office, where they had gone to deliver a petition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This follows the death of five people in just a space of one week, as a
result of gender-based violence (GBV). About two weeks ago, four women were
shot and killed, allegedly by a deputy sheriff, at Goje Township in Ezulwini.
The bodies of the four women were found piled up inside a pantry, where it was
suspected they were trying to hide from their assailant. In another incident,
Nosipho Dube was allegedly shot by her husband, who later turned the gun on
himself at Ngwane Park last week Friday. A 20-year-old woman is also lucky to
be alive after she was doused with petrol and set alight, allegedly by her
boyfriend. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The members of the MDM were locked outside the Deputy Prime Minister’s
(DPM) Office, where they expressed their concerns over the escalating
GBV-related deaths while standing outside the gate. This was during the
petition delivery against GBV in the country, where members of the MDM called
for it to be declared a national disaster. <br />
The Office of the DPM demanded an instrument that allowed the MDM members
access into their premises, as they said they had not received any communiqué
related to the visit. Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF) Chairperson
Lucky Dlamini said the reception at the DPM’s Office was not humane and showed
lack of respect among those in leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142572-gbv-petition-delivery-rude-welcome-for-mdm-at-dpm%E2%80%99s-office.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142572-gbv-petition-delivery-rude-welcome-for-mdm-at-dpm%E2%80%99s-office.html</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #141517; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King condemns gender-based
violence</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #141517; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21463"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21463</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #141517; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Deputy PM Thulisile’s
promise on GBV</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #141517; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21483"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21483</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Swazis will pay Bantfwabenkhosi [Royal children] over
E400 million entertainment allowance<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 15 November, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE: While there is
massive hunger and drugs shortage in local hospitals, the late King Sobhuza
II's children will get over E200 000 each as entertainment allowance for 2024
financial year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This information was sourced
from state records. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini Royal Government
spends E42m yearly on late King Sobhuza II’s children/grandchildren. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This amount is paid through
the King’s office and is released around April or early May every year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For those who passed away,
their inheritance is shared among their children who are King Sobhuza’s
grandchildren. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Suprisingly, many of king
Sobhuza’s children continue to get fat cheques from the state while they get
their yearly royal financial gift. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In 2022 the Royals received
E200 000 each and were allocated E411 million budget. However, they are likely
to receive the same amount in the next year or get more money. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Another publication the <i>Independent
News</i> reported, “The King’s Office has allocated a whopping E411 million for
the financial year 2021/2022.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to the Government
Budget estimates for the years – April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2024, the King’s
Office will be entitled to the same amount as its budget.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Previously <i>Eswatini News,</i>
a sister newspaper to the <i>Times of Eswatini </i>revealed on Saturday April
10, 2021 that some of the late King’s grandchild were in loggerheads over the
E200 000 allowance that is released by the King’s office yearly for their late
father who was the Prince to the late King Sobhuza II.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to the Swaziland
National Trust Commission, King Sobhuza II married 70 wives, who gave him 210
children between 1920 and 1970. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Apart from this, King Mswati
III and his mother had been allocated E431 million for their monthly salaries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk150952079"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9 new faces in cabinet</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150952079;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150952079;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Sibongile Sukati, <i>eSwatini
Observer,</i> 14 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150952079;"></span><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21478"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150952079;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></span></a></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150952079;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nine
new faces have been officially announced as Cabinet ministers for the 2023-2028
term.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150952079;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
was during a late press conference held at the Cabinet offices by the Prime
Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini at 10pm last night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150952079;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The new faces include Siphocosini MP
Mduduzi Matsebula who is the new Minister of Health, appointed Senator Savannah
Maziya (Minister of Information, Communication and Technology) Nkwene MP
Sikhumbuzo Dlamini (Tinkhundla Administration and Development) and Mbabane West
MP Jane Mkhonta-Simelane (Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Others are Prince Lonkhokhela
(Minister of Natural Resources and Energy) Bongani Nzima (Minister of Sports,
Culture and Youth Affairs), Apollo Maphalala (Minister of Housing and Urban
Development), Mandla Chauke (Minister of Agriculture) and Owen Nxumalo who has
been appointed the minister of Education and Training.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nxumalo served as the minister of public
service during the 10th Parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When announcing the Cabinet the prime
minister said it had pleased His Majesty King Mswati III to appoint the
ministers for the 12th Parliament and mentioned that they were all expected to
be in Cabinet today at noon for the swearing-in ceremony.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Returnees to the 2023-2028 cabinet
include former minister of housing and urban development, Prince
Simelane, who is now the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Returning ministers who have been
reshuffled are the new Deputy Prime Minister, Thuli Dladla, who was the
minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation in the 11th
Parliament and Pholile Dlamini, who was the minister of justice and
constitutional affairs and has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pholile becomes the second female Minister
of Foreign Affairs after Dladla.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pholile has been replaced by Prince
Simelane as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Ministers
who have retained their positions are Matsanjeni North MP Phila Buthelezi and
Maphalaleni MP Mabulala Maseko.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> They are ministers of labour and
social security and minister of public service, respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg also
retained his position in the same portfolio just like Minister of Economic
Planning and Development Dr Tambo Gina. Princess Lindiwe has also
retained her position as Minister of Home Affairs while Manqoba Nxumalo, who is
the Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade, also retained his position. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21478"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21478</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King hailed for not appointing 10
elected senators</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142654-king-hailed-for-not-appointing-10-elected-senators.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142654-king-hailed-for-not-appointing-10-elected-senators.html</span></i></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini
pro-democracy groups, civil society march to United States (US) Embassy to
deliver a petition, calling for an end to Israel-Palestine war</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Colani Khulekani Maseko, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 15 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5541"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">EZULWINI: Eswatini pro-democracy groups
and the civil society marched to the Embassy of the United States (US) at
Ezulwini on Wednesday, they are calling for an end to the ongoing
Israel-Palestine war.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The ongoing war has created and divided
the international community as other countries including the U.S. has declared
support for Israel while others support Palestine, both Israel and Palestine
claim historical legitimacy or ownership of the land.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thamsanqa Hlatswako, the Convenor of the
“Stop Palestine-Israel war now Campaign Swaziland” delivered their petition to
the US Embassy officials.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We are collectively calling for; an
immediate cease-fire and quick passage of humanitarian and health assistance
into the whole of Palestine, especially Gaza; Humanitarian truce, prosecution
of all those who have committed war crimes by the international court,
restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services in Gaza,”
reads the petition in part delivered by the Convenor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reuters reported on Saturday that, the
death had topped eleven thousand (11 000) as fighting between Israel forces and
Hamas militants escalated near and around Gaza City’s besieged and overcrowded
hospitals, which Palestinian officials said were hit by explosives and gunfire.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-26261797263973841302023-11-10T09:51:00.000+02:002023-11-10T09:51:06.767+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 802 – 10 November 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 802 – 10
November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini
has a new Prime Minister<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Lenin Ndebele, News 24 (South Africa), 3 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/eswatini-has-a-new-prime-minister-20231103"><span lang="EN-US">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At the end of the two-week-long Isibaya
gathering in Eswatini, King Mswati III appointed Russell Mmemo Dlamini as the
new prime minister of the last absolute monarchy in Africa.</span>Dlamini
is the former chief executive officer of the National Disaster Management
Agency (NDMA).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He takes
over the prime minister's job from Mgwagwa Gamedze, who has been in an acting
role since September after the king dissolved parliament in preparation for the
tinkhundla elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In the
last legislature, Cleopas Dlamini was prime minister.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Since the
post was established in 1967, Eswatini has had 11 prime ministers and eight
acting prime ministers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Only the
late Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini was prime minister twice, from 1996 to 2003 and
again from 2008 to 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The prime
minister can only serve two terms at most.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The new
prime minister won a seat at the tinkhundla elections in October.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Members
of parliament in Eswatini only play an advisory role to the king.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The prime
minister's main role will be to chair cabinet meetings as the head of
government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini: government announces
election results<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According
to Eswatini laws, the king will then choose cabinet ministers “on advice from
the prime minister.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Political
parties are not allowed to take part in elections that SADC said were </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/angola-to-host-sadc-leaders-on-saturday-for-a-detailed-discussion-on-security-in-the-region-20231031" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">largely peaceful</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">On the
second day of Isibaya, a Swati man called on the king to allow political
parties to take part in elections before he had the</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/eswatinis-king-mswati-let-his-people-have-their-say-until-one-dared-to-call-for-proper-democracy-20231025" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> microphone taken away from him</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PUDEMO
says the appointment of Prime Minister Russell Dlamini by King
unconstitutional, calls on the international community to act against Mswati’s
oppressive regime</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Colani Khulekani Maseko, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 7 November, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5495"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Panuel Malinga, the Secretary
General (SG) of the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) has, on behalf
of the political organization, released a statement rejecting the appointment
of the new Prime Minister (PM) Mmiso Russell Dlamini on basis that, the
constitution was violated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Malinga, further called on the
International community to act against Mswati's oppressive government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The recent finalisation of tikhundla
repressive machinery has once again proved the correctness of our people that
we are struggling against a regime which has no regard for any law beside
singing praises to the despot called Mswati. It is not our place as we have
said it too many times to point to all the constitutional blunders, but of
concern now is the silence of the democratic world to this open violations of
the constitution, as most has sang the tune of democratising through constitutional
means. The silence is not diplomatic but indirectly empowering this despot,”
reads the statement in part released by the Secretary General of PUDEMO.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The appointment of the new PM was
announced on Friday afternoon at Ludzidzini Palace where King Mswati had
summoned the Nation for the Sibaya national gathering.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, King Mswati urged the
Nation to support the newly appointed Prime Minister Mmiso Russell Dlamini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Addressing the Nation on Friday at
Ludzidzini Palace during Sibaya national gathering the King said, the new PM
will address issues of poverty among others adding that, the country was faced
with social and economic disasters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“No one is perfect,the new Prime Minister
needs advice and guidance from you”, said the King.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">NDMA’S Russell
appointed PM<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142494-ndma%E2%80%99s-russell-appointed-pm.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142494-ndma%E2%80%99s-russell-appointed-pm.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So King Mswati showed a middle finger
to international donors by appointing a Prime Minister who failed to account
for about R180million when questioned by Parliament?</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5479"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5479</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King
appoints 20 into Senate</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Simon Shabangu and Sibongile Sukati, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 6 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21431"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The 12th Parliament is now complete.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This follows the appointment of 20 senators
by His Majesty King Mswati III yesterday after much anticipation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This now brings the total number of
senators to 30.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A total of eight women were appointed by
the King following an announcement made by the Attorney General and acting
Ludzidzini Governor Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21431"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21431</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cleopas, Themba out of Senate, 7
women In</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142526-cleopas-themba-out-of-senate-7-women-in.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142526-cleopas-themba-out-of-senate-7-women-in.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk150068968"></a><a name="_Hlk150458758"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘The Taiwanese people should stand with
the people of Swaziland’: a conversation with Tanele Maseko<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150458758;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Brian Hioe, New
Bloom, 2 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"></span><a href="https://newbloommag.net/2023/11/02/tanele-maseko-interview/?fbclid=IwAR3KRD6DBP-5S3-q9Pm3ww-9nqIMbtmAexLuwYXHeLA9o_lvePESsngNubQ"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></span></a></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">New Bloom
editor Brian Hioe interviewed Tanele Maseko, human rights defender from
Swaziland and the wife of Thulani Maseko. Thulani Maseko, an opposition
politician and human rights lawyer, was </span></em></span><a href="https://newbloommag.net/2023/01/31/opposition-eswatini-murder/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">killed by
unidentified gunman</span></i></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></em></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">in January of this year. As this took place
after comments by Swazi monarch King Mswati III suggesting that critics of his
should be killed, it is thought that this killing was ordered by the monarch.
Tanele Maseko was visiting Taipei for </span></em></span><a href="https://oslofreedomforum.com/speakers/tanele-maseko/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">the Oslo
Freedom Forum</span></i></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> on
October 18th. </span></em></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150068968;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Despite the questionable human rights record of Swaziland,
which was renamed Eswatini by Mswati III in April 2018, it is one of Taiwan’s
diplomatic allies. Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen</span></em><em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></em><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://thediplomat.com/2023/09/what-was-taiwans-president-doing-in-eswatini/"><i><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">most recently visited Eswatini</span></i></a></span><em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> this
September. </span></em><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Brian Hioe:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Could
you first introduce yourself for those that do not know you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tanele Maseko:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My
name is Tanele Maseko. I’m a human rights defender from Swaziland. And I am
married to the late Thulani Rudolph Maseko, human rights lawyer and human
rights activist from Swaziland. I am now CEO of the newly founded Thulani
Maseko Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BH:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Would
you say you are trying to carry on your husband’s work after his unfortunate
assassination?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">TM:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes,
that is very true. I continue to push for his legacy, his ideals, what he stood
for, what he fought for, and eventually what he died for.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BH:</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> And so that would be regarding
the democracy movement in Swaziland? That there is not democracy, that it’s an
absolute monarchy, that the parliamentary system is dissolved, and the
constitution is signed, and so forth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">TM:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That
is quite true, Brian. I am driving the narrative that Swaziland needs to open
up the space for democracy. Swaziland is ruled by an absolute monarch.
Swaziland does not have political parties. The current government doesn’t
believe in political parties or political participation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So yes, I am trying to tell people of the
world that Swaziland is governed by the last absolute monarch who is a brutal
monarch, an evil system that we need the people of the world to assist us–as
Swaziland–to gain and attain our democracy. And not to embrace this dictator as
they are doing–and as Taiwan is doing, in helping to fund a dictatorship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BH:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
you know, Taiwan itself is a country that went through an authoritarian past
but in this case is backing the authoritarian regime. The protests in Swaziland
remind me of the protests that needed to take place for Taiwan to have a
democracy. So, in that sense, what would you want the people of Taiwan to know
about the situation in Swaziland?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">TM:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
want the people of Taiwan to know that Swaziland is in a dire situation.
Swaziland is a ticking time bomb. We have a lot of our colleagues and comrades
who are living in exile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That is but one issue. Political
participation is not allowed. Political parties are banned. Human rights
defenders are labeled terrorists. Political activists are labeled terrorists.
But what is also critical when it comes to Swaziland is our education system is
collapsing. Our health system is in a crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So I would ask the people of Taiwan to
stand with the people of Swaziland in pushing the Taiwanese president, in
asking the Taiwanese government to stop aiding a dictator who gets benefits
from Taiwan. Such benefits do not help the ordinary Swazi on the street.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I would urge the people of Taiwan to
encourage and put pressure on the king to discuss the future and democracy of
Swaziland openly, freely, and honestly. Taiwan complains of China. How then can
you complain of China and yet you continue to support a dictatorship like
Swaziland?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this interview, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://newbloommag.net/2023/11/02/tanele-maseko-interview/?fbclid=IwAR3KRD6DBP-5S3-q9Pm3ww-9nqIMbtmAexLuwYXHeLA9o_lvePESsngNubQ"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://newbloommag.net/2023/11/02/tanele-maseko-interview/?fbclid=IwAR3KRD6DBP-5S3-q9Pm3ww-9nqIMbtmAexLuwYXHeLA9o_lvePESsngNubQ</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #484848; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk150458769"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Hunger now a
national crisis – MP Lazwide tells King<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150458769;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 8 November, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">LOBAMBA: Sphofaneni member of
Parliament Lomalungelo ‘LaZwide’ Simelane spoke bravely and softly before the
King but her words carried a very powerful message which cannot be easily
ignored. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Simelane singled out massive
poverty as one of the key issues greatly affecting Swazis today. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She said, “Your Majesty thanks
so much for giving me this opportunity to speak before you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She added, “Hunger is a now a national
crisis your Majesty. I can see that your experts have aslo gathered here. If
these experts of yours ignore the signs of hunger there will be a problem. Let
us address the problem we have as a country including hunger. I am also aware
that the King has given the new Prime minister a mandate to address the hunger
issue.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Like a game of football if
your players are not happy the whole team suffers there are always negative
results if the players are not well looked after,” said the MP at Mandvulo
Hall.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She concluded, “My wish is
that all Swazis live in harmony and the king will also live in peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All new members of parliament
have been invited by the King in his Palace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk150458784"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MP Masilela apologises to King for
challenging election law</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150458784;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk150458784;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Timothy
Simelane and Sibusiso Shange, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>, 8 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142546-mp-masilela-apologises-to-king-for-challenging-election-law.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">LOZITHA: Lobamba MP Michael Masilela has apologised to His Majesty the
King for challenging the eligibility of MPs who lost the elections to stand for
Senate election.</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masilela was speaking at Mandvulo Grand
Hall when newly-installed Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators introduced
themselves to the King. The legislators were also allowed to speak for three
minutes to state their ambitions for the new term. Masilela said before he
could say anything, he felt the urge to apologise to the King for his follies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I know the King is a Christian and he
forgives. I sincerely ask for forgiveness for that case that was eventually
widely publicised in courts. It was uncouth of me to challenge something that
had been done by the King. When the King has issued a law, who am I to
challenge it the way I did. Shwele Wena Wekunene. Intfo leyentiwe yinkhosi
awuhambi uyeneka etinkantolo,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Meanwhile, MP Masilela also said there was
a serious error in the enactment of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act
(POCA), in that this piece of legislation says it can be implemented in
retrospect. He said legislators made an error in judgement by allowing the law
to be effected in retrospect. He also said it targeted people who grew
cannabis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-1219714985854163082023-11-03T10:54:00.000+02:002023-11-03T10:54:10.150+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 801 – 3 November 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 801 – 3
November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Speakers name,
shame at Sibaya<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">By Phephile
Motau, Sifiso Nhlabatsi and Siboniso Nkambule, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 31
October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21411"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">It was literally a bad day in the office for chiefs at yesterday’s
Sibaya as they came under fire from disgruntled members of the public who
called upon the king to intervene in resolving disputes in their areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">On a day when the rains came down at Sibaya, members of the public came
down hard on chiefs, accusing them of failing the authorities in dealing with
matters brought before them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">It was literally free rein on chiefs as well as those working closest
with the authorities who were battered by several speakers in yesterday’s
session.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Chief Mashampu, Chief Senzangakhona, Prince Matatezela, Themba Masuku
and Chief Malambule were among a few who were in the firing line for the
handling of several matters under their jurisdiction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Having controlled the sessions since day one with authority and calm,
the acting Ludzidzini Governor Mashampu Khumalo had his day in the rain when
one speaker accused him of mishandling his case.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Khumalo is also Ezulwini Royal Kraal Chief and was an admirable picture
of calm as his subject utilised his three minutes to make his grievance,
telling Sibaya that he was now like a Palestinian living in the Gaza strip –
claiming that he had been rendered homeless.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">“In 2012 things changed and I was told that I did not belong to
Mvutjini, yet the ID which I possess is registered under the same acting
Ludzidzini Governor Mashampu,” Johannes Sikhosana stated, much to the surprise
of Sibaya.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Despite that indvuna was standing a few metres away from him and in
charge of the session, Sikhosana did not let off.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Who am I to a person of a status of an attorney general, I have
tried approaching His Majesty through Khandlela, however, I am always told to
come back the following day,” Sikhosana narrated, to which the audience
chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">He said it was clear that the people next to His Majesty were letting
him down. “Ngunaba bantfu labaseceleni kwakho labanemajobo lanemakhikhi,”
Sikhosana stated in vernacular.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Another speaker, Ncamiso Dlamini from Vusweni under Chief Mandanda, told
Sibaya of a dispute of two stamps in the area that was causing them no peace in
his area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dlamini said they were failing to access funding from such organisations
as the Inhlanyelo Fund due to the dispute.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">He told Sibaya that they had tried to involve His Majesty, but they get
sent away every time they try to see him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Another speaker raised concerns about chiefs encroaching on their land
at Vusweni.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Wilson Tsabedze said Vusweni has been without a chief for a longtime and
in 2019 a chiefs’ council led by acting Ludzidzini Governor Themba Ginindza
came to their chiefdom, alleging that they were sent by His Majesty King Mswati
III.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">Tsabedze said they were told that they were assessing the area to see if
it was well taken care of. He explained that the Vusweni council led them and
they were requested to draft every detail of the assessment down and produce a
report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;"> He explained that the report was submitted to relevant authorities
at Ludzidzini. According to Tsabedze, during COVID-19 pandemic, another team of
princes came to Vusweni claiming that they were sent by His Majesty to
introduce Prince Senzangakhona as the new chief of the area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">“We were requested to go to Ludzidzini and thank Their Majesties for the
chief installation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">We came to Ludzidzini and we detailed the matter to the council and we
were told that they don’t know anything. Even the king’s advisors, Liqoqo told
us that they did not know anything,” Tsabedze said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">He went on to state that they were unable to do anything in their area
which had even lead to nearby chiefdoms encroaching in their area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">“These chiefdoms for example, Sigombeni and Dlangeni under Chief
Nsukumbili, they are taking our land. The land is finished,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21411"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21411</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk149845005"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">We were not
given enough time [at Sibaya] – women<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149845005;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Nonduduzo Kunene, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>
print edition, 1 November 2023</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE: Some of the women who
have been attending Sibaya say they were not given enough opportunity to make
submissions compared to males.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This resulted in some of them
leaving Sibaya dejected after they were removed from the people who wanted to
make submissions last Thursday. There was an outcry from the women’s section of
Sibaya as they felt that the men were given more chances to speak. The first
session is also known as ‘emanyeva’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Throughout the submissions,
the women would shout ‘sibuke phela natsi babe’ as the Sibaya Moderator Sifiso
Mashampu Khumalo was selecting the people who wanted to make submissions. Some
of the women, except for the panellists, even resorted to sneaking their way
through the queue by sitting among the people who wanted to make submissions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was also noted that the
number of women who were given the platform to speak was less than the number
of men.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some ended up making
submissions when they were supposed to pose questions to the panellists.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One incident that left the
women detected was the last session of emanyeva, where over 10 women stood up
and joined the queue of the people who wanted to speak without being pointed by
Khumalo. Just after they had joined the queue, Khumalo noted that there were a
lot of people he hadn’t called to the front.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk149845020"><b><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Elected
PM debate - the constitution does not say the PM should not be a Dlamini -
Percy<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149845020;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek 31
October, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">LOBAMBA: The
battle for an elected prime minister is likely to continue for a long time in
Swaziland. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Speaking to
this Swati Newsweek Online today King’s Office spokesperson Percy Simelane said
the King is free to appoint a prime minister of his choice. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Responding via
a watsap text message Simelane said, "Our experience is that the King
personally announces the end of Sibaya and, by extension, the end of
submissions there of. Until that moment, normally submissions continue."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">He concluded,
"Sibaya, for decades, has been ending with the appointment of the next
Prime Minister. (sic) We will conical to believe that this one is no different.
Constitutionally thenext Prime Minister should be appointment. We would not be
sure of the surname of the next Prime Minister because the Constitution allows
the King to give the nation a premier of his choice. There is an argument now
that the Constitution doesn't say the Premier should be a Dlamini, but then it
slso doesn't say he/ she should not be a Dlamini. So the prerogative
constitutionally rests with the King after consultations with his
advisors."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Many believe
King Mswati III will appoint the prime minister today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">See
also<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Sibaya
postponed to Friday due to heavy rains<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5453"><i><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5453</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Disappointment as Sibaya postponed,
no new PM<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142464-disappointment-as-sibaya-postponed-no-new-pm.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142464-disappointment-as-sibaya-postponed-no-new-pm.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Former
Economic Planning Minister Dr Thambo Gina: Let’s use a dialogue and a gun to
deal with those promoting political instability in the country<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5448"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5448</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk149845053"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Killing
of four (4) women by sheriff: We applaud the <i>Times</i>, SWAGAA for pushing
the SODV Act<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149845053;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">By Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News,</i>
31 October, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5456"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">The role
played by the <i>Times of eSwatini</i> and the Eswatini Action Group Against
Abuse (SWAGAA) in exposing domestic violence and subsequently influencing the
enactment of the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence(SODV) Act must be
applauded.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Times</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Managing Editor Martin Dlamini, the then
News Editor Nathie Gule and Editor Cassandra Shaw played a significant role in
ensuring that, domestic violence is exposed and taken seriously in this
country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">As an
Editor myself, I know what it takes to try and shape the perspective of the
society on a particular issue of public interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Without
the consistent efforts and the collaboration between the media and the civil
society, we wouldn’t have known that, we are facing a serious crisis in this
country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">This
week, Vusi Mncina, a Deputy Sheriff allegedly killed four (4) women at Goje
TownShip-eZulwini, this incident suggests that, the media, law enforcement
agencies and the civil society must vigorously work together to force
government to declare Gender Based Violence (GBV) a national crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Furthermore,
we must demand answers from the relevant law enforcement agencies as to why
women are abused and killed in this country despite the existence of the law
that should be acting as a deterrence measure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Well, at
first it was hard for me to understand why the <i>Times</i> was consistently
publishing domestic violence articles, but then I was still young in the media,
the editors knew what they were doing and the SODV Act was the product of their
efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the editor of this publication, I am
also pledging this platform to women rights organizations, our society must be
educated about GBV, we need to create awareness instead of reacting after such
brutal incidents.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk149845066"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Information Ministry Principal
Secretary (PS) Phesheya Dube says eSwatini has lost R177million through
Cybercrime.</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149845066;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149845066;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News, </i>1 November 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5463"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Phesheya Dube, the Principal
Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology
(ICT) says, eSwatini has lost R177million through Cybercrime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking during the launch of the
Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the PS said, the aim of the campaign was to
raise awareness on the responsibility of cybersecurity in Eswatini, build
capabilities to prevent cyberthreats, promote the reporting of cyber incidents
and further promote the adoption of secure online behaviour among emaSwati.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We urge the youth, senior citizens,
businesses, and the public to adopt secure online behaviours that will protect
their digital lives and safeguard our national interest. Cybercrime is rising
exponentially within our borders. The estimated cost of cybercrime in the
Kingdom, from January 2022 to June 2023 is a staggering E177M, with online
fraud accounting for a significant 95% of that cost. A deeply concerning trend
is the increase in child trafficking cases, with 60% of these cases originating
from social media platforms. We would like to reiterate our commitment to
eradicating such heinous acts, that threaten the moral fibre of our society,”
said the PS said quoted by Government online platforms on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, Mvilawemphi Dlamini, the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Eswatini Communications Commission
(ESCCOM) said, the task of ensuring online safety lies on everyone’s shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“This enormous task of ensuring online
safety in Eswatini lies on our shoulders because we cannot have a robust
economy without the necessary safeguards for citizens. Cyber threats can lead
to financial losses, reputation damage, and even legal implications”, he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-88805224984795081182023-10-27T10:09:00.000+02:002023-10-27T10:09:00.082+02:00 Swaziland Newsletter No. 800 – 27 October 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148767536"></a><a name="_Hlk149111844"></a><a name="_Hlk135932955"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland
Newsletter No. 800 – 27 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about
Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">eSwatini democracy activists reject
Sibaya dialogue to be chaired by Mswati III<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Khulekani Nene, <i>Daily
Maverick</i> (South Africa), 23 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-23-eswatini-activists-reject-sibaya-dialogue-chaired-by-mswati/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SOURCE</span></b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Activists
calling for political reforms in Eswatini have rejected a national dialogue
that the government says will be held under the framework of traditional laws
and structures. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘We
look forward to the Sibaya national dialogue that has been called by His
Majesty King Mswati III […],” reads a statement by Eswatini government
spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Early
this year, the government announced</span></span></span><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/139515-no-immediate-preps-for-dialogue-says-alpheous.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: #326891; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> a 30 million emalangeni
(R30-million) budget for the dialogue</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">. Nxumalo’s statement was vague on
the modality of the dialogue. He also did not say if the dialogue would be
inclusive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="display: none; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hide: all; mso-ligatures: none;">Bottom of Form<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It
was </span></span></span><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/140984-his-majesty-dialogue-soon-after-elections.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: #326891; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">King Mswati who pronounced, when
dissolving parliament on 11 July 2023, that there would be a “Sibaya National
dialogue”</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> after
the September elections. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">According
to the Eswatini constitution, Sibaya “constitutes the highest policy and
advisory council of the nation”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“The
Sibaya is the Swazi National Council constituted by Bantfwabenkhosi (Princes
and Princesses), the tikhulu (Chiefs) of the realm and all adult citizens
gathered at the official residence of the Ndlovukazi (Queen Mother) under the
chairmanship of iNgwenyama (King) who may delegate this function to any
official,” it reads.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">During
Sibaya, emaSwati gather at a large cattle byre within the queen mother’s
residence at Ludzidzini Palace, about 20km south of the capital Mbabane. At
Sibaya, the king usually makes important pronouncements such as the appointment
of a prime minister and the dissolution of parliament. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sometimes
the king allows the people to voice their concerns and make submissions on
social, political and economic issues. Such deliberations are known as “the
people’s parliament”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">However,
activists and political formations have for years refused to accept the Sibaya
dialogue as a platform to deliberate on the political matters. They contend
that it gives the monarch an upper hand in the sense that, as per the
constitution, the monarch is chairperson of Sibaya. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The
Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF), which comprises civil society and political
formations, told <i>Daily Maverick</i> that it will not participate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“It
is crucial to highlight that there have been no legal changes to the
constitution, character or authority of Sibaya since the last one, which
unfortunately did not result in meaningful engagement with the citizens. Sibaya
is not the appropriate platform for the type of dialogue we are advocating
for,” said MSF spokesperson Sivumelwano Nyembe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The
MSF had been calling for “an internationally mediated dialogue” whose primary
goal would be reforming the current political system and ushering in a new
constitution that guarantees multiparty democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Nyembe
added: “We anticipate that the government will honour the Southern African
Development Community resolution and establish an all-encompassing political
dialogue process that acknowledges the role of people’s organisations. History
has shown that an individualistic approach has proven ineffective in achieving
lasting peace and meaningful democratic changes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">During
the last Sibaya on 11 July 2023 only the king spoke and none of the people in
attendance was afforded an opportunity to make submissions or respond to what
the monarch had said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Similarly,
during Sibaya in July 2021, held in the aftermath of pro-democracy protests
that were violently suppressed, only King Mswati addressed the gathering. Then
he lambasted pro-democracy activists, calling them dagga smokers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The
last Sibaya where ordinary people were afforded a chance to make submissions
was in 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To
read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-23-eswatini-activists-reject-sibaya-dialogue-chaired-by-mswati/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-23-eswatini-activists-reject-sibaya-dialogue-chaired-by-mswati/</span></i></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sibaya proves it cannot solve our problems<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Son of the Soil, <i>Times
of eSwatini</i>, 26 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/my-two-cents-worth/142385-sibaya-proves-it-cannot-solve-our-problems.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></span></span></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">His Majesty King Mswati III opened Sibaya on Monday,
as announced, and in his speech, he touched on a number of subjects including
the elections, the civil unrest, the economy and the incoming government.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">After telling the nation that he was praying for God’s
guidance as he ponders on the best candidate for the ‘captain’ of the ship in
the prime minister (PM) and Cabinet ministers, he asked Sibaya to ‘help’ him
identify this captain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He reminded Sibaya, however, that while he wanted to
be advised by this platform, which, according to the Constitution, is highest
policy and advisory council of the nation, on the choice of this ‘man’, the
nation must be clear that, constitutionally, he can only be advised and it was
up to him to take that advice if he so chooses. As widely expected, he
opened the People’s Parliament and encouraged emaSwati to speak out freely
about all issues that bother them, which would also include making suggestions
on the best PM candidate. He promised to return on the last day, which,
unless I have missed out on some information, remains unknown. That pretty much
marked the end of the first day and the People’s Parliament began in earnest on
Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Several political figures have been making
presentations on some topics and the attendees have been allowed to pose
questions to them and make their own presentations, with each speaker
supposedly given no more than three minutes. EmaSwati, and indeed the
international community, do not know if this is the national dialogue we were
promised. We wait in bated breath to hear how this is concluded. Watching
from the comfort of my house the proceedings on Tuesday, my conviction that
Sibaya can never be a credible and practical platform for serious discourse on
the country’s contemporary socio-political problems was bolstered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/my-two-cents-worth/142385-sibaya-proves-it-cannot-solve-our-problems.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/my-two-cents-worth/142385-sibaya-proves-it-cannot-solve-our-problems.html</span></i></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sibaya gathering: Royal family member Sibusiso Dlamini
interrupted, microphone grabbed for telling Mswati to unban political parties
and allow Parliament to democratically elect a Prime Minister<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Bongiwe Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News, </i>24 October,
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5413"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></span></span></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">LUDZIDZINI:
Sibusiso Dlamini, a member of the royal family and founder of the African
United Democratic Party (AUDP) was interrupted and the microphone was
forcefully grabbed after he told King Mswati to unban political parties and
allow Parliament to democratically elect a Prime Minister (PM).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini is
ruled by Mswati as an absolute Monarch, political parties are banned from
participating in elections and the King appoints the Prime Minister, Cabinet
Ministers,Judges, a majority of Senators and all members of the various
Governing Councils.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The dramatic
grabbing of the microphone was witnessed on Tuesday during the ongoing Sibaya
national gathering at Ludzidzini Palace, the King is highly expected to appoint
a Prime Minister this week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dlamini
further submitted that, Members of Parliament (MPs)must be elected as
representatives of their political parties and then elect a Prime Minister who
will be accountable to the people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“MPs must be
elected as representatives of their various political parties, so political
parties must be unbanned and be legally registered”, said the founder of the
AUDP.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini government
spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo clarifies </span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5416"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5416</span></i></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Choice of PM dominates<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21379"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21379</span></i></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sibaya not a democratic
forum but “Indlu yaka-Gogo” where the King reduces citizens into family members
and impose a Prime Minister<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5391"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5391</span></i></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last 25 years 90% MPs have lost elections<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Sabelo Gabs Nxumalo, <i>Times
of eSwatini</i>, 24 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span></span><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/feature/142350-last-25-years-90-mps-have-lost-elections.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The Tinkhundla Political System of Government has
experienced a rather disturbing poor record in terms of returning Members of
Parliament (MPs).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">As a political analyst, one must ask a few crucial
questions about these realities. King Sobhuza II, when introducing this system,
said the system was an experiment that emaSwati would have to improve from time
to time. The only way to improve our political system is to occasionally sit
back and analyse its performance in terms of MPs who form an important part of
the system. This analysis must be void of any bias but just answer pertinent
questions to get honest answers to improve the system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149111844;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The first critical question to ask is why 90 per cent
of MPs, for the past 25 years, have not been able to be re-elected for a second
team. The second question we must ask is whether it is a good thing that 90 per
cent of elected MPs have not been able to be re-elected for a second term in
the past 25 years. </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In order to
adequately answer the question, one would have to know the expectations of the
electorate who are the voters from their MPs. I hope I would be correct to say
the voters are looking for good service delivery. They are looking for
roads, clinics, schools, hospitals, job creation, assistance in starting
businesses and much more. A vast majority of emaSwati don’t care about the
legislative duties of MPs but want improved services in their communities. The
only reason you vote for a person is because you believe he or she can improve
your lives at community level, in one way or another. One of the duties of MPs
is to provide oversight on the government that has been given the responsibility
to use public funds for the benefit of all emaSwati. Then finally and most
importantly, MPs are tasked with the duties of begging government departments
to provide services to voters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/feature/142350-last-25-years-90-mps-have-lost-elections.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://www.times.co.sz/feature/142350-last-25-years-90-mps-have-lost-elections.html</span></i></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><a name="_Hlk149111872"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></a></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘Buying Senate votes
undermines elections’<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Nkosingiphile Myeni, <i>eSwatini
Observer,</i> 22 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21357"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></span></a><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Amidst
the hullabaloo of buying votes for senate seats from MPs, the Commission on
Human Rights and Public Administration and Integrity (CHRPAI) has weighed-in on
the ongoing investigations on senate seats buying.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CHRPAI
Deputy Commissioner Duduzile Dlamini-Nhlengethwa said they would wait for
investigations currently being conducted by the Anti-Corruption
Commission (ACC) to be swiftly concluded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nhlengethwa
said the ongoing talk of buying votes undermined the integrity of elections
‘and flies in the face of democratic governance.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Vote
buying undermines the integrity of elections. It embraces discrimination and
presents an unfair advantage to those who have integrity and will not buy
votes,” she said.<br />
The matter has not been wrapped up yet and its conclusion is awaited.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Human Rights Commission comment comes after the election of 10 members of the
senate, which had been marred with allegations of vote buying that happened in
the extended first sitting of the House of Assembly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although
the first order paper of the 12th parliament on Friday October 6 stated that
the 69 members who were sworn-in were to elect 10 senate members as per the
Senate Elections Act, such an election was conducted a week later on Thursday
October 13.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
the storm after it surfaced, Clerk to Parliament, Benedict Xaba, laid a
complaint with the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Xaba
said the senators-elect who allegedly bought votes could be removed through the
Parliament Petition Act No. 8 of 2013, a legislation which states that the
election or appointment of a candidate as a senator shall be declared void on a
number of grounds, which are proved to the satisfaction of the court.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nhlengethwa
said the CHRPAI regarded parliament as one of the key pillars of integrity and
that the chambers ‘were expected to uphold the highest level of integrity,
justice and fairness.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CHRPAI
agreed with Xaba on the allegations of violating the laws of elections in the
country.<br />
“The electoral laws of the country make it illegal to buy votes, hence we
recommend that these allegations should be thoroughly investigated,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
the election process, which some have recommended for a review or its
abolishment; the election and vote counting process as per the Senate Elections
Act of 2013, states that it begins with the distribution of the ballot papers
to all the 69 members of Parliament, 59 elected and 10 appointed, who all have
a right to vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once
the legislators were handed the ballot papers with pictures of all the
candidates, they were granted time to return to their seats and thoroughly go
through the ballot papers to identify their preferred candidates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
MPs cast their votes based on preference, the original vote being the first
preference followed by the second, third, fourth and so forth for all the
nominees based on their choice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They
then go to the voting stations individually to cast their votes and place the
ballot papers in the ballot boxes each for both categories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During
the vote counting, the first preference votes are counted first and after the
counting is completed, all the first preference votes are counted at once in
order to calculate the quarter of votes required for winning the elections.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
the contested voting, the MPs cast their votes to a total of 69 original votes
for both categories. This number was then divided by five, plus one meaning 69
original votes were decided by six.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
figure equated to 11 and the formula then provided that one is added to the 11,
making the final quota of votes required to win for both categories as 12.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
process required that the original votes for all candidates were first counted
to determine if any of them has met the quarter from the original votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fezeka
Dlamini, for instance, had 14 preferred votes and automatically won a seat
under the female category as she had already amassed the required 12 original
votes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148767536;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">50%
medication in hospitals<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Sifiso Nhlabatsi, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 21 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21345"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government has said hospitals have 50 per
cent medications as it admits that there is a health crisis.<br />
There are low stock levels of drugs and commodities for effective health
service delivery as the Central Medical Stores (CMS) is only able to deliver an
estimated 50 per cent of the needed medicines per facility.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government Spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo,
yesterday said there was a health crisis, which has seen major gaps in some
essential medicines, hence the request that there must be more funding for the
health sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of the gaps in the essential
medicines, according to Nxumalo, include family planning, malaria and
non-communicable diseases. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This has seen patients having to purchase
their own medication from privately owned pharmacies.<br />
Nxumalo further said despite efforts to address the drugs shortage crisis,
there was still a long way to go as facilities continue to receive less than
required medicines. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said health facilities could expect
more medicine supply towards the end of the year because the new tender for the
financial year started on October and the expected time of arrival of supplies
is late October/November.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The government mouthpiece said to redress
the situation, government would require an increased budget allocation to the
ministry of health and clear the arrears to allow the ministry to operate
within budget.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this repot, click
here</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21345"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21345</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Govt acts swiftly to defuse graduation boycott threat<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Sabelo Ndzinisa, <i>eSwatini News</i>, 21 October
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142323-govt-acts-swiftly-to-defuse-graduation-boycott-threat.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE – Swift action.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Government of Eswatini was
forced to act swiftly in mitigating a graduation boycott resolution taken by
the lecturers, following a salary payment dispute with management. The
lecturers had an urgent meeting yesterday morning where they took a resolution
to boycott the ceremony, after they were paid two-thirds (70 per cent) of their
salaries on Thursday. The graduation ceremony today, as per tradition, is
expected to be blessed by the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When effecting the two-thirds
payment, the UNESWA management had indicated to the union representing the
lecturers that this was necessitated by a lack of sufficient funds in the
university coffers. These sentiments were confirmed by UNESWA Registrar Doctor
Salebona Simelane in an earlier interview with the Eswatini News, just a few
hours before management decided to pay the salaries in full. Sensing that
this boycott resolution was likely to throw the ceremony into disarray, the 30
per cent balance of the salaries was quickly credited to the lecturers’ bank
accounts yesterday afternoon at around 4pm. However, only lecturers using FNB
bank accounts received the balance of their salaries, while the rest are likely
to get their money on Monday at the latest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To read more of
this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142323-govt-acts-swiftly-to-defuse-graduation-boycott-threat.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142323-govt-acts-swiftly-to-defuse-graduation-boycott-threat.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-63200105907477791322023-10-20T08:45:00.002+02:002023-10-20T08:45:32.049+02:00 Swaziland Newsletter No. 799 – 20 October 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 799 – 20
October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148632503"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bribery claims rock Senate elections<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148632503;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Sabelo Ndzinisa,<u> </u>eSwatini News, 14 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142238-bribery-claims-rock-senate-elections.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">LOBAMBA:
The integrity of the Senate elections was put into question on Thursday
afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This was
after reports that at least two of Senate hopefuls allegedly spent
approximately E500 000 apiece on lobbying for votes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">But they ended up on the losing side. Even more astonishingly, it was
alleged that one of the Senate winners had to part with around E1 million just
to win a seat in the upper chamber. Before the start of the elections,
allegations were circulating in and outside the chambers that a certain
businessman, known to this publication, was so desperate for the MPs’ support
that he was allegedly offering E100 000 for a single vote. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">After the
final results of the Senate elections were announced, relatives of some of the
Senate losers were overheard cursing the process, branding it as
corrupt. “The elections akanawo emaciniso (the elections lack integrity).
Imagine spending over half a million Emalangeni to win a Senate seat but still
end up on the losing side. This is promoting corrupt practices because there is
no way in the Constitution or Parliament Standing Orders that you must bribe
MPs for Senate votes,” one of the disappointed Senate nominees said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“These
MPs are not honest because they make you pay for a vote, knowing very well that
their loyalties lie somewhere else. Mind you, these are the same legislators we
trust to pass laws in Parliament yet they have a lot of skeletons in their
closets.” He said the office of the attorney general (AG) should look into
the bribery allegations against MPs. “Accepting a bribe is an act of
corruption and must be punished by law,” one MP said in the midst of it all. “The
sad part is that the payment of the money for votes has become a normal culture
in every election year for Parliament seats and it would seem this is now an
acceptable practice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Some of
us want Parliament seats to serve the nation, not to enrich individuals. My
appeal is for the AG to seriously look into how MPs who receive bribes for
votes are punished, because people like us were forced to buy those votes
without any guarantees for victory.” These concerns appeared to have been
given weight by a statement from Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome
Dlamini in the House of Assembly before the start of the Senate elections. His
statement almost caused commotion as some legislators, especially Nkwene MP
Sikhumbuzo Dlamini did not take kindly to it. “Nangabe udle imali yemuntfu
wametsembisa lo-one ungasifaki tsine. (loosely translated to mean: if you have
taken someone’s money with the promise of a vote, do not involve us),” MP
Welcome said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This
statement appeared to suggest that some legislators may have taken money in
exchange for promises to vote for certain individuals into Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">What
sparked the Mbabane East MP’s statement was that before the start of the
elections, Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba, who was the returning officer
during this exercise, informed the MPs that they would not mark the ballot
papers from their seats as stipulated by law, but would use the voting booths
provided in the chambers to ensure that their votes remained
confidential. Xaba pointed out that this was necessitated by the fact that
the Senate candidates were stationed at the public gallery; just above the MPs’
seats, hence there were concerns that it would be easy to identify who the MPs
voted for.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read
more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142238-bribery-claims-rock-senate-elections.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142238-bribery-claims-rock-senate-elections.html</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Senate elections: new faces dominate,
3 ex-senators back<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142225-senate-elections-new-faces-dominate-3-ex-senators-back.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142225-senate-elections-new-faces-dominate-3-ex-senators-back.html</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stop MPs from electing senators –
Mangololo<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142285-stop-mps-from-electing-senators-mangololo.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142285-stop-mps-from-electing-senators-mangololo.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba
must be fired for incubating corruption in the race to Senate<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5363&fbclid=IwAR0vOs-rqfqUgrSzKmrSaD4e1unkfSjHT7yGXGwFCpkJxI6r0zkGj94s-Oc"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5363&fbclid=IwAR0vOs-rqfqUgrSzKmrSaD4e1unkfSjHT7yGXGwFCpkJxI6r0zkGj94s-Oc</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148632515"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Diminishing honour<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148632515;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Opinion,
by Martin Dlamini (<i>Times</i> editorial executive), <i>Times of eSwatini,</i>
13 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/feature/142210-diminishing-honour.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By the time you read this,
the results for the 10 contested Senate seats would have been issued. The
winner could have either purchased their seat or earned it through merit. Good
luck in your endeavour to differentiate between the saints and the sharks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In an ideal world, the
country’s elected officials would be people of impeccable character who won
their positions through hard work and talent’, rather than political
connections or money. It’s become very clear, though, that money is now the de
facto criterion for holding political office. This year’s Senate election did
little to dispel the poor reputation of a process that, in 2018, saw the
dignity of Parliament stripped bare by a humiliating bribery-for-Senate-seats
scandal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">We were left baffled and
waited for the law to take its course after several Members of Parliament
revealed they had accepted money from those aspiring to become senators and had
seen nothing wrong with doing so. A new head of the Anti-Corruption
Commission (ACC) had been appointed not long before this, raising hopes that
the new broom would take action to sift the guilty from the innocent. Instead
of being the hunter, however, the ACC had its wheels deflated and rendered
dormant by another arm of government, the Judiciary, where a judgment affecting
the legality of the ACC’s work has not been forthcoming for years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now we’re told that the
Executive branch is working to merge the ACC and the Human Rights Commission,
but is doing so at a snail’s pace, even as the nation teeters on the verge of
anarchy due to corruption. The negative consequence of ignoring this
problem is the country’s falling rankings on the Corruption Perception Index
(CPI). In 2017, we came in at number 85 out of 180 countries. By the year 2022,
we had fallen 45 spots, placing us at number 130. This is a damning indictment
on our legislators, the courts and elsewhere. If we continue down this path, by
2028 we may very well be dead last.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Of the 31 countries that
make up the ‘First World’, which we strive to join, it should come as no
surprise that Norway, Singapore, and Sweden are among the least corrupt in the
world. The CPI is produced by Transparency International on an annual basis and
it rates countries by their perceived levels of corruption. Potential investors
use it as a resource, and a country in dire need of new jobs would be foolish
to ignore it. Corruption, which can be simply defined as the abuse of
power for personal benefit, has been institutionalised at every level of our
society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A life is lost every other
day that corruption is allowed to thrive, thus time is not on our side. It
should go without saying that our Legislature is the first place to look for
remedies to this epidemic, which has rendered service delivery almost
non-existent. This is why it is highly imperative for our new MPs
to denounce corruption. Moreso because the prevailing perception is that those
who make it to Parliament only have personal interests at heart. If not
curbed, this evil is causing further division between the haves and have-nots
for a country that faces a mammoth task to remove another unwelcome tag of
being one of the most unequal societies of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So who will fix this?
Certainly not a person who paid his way to Parliament and is more concerned
about recouping their campaign or lobby money. They have no interest in
creating wealthy citizens. Why would they create future competitors who could
unseat them? Unless we purge this evil practice from our system, it will
continue to marginalise important groups such as people with disabilities
(PWDs). They tried but failed to get elected to the House of Assembly or to
Senate, simply because they have no financial muscle to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Women have a slight
advantage, given the law compelling the representation of at least one per
region to add numbers that comply with the constitutional 30 per cent women
requirement. What about the PWDs? Instead, we are seeing more privileged family
members willing to spend an arm and a leg to occupy seats in the Legislature.
At this rate, somebody will be able to buy the country. It can’t be!
Accepting the silver coin over the Bible was something King Somhlolo warned us
against because it would lead people to compromise their morals in exchange for
power. During the State opening of Parliament, King Mswati III has repeatedly
urged lawmakers to take action, and they should set an example. As we await the
list of appointees, one can only wish the new parliamentarians the best of luck
in the enormous task that lies head of them. Here’s to hoping that come 2028,
we don’t count them as the catalysts for sinking the Titanic to the rock bottom
of the CPI rankings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148633011"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Human rights activist slams Taiwan's
support for eSwatini's ‘dictatorship’<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148633011;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Jono Thomson, <i>Taiwan News,</i> 19 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5023502?fbclid=IwAR0XVITwyhpgJ--2PV0TQw2epxNzHgrQEmaLKLwv1vIDlD5ueiKtfyfoKHU"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">TAIPEI: The widow of a prominent Swazi human rights
lawyer and pro-democracy leader said that Taiwan is aiding a dictatorship, and
called on the Taiwan government and its people to help Eswatini achieve
democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Speaking at the Olso Freedom Forum in Taipei on Wednesday
(Oct. 18), Tanele Maseko </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3HMWXasKmw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">delivered</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">a strong condemnation
of Taiwan’s support for Eswatini’s government as led by King Mswati III.
Maseko’s husband – a prominent critic of the Eswatini government until his
death – was killed by gunmen in his home in January in an attack
colleagues </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/01/27/assassination-of-thulani-maseko-has-killed-prospects-of-peaceful-struggle-in-swaziland/"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">say</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> was ordered by
the king.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Formerly named Swaziland, Eswatini is one of Taiwan’s 13
remaining formal diplomatic allies, and substantial Taiwanese aid is provided
to the country. President Tsai Ing-wen was received by Mswati during a
state </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4990737"><span style="color: #28691b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">visit</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> to Eswatini last
month, after which she lauded the strengthening of bilateral ties.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Maseko said this relationship was surprising, and that
Taiwan’s aid supports the reign of a dictator. “If Taiwan claims to be a
democracy, if Taiwan supports and values the rule of law, then Taiwan will help
the people of Swaziland,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Political parties have been banned in the country since
the early 1970s, and the king rules Africa's last absolute monarchy. A 2022
U.S. government </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/eswatini/"><span style="color: #28691b; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">report</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> on the country’s
human rights record noted credible reports of government killings, cruel
treatment, political detention, and heavy censorship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Maseko said Taiwan should pressure the country’s king to
allow political parties to exist, and to free all political prisoners. “The
king must open up a space for an all-inclusive dialogue, where all Swazis will
sit at a round table and be a democracy,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“No amount of prison, no amount of torture or violence,
and certainly no amount of death will silence us,” Maseko said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Taiwan News put Maseko’s comments to Taiwan’s foreign
ministry, which provided a statement on Thursday that said bilateral
cooperation based on the “Taiwan Model” would continue with the Eswatini
government and people. A spokesperson said the Taiwan Model refers to
“cooperation and assistance that prioritizes promoting people's well-being.”</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148632528"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All money taken by the King, drugs
shortage continues<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148632528;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 16 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Swazis pay R 1 billion yearly for
the upkeep of the Swazi Monarchy yet there is drugs shortage in government
health institutions which has been ongoing for years. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A financial report reveals that King
Mswati III and his mother Ntombi Tfwala had been allocated E431 million
salaries for 2023 financial year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The right to life is no longer guaranteed
in Eswatini health facilities including government clinics and hospitals as
there is massive drugs shortage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Elderly people and the youth continue to
die in local Swazi hospitals as the regime fails buying medicines and drugs on
time from international drug companies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini elderly citizens are amongst a
group of patients who were turned back at local hospitals because of lack
medication. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They were referred to local pharmacies by
hospital medical staff. Patients are now forced to buy their medicines at local
pharmacies which are expensive. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lizzie Nkosi, Eswatini Minister of Health
publicly admitted that Eswatini faces a shortage of drugs. She posted a
statement on Eswatini government Facebook page. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">King Mswati III told close to 10 000 Swazi
who gathered at his Palace that health institutions had improved. However his statement
sounds has been rejected by many people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On 03 July, 2023, Eswatini government
Facebook page reported: “The minister of health Lizzie says government has met
suppliers to try and forge a way forward aimed at mitigating the medicines
shortages experienced by the health sector.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The report continued, “This process is
what leads to the delay in the supply of medicines. However, the Ministry of
health has started supplying the available medicines and medical suppliers to
the country's health facilities. As additional medicines and supplies are received
by the central medical stores (CMS) These are also supplied to the health
facilities as emergency deliveries.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However Mayibongwe Masangane, the
Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) disagrees
with Minister Nkosi and insists that drugs shortage still exists. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There are no drugs in public
institutions. The crisis is persistent and seemly there is no political will to
resolve it,” Masangane said. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Drugs shortage has been ongoing for over 5
years now. Elderly people who cannot afford private health care have been
affected. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A pro- democracy organisation called the
SUDF led by Lucky Dlamini delivered a petition following the lack of drugs in
Eswatini health institutions including Mankayane Government Hospital and at
Ngowane Clinic last week. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Our people are deliberately being killed
through this negligence, incompetence and inefficient tinkhundla government.
The concerned citizens at Ngowane and surrounding areas did want to deliver the
petition, that sought to demand that the Ngowane clinic management, the
minister of health, and the government should ensure that there are adequate
quality medical drugs in our clinics, health centres and hospitals. And
ensuring that the rights to free access to health, medical care is protected in
the country.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He added, “The Ngowane clinic management
and police officers rejected. The police officers influenced the clinic
management not take the petition, because they don't want a repeat of 2021 June
in the country. SUDF want to put it on record that the way the oppressive
government handle such peaceful protest. We call government to allow our people
to exercise their right to freedom of expression, association and assembly,”
said Dlamini. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A respected Swazi exiled opposition leader
Dr Jabulane Matsebula says expressed his disappointment about the issue of
drugs shortage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matsebula wrote an article for Eswatini’s
reputable online publication the Swati Newsweek Online dated 14 March, 2023 and
said, In a startling revelation during the 2022/2023 budget speech, the
government of Swaziland said that it is “failing as a government” to manage the
economy, invest in critical infrastructure, deliver public services in health
and education, and reduce poverty and unemployment levels. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In its own admission of failure,
government stated that “sufficient job opportunities have not been provided for
our youth. We have continued to experience a shortage of medicines in our
clinics and hospitals. We are not delivering an education sufficient to prepare
our future generations for the task at hand” (para.5). For the first time in
the history of post-colonial Swaziland, the monarchy government has admitted
failure. Whilst the admission of failure is a significant development, this is
not the first failure but a litany of failures over decades. Swaziland has
regressed to this state of economic decay because of many years of neglect and
poor political lshortage.,"Matsebula observed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a 2019 news report published around
November The Eswatini Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Dr. Simone Zwane
was quoted as saying," government’s challenges also affected his ministry.
“The ministry of health is currently experiencing challenges of meeting the
needs of patients especially the availability of medication in hospitals. Which
is caused by suppliers not being paid, It’s a pity we are going through this
economic challenges as a country,” said Zwane. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Five years later the problem cited by
Zwane has still not been addressed by the King Mswati regime.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148632540"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Report a ploy to bluff the public<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148632540;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Sibusiso Dlamini, <i>eSwatini Observer</i>, 17 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21311"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nurses are convinced that the forensic
investigation into the drugs shortage is nothing but a plan to deceive the
public, according to Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) Secretary
General, Mayibongwe Masangane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masangane says the controversy surrounding
Funduzi Forensic Services, the company that conducted the forensic
investigation, as well as reports of the procurement process being tainted with
irregularity, are enough proof that the investigation was supposedly a sham.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It has become clear to all of us that
this so-called forensic investigation was nothing but a ploy to buy time in
order to cover the real shenanigans,” said Masangane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The questionable credibility of the
company tasked with conducting the investigation is a slap in the face because
it proves to all and sundry that this whole exercise was not meant to uncover
the truth but to bury it,” he added.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masangane also complained about the
process dragging for months, and said the previous Cabinet’s posture regarding
the whole probe was also testament of this fact.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"Why were they not concerned about
vacating office without getting to the bottom of the matter that has grounded
all public health facilities?" he wondered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He also found fault in the fact that
health practitioners were not formally informed about the cause of the drugs
shortage and of the investigation, highlighting that they wrote numerous times
to the then principal secretary (Simon Zwane) and former minister of health
(Lizzie Nkosi) enquiring about the matter, but only got an audience with Zwane,
who also turned out not to be of assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What the former PS ended up telling us
was that the matter was political and was therefore, beyond his control,”
disclosed Masangane, further emphasising that this was the one time in the country’s
history that the health system was totally on its knees with no sight of a
light at the end of the tunnel anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“This indubitably proves that this whole
mess is deliberate because even the lies and contradictory statements by those
in authority have been shocking honestly, and something we have never seen
before,” he stated. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The drugs shortage probe has been faced
with challenges since the principal procurement officer under the ministry of
health, Sincedzile Dlamini-Magwaza and Deputy Director – Pharmaceutical
Services, Fortunate Bhembe, successfully obtained an interdict against the
investigators on extortion allegations by one of Funduzi’s investigators,
Charles Kwezera.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Kwezera was later removed from the
investigation, and in an earlier interview, Funduzi Forensic Services Executive
Director, Zakhele Dlamini, said he was quite disturbed when he saw the WhatsApp
messages wherein Kwezera reportedly initiated the alleged extortion, which was
why the company took immediate action against him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“We requested that the police not allow
him to return to South Africa, terminated his services after our internal
disciplinary hearing and even reported him to the South African Institute of
Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to show how serious we were,” said Dlamini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He, however, said he was quite shocked
that the company was now being deemed irregular just because of allegations
against one employer and further questioned why Dlamini-Magwaza did not lay
criminal charges against Kwezera.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“How many times do we hear of a police
officer involved in bribery but never hear of a suggestion to completely
disband the police service?” said Dlamini.<br />
“We even advised her to report the matter to the police as a criminal case, but
she did not,” he added.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shocker:
<a name="_Hlk148632552">eSwatini’s life expectancy to drop to 57<o:p></o:p></a></span></b></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148632552;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Mthunzi Mdluli, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i><span style="color: black;"> 17 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142289-shocker-eswatini%E2%80%99s-life-expectancy-to-drop-to-57.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Shocking statistics reveal that an average liSwati
will not live beyond the age of 57 years.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is contained in recent
statistics released by Business Insiders Africa. Business Insiders Africa
is a leading Pan-African news provider. Eswatini is ranked seventh among
the top 10 African countries expected to have low life expectancy. According
to Business Insiders Africa, Eswatini’s life expectancy is projected to be
57.71 years in the coming years. This means the life expectancy is
expected to be lower than the current 2023 statistics showing a life expectancy
of 61.05 years. In 2023, the country’s life expectancy increased by 0.57
per cent from 2022, which was 60.70 years, a 0.58 per cent increase from 2021.
The life expectancy for Eswatini in 2021 was 60.35 years, a 0.58 per cent
increase from 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to Business Insiders
Africa, the 10 African countries’ life expectancy statistics painted a sobering
picture of the difficulties their citizens encountered. The low life
expectancy is attributed to high rates of infectious diseases, limited access
to quality healthcare, and socio-economic disparities that contribute to
shorter lifespans. It has been stated that some nations on the continent
continued to struggle with significant challenges, particularly in the field of
public health. Business Insiders Africa also stated that such countries
still had life expectancy which remained notably low and thus influenced by a
combination of factors, including the accessibility of healthcare, the
stability of their economies, and the effectiveness of public health
initiatives. Tragically, children born in three African countries, Chad,
Nigeria and Lesotho, face the sobering possibility of not reaching their 55th
birthday. In six other African nations, a similar fate awaits individuals
before they reach the age of 60.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148632567"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unemployment contributes - economist<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148632567;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mthunzi
Mdluli, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i><span style="color: black;"> 17 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142288-unemployment-contributes-economist.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Economist Thembinkosi Dube says unemployment contributes
to low life expectancy.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dube was responding to
questions on how economic instability contributes to people dying before at
least reaching their retirement age. He said if a person failed to get a job or
not succeed in life, stress developed and later led to hypertension or
diabetes, which caused death. Dube also stated that unemployment also increased
crimes such as housebreaking and theft, among others, which might expose the
thieves to danger of being killed. “When these people unlawfully break-into
people’s houses, they expose themselves to the dangers of being shot and killed
by the house owners. These thieves also expose themselves to mob attacks,”
said Dube. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The economist further
highlighted that some women had become sex workers or started engaging in
illicit practices with the intention of making money, despite the fact that
they were exposing themselves to infectious diseases such HIV/AIDS and sexual
transmitted infections (STIs), which lead to death at some point in time.
According to Dube, people living in countries such as Britain and Japan, among
others had a majority of an old age population as compared to African
countries. He said the high number of old people in developed countries
was as a result of a conducive political climate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Government in developed
countries is taking care of them (old people) and has old age homes where they
are looked after,” said Dube. Meanwhile, Dube said a lot was supposed to
be done by government in as far as corruption was concerned. He, however,
lamented on the current reports of corruption allegations leveled against some
Members of Parliament (MPs), which he said it was, therefore, questionable on
how they would enact laws in Parliament that would take the country
forward. He said due to such allegations, it would be difficult for them
to reprimand each other when something went wrong. He was responding to
questions on what government needed to do to help assist in dealing with such a
low life expectancy prediction expected to be below the retirement age, being
60 years. He said the nation had a long way ahead in dealing with corruption,
which he said it had immensely affected the country. “A high unemployment
rate also results in corruption because some people are not hired based on
qualifications but through nepotism. There is a need to sort out this issue,”
he explained.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The economist further pleaded
with government to start paying civil servants reasonable salaries and its
suppliers faithfully. He said once that started happening, it could lubricate
the economy. “Three months would be enough for the country’s economy to change
for the better if government starts paying its suppliers on time. If government
can be faithful for a year on this, then the country’s economy can be
completely different,” he said. Furthermore, the economist said once the
unemployment rate was minimised, it would result to emaSwati starting to expand
their businesses as a result of economic confidence. According to the
economist, once the business people begin to expand, they would start to
recruit more people to help in producing more and later exporting their
products to other countries. He said such exportation would result to the
growth in gross domestic products (GDP) of the country. He further said if
government and parastatals would be committed to dealing with the
aforementioned issues, then the economy of the country would change for the
better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Government’s rise to action
can lubricate all the stresses faced by restaurants and others from shutting
down their businesses. I have also noted that it is no longer busy on weekends
in towns due to the fact that people don’t have money,” he said. Also,
Dube noted with concern that the ease of doing business they had been
advocating for would not be effective if emaSwati did not have money in their
possession. He then lamented by stating that some businesspeople,
soon after doing businesses with government and some parastatals, ended up not
getting paid, leading to them closing down their businesses. “It is so
unfortunate that some small businesses are still being owed by government a sum
of E800 000 for three years. This then frustrates the businesspeople because
they fail to run their businesses properly,” he said. Also, Dube said if
Eswatini would start losing certain skills as result of deaths before the age
of 57 years, government would be greatly affected in terms of getting relevant
skills. “If employees die as result of long illnesses, then government is
expected to pay more. Government has to pay its staff while being admitted in
various hospitals which increases the financial load,” said Dube.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-27610445646822009242023-10-13T09:49:00.000+02:002023-10-13T09:49:15.630+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 798 – 13 October 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk147576824"></a><a name="_Hlk148078637"></a><a name="_Hlk135932955"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland
Newsletter No. 798 – 13 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about
Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><a name="_Hlk147818468"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘People want
change but fear the guns’: Fighting for democracy in eSwatini<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078637;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147818468;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Sumayya Ismail, Al
Zazerra, 9 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147818468;"></span></span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/9/people-want-change-but-fear-the-guns-fighting-for-democracy-in-eswatini"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147818468;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></span></span></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147818468;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The first time
Maxwell Dlamini was arrested, he was 21 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">It was April 2011,
and the marketing student was at a demonstration in Mbabane, the capital of
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland and considered by many to be the last
absolute monarchy in Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Dlamini was out
campaigning for democratic reforms, but the state saw it another way. They
argued he was trying to overthrow the government, classified him as a dangerous
political prisoner, and held him in a maximum security prison where he faced
months of harassment, solitary confinement, and torture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“I was kept in
isolation for the longest time, not interacting with any other inmates,”
Dlamini told Al Jazeera. “I was denied the right to write my exams, so I ended
up not finishing and was expelled from university … At some stage, while I was
in prison, I also had a stroke.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Just shy of a year
behind bars, an international human rights campaign helped secure bail and his
release. But his freedom was short-lived. From 2012 to 2014, he was arrested
twice more – once for criticising the king’s lavish birthday party while Swazis
live in poverty and once for attending a May Day workers’ rally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">For his actions, he
was charged with sedition and “terrorism”, and more than a decade later, his
court case is still pending. At the same time, the People’s United Democratic
Movement (PUDEMO), which he is deputy secretary general of, remains a banned
organisation in a country where political parties are illegal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Meanwhile, Dlamini is
receiving psychosocial support after his ordeal. “I have episodes and
flashbacks,” he said. “I still feel like I’m in a box, so I have to sleep with
the lights on.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini, the small
Southern African kingdom of 1.2 million people, has been governed by King
Mswati III for 37 years after he took over from his father, who had ruled since
the country gained independence from Britain in 1968.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Tensions have been
high there in recent years, especially since a crackdown on mass pro-democracy
protests in 2021 killed dozens of people, and calls for greater transparency
and real democratic reform have grown.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">King Mswati III of
Eswatini, left, with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare,
Zimbabwe [File: Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters]<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini considers
itself a constitutional monarchy. “We are a kingdom that subscribes to
constitutionalism, to the rule of law, to democracy and to all international
norms of human rights and good governance,” government spokesperson Alpheous
Nxumalo told Al Jazeera.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="display: none; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hide: all;">Bottom
of Form<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">But rights activists
and pro-democracy groups said that in practice, it’s an absolute monarchy where
the king reigns over all else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According to the 2022
Freedom in the World </span></span><a href="https://freedomhouse.org/country/eswatini/freedom-world/2022" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #0059a5; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">report</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">, which tracks global trends in political rights and
civil liberties, “The king exercises ultimate authority over all branches of
the national government and effectively controls local governance through his
influence over traditional chiefs. Political dissent and civic and labor
activism are subject to harsh punishment under sedition and other laws.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In late September,
the country held elections to elect 59 members of parliament. Because the
Eswatini constitution bans political parties, only individuals can stand for
election.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"></span><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/9/people-want-change-but-fear-the-guns-fighting-for-democracy-in-eswatini"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/9/people-want-change-but-fear-the-guns-fighting-for-democracy-in-eswatini</span></i></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><a name="_Hlk148078657"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">King, Queen Mother gets salary increase to share E431
million<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078657;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Eugene
Dube, Swati Newsweek, 9 October, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></span></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">LOBAMBA: The budget for Eswatini Royal family is over
E991 million for 2023 financial year and King Mswati III and his mother Ntombi
Tfwala have received a wage increase. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini’s new investigative media outlet, Inhlase
Centre for investigative Journalism exposed the huge financial issue. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">According to a news report from Inhlase Centre for
investigative Journalism, the royal budget includes an allocation for wages for
the king, Indlovukazi, the rest of the royal household and payments to any
other person as the king may decide. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This year, Rijkenberg’s budget has made a generous
allocation for royal provisions. He has set aside a budget allocation of E431
million for the Royal Emoluments and Civil List. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This allocation represents an increase of E20 million
from E411 million in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rijkenberg’s overall budget of E1.038 billion,
recurrent and capital, for King Mswati and the royal household represents about
3.8% of the total national budget of E26 billion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last year 2022 financial year the Royal family
recieved E1, billion for its upkeep. E411 was set aside for the King and
Queenmother's salaries. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Information about the King’s salary is always ignored
by the Swazi mainstream media. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Inhlase Centre for Invesigative Journalism noted that,
"as ordinary emaSwati battle the realities of high inflation, mounting
national debt and unemployment, government says things are looking up and has
given the king and the royal household a bigger chunk of the budget, three
times bigger than the country’s financially strapped national university will
get."<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Government has made as subvention a budget provision
of E446 million for the University of Eswatini which was closed for almost two
months because of a strike by staff including lecturers over salaries. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is a drop in the ocean for the kingdom’s national
university which is laden with a wage bill of over E40 million a month. The
subvention is not even half of what it had requested; E1billion for a smooth
running of its operations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><a name="_Hlk148078667"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Swaziland Election
Round-Up<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078667;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078667;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini
conducts a competent caricature of democracy<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078667;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The elections were quite
well run, say the African Union and SADC. But to what end?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Peter Fabricius,
ISS (Institute for Security Studies) Today, 6 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"></span><a href="https://issafrica.org/iss-today/eswatini-conducts-a-competent-caricature-of-democracy"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini – or Swaziland as some of its
citizens still call it – held last Friday what should be called a reasonably
competent charade of a legislative election.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The polls were essentially meaningless
as Parliament has no power in this absolute monarchy. That was demonstrated two
years ago when the state arrested two Members of Parliament (MPs) merely for
suggesting the prime minister be elected by Parliament and not appointed by
King Mswati III. The two MPs are serving jail sentences while a third is in
exile, having fled the country one jump ahead of the police.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But as charades go, it went quite well,
according to both the African </span></span><a href="https://au.int/sites/default/files/pressreleases/43197-pr-PRELIMINARY_STATEMENT_-_AUEOM_IN_THE_KINGDOM_OF_ESWATINI_-_1_OCT_2023.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #004ea2; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Union</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> and
the Southern African Development Community (</span></span><a href="https://www.sadc.int/latest-news/sadc-electoral-observation-mission-seom-preliminary-statement-29th-september-2023" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #004ea2; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SADC</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">),
the two organisations that deployed the main official election observer
missions. Their preliminary reports make for interesting, if rather surreal
reading. Both commended Swazis for turning out in large numbers and voting in a
peaceful and orderly fashion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk147576824;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They also
praised Eswatini’s Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) for running the
process quite competently. Most polling stations opened on time, voting
procedures were largely followed, etc. The SADC Electoral Observer Mission
(SEOM) also commended the electoral commission for its successful voter
registration drive, which registered 584 710 voters, equating to a
‘remarkable 91.2%’ of the 641 121 eligible voters identified in the 2018
National Census.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The SEOM also
noted that ‘in an effort to be more inclusive,’ the electoral commission
targeted marginalised groups in its voter education. This was to ‘encourage
meaningful participation and representation’ to achieve greater ‘democratic
consolidation’ in line with SADC’s Principles and Guidelines for elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The elections
were essentially meaningless as Parliament has no power in this absolute
monarchy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As Piers Pigou,
Head of the Southern Africa Programme at the Institute for Security Studies
(ISS), points out, these complimentary observations that suggest complete
normality were rather bizarre. Especially as they were so at odds with other
remarks in the SEOM report – not to mention with reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These other
remarks point out that Eswatini’s government hasn’t implemented the SEOM’s main
recommendation after the 2018 elections that it should conduct a ‘peaceful and
tolerant’ dialogue about the country’s political system focusing on ‘the
recognition of the role of political parties.’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For despite the
constitution’s recognition of the rights of assembly and expression, political
parties remain banned from participating in elections. So once again, on 29
September, candidates for Parliament stood as individuals in the country’s
traditional tinkhundla system, which gives enormous powers to chiefs, who in
turn are answerable to the king.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The 2023 SEOM
also said that after Eswatini’s violent June 2021 pro-democracy </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://issafrica.org/iss-today/turning-a-blind-eye-to-eswatini" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #004ea2; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">protests</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> and riots, in which scores were
killed and much infrastructure destroyed, SADC noted that ‘the issues behind
the disturbances were political, structural or systemic in nature, with the
tinkhundla system at the centre.’ The SEOM reiterated its 2018 calls and SADC’s
appeal for Eswatini to embark on a national dialogue to replace its current
political system.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini hasn’t
implemented SADC’s main recommendation after the 2018 elections<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pigou said the
‘dissonance between the two elements of the SEOM report is remarkable. It
raises the question of why SADC decided to participate at all in a process that
was so compromised.’ Pigou said he understood that the SADC Electoral Advisory
Council had in fact recommended against sending an observer mission to
Eswatini, but had been overruled by SADC’s Council of Ministers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Probably for
this reason too, the Commonwealth Secretariat, despite being involved in past
efforts to resolve the country’s conflict, did not send an official observer
mission. It did however deploy some election experts to report back to London
on developments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To
read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://issafrica.org/iss-today/eswatini-conducts-a-competent-caricature-of-democracy"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">https://issafrica.org/iss-today/eswatini-conducts-a-competent-caricature-of-democracy</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148078685"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Parties urged
members to stand in ‘farce’ Swazi elections<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078685;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Sizwe Sama Yende, <i>City
Press</i> (South Africa), 8 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/citypress/politics/parties-urged-members-to-stand-in-farce-swazi-elections-20231008"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Some
political parties in Eswatini have allowed their members to individually
campaign and stand for positions in a strategy to canvass for democratic
reforms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
landlocked country and Africa’s only absolute monarchy held its secondary
elections, described by the </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/citypress/search?query=African+Union" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">African Union</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> (AU) as peaceful, on September 29.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Sive
Siyinqaba and Swaziland Liberation Movement (Swalimo), a party formed by former
Member of Parliament, Mduduzi “Magawugawu” Simelane, had agreed to allow their
members to participate in the elections to occupy positions as Members of
Parliament, Indvuna Yenkhundla (Constituency Headsman) and 336 Bucopho
(Community Headsman).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Sive
Siyinqaba has claimed that 70% of its members won seats. However, the oldest
and biggest political party in the kingdom, the People’s </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/citypress/search?query=United+Democratic+Movement" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">United Democratic Movement</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> (Pudemo), labelled the
elections a “farce” and did not encourage its members to participate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Political
parties were banned by the late King Sobhuza in 1973 and cannot contest
elections. The country adopted a Tinkhundla system, which allows individuals to
stand and be voted in positions but not under the banner of political parties.
However, the AU’s observer mission has made a recommendation to the government
to review its legal framework to embrace the participation of political parties
in elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
elections were conducted against the backdrop of pro-democracy protests in July
2021, which have since shone the spotlight on the monarch, </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/citypress/search?query=King+Mswati+III" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">King Mswati III</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">, to sit around the table with
all organisations to chart a way forward for the country – towards a democratic
system.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
Southern African Development Community proposed a dialogue, but King Mswati III
prefers his isibaya (byre) meeting which happens occasionally and where issues
are supposed to be raised.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
violent protests erupted after three members of parliament - Bacede Mabuza,
Mthandeni Dube and Simelane – publicly advocated for democratic reforms and
protested the king’s appointment of then-acting prime minister, Themba Masuku,
whom they said should have been elected by voters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Mabuza
and Dube have since been found guilty of terrorism, sedition and murder.
Simelane went into exile and formed Swalimo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">King
Mswati reacted with brutality. His police and soldiers conducted a reign of
terror and torture that led to the maiming and killing of more than 1 000
civilians.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Among the
casualties were human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko, who was assassinated at
his home in January.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Mswati
has since allegedly hired apartheid-era mercenaries to silence dissent in the
country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Swalimo
spokesperson, Thantaza Silolo, said that the organisation did not participate
in the elections but urged all citizens to register to vote with the purpose of
electing a certain kind of MP – who would emulate the trio who sparked the
protests.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Those
MPs provoked the hope of the nation to see that their representatives can
actually bring the positives inside the legislature as far as the call for
reforms is concerned.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Indeed,
the system is a farce,” he added, “but with representatives who are pro-change,
you are able to make inroads. Swalimo, being a mass-based movement, had many of
its members and supporters participating indeed and many made it, which
resulted in most of the pro-regime contestants – who are from the old
Parliament – being booted out of the race early in the primaries and some in
the secondary elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“I can
mention that we do not have large numbers, of course, but we are happy with the
inroads.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Pudemo
president, Mlungisi Makhanya, said that his organisation respected other
parties’ decision to allow their members to participate in the elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“The
majority of organisations in the Mass Democratic Movement resolved not to
associate themselves with the farce called Tinkhundla elections,” Makhanya
said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He added:
“Pudemo members in their overwhelming majority didn’t partake in the Tinkhundla
elections. However, there were a few delinquents who went against the
resolution of the organisation and stood for elections. It was few and isolated
cases.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini
government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said that the government was “quite
comfortable” with the recommendations by the AU and various observatory
missions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“The
Elections and Boundaries Commission in collaboration with the ministry of
justice and constitutional affairs shall work on the recommendations and do
whatever that is necessary within the provisions of the Kingdom’s national
Constitution,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Strangely,
he said that political parties were not banned in the country. “They operate
and meet freely, and their respective members have contested the recently
concluded elections.” King Mswati III has announced the 10 MPs as he has the
power to handpick. Among them is his son, Prince Lindani.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk148078697"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Calls for an
elected Prime Minister (PM) without unbanning of political parties a mockery of
democracy, elected Speaker serves King Mswati<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148078697;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Opinion, by Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>,
11 October, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5336"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Even if King Mswati agreed to
allow emaSwati to elect their own Prime Minister (PM), the calls for democracy
wouldn’t be over until political parties are allowed to freely participate or
contest elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The calls for an elected Prime
Minister that commenced in Parliament was in fact, a mockery of democracy that
was, however, worth compromising to allow the citizens oppressed for over fifty
(50) years to gradually understand and transform into a new democratic
dispensation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this country, the Speaker
is not appointed by the King but elected by the House of Assembly and this, I
would suggest, is just a drop of democracy in an ocean of dictatorship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a result, that drop of
democracy cannot breath in a political system established and grounded on
dictatorship values, where King Mswati’s word automatically becomes the law.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It should be noted that, most
elected MPs who previously held this position were elected by the people but,
what they did once they arrived in Parliament is public knowledge, they
submitted to the authority of the King.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Therefore, electing a Prime
Minister under the Tinkhundla system would be reforming this cruel and
oppressive system because that Head of Government, will not serve the interest
of the masses but the King and the stomachs of those who claim they can
democratize Tinkhundla.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Tinkhundla system of
governance will never be democratic but, like a chameleon, it has been changing
‘colours’ over years to appear as democratic in the eyes of the people and the
international community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is therefore important to
state that, democracy is not about individuals or electing a Prime Minister but
the establishment of democratic institutions that enhance accountability of
public power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Former Speaker Petros
Mavimbela was elected by the people of Mhlambanyatsi but when he arrived in
Parliament, he protected the interests of King Mswati, an absolute Monarch by
blocking critical motions of vital public interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The calls for democracy should
not be compromised by short-term political interests, the process of
democratizing this country include unbanning of political parties, establishing
of an independent judiciary and capacitating the civil society and the media
among others, to be more vibrant and hold those in power accountable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Furthermore, the process
include the establishment of a democratic Parliament and a democratic and
independent Legislature can only be a product of democratic elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Executive Arm of
Government should also be a product of democratic elections that reflects the
will of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-14232067517610920192023-10-06T09:10:00.001+02:002023-10-06T09:10:29.568+02:00 Swaziland Newsletter No. 797 – 6 October 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> <a name="_Hlk135932955" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 797 – 6
October 2023</span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Commissioner
General issued order to assault Bacede Mabuza, over 100 recruits and drunkards
unleashed on badly injured MP, shout “You will know King Mswati today”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 1 October, 2023<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5274"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MATSAPHA: Phindile Dlamini, the
Correctional Services Commissioner General allegedly issued an order to over
one hundred (100) recruits, to assault incarcerated pro-democracy Member of
Parliament (MP) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Commissioner General went on to deny
the MP the right to eat for two (2) days, after blocking his family on Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been disclosed that, family members
were only allowed to see the incarcerated MP earlier on Saturday after this <i>Swaziland
News</i> exposed that Mabuza was assaulted inside prison.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Information gathered by this publication
suggests that, the warders first provoked the MP by blocking his wife and a
relative from delivering his food, that was on Friday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The warders allegedly lied to the family
member who was at the Matsapha Prison gate that, Mabuza said he doesn’t want to
see his wife anymore, yet the MP was patiently waiting for his food inside
prison.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The warders then told the MP to go back to
his prison cell as the waiting time for the food was over, the MP allegedly
responded by saying he won’t go back to the cell without his food.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over one hundred (100) recruits including
drunkards, who drink alcohol at Matsapha Prison Bar were then unleashed by the
senior Correctional Officers to assault the MP.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been disclosed that, in the
process, the recruits and drunkards were allegedly shouting “You will know King
Mswati today, the country is facing political instability because of you.
Utawuyati iNkhosi Mswati namuhla, lelive linjena nje nguwe lowacala lentfo”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A questionnaire was sent to Superintendent
Gugulethu Dlamini, the Correctional Services Spokesperson, however, he had not
responded at the time of compiling this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments by this <i>Swaziland
News</i> on Saturday, lawyer Sicelo Mngomezulu, the lawyer representing the
incarcerated MPs confirmed the assault adding that, the family and lawyers were
then blocked from seeing the MP hence his condition after the assault, remain
unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s true, we can confirm that the MP was
assaulted and his family was then blocked from delivering food, lawyers are
also not allowed to see him. As a result, his condition remain unknown and we
are preparing to file an urgent application, seeking an order to be allowed to
see him,” said the lawyer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MPs Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were
arrested as per an order allegedly issued by King Mswati merely for demanding
democracy inside Parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On another note, the incarcerated MP is
currently being kept inside the maximum prison with serious injuries, he was
also assaulted all over the body including in the private parts and the
eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Political activists including human rights
defenders are killed by Mswati’s forces inside prison cells, the State normally
cover-up the human rights violations by pretending to be establishing a
“Commission of Inquiry” with predictable findings and recommendations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Grave Violation of
human rights recorded<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://developmentdiaries.com/eswatini-grave-violation-of-human-rights-recorded/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://developmentdiaries.com/eswatini-grave-violation-of-human-rights-recorded/</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Authorities must investigate brutal
prison attack on former MP (Amnesty International)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/eswatini-authorities-must-investigate-former-mps-torture-claims/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/eswatini-authorities-must-investigate-former-mps-torture-claims/</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Swaziland Elections Round-up<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini announces parliamentary election results
under monarch’s rule<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Lunga Masuku, Reuters, 3 October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/eswatini-announces-parliamentary-election-results-under-monarchs-rule-2023-10-02/"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A total of 51 men and eight
women were elected to Eswatini's parliament in last week's election, with a
strong showing for pro-royalist candidates in results expected to make little
difference to the politics of Africa's last absolute monarchy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Southern Africa nation has
been ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, when he inherited the crown from his
father Sobhuza II. It went to the polls on Friday to elect politicians who
effectively function as the king's advisers with no executive power. The
electoral commission published the results on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Political parties are banned
in the country of about 1.2-million people, but individual candidates are
allowed to run for seats in the House of Assembly every five years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of the parliamentarians
elected in Eswatini, which changed its name from Swaziland in 2018, most were
seen as being loyal to the king and included former journalists and teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In addition to the 59 elected
MPs, the king will appoint 10 more to the House of Assembly at his discretion,
which will include five women.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">An AU-led election observation
mission said women continued to be underrepresented in parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many Swazis are reluctant to
criticise the 55-year-old king despite rising anger that fuelled violent
pro-democracy protests in 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mswati has also been accused
by pro-democracy campaigners of consistently evading calls for meaningful
reforms that would push the country towards democracy.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">King appoints 10 MPs<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Sibongile Sukati, <i>eSwatini Observer,</i> 5
October 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21239"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Four former Cabinet ministers
have been reappointed as Members of Parliament (MPs) by His Majesty King Mswati
III.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This was during the
announcement of the 10 MP appointees for the House of Assembly by the Attorney
General (AG), Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo at 6pm yesterday during a press
conference at his offices.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The former ministers are Prince
Simelane, who was minister of Housing and Urban Development, Princess Lindiwe
who was minister of Home Affairs, former minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation, Thulisile Dladla and former minister of Commerce,
Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The attorney general also
announced that Prince Lindani, Chief Mshengu, Chief Mvimbi Matse and Chief
Ngalokhulu Mabuza were also appointees.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Completing the list was former
Elections and Boundaries Commission commissioner Nkosingumenzi Dlamini and
Tsembeni Magongo.<br />
This now brings to total 69 MPs after 59 members of <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Parliament were elected last
week Friday during the national elections held nationwide.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This now brings the number of
women in the 12th House of Assembly to 12, as eight others were elected during
the secondary elections last week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To read more
of this report click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21239"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21239</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Opposition calls for change after polls close<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">By
Africanews dot com, 30 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.africanews.com/2023/09/30/eswatini-opposition-calls-for-change-after-polls-close/"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">Voting ended on Friday in Eswatini's legislative elections, Africa's last
absolute monarchy.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After sunset, a handful of voters were
still lining up to cast their ballots at a polling station in the capital,
Mbabane, with not much hope the vote will bring much change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The attempt was actually to say let us
have people who are going to go into Parliament and be a voice of the
voiceless, understanding that in Swaziland there is still a dictatorship, where
in the King actually has all the power, absolute monarchy that is. So we want a
voice in Parliament to say, let us democratize,” explains Thantaza Silolo,
Swaziland Liberation Movement spokesperson. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Despite recent and deadly pro-democracy
protests, no turmoil was observed during these elections in which voters were
to choose 59 members of the lower house of parliament, which plays only an
advisory role to King Mswati.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Polling stations started to close at
around 7:00 pm local and counting began in the southern African nation, ruled
by King Mswati III for the last four decades.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Let us have the economy shared amongst
ourselves, and let us have power, because they were saying let us have a Prime
Minister that has been elected by the people not just a Prime Minister who has
been appointed or appointed by the King. Because when the Prime Minister is
appointed by the King it means he will not account to the population, he will
only account to the one that appointed him, because he holds the power,”
adds Thantaza Silolo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini was
shaken in 2021 by pro-democracy protests that were violently quashed by
security forces, with dozens of people killed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The results, to be announced within a few
days, are seen as a foregone conclusion by the opposition, which largely called
for a boycott of the vote.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Political parties are banned in the
landlocked country between South Africa and Mozambique, and lawmakers cannot be
affiliated with political groups.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The constitution emphasises “individual
merit” as the basis for selecting MPs. While it allows for freedom of
association, opposition groupings are often run from abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Most candidates are loyal to King Mswati<span style="color: #333333;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Elections chaos as man draws gun, voter stabbed<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Sibusiso Zwane,
Stanley Khumalo, Joseph Zulu and Ntombi Mhlongo, <i>eSwatini News</i>, 30
September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142036-elections-chaos-as-man-draws-gun-voter-stabbed.html"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MANZINI: The secondary elections in the Manzini-Mbabane corridor were
marred by chaos, frustrations and fears of rigging.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Heightened suspicions of the involvement of textile workers, allegations
flew back and forth, that one irate voter who supported a certain candidate
contesting the Member of Parliament (MP) position drew a gun to scare alleged
riggers. At the height of the fracas, some alleged textile workers and the
aspiring MP ran for cover. As a result, police were called to three of the
polling stations as the aggrieved voters attacked voters they believed were
ineligible to vote under Manzini North.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">They vowed to deal with candidates who bought votes from the textile
industry, mainly in Matsapha, where over 20 000 people are employed.<br />
In one of the incidences, it is alleged that one of the followers of an equally
aggrieved MP candidate drew a gun to show potential cheaters that ‘enough is
enough.’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According to an eyewitness, the aggrieved voters camped at the polling
station before voting started at 7am. Seeing a very long queue with unfamiliar
faces, word went out that the textile workers had arrived and were forming part
of the registered voters under this embattled constituency.<br />
The eyewitnesses said the angry voters regrouped, in one accord, went to the
polling station to confront those they suspected of having come solely to rig
the elections, in favour of those who bribed them for illegal
votes. During the confrontation, they said one of them allegedly drew a
gun, while demanding that the voters, whom they believed were textile workers
should not dare go to vote.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142036-elections-chaos-as-man-draws-gun-voter-stabbed.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142036-elections-chaos-as-man-draws-gun-voter-stabbed.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Other
reports on the Swaziland election<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini
parliamentary elections: Critics say the vote is a sham election<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4meSod3Z5Y"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4meSod3Z5Y</span></i></a></span><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #131313; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; padding: 0cm;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Malema describes
Eswatini parliamentary elections as a 'derision of democracy'<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DwKerVlXPc"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DwKerVlXPc</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sive Siyinqaba:
70% of our members won elections<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142104-sive-siyinqaba-70-of-our-members-won-elections.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142104-sive-siyinqaba-70-of-our-members-won-elections.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">New faces a
majority in 12th parliament<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21222"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21222</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #0162b3; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Unpopular
candidates defeat 17 ex-MPs<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142049-unpopular-candidates-defeat-17-ex-mps.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142049-unpopular-candidates-defeat-17-ex-mps.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some elections
losers blame bribery and corruption<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142085-some-elections-losers-blame-bribery-and-corruption.html"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/142085-some-elections-losers-blame-bribery-and-corruption.html</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eswatini’s
parliamentary elections get nod of approval from observer missions<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-02-eswatinis-parliamentary-elections-get-nod-of-approval-from-observer-missions/"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-02-eswatinis-parliamentary-elections-get-nod-of-approval-from-observer-missions/</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-19318013046746345292023-09-29T09:00:00.001+02:002023-09-29T09:00:35.070+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 796 – 29 September 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 796 – 29
September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Parliamentary vote set for Eswatini, Africa’s last
absolute monarchy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">By </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .25pt; line-height: 107%;">Agence France-Presse</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">, 26 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/26/parliamentary-vote-set-for-eswatini-africas-last-absolute-monarchy"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The last absolute monarchy in Africa, the Kingdom of Eswatini, will hold
parliamentary elections on Friday (29 September 2023), with political parties
banned from contesting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The constitution emphasises “individual merit” as the basis for
selecting lawmakers, who cannot be affiliated with any political group. Being
in the good graces of King Mswati III, who wields absolute power, also carries
much weight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">About 585,000 registered voters will be called to choose 59 members of
the lower house of parliament, which plays only an advisory role to the
monarch. Mswati, who can veto any legislation, will directly appoint another 10
lawmakers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">With most candidates loyal to the king, the election is unlikely to change
the political scenery in the kingdom formerly known as Swaziland.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Only about a dozen of those nominated during primaries last month are
known to have ties to the opposition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Many do not say which side they are on, fearing repression.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Democracy is not that much practised around here,” Thantaza Silolo,
spokesperson for the largest opposition group, the Swaziland Liberation
Movement (Swalimo), told AFP.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Political parties have unclear status and cannot directly take part in
the vote.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">They were effectively banned in 1973, but a new constitution in 2005
provided an opening allowing for freedom of association. Still, in practice,
there is no legal avenue for them to register, according to democracy watchdog
Freedom House. Swalimo is incorporated as a non-profit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The People’s United Democratic Movement, one of the largest opposition
movements, has been declared a “terrorist” organisation and banned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="display: none; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hide: all;">Bottom of Form<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Two opposition lawmakers elected in the last vote in 2018 are currently
in jail. A third is in exile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Most opposition groupings have called for a boycott. Three have told
voters to go to the polls.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Few political gatherings have taken place during a two-week campaigning
period.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Polls will open at 7am local time (05:00 GMT) and close at 6pm,
according to the electoral commission, with results expected over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The mountainous country of 1.2 million people is landlocked between
South Africa and Mozambique. About half the size of Belgium, it gained
independence from the United Kingdom in 1968.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Mswati, 55, ascended to the throne at the age of 18 and has ruled with
an iron fist for 37 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The king is constitutionally above the law.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He appoints the prime minister and the cabinet, can dissolve parliament
and the government and commands police and the army.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Shows of dissent are rare, but in 2021 the kingdom was shaken by
pro-democracy protests. Dozens of people were killed as security forces
violently quashed demonstrations calling for reforms. A curfew was imposed,
demonstrations banned and internet access curbed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Protests have continued sporadically after the crackdown.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Earlier this year, human rights lawyer and government critic Thulani
Maseko, was shot dead through the window of his home. Hours before his murder,
the king had warned activists who defy him not to “shed tears” about
“mercenaries killing them”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The United Nations has called for an independent investigation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Known as Ngwenyama, “the lion” in SiSwati, the king has been widely
criticised for his lavish lifestyle, while nearly 60 percent of the population
lives on less than $1.90 a day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The plump monarch, who usually appears in public wearing traditional
clothes, is known to love luxury cars and watches. He spends millions of
dollars a year on his 15 wives, some of whom he married when they were minors,
and has at least 25 children.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To mark the 50th anniversary of independence, in 2018 he changed the
country’s name to Eswatini – meaning land of the Swazis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini has one of the highest prevalences of HIV in the world with
about 26 percent of adults aged 15 to 49 living with the AIDS-causing virus in
2022, according to UN figures.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See also<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Increased security
likely nationwide during and following general election</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/09/eswatini-increased-security-likely-nationwide-during-and-following-general-election-sept-29"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/09/eswatini-increased-security-likely-nationwide-during-and-following-general-election-sept-29</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eSwatini’s sham election:
Medieval feudalism debases all Africa</span></i><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/opinion/eswatini-sham-election-medieval-feudalism/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.citizen.co.za/news/opinion/eswatini-sham-election-medieval-feudalism/</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini gears up for 'democratic
elections' this Friday... with no parties and an absolute monarch<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/eswatini-gears-up-for-democratic-elections-this-friday-with-no-parties-and-an-absolute-monarch-20230928"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/eswatini-gears-up-for-democratic-elections-this-friday-with-no-parties-and-an-absolute-monarch-20230928</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Launch of the African Union Election
Observation Mission to the 29 September 2023 General Elections in the Kingdom
of Eswatini</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20230925/launch-african-union-election-observation-mission-29-september-2023-general"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20230925/launch-african-union-election-observation-mission-29-september-2023-general</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Special voting smooth sailing – EBC<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21200"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21200</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;">LGBTIQ+ application
to be registered declined<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">By
Mbongiseni Ndzimandze, <i>Times of eSwatini</i> (print edition) 28 September
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">MBABANE: Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade
Manqoba Khumalo has declined the application by the LGBTIQ+ community to have
their association registered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">He found that the objects of the proposed association
sought to offend against the customary principles as preserved in the Eswatini
Law and Custom, that a man and a woman should start and maintain a love
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The minister’s decision comes after the Supreme Court
referred their registration application to him. This was after the Registrar of
Companies, Msebe Malinga, declined to register the Eswatini Sexual and Gender
Minorities (ESGM), which is a company in the course of formation. The
application was referred to the minister, because Malinga had already made a
decision over the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The court ordered the minister to consider the
application for registration afresh and advise the appellants of his decision
in writing. The minister communicated his decision through a letter dated
September 27, 2023. The letter was written and signed by Acting Minister of
Commerce, Industry and Trade David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Inasmuch as the Constitution of the Kingdom of
Eswatini in Section 20, prohibits discrimination against any person on the
grounds listed thereof, there is nothing that suggests the intention of the
Constitution to include sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for
discrimination,” said the minister. He said in the absence of a clear
prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender
identity in the Constitution, the principles and rules of Roman Dutch Law were
still enforceable as the common law of the country in terms of Section 252 of
the Constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">“In exercise of powers given unto me in terms of
Section 27(30 of the Companies Act/2009, I, therefore, decline your clients
application to register the company. By the copy hereof, I direct the registrar
of companies not to register Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities,” said the
minister.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Melusi Simelane, in his capacity as the Director of
ESGM, together with Senele Mdluli, Mbali Dlamini, Thuthu Magagula, Mary Da
Silva, Sibongile Nxumalo and Thandekile Maziya, were the applicants in the
matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">They had taken the registrar of companies, minister of
Commerce Industry and Trade and attorney general to court to review and set
aside the registrar’s decision to refuse to register their association.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">When they were unsuccessful at the High Court, they
approached the Supreme Court on appeal. The appeal was heard by Judge Phesheya
Dlamini, who, during the hearing of the matter, said ‘there is something wrong
with anybody who says there are no gays and lesbians in Eswatini’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">During arguments of the appeal, Lawyer Sibusiso
Nhlabatsi, who was representing the appellants, said government seemingly
emphasised on sexual intercourse and ignored the objects of the association
they intended to register.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">He told the court that the LGBTIQ+ members were
Christians and they fellowshipped. He said they were not calling upon the court
to legalise what was illegal. Government was represented by Principal Crown
Counsel Ndabehle Dlamini.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Multi-million drugs shortage scandal: Exposed
SwaziPharm Wholesalers Director Kareem Ashraf runs to Robison Bertram lawyers,
wants Auditor General (AG) to release investigation report.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 24
September, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5237"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MBABANE: Kareem Ashraf, the
Director of SwaziPharm Wholesalers (PTY)LTD has written a letter to the Auditor
General (AG) Timothy Matsebula, demanding the release of the investigation
report into health crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The letter in possession of
this Swaziland News and dated 24th September 2023, was also addressed to Prime
Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg, and
Attorney General (AG) Sifiso Khumalo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Our instructions therefore
are to demand as we hereby do that you cause to be produced for our copying (at
our cost), the “Forensic Investigation Report into Allegations of
irregularities Related to Procurement, Acquisition and Distribution of
Medicines to Public Health Facilities in Eswatini” that was purportedly carried
out by Funduzi Forensic Services (Pty) Limited within forty eight (48) hours of
receipt of this correspondence”, reads the letter in part.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Zweli Jele, the Robison
Bertram senior lawyer representing Ashraf, SwaziPharm and David Melvin had not
responded at the time of compiling this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Efforts to reach the Auditor
General proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On another note, Ashraf,
through his lawyers indicated in the letter that he wants to take the report to
court for review.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This comes after this
publication released an investigative story exposing how Ashraf and his alleged
syndicate looted the Ministry of Health, resulting to a health crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cancer
patients at risk as lab tools break down</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sithembile Hlatshwayo,</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <i>Times of eSwatini,</i>
27 September 2023</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/142001-cancer-patients-at-risk-as-lab-tools-break-down.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">MBABANE: Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are stranded,
following the breakdown of the laboratory tools used to blend their drugs.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This has resulted in patients
waiting for the treatment for months, since June. In an interview, one of the
patients stated that he was supposed to start the chemotherapy treatment in
June 30, 2023, but to date he had undergone it. The patient said he was told
by nurses at the Moneni Cancer Hospital, which also provided chemotherapy, that
they would call to notify him once they were ready with the treatment. He said
they, however, did not explain the challenges they were facing. According
to the patient, his fears were that his condition was worsening and by the time
help was available, it would already be at an advanced stage. He said he
also approached the Mbabane Government Hospital, where he was diagnosed
following the challenges, and was told that there were no drugs but he was
referred to Manzini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Other patients also confirmed
to have been through the same challenge and said they were frustrated by that
no explanation was being made, except that nurses promised to notify them when
the treatment is available. A reliable source close to the matter, who
preferred to remain anonymous, said the blending machine for the cancer drugs
had broken down and cracked a glass, which made it difficult to mix the
drugs. The source said following the breaking down of the machine at the
cancer hospital in Manzini, the blending was done at the Mbabane Government
Hospital, where also the glass broke.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She said the machine was being
repaired. The source further mentioned that from the first quarter (April
to January) they had been unable to get companies who could tender for cancer
drugs because most of the time patients were being transferred to South Africa
(SA). The source said they then purchase a few drugs, which made the
vendors less interested. According to the source, recently they were able
to tender for the cancer treatment successfully, such that government was now
ready to receive the drug tenders. She said government, through the
support of sponsors could now purchase the drugs. However, she said there
was currently minimum stock, which they could assist patients with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Democratic Nurses
Union (SWADNU) Secretary General (SG) Mayibongwe Masangane said cancer had to
be treated delicately and it was wrong for patients to lack treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The SG said the reason the
patient was not being contacted by the nurses was that there was still no
drugs. Masangane said what was painful was that cancer advanced at a high
rate in other parts of the body when one has not started the chemotherapy.
“This means that if the cancer progresses, it may reach a point where the
patient cannot be treated.” Masangane said chances of the patients
surviving were reduced when each day passed by without them receiving the much
needed chemotherapy, which is why, as SWADNU, they referred to the drugs and
medicine shortage as a silent genocide. “In other countries people die
through the barrel of the gun, but here they die because of diseases which
could be prevented if there were drugs.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Masangane said the situation
was a painful one and nothing showed to be improving in the health system
despite government assuring that they were addressing the state of affairs and
drugs were being delivered. For those patients who had already begun the
chemotherapy and were no longer receiving it, Masangane said they could end up
stopping the procedure all together, as the cancer was advancing. He said the
stage the country was in meant that emaSwati would get sick and
die. Masangane said even if government brought specialist doctors it would
not help because there were no drugs and medicine supplies in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Nomalungelo Simelane’s brave stand for democracy in
Eswatini<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Agence France-Presse, 28
September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/nomalungelo-simelanes-brave-stand-for-democracy-in-eswatini-breaking-28-september-2023/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2IvI7eo7l6SpOdgCxzJNQaw6qVRlw8V6uOrdx8dGJUl-dOoAJWXeMbxUo#Echobox=1695910612"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The king
does not take kindly to dissent in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">But it
doesn’t stop political opponent Nomalungelo Simelane from taking a rare stand
for democracy in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
44-year-old parliamentary candidate, also known as LaZwide, has been sharing
her message at campaign rallies ahead of Friday’s parliamentary elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Political
parties are banned in the hilly, landlocked country between South Africa and
Mozambique, and lawmakers cannot be affiliated with political groups.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">King
Mswati III appoints the prime minister, cabinet and judges, while acts of
parliament need his seal of approval to come into force.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“We are
not allowed to be free, we don’t have free speech,” LaZwide told AFP on
Wednesday, before addressing a few hundred supporters in a muddy stadium in
Siphofaneni, a town around 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the capital Mbabane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“If you
speak the truth, then you find yourself in exile, you find yourself in jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Wearing
sturdy boots in the stadium drizzle, the former gospel singer said she entered
politics as an MP in by-elections last year, taking the seat of her
pro-democracy husband who was hounded by the regime and forced into exile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“I am not
a politician but I’m making a lot of noise around here,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Campaign
rallies are rare in Eswatini, where the electoral campaign runs for just two
weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In its
streets, posters are few and far between and there are no televised political
debates to tune into in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">For 50
years, political parties have been banned — candidates for the 59 seats up for
grabs in Friday’s ballot cannot be affiliated to any political group under the
constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Most of
the candidates are loyal to the king.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Two
opposition lawmakers elected in the last vote in 2018 are currently in jail.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Yes I
have been scared,” LaZwide acknowledged.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Two years
ago, she fled the country with her husband and their five children when
security forces violently quashed demonstrations calling for reforms, leaving
around 40 people dead, she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">With the
help of her religious faith and a strong personal conviction that she should
take up the baton from her husband, she came home, alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read
more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/nomalungelo-simelanes-brave-stand-for-democracy-in-eswatini-breaking-28-september-2023/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2IvI7eo7l6SpOdgCxzJNQaw6qVRlw8V6uOrdx8dGJUl-dOoAJWXeMbxUo#Echobox=1695910612"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/nomalungelo-simelanes-brave-stand-for-democracy-in-eswatini-breaking-28-september-2023/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2IvI7eo7l6SpOdgCxzJNQaw6qVRlw8V6uOrdx8dGJUl-dOoAJWXeMbxUo#Echobox=1695910612</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-52333769948327092892023-09-22T09:58:00.000+02:002023-09-22T09:58:10.701+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 795 – 22 September 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 795 – 22
September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We’ve lost hope – nurses<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Sifiso Nhlabatsi and Siboniso Nkambule, <i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">eSwatini Observer,</span></i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> 16 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21125"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;">SOURCE</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The on-going problem with drug
shortages is rising to the level of ‘disaster’ as nurses have said they have
lost hope that the situation would be solved anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The healthcare workers said
the drug shortages continue to take an enormous toll on them as they must deal
with the problem on a daily basis, and also on patients who are on the
receiving end of the shortages.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They said some of the
medication in short supply or lacking, were Endotracheal tubes which serve to
provide oxygen and inhaled gases to the lungs and protects the lungs from
contamination, such as gastric contents or blood. These are used in the
theatre.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Beside the Endotracheal tubes,
the healthcare workers said there was a serious shortage of diagnostic agents
and vaccines for below five years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was also revealed that the
theatre were among the most affected departments as they were working on tight
schedules.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The healthcare workers further
revealed that some patients were told to go and buy what is required before an
operation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The situation, according to
the healthcare workers, got worse each day, accusing government of making
unfulfiled promises.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This comes as some patients
were yesterday turned back at the Mbabane Government Hospital and Raleigh
Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini as a result of the drug shortages and
other medical equipment. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Further compounding the
situation for the patients is that their last place of hope, The Luke
Commission, has revealed that it was faced with financial challenges, which may
result in the facility closing its doors to patients. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With the high costs of
medication at pharmacies and also private hospitals, patients end up at The
Luke Commission where they are treated free of charge by trained specialists
and also get free medication.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, The Luke Commission
due to the financial challenges may close its doors to patients as the numbers
continue to increase. Last year, the facility attended to 217 363 outpatient
visits and for this year, projections are 274 578 outpatients’ visits and for
next year, it is projected that the visits will shoot up to 337 420.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To read more of
this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21125"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21125</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Double celebration or double tragedy? Swaziland spends
big on 55/55 celebration<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By Dr Jabulane Matsebula (PUDEMO representative in
Australia), Swati Newsweek, 17 September, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSwatiNewsweek"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On April 2023, I wrote an
essay in response to the government's decision to spend large sums of public
money on celebrating King Mswati’s 55th birthday and 55 years of Swaziland's
independence. I called this decision insensitive and the celebration senseless
for various reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Firstly, the country has a
large external and public debt. It also has a high and persistent unemployment
rate. Instead of borrowing more money for meaningless celebrations, the
government priority should be on the things that matter, the healthcare sector,
poverty reduction, economic growth and job creation. Spending more public
monies on lavish celebrations can only increase the size of the current public
debt. Swaziland’s external debt is also exploding. It is forecast to
continuously increase between 2023 and 2028.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">An International Monetary Fund
(IMF) report in 2023 shows that “public debt rose to an estimated 42.3 percent
of GDP by end FY22/23.” This level of debt is colossal and unacceptable.
Swaziland is in deep debt, but the country continues to spend like a drunken
sailor on activities with little or no economic value. The IMF report also
shows that the country is struggling to pay back loans. For example, “the ratio
of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 6.5 percent at end-June
2022, from 5.6 percent a year earlier.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Secondly, the open display of
opulence during the “double celebration” is grotesque and insensitive to the
large section of the population living in poverty. According to a World Food
Programme report in 2022, "69 per cent of the rural population live below
the national poverty line and 25 percent are extremely poor". <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When King Mswati hosted a
lavish banquet on 5 September 2023 for his family and cronies, tens of
thousands of families in rural areas went to bed hungry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thirdly, many people would
also find these lavish celebrations irresponsible and insensitive to the sick
who have limited or no access medical care. This government has presided over
the total collapse of the healthcare system. In the past few weeks, there has
been widespread media reports of acute shortages of medicines in hospitals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of the largest hospitals
in the country was declared technically insolvent because it is not adequately
funded. The images of lavish cerebration banquets are sickening and lack sense
of moral responsibility. While the king and his cronies were dinning on
lobsters and expensive wine, 69 per cent of the rural population was struggling
to put a meal on the table. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fourthly, I see no reasons for
celebrations. What is there to celebrate? Mswati and the so-called independence
celebration are a double whammy for the country. It is a double tragedy that we
are celebrating the birth of a tyranny and an independence that never was.
Swaziland was granted independence by the British colonial empire on 6
September 1968. King Mswati was born in April that year to steal from the poor
and rule the country with an iron fist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He is a curse to the Swazi
nation. Swaziland independence lasted for four years and seven months before it
was taken away by King Mswati’s father on 12 April 1973. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For many Swazis, the struggle
for freedom continues. It is not yet Uhuru!</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Plot
to kidnap 3 persons with albinism amid elections</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sibusiso
Shange, <i><span style="color: black;">Times of eSwatini,</span></i><span style="color: black;"> 15 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/141871-plot-to-kidnap-3-persons-with-albinism-amid-elections.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Beliefs around the harvesting of body parts of
people with albinism for good luck is still rife.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is because the
organisation of persons with albinism recorded three cases of attempted
kidnappings since the beginning of the ongoing general elections in the
country. This was disclosed by the President of the Persons with Albinism
organisation in the country, Philemon Gama, in an interview yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eswatini has been one of the
African countries where a belief that human body parts, in particular those of
persons with albinism, could help people win elections, has been a
concern. The concern has resulted in authorities and other sectors of society
in the African continent joining hands in warning people against the unfounded
belief. However, apart from navigating the threats that come with such a
belief, it was found that albinism does not affect an individual’s social
development. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is a health condition that
does not get worse or aggravated over time and does not exhibit any changes to
life expectancy. In the case of the organisation, which falls under the
Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in the country, Gama said they had since
recommended to social workers that their affected members be relocated to
places of safety.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By places of safety, Gama said
he meant that their members be relocated to other relatives, where they would
be out of danger. “As you know that our organisation falls under the
Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, we recommended to the social workers that
families of the affected members be engaged so that our members could be
relocated to other relatives,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gama stated that even though
the organisation did not have tangible evidence linking the kidnappings to the
ongoing elections, they could not turn a blind eye to the fact that some people
still had the notion that body parts of people with albinism could help them
win the elections. He said the belief was not only in Eswatini, but in other
African countries, which were also in the elections process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gama stated that the
organisation was of the idea that their affected members would remain in hiding
until the end of the ongoing general elections. This, Gama said, was
likely to deprive their members their constitutional right to participate in the
formation of the new government.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Worth noting is that when
dissolving the 11th Parliament, His Majesty King Mswati III came out clear and
warned the nation against the belief that human body parts could help anyone
win elections. The King warned that there should be no strange disappearances
of people during the course of the general elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this
report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/141871-plot-to-kidnap-3-persons-with-albinism-amid-elections.html"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.times.co.sz/news/141871-plot-to-kidnap-3-persons-with-albinism-amid-elections.html</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘We’re
being abused even by male police officers’</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Nkosingiphile Myeni, <i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">eSwatini Observer</span></i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">, 19 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21139"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some male members of the Royal Eswatini
Police Service (REPS) are being accused by sex-workers of abusing them while
they go about their illegal business in the country’s streets.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This transpired at the National
Sex-workers indaba held this week where four sex workers extracted the files on
the police for human rights abuses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, the police, who were said to have
been invited, were not present during the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During the event, which was organised by
the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Voice Of Our Voices (VOOV), it
was stated that there are 12 000 known sex workers in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Part of the event also focused on the
dissemination of Integrated Bio-behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS), which
states that globally, the Key Populations (KPs) which are subpopulations within
the general population, including sex workers are at higher risk of HIV
exposure because they engage in highly stigmatised behaviours and often are
marginalised in their communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The sex-workers are also said to be called
sex-workers because they admitted to be making an income from ‘selling sex.’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sharing their testimonials where
information on HIV/AIDS programmes for Key Populations, including female sex
workers, three of the four sex workers shared gritty encounters with the
police.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stakeholders studying sex-workers said
rape among sex-workers was still happening unabated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bee Dlamini (not her real name) from
Manzini said she was assaulted all over the body by the police.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I was bed-ridden for days and failed to
go out to hustle for my children,” she said to the attentive audience of over
200 people in attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She said she tried to report the matter
against the police officers, whom she did not disclose, but her efforts were
watered down by the officers she found at the police station, who called her
with offensive words.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She said officers at the police station
said she reeked and ordered her to get out of their sight.<br />
She said she was part of the sex-workers plying their trade at the city
centres, however, each time they would see the police, they evade them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She said the patrolling police would chase
after them, extract them from their hiding places and assault them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After the question and answer session as
soon as the panel had shared their experiences, one of the sex-workers claimed
a police officer picked her from the road and diverted her to a forest, where
he drew a gun.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She said the officer placed the firearm on
his thigh and ordered her to perform acts which cannot be repeated for ethical
reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To read more of this report, click
here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21139"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21139</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SNAT
Secretary General Lot Vilakati: Numbers at Extraordinary General Meeting, a
clear indication that members are ready to defend their President<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Colani Khulekani Maseko, <i>Swaziland News</i>, 16 September, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5183"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MANZINI: Lot Vilakati, the Secretary
General (SG) of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) says, the
hundreds of teachers who attended the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is a
clear indication that, they are ready to defend their President Mbongwa Dlamini
and the union.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking to this <i>Swaziland News</i> on
Saturday morning, Vilakati further said,as the National Executive Committee
(NEC) they will continue to stand with their dismissed President.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mbongwa Dlamini, the SNAT President, was
dismissed by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) for alleged absenteeism, he
was persecuted for representing teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The hundreds of teachers who attended the
Extraordinary General Meeting is a clear indication that they are ready to
defend their President and Union. As the leadership as well, we will continue
to stand by our President all the way. We also applaud the media for always
covering our struggles as teachers,” said the SNAT Secretary General. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hundreds of teachers convened at the SNAT
Centre in Manzini on Friday to deliberate on a way forward regarding the
dismissal of their President Mbongwa Ernest Dlamini, among other issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find us:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://twitter.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705414451869398457.post-31007847424663563102023-09-15T09:39:00.004+02:002023-09-15T09:40:52.892+02:00Swaziland Newsletter No. 794 – 15 September 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk135932955"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Swaziland Newsletter No. 794 – 15
September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk135932955;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">News from and about Swaziland, compiled by
Global Aktion, Denmark (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.globalaktion.dk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.globalaktion.dk</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)
in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (</span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.swazimedia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.swazimedia.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">),
and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini turns 55 with Taiwan present... and democracy
absent</span></b><!--[if mso & !supportInlineShapes & supportFields]><span
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By Lenin Ndebele, News 24 (South
Africa) 6 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/eswatini-turns-55-with-taiwan-present-and-democracy-absent-20230906"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Current Time </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Fresh
from the Umhlanga Reed Dance, Eswatini will on Wednesday commemorate what it
termed "55/55 double celebrations", combining independence
celebrations with the birthday of the last absolute monarch in
Africa, King Mswati III. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The Reed
Dance is a five-day event where young women and unmarried girls are assembled
to cut reeds for the yearly repairs to the windbreaks of the queen mother's
village.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Some of
the notable guests at the ceremony were former Botswana president Ian Khama and
his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma, King Letsie III of Lesotho, and Zulu
King Misuzulu.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Taiwanese
President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Eswatini on Tuesday. She will attend the
king's birthday celebrations and the country's Independence Day commemorations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Eswatini
is Taiwan's last declared ally in Africa, with the rest of the continent
aligning itself with China, which claims Taiwan as a Chinese territory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">According
to the Eswatini government, it entered into agreements with Taiwan, including
on micro-financing for startups by women and cooperation between Taiwan's state
development company and the Eswatini Petroleum Company.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Prime
Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini said the celebrations would mark Eswatini's 55
years of advancement and development as a kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">He
said: “We have schools now, road infrastructure, and other things that we
didn't have in the past. We have a reason to celebrate.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The World
Bank says Eswatini's gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 0.4% in 2022
from 7.9% in 2021. This was due to a poor agricultural season and political
unrest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The 2021
Labour Force Survey placed the unemployment rate at 33.3%, the highest in a
decade. The report also states that 55% of AmaSwati earn below the poverty
line, and 60% of the country lives in poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
kingdom also has one of Southern Africa's highest HIV prevalence rates standing
at 27% for people between the ages of 15 and 49.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">For
pro-democracy activists, there's little worth celebrating.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice (FSEJ) a civic grouping, called for the
release of one of the most prominent political prisoners – two legislators,
Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The two
have been in custody for more than two years and face up to 20 years in prison.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">FSEJ's
statement attributed to executive director Thabo Masuku reads: “It is
extremely worrying that the Eswatini government continues to silence activists
and human rights defenders through the use of the judicial system.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">"The
judiciary should independently uphold the values of justice and equity — not
harass and intimidate pro-democracy activists like Mabuza and Dube."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Civil
society in Eswatini is still shocked after the </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/hundreds-pay-tribute-to-slain-eswatini-rights-activist-thulani-maseko-20230128" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">cold-blooded murder of human rights lawyer</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> Thulani Maseko in January.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
government has distanced itself from the killing, and no headway has been made
in investigations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Maseko
was the leader of the Swaziland Multi-Stakeholder Forum, a coalition of
pro-democracy groups. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In
December last year, they met in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, to adopt the </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/eswatini-opposition-parties-civil-society-meet-in-sa-to-plot-strategy-against-king-mswati-20221221" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00086c; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">eBundu Declaration</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">This was
a strategy to push for the abdication of the king and the boycott of the
Tinkhundla electoral system.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The
Tinkhundla, which is the kingdom's general elections, will be held on 29 September.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">At
present, Eswatini is operating without a parliament after Mswati III dissolved
it in late July to make way for the elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SNAT
can’t be separated from politics – Mbongwa</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="metadatatime"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By </span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Themba
<span style="color: black;">Zwane, <i>Times of eSwatini</i>, 12 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/141831-snat-can%E2%80%99t-be-separated-from-politics-%E2%80%93-mbongwa.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">PIGGS’ PEAK: SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini is of the view
that it is impossible to separate the union from politics.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Responding to allegations that
the union was deviating from its mandate, Dlamini said SNAT operated within the
confines of the law. “When laws related to education are made, SNAT is
invited to make submissions in Parliament,” he said. Dlamini made an
example of the Examinations Council Bill and the Employment Bill, saying SNAT
must have an input in such Bills before they are enacted. He said the process
of law-making, in its nature, was a political activity. “Are these members
then implying that we should not take part in these political activities?” he
asked rhetorically.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He added that the problem was
that most emaSwati thought politics had to do with power struggle, which was a
wrong notion. He said they only engaged on issues that had to do with SNAT
members’ well-being. “There is no way we can divorce politics from SNAT
because all that affects teachers’ welfare is as a result of a political
decision. When you deal with government, which is a political structure, only
political issues will be discussed. Teachers’ salary adjustment is a political
issue as it is handled by a political structure. Politics is life,” he
said. On his dismissal issue, the president asked not to respond, but said
they welcomed the opinion of members who felt his dismissal was
justified. He said they must explain their position and convince members
during their mass meeting on Friday so they could decide on what they
wanted. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini Violence Against Children and Youth Survey
(VACS) report 2022<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In 2023, Eswatini launched its
2022 VACS report, which presents the main indicators from its second VACS.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">VACS data shows that, from
2007 to 2022, there were notable reductions in all forms of violence against
girls and young women in Eswatini.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Read the full
report here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.togetherforgirls.org/en/resources/eswatini-violence-against-children-and-youth-survey-vacs-report-2022-data-collection-2021"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">https://www.togetherforgirls.org/en/resources/eswatini-violence-against-children-and-youth-survey-vacs-report-2022-data-collection-2021</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">eSwatini increases HIV preventative options to reduce
new infections<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">World Health Organization, 12
September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/eswatini-increases-hiv-preventative-options-reduce-new-infections"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">SOURCE</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The kingdom of Eswatini has made major strides in the HIV response with
the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The country is
the first in the region to have accomplished the 95-95-95 treatment targets in
2020 with an associated steady decline in HIV incidence from 1.44 in 2016 to
0.62 in 2021 among adults (aged 15 years and older).<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> This incidence is
equivalent to about 4000 New HIV infections per year. </span>The epidemic
has shifted from what was traditionally known as a generalized epidemic to a
micro-epidemic impacting different population groups in diverse ways. Adolescent
girls and young women (AGYW), sex workers (SW), and men who have sex with men
have a high vulnerability to HIV infection.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The country has developed a core set of proven effective HIV prevention
strategies and aims to increase the uptake of high-impact services, such as
condoms, HIV testing and counseling (HTC), prevention of mother-to-child
transmission (PMTCT), antiretroviral therapy (ART), Post Exposure Prophylaxis
(PEP), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and voluntary medical male circumcision
(VMMC), according to the unique risks and vulnerabilities within each priority
population. In particular, the use of PrEP has been scaled up over the years
acting as a preventative measure against the spread of HIV. The Expansion of
HIV prevention services including ART coverage (treatment as prevention) and
the introduction of oral PrEP into the country, has contributed to the drop in
HIV new infections.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In September 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that
people at substantial risk of HIV infection should be offered PrEP as a
prevention method, and as part of a comprehensive package. In 2016, WHO’s
initial role in the introduction of PrEP in Eswatini included providing
technical guidance during in-country policy dialogues. WHO also supported the
development of a National PrEP framework. PrEP was introduced in the country
through a pilot study using the demonstration approach. At the time, the annual
number of HIV new infections was estimated to be at 7000 according to the
Eswatini HIV Incidence measurement survey conducted in 2016. The Ministry of
Health (MOH) worked closely with WHO and partners including Médecins Sans
Frontières (MSF) and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to develop
the study protocol and also mobilized resources to support the study
implementation or demonstration projects. These were meant to assess the
operationalization of PrEP as an additional HIV prevention method offered in
public and private facilities. WHO support to the Ministry included the
provision of technical support in developing an implementation framework to
guide the demonstration projects and served in the core team coordinating the
implementation of the pilot study. In 2018, the country introduced oral PrEP
through the implementation of demonstration projects in 22 facilities to assess
acceptability, feasibility and to monitor side effects and seroconversion for
18 months.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The results showed that offering oral PrEP to clients identified at
substantial risk was feasible and acceptable in Eswatini. In addition,
expanding access to PrEP encouraged more people to know their HIV status,
provided an opportunity to discuss individual risks, and increased clients’
understanding and awareness of their HIV risk, offering further opportunities
to provide expanded access to both HIV prevention services and, if a person
tests positive, treatment services. Following these findings, WHO provided
technical support to translate the findings into policy. In 2019, WHO
technically supported the country to develop PrEP operational plans and
guidelines including a monitoring framework as informed by the WHO global
guidance and the findings from the demonstration projects.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">In Eswatini, PrEP is offered to eligible, HIV-negative individuals who
are at substantial risk of acquiring HIV infection. However, the following
eight populations are prioritized: Adolescent girls and young women (16-24
years), pregnant and lactating women, serodiscordant couples, Sex workers, Men
Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), clients with sexually transmitted infections
(STIs), males (30-34 years) and transgender people. Eswatini moved away from
giving PrEP to target populations to avoid stigmatization as was experienced in
countries that introduced PrEP targeting key populations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To read more of this report, click here<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/eswatini-increases-hiv-preventative-options-reduce-new-infections"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/eswatini-increases-hiv-preventative-options-reduce-new-infections</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk145591719"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ludzidzini Council member Ncumbi
Maziya investigated for allegedly defrauding SRA R3.8million taxes in King
Mswati’s name<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145591719;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Zweli Martin Dlamini, <i>Swaziland News, </i>14 September, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5167"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SOURCE</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MBABANE: Ncumbi Maziya, the powerful,
influential and politically connected member of the Ludzidzini Council is a
subject of a high level investigation by the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA),
for allegedly defrauding the institution taxes in transactions amounting to
over R3.8million.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments by this <i>Swaziland
News,</i> Vusi Dlamini, the Eswatini Revenue Authority Director of
Communications said, the revenue institution was restricted by the law to
discuss this matter with the media except in a court of law.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Unfortunately as the Eswatini Revenue
Service (ERS),we do not discuss issues of our clients in the public domain
except in a Court of Law. This prohibition is provided in the Legislation we
administer as well as ERS Policies. So even in this case this prohibition
applies”, said the Communications Director. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But an independent investigation conducted
by this <i>Swaziland News</i> uncovered that, between the period of 2018 and
2020, the Ludzidzini Council member ‘smuggled’ goods through his various
companies, in the process, he allegedly misrepresented to the revenue authority
that, the goods or services procured, belonged to King Mswati who is exempted
from paying tax. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Documentary evidence obtained during the
course of an investigation by this publication suggest that, on or around the
23rd September 2020, through his N-Plus Logistics (PTY) LTD trading as First
World Material, the Ludzidzini Council powerful member allegedly smuggled a
Tele-transmission Outward worth one hundred and eighty-three thousand Rands,
eight hundred and twenty-nine, eighty-five cents(R183,829.85) without paying
tax due to revenue authority.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to the documents, the King’s man
allegedly purchased the Transmission from Foshan Xinmel Ceramic Co. Ltd, a
company based in China.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But before that, on or around 11th
November 2019, Maziya’s All Sorts Enterprises defrauded the revenue authority
by failing to declare invoice number 20190401A01 worth four hundred and
nine-five thousand, two hundred and fifty Rands(R495,250.00), again the product
was described in the invoice as “Tele-transmission Outward”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Part of the evidence further suggests
that,on or around the 14th July 2020, the Ludzidzini Council member allegedly
smuggled another Tele-transmission Outward ZYD worth $32,294.40 and/or five
hundred and nine-four thousand Rands, six hundred two, twenty-five
cents(R594,602.25).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ncumbi Maziya,the politically connected
Ludzidzini Council member avoided questions from this publication, he failed to
respond to a questionnaire sent to him seeking clarity regarding the matter or
the ongoing investigation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Responding to questions from this
publication, Chief Mdlaka Gamedze, the Chairman of the Ludzidzini Council said,
it’s hard to disclose what might happen to Maziya as the matter, in question,
was still a subject of an investigation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s an investigation, so we don’t know
what will happen to him thereafter”, said the Chairman of the Ludzidzini
Council when speaking to publication on Tuesday evening.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But one of Mswati’s senior bodyguards told
this publication that, Maziya tried to approach Prince Majaha to help him
mitigate before the King(Kutigicita eNkhosini) regarding the matter, however,
the Prince is said to have refused citing the seriousness of the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s a serious matter that angered the
King, these days iNkhosi itsi lebantfu labaganga ngeligama layo bayicabanisa
naleSive. Waganga ngentfo letsintsa imali-ke maye Babe!!! konakele, lona nje
use usenkingeni besazama kufihla nalama TLB, SRA ufuna kumudla. It’s a serious
matter, Ncumbi even tried to approach Majaha to assist him mitigate before the
King but Majaha refused, saying he doesn’t want to involve himself considering
the seriousness of the matter”, said the royal insider.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A questionnaire was sent to Prince Majaha
after consistent efforts to contact him, however, he had not responded at the
time of compiling this report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reached for comments, King Mswati’s
Spokesperson Percy Simelane described tax evasion as a criminal offense adding
that, using the King’s name to obtain favors amounts to extortion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Tax evasion is of criminal nature and
using the King's name in vain to get favours appears to be extortion to us.
Unfortunately both are normally done behind closed doors away from the public
eye and it is difficult to know what exactly happened in the alleged maneuvers
in question. We beg not to pretend we know what exactly happened and why lest
we contaminate the alleged investigation,” said the King’s Spokesperson.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk145591880"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Primary elections: EBD censors
journalists</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145591880;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk145591880;"></span>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">By <span style="color: black;">Sabelo
Ndzinisa, <i>eSwatini News</i>, 9 September 2023<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.times.co.sz/news/141779-primary-elections-ebc-censors-journalists.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><b>SOURCE</b></span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">MBABANE: A free press is one of the conditions of a ‘free and fair
elections’.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Journalists have a duty to ensure that the election process is free and
fair. They are sometimes referred to as members of the fourth estate as they
have a duty to hold people in authority accountable for their actions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">On August 26, which was the day for the primary elections, thousands of
emaSwati left the comfort of their homes to participate in the general
elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">They were counting on journalists to give them updated information on
the proceedings countrywide for both print and social media. If journalists had
not reported on the events at the primary elections, the public would have to
depend only on official results. The public would also be deprived of knowing
the details of the voting process.<br />
World over, it is the duty of journalists to inform the public about the
proceedings during elections. Their role is so important that according to the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocols, censoring journalists
who are covering the elections could result in the process being viewed as not
free and fair. A free and fair election process is a cornerstone of democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">However, during recent primary elections, many journalists complained of
being barred from covering the elections despite having received full
accreditation to do so. This was because officials at some polling stations had
requested that journalists should sign secrecy forms before they could be
allowed to carry out their duties. Journalists need accreditation to cover
general elections because it is a way to ensure that they have direct access to
information at the polling station. This enables all journalists to freely work
and cover the whole electoral process wherever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Though accreditation is meant to ensure that journalists have direct
access to information at the polling station, generally, all journalists are
allowed to cover the electoral process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">However, despite this, journalists who were on duty covering the primary
elections are said to have been forced to sign secrecy forms. Officials at the
various polling stations demanded that the journalists sign the secrecy forms
before they could be allowed to go about their duties. It was the first time
journalists reported of being forced to sign secrecy forms. In the
previous general elections in 2018, no journalists had reported that they were
asked to sign secrecy forms by officials stationed at the polling stations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Some of the polling stations where journalists signed secrecy forms
include Mangweni High School under Mhlangatane and also Ludzibini High School
under Timphisini. At Mangweni, an official there said journalists were free to
report but they could only do so after completing the secrecy form and getting
it signed by a commissioner of oaths, such as an authorised police officer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Journalists who were covering the elections from this publication then
had to complete the forms and had them signed by a police officer who held the
rank of sergeant. At Ludzibini polling station, a police inspector signed as
the commissioner of oaths after and EBC official insisted there that
journalists should not be allowed to cover the elections without completing the
secrecy forms. In fact, at one of the polling stations, a journalist reported
how she was asked to speak out the oath before completing the secrecy form.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Journalists complained that it appeared officials were not consistent in
insisting that journalists sign the secrecy form and if this was legal. The
journalists said it was strange that while certain polling stations wanted
journalists to sign the secrecy forms, some journalists were allowed coverage
without being asked to complete the secrecy forms.<br />
Mbonisi Bhembe, the Communications Officer of the Elections and Boundaries
Commission (EBC) said it was the Elections Act that prevented people from
taking photos. He was asked if in this case it also applied to journalists. His
response was that if the law states that ‘no person shall take pictures’, it
includes every person. “You should read the law,” he advised.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Bhembe responded after he was asked about the secrecy form. He said this
was the essence of the secrecy form that one was not allowed to reveal any
information until a court allows you to do so. “Those given to sign secrecy
forms could even be called upon to answer in court.” said Bhembe. He said
at polling stations, journalists are only given a few moments at the polling
station. He said, however, that should a journalist want to get into a poling
station and sit, that person should sign the secrecy form.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Noteworthy, during the counting process, journalists normally sit in the
polling stations. This, they do so that they are able to report efficiently on
the counting. Other journalists also complained of being prevented from working
efficiently by police officers. In one of the polling stations, a police
officer had locked the gate on a journalist but later opened it after an EBC
official intervened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">X (formerly Twitter): @Swazimedia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Publisher: Richard Rooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03115971726346538314noreply@blogger.com0