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Friday 1 November 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 851 – 1 November 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 851 – 1 November 2024

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.

Persecution of opposition leaders & activists unrelenting, gatherings banned

Civicus, 30 October 2024

SOURCE



Introduction

Since May 2021, Eswatini has made no meaningful progress in addressing severe human rights violations against pro-democracy activists, journalists and trade unionists. The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) Resolution 554 which urges democratic reforms in the kingdom has been effectively silenced and Resolution 569 on protecting civic space has similarly failed to prompt any substantial action.

Separately, despite global calls for regional leaders to prioritise Eswatini’s human rights crisis and pressure the government to repeal these repressive laws and respect fundamental freedoms during the 44th SADC Summit on 17th August 2024, Eswatini remains unaccountable, as demonstrated by the exclusion of Eswatini from the SADC Organ Troika’s Agenda following a request by King Mswati III. This lack of regional accountability leaves pro-democracy defenders without redress and exacerbates human rights violations.

Association

Supreme Court revives repressive sedition provisions

On 13th August 2024, Eswatini’s Supreme Court overturned a 2016 High Court ruling that had invalidated several repressive sections of the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA) and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA). The High Court had originally found that these provisions violated constitutional rights to freedom of association, expression and assembly. The decision came in response to cases brought by activists, including the late Thulani Maseko and others who were charged under these laws for participating in pro-democracy actions.

The Supreme Court’s decision allows the government to continue using vague terrorism laws to suppress political opposition and human rights activism. This ruling could further embolden authorities to intensify their crackdown on dissent. On 15th July 2024, Eswatini pro-democracy lawmakers Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube received severe prison sentences —25 years for Mabuza and 18 years for Dube—over charges of “terrorism” and murder connected to the 2021 protests in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

Eswatini authorities target activist’s widow

Tanele Maseko, the widow of Thulani Maseko who was killed in January 2023, has reportedly been targeted by the Eswatini government with harassment and surveillance to stop her from seeking justice and carrying on her husband’s human rights work. On 27th March 2024, as she crossed the Ngwenya Border between South Africa and Eswatini with her children and a helper, she was detained because officials flagged her passport, confiscated her phone and informed the police. After being questioned for four hours, she was released with a follow-up at the Mbabane police station scheduled, which was later postponed to 2nd April 2024 after her lawyers intervened. This incident came shortly after the Eswatini Prime Minister claimed in January 2024 that she was obstructing justice, following her acceptance of a 2023 Magnitsky Human Rights Award on her husband’s behalf.

Amnesty International urged Eswatini authorities to cease harassment and instead focus on a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into Thulani Maseko’s murder, holding those responsible accountable.

Opposition leader allegedly poisoned

Eswatini’s main opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), was allegedly poisoned and rushed to a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, in critical condition on 24th September 2024.

Makhanya has been a target of King Mswati’s regime, which has been cracking down on political activists and human rights defenders. Previously, his alternative home at Malindza was bombed and destroyed during recent political unrest.The Eswatini government has openly threatened to apprehend activists hiding in South Africa. This incident follows the abduction of Thabo Kunene, alleged Commander of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF), and the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko.

ICJ calls on the South African Police Services to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into circumstances of Makhanya’s incapacitation and to bring to justice any persons determined to be responsible for any criminal conduct related to this incident.

Peaceful Assembly

Crackdown on public gatherings and political dissent

The government has implemented increasingly draconian measures to stifle opposition, including bans on public gatherings and widespread surveillance. Currently, in practice, no public gatherings are permitted in Eswatini, as confirmed by Eswatini Newsroom. This ban was reinforced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development by issuing a warning statement to the public against participating in or organising unauthorised gatherings due to concerns over potential political unrest linked to the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO)’s uprising planned for 17th October 2024. The government cites public safety and security concerns, requiring individuals to adhere strictly to the Public Order Act No. 12 of 2017 and the Code of Good Practice in Public. This ongoing ban on public gatherings reflects the government’s broader efforts to stifle political dissent and prevent the expression of pro-reform sentiments.

Expression

Media restrictions and government criticism

Media in Eswatini face severe restrictions, especially when reporting on issues related to the monarchy or the government. According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2024 Report, eSwatini scored 17 out of 100 . It concluded that eSwatini was “not free” after receiving a score of one out of forty for political freedom and sixteen out of sixty for civil rights.

At a breakfast meeting held on 13th September 2024, Times of eSwatini Managing Editor Martin Dlamini questioned the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as to when they would arrest those who allegedly stole public funds and caused the health system to collapse. He accused the ACC of either being ineffective or unwilling to go after powerful people involved in corruption. In response, Prime Minister Russel Dlamini dismissed Martin’s questions, accusing the Times of being too negative about the government and the king and told Martin to “swallow” his own comments, treating them as just his personal opinions.

 

Student team expands impact with water and bridge projects in eSwatini

By Caitlin Hayes, Cornell Chronicle (Cornell University, US), 29 October 2024

SOURCE 

At Matfuntini Primary School in rural Eswatini, the stream-fed tap water sometimes ran black or brown. Teachers at the school suspected the water often made their students sick, and when the stream was dry, they had no water at all.

This summer, six students from the Cornell Engineering project team Engineers in Action (EIA), alongside a team of masons from Eswatini and the local community, installed a solar-powered groundwater system and disinfection system to ensure clean water for the school. They also provided trainings and a manual so the community can continue maintenance on the system themselves.

Cornell Engineers in Action, alongside a team of masons and the local community, piloted the installation of a solar-powered groundwater system and disinfection system to ensure clean water for a primary school of 180 students in rural Eswatini.

“It was really cool to see the impact we’re having, not just in building the project but also transferring skills,” said Sara Buchta ‘25, an environmental engineering major and the project manager for Cornell EIA.

Since 2017, Cornell EIA has worked with communities to build footbridges that connect thousands of people in Eswatini to schools, medical facilities and markets. Now they’re expanding their impact with the water sanitation project, piloted for the first time last summer and supported by the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, as well as a more complicated bridge, to be constructed in 2025, that will reduce manual labor and expand the map of where bridges can be built. 

“The mission of the project in terms of global development and improving access in these rural communities has stayed the same, but it’s really exciting for us to get to learn even more technical disciplines and expand our engineering knowledge,” Buchta said. “Everyone’s had to learn things outside of their discipline – because we believe in the mission.” 

To read more of this report, click here

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/10/student-team-expands-impact-water-and-bridge-projects-eswatini

 

Fourteen schools affected by storm

By Nokuphila Haji And Bongiwe Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 30 October 2024

SOURCE 

About14 schools have been affected by the back-to-back storm that hit some parts of the country from Saturday.

The storm continued until Monday evening.

So far only three regions had schools destroyed by the storm. The Hhohho region led with six schools while Lubombo and Manzini each had four.

National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Director Early Warning and Research Eric Seyama yesterday said on Monday, some parts of the country experienced harsh winds and damaging hailstorms which caused yet another destruction.

Seyama said this had a far-reaching impact, on education and the communities well-being at large.

He said 236 households were also severely impacted by these back-to-back storms, affecting 1 272 people.

He said over 8 000 power outages were reported across various regions, highlighting that the storm was disrupting daily life and access to essential services.

Seyama said many homes experienced significant damages, with roofs being blown off.

He said hail from the storm also affected agricultural lands, maize fields and vegetable gardens. He said this was challenging since these were crucial resources for food security.

Seyama added that in collaboration with the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BRECS), they were coordinating response interventions to address the immediate needs of those who were affected.

He said 32 households had already been supported with relief material which included tarpaulins to provide temporary shelter.

On that note, acting Principal Secretary in the ministry of Education and Training Naniki Mnisi said their teams toured the affected schools with Micro-Projects so as to ascertain the damage.

 

NATCOM reveals: gangs sign secrecy code

By Siboniso Nkambule, Times of eSwatini, 28 October 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: As police ramp up efforts to eliminate gangsterism nationwide, investigations have uncovered that gang activities have shifted into highly-organised crime networks.

These gangs now operate within tightly-knit cells, designed to be difficult for authorities to infiltrate. Members are bound by strict oaths of secrecy, sworn not to reveal the identities of fellow members or the masterminds orchestrating their operations. This was revealed by the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, Vusi Manoma Masango, during Mankayane Crime Prevention fund-raising dinner, which was held last Friday. The dinner was attended by Members of Parliament (MPs), senior police officers and government officials among others.

A sum of E102 000 was pledged towards Mankayane crime prevention. The event was aimed at raising funds that will go towards aiding the Mankayane community police forum with working equipment, such as handcuffs, whistles, torches, reflector vests and identification name tags, among other necessities. This will benefit 22 chiefdoms under the jurisdiction of Mankayane Police Station. Recently, Masango warned about a new gang, which calls itself ama27. It is said the gang is causing havoc in communities and has infiltrated a number of schools across the country, and some pupils have joined it.

The NATCOM raised concern about the emergent gang; which he said is deadlier than the 26s and 28s. Masango said they got to know about the new gang recently. He said this calls for everyone to play a role in the fight against gangs in schools. Masango said this during a house presentation to a Msibi homestead at Sandlane. Speaking during the dinner, Masango said the country is currently faced with a new crime phenomenon, which is gangsterism. He said this crime phenomenon has evolved into coordinated criminal activity, whereby gang members operate in certain cells, which are hard to penetrate and whose members are sworn into secrecy, against divulging the identities of fellow members and/or their handlers/masterminds. According to Masango, these are their children with whom they live and who grew up right in front of their eyes, yet they have now become monsters who have created an environment of unease and fear within their communities.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/147775-natcom-reveals-gangs-sign-secrecy-code.html

 

State security issues must be handled with utmost political maturity

Opinion by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 27 October, 2024

SOURCE 

When defending Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini amid tension with junior police officers, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said, the cops must not threaten the PM by saying the delay in the implementation of their salary increment under Phase two (2) undermines State security.

While the press statement released by the Government was matured this time and defended the Prime Minister very well, there’s a misleading paragraph that must be addressed and clarified in the statement.

Firstly and with due respect, it is important for the Government Spokesperson and the Prime Minister to understand the context of State security, it is not about monitoring a political unrest or protests as others in the corridors of power might conclude.

State security in context, is ensuring the safety of the country including its citizens and properties while on the other hand, maintaining law and order, police officers particularly, junior cops remain the basic resources in this regard.

While I’m not physically inside eSwatini, I had on numerous occasions, received assistance from the police after reporting house breaking and theft cases to the police, some of my properties were recovered.

We may differ on how the police handle some political cases but the truth is and as the situation stands, they are trying to work with limited resources and they are financially broke.

Some State investigators within the Police Criminal Investigating Department (CID) are using their own resources including airtime and data to investigate cases, no cars, no allowance to enable them to buy clothes as some of them are not always in uniform.

As journalists including Members of Parliament (MPs), we are advocating for the release of the police salary increment not because we don’t have grievances against the police, we may not agree with their modus operandi sometimes but, we cannot disregard the significance of their job.

The police are correct to warn that, the delay in releasing their salaries undermines State security, we can’t have financially broke law enforcement officers and feel secured, some of us we have properties in the country and if anything happens, we report to police officers and we trust them for the safety of our properties.

It is important therefore, to put political differences aside when addressing an issue where all of us, have a common interest.

In fact, we must develop political maturity and understand that, regardless of our political ideological differences, our common interest is the country.

Certain human rights organizations are taking care of me as a journalist, thats why I’m able to be productive and write informative articles, if I’m not taken care-of, access to information would be undermined because instead of writing articles, I will become frustrated and start thinking about my children’s school fees and food.

Therefore, the police officers are actually saying, the more this issue delays, the law enforcement agency won’t be productive and State security would be undermined, a hungry person cannot think properly and be productive.

But in conclusion, let me further correct the Government Spokesperson who stated that, the police are not negotiating in good faith by mentioning that, their plight undermines State security.

It is wrong to dictate to a hungry person on how that particular person must express his/her frustration, this delay is affecting even the police officers’ children.

The issue of Phase two (2) is no longer an issue worth negotiating but Government agreed to increase salaries for these officers through a Circular, the PM must just implement a Government Circular and depending on the availability of funds, make a commitment in writing when will these monies be released so that, the officers can plan and secure loans from banks, improve their lives based on that commitment.

I know the pain of being financially broke with no hope what tomorrow might bring, let us not pretend as if we don’t know what these police officers are going through.

The MPs who moved and supported the motion urging the Prime Minister to address this issue, did so out of love for the country.

We must avoid this tendency of politicizing a genuine issue that was documented and undermines State security, there’s a Government Gazette awarding junior police officers their salary increment and therefore, there’s absolutely no need for negotiations, the Prime Minister must just release the money.

 

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Friday 25 October 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 850 – 25 October 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 850 – 25 October 2024

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.


[Serbia] president shares army prowess with King

By Kings Office Respondents, eSwatini Observer, 23 October 2024

SOURCE 

President of Serbia Aleksander Vucic, on Monday hosted His Majesty King Mswati III to a brief ‘army day’, where a glimpse of the Serbian army prowess was put on show.

The army showcased some of its latest technology equipment to the king, demonstrating how artificial intelligence has emerged as the preferred weapon. He also had an opportunity to witness several combat drills by army personnel.

Accompanying the president at the Military Technical Centre were the Minister for Defence Bratislava Gasic, assistant Minister for Material Resources Nened Miloradovic and Chief of General Staff, General Hossilovic.

Later that day, His Majesty visited the Vlatacom Institute, which is a private science and research centre that develops software systems for the military, among other sectors.

It boasts of providing secure information and communication technology, critical asset protection and border control, applied mathematics and electronics with cryptography features, multi-sensor integration, biometrics, image and radio waves, intelligent signal processing, with implementation in identity management and surveillance devices and targeted systems.

Vladimir Cizel, founder of the institute, welcomed the king and expressed his deep love for Eswatini.

After a presentation on the work of the centre, His Majesty King Mswati III congratulated Cizel for sharing their success—having grown from humble beginnings to where they are today.

“This is due to your commitment and dedication. You have a strong, capable team and it is good to see advancement in technology, which is important for such an institute,” he said.

The king said the country looked forward to working with the institute to learn new things, particularly about how to transfer some of this technology back home.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22846


Is Israel moving its eSwatini embassy back from South Africa?

Middle East Monitor, 24 October 2024

SOURCE 

The tiny Southern African kingdom of Eswatini has diplomatic ties with Israel going back over five decades, Anadolu Agency reports.

Today, as Israel faces growing international isolation for its genocide in Gaza and escalating assault on Lebanon, Eswatini seems to be among the few countries moving ever closer to Tel Aviv.

This could, according to local media reports, soon lead to another major development: the return of an Israeli diplomatic mission to Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

There was an Israeli Embassy once in the capital, Mbabane, but that was shut down in 1994. Diplomatic relations between Eswatini and Israel have since been managed from South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria.

Relations between Israel and South Africa are currently strained, to say the least, with the latter leading the international legal charge against Israel’s Gaza genocide.

While that increases the likelihood of Israel actually planning an Eswatini mission move from South Africa, authorities from either side have remained tight-lipped over the plan.

In June, Newman Ntshangase, principal secretary at the Eswatini Foreign Ministry, told local media that consultations on the matter were “at a high level and in early stages”.

Information would be made public once it was “mutually concretised by both states”, he told local publication, Times Sunday, adding that Eswatini would view it as “a positive outcome”.

While there has been no official comment from Israel, Ntshangase told Anadolu that matters were still at the same point as the government has not “received new information with regards to Israeli’s foreign policy decision to reopen (a diplomatic mission) in Eswatini.”

He said Israel has the right to make the sovereign decision of where to station its diplomatic missions, which would be “done through a formal mutual consent process with the host nation.”

“Should there be any (progress), the Ministry will gladly bring it to the public domain,” he said.

Percy Simelane, spokesperson for Eswatini’s King Mswati III, also defended the country’s right to engage with Israel.

“Israel had an embassy in Eswatini even before the incumbent King,” he told Anadolu.

“Eswatini has a sovereign right to choose, which comes into force without having to be passed or approved by other nations. The Kingdom is at liberty to pick its diplomatic partners just like any other country.”

Thokozane Kunene, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Swaziland, slammed the idea and asserted that it was a reflection of the Eswatini government’s level of conflict with Israel.

“Israel has always had an important role in defending the Swazi regime, protecting its economic interests and helping it accumulate strategic territories,” Kunene told Anadolu.

He asserted that Israel has also “supported the regime by placing its agents in the executive, judiciary and security agencies.”

They have increased their “presence in the country, becoming more dominant to a point that they are literally running the regime,” he said.

The accusations have been denied by the Eswatini government.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241024-is-israel-moving-its-eswatini-embassy-back-from-south-africa/

 

Mzansi accuses Jacob Zuma of selling his daughters soul with marriage to King Mswati III

By Nomonde Simelane, Bona (South Africa)

SOURCE 

In September it was revealed that 21-year-old Nomcebo Zuma, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, was to become the 16th wife of Esatwini’s Monarch, King Mswati III. Upon the revelation of the news, some South Africans condemned both Mswati and Jacob Zuma for this, as they believed the marriage was purely transactional.

Seeing that King Mswati III is 56 years old, the age gap between Nomcebo and himself is a whopping 35 years, and although Nomcebo is of legal age, netizens have expressed their concern over the problematic nature of the union. Their traditional matrimonial ceremony took place at the Ludzidzini royal village in Lobamba, where approximately 5000 people were in attendance.

King Mswati has often made headlines and was criticised by his opposition and citizens of Eswatini for leading an extravagant lifestyle, including all 11 of his wives, while the people of Eswatini live in extreme poverty. The announcement of his marriage to Nomcebo has furthered the agenda of his villainous nature, as some have highlighted that the decision to marry someone 35 years his junior must not be taken lightly.

Coming to the King’s defence, Eswatini’s spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo claims that the King and his wife connect on a romantic level, and dismissed any suggestion that the union is for political gain between the two families.

“Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally,” Alpheus says.

Unconvinced, netizens are adamant that the relationship is problematic and question how much of a say Nomcebo had in choosing her husband. Others cite the significant age gap as a cause for concern.

Speculations about Nomcebo’s eagerness, or lack thereof to marry the King have already begun, as users analyse the body language in any media of the couple that circulates, concluding that Nomcebo is not happy with the decision that was made to marry her to the King.

 

Billionaire King Mswati and his new wife Jacob Zuma’s daughter splash over R1million cash in Serbia

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 21 October, 2024

SOURCE 

SERBIA: King Mswati splashed over R1million cash on over one hundred(100) eSwatini University students studying in Serbia including those from South African and Burundi.

Each student who attended a party organized for the King to meet the students received eight thousand Rands(R8,000.00), the State owned Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services(EBIS) reported on Monday.

The King and his new wife Inkhosikati Nomcebo Zuma, the daughter to former South African President Jacob Zuma are in Serbia for a State visit.

On another note, eSwatini is facing shortage of drugs in public hospitals, dozens have died since the crisis erupted. 

The country is also facing an education crisis, schools are facing shortage of teachers and working equipment while University students in eSwatini are committing suicide amid Government failure to release allowances.

The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) was recently closed after the Eswatini Water Services Corporation(EWSC) terminated water supply pending payment of outstanding invoices.

But apart from that, the country is also facing a cash flow challenges, most civil servants are financially broke while Government struggles to pay suppliers, resulting to the collapse of indigenous businesses.


Billionaire King Mswati and his new wife Jacob Zuma’s daughter splashed over R1million cash in Serbia, gives each eSwatini, South African University students R8,000.00 amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals


Pensioners plan march against drugs shortage

By Siboniso Nkambule, Times of eSwatini (print edition), 24 October 2024 

MBABANE: The Swaziland Public Service Pensioners Association (SPSPA) General Secretary (GS), Dominic Nxumalo, says there is a need for pensioners to take a stand and march against the ongoing shortage of drugs in the country’s health facilities.

Nxumalo emphasised the urgent need for action, stating that pensioners must demand a consistent supply of medications in these facilities. It was noted that the lack of essential drugs has placed many lives at risk, and it is crucial for pensioners to advocate for their right to proper healthcare.

Nxumalo addressed SPSPA members in a meeting held at the Mbabane National Library yesterday.

This comes after nurses’ resolution to march and deliver a petition to the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, and the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, over the continuing health crisis.

The nurses, who are organised under the banner of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), made this resolution during their recent national general council meeting at Shosholoza Conference Room in Manzini.

According to SWADNU Secretary General Mayibongwe Masangane, the meeting reflected that the issue of shortage of drugs dates back to 2016 and since then, emaSwati have been dying at their hands. He said at their workstations, they no longer treat people but offer words of comfort to those seeking medical attention.

This, he said, is because they do not have working tools and drugs. He said at times they see government issuing statements, which suggest that medical drugs have been delivered. He said those media statements are nothing but political statements. “This is because those drugs do not last even three weeks,” he said.

In that regard, he said the national general council decided that they should petition the PM and minister of Health. He said there was a proposal that they should engage the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) to lead the petition delivery, so that even the other concerned unions could join.

Nxumalo, when addressing the pensioners, said he thought about the deteriorating health system in the country. According to Nxumalo, when they visit hospitals, they do not get the required drugs.

He stated that this is another issue they would need to stand up for as pensioners.

“We would need to stand up and march to demand drugs and medication to be present at health facilities all the time. We will also be helping the youth,” Nxumalo said.

The GS explained that the health issue belongs to them. Adding, he shared that they need to discuss as the association’s branches, so that they could march against it and deliver a petition, in large numbers.

He mentioned that the recent petitions they delivered to the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Finance went well and showed that they are respected and further feared.

Nxumalo said this meant that they could achieve a lot. Furthermore, he emphasised that members should not have fear when called to marches, as no one would assault a pensioner.

“In the future when we march, we should come out in large numbers,” he said.

 

‘Humanities field saturated, graduates unemployable’

By Sifiso Dlamini. eSwatini Observer, 20 October 2024

SOURCE 

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says the decision to stop sponsoring the field of Humanities was informed by the National Skills Audit of 2022, which revealed that the graduates are unemployable.

The report, according to the ministry, also revealed that the elasticity of employment to growth appeared constrained by structural factors.

The decision, which comes into effect from the 2025/26 academic year, was announced on Tuesday and only affects students at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).   

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, said the skills audit outlined the opportunities and saturations in terms of human resource.

The minister revealed that Humanities graduates approached the ministry and complained that they were not employable unless they had a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), hence the reason to phase out the programme.

He further said the ministry had been assessing priority courses and determined that some of them had to be phased out because they were no longer relevant.

He also pointed out that during the graduation, the Vice Chancellor Justice Thwala, announced about 10 new courses that would be introduced in the next academic year, which was also part and parcel of the recommendations outlined in the skills audit report.

“We are also in the process of aligning with the industry needs,” the minister said.

When making the announcement, the minister said the decision to stop funding Humanities was part of a broader re-evaluation of government priorities in tertiary education funding.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22817

 

See also

eSwatini university steps up inclusion efforts with the opening of disability support center

https://www.voanews.com/a/eswatini-university-steps-up-inclusion-efforts-with-the-opening-of-disability-support-center-/7827379.

Crisis as UNESWA faces E8m water bill

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22833

 

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Thursday 17 October 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 849– 18 October 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 849– 18 October 2024

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.

 

People survive on boiled leaves - MP Marwick

By Phephile Motau, eSwatini Observer, 11 October 2024

SOURCE 

LOBAMBA: Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo says people are surviving on boiled leaves because of hunger.

The MP was speaking at the House of Assembly on Wednesday during the debate on a motion directed to the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla on when they would start food distribution to the hungry Emaswati.

In her response, Dladla said food would be availed to 13 of the most vulnerable constituencies. She added that more rice would arrive in the country, and it would be distributed to 250 households per constituency.

The sentiments of the MP were shared by the DPM.  Khumalo said it was a fact that people were hungry. He said in their constituencies, people were calling everyday asking for food.

He said the contents of the DPM’s report were unacceptable as it was imperative that government reviewed the issue because Emaswati would accuse them of being uncaring.

“Unemployment rates have dramatically increased from 10 years ago and so have the poverty levels. People have lost their jobs more than in the past. We cannot then say food relief should be reduced,” he said.

Khumalo said the report was unacceptable, but the DPM should work with what she had. She said the process of distributing the food must be transparent and every MP should know what they would get to feed those in their constituencies.

Khumalo said the DPM should consider the matter when doing the supplementary budget.
“We are not being a welfare state, but it is our reality. People are boiling leaves, just to eat. The little we get must go to the people, but we want more, it is not enough,” Khumalo said.

He said he knew that the response of the DPM was based on available resources, but it was not even meeting half of the country’s requirements of food.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22738

 

Divert all funds to address health crisis - MPs

By Nonduduzo Kunene, Times of eSwatini, 10 October 2024

SOURCE 

LOBAMBA: Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged government to bring a loan Bill that will address the entire health crisis.

The legislators further called for the health crisis to be declared a disaster and that all funds should be diverted to deal with the crisis in the health system. The MPs noted that despite the E3 billion budget given to the Ministry of Health, there are still financial gaps that have to be filled by the budget, dating back to 10 years ago.  Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo said there have been a number of loans that government has negotiated and approved by Parliament.  He stated that there was a point in time where government brought a loan Bill that was meant to address the health crisis because it dated back years ago.

The MP said the entire health system needs a revamp and a loan could address the challenges. The call for a loan Bill to address the health crisis was also supported by LaMgabhi MP Sicelo Jele. Mhlangatane MP Madala Mhlanga noted that the minister said he took some medical supplies that were out of stock at Mbabane Government Hospital from lithocholic to continue with dialysis at the referral hospital. He said the rob Peter to pay Paul system will not work in the health sector, hence the need for lasting solutions.Zombodze Emuva MP Ntando Mkhonta urged the ministry to also root out the corruption that engulfs the sector.  He said with the issues that have surfaced regarding the supply of medical drugs and supplies, the loan could be depleted by the corruption within the ministry.  He said before Parliament could pass the loan Bill, corruption in the ministry needed to be dealt with.

Meanwhile, there was tension and emotions in Parliament yesterday as the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, gave an update on the renal dialysis, theatre services and CT scan challenges. The MPs have urged government to take up a loan that will address all the health issues and the minister to get rid of heads of department and senior officials who are sabotaging the health system. During the sitting, after the minister’s update, the MPs underlined some points of his update, among them being that he had a busy night sorting out the situation after he learnt through enquiries that were made by the media, the Times of Eswatini, in particular, about the halted dialysis and theatre services.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/147486-divert-all-funds-to-address-health-crisis-mps.html

See also

Health crisis: nurses to march, petition PM, minister

http://www.times.co.sz/news/147557-health-crisis-nurses-to-march-petition-pm-minister.html

 

 

King Mswati’s Tinkhundla undemocratic regime in the political Intensive Care Unit (ICU), now surviving from hand to month as health crisis worsens

Opinion by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 12 October 2024

SOURCE

With almost all the critical institutions of the State in crisis, the Tinkhundla undemocratic regime is now in the political Intensive Care Unit(ICU) and chances of survival or recovery are very slim.

The education, health and fire sectors have literally collapsed of course, with demotivated and financially broke civil servants.

But on Thursday, Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula invited journalists to take him pictures while he was off-loading a small truck with some equipment, in yet another systematic staged political propaganda as the health crisis worsens.

Matsebula appeared to be solving a life threatening situation after kidney failure patients approached journalists of this Swaziland News raising an alarm and this, was after the Ministry of Health told them that, they won’t receive medical treatment amid shortage of drugs and working equipment.

That patients have started to desperately contact journalists is a crisis on its own, patients must visit health institutions with confidence that they will receive health-care but, that is no-longer the case in this country.

Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula was merely playing politics by inviting journalists when off-loading those few small boxes, very soon the dialysis shortage of equipment problem will erupt again.

In fact, that was a desperate move by the regime to blind and mislead the people as if enough working equipment and drugs have arrived, the health crisis is deeper than we can imagine and this regime in the political ICU.

In fact this regime has been for years, surviving through the alleged ignorance of those who oppose it, some of these Tinkhundla critics fight this autocratic government but, they normally stagger whenever the political ground becomes fertile to enable them to overthrow this undemocratic regime and take over the country.

Now, key State institutions that are the pillars of any country being the health and education have collapsed, not to mention the Fire Department.

This means if another political unrest could erupt with protesters burning structures again, the country is not well equipped to control that situation except to use guns in killing innocent protesting civilians.

I sometimes see political activists shouting “Viva” and ask myself if they understand that, what they have been fighting for is already in their hands.

A majority of emaSwati are financially broke, angry and frustrated and they know that King Mswati’s regime is the source or their plight, all they need now is proper and reputable leadership to usher them into a new democratic dispensation.

I am saying this because as the editor,I interact with almost everyone including the State Intelligence Unit where I normally monitor and source confidential State information, I am privileged to know things that others don’t know, that’s the privilege of being an investigative journalist.

This country is in serious trouble because almost everyone is angry and frustrated against the same Tinkhundla regime, others are working for the same Government but they are against it hence the leaking of sensitive information.

But, let me once again appeal for a political dialogue to resolve the ongoing political crisis, our country is being destroyed because King Mswati is the only human being with a monopoly to think in this country, Government exist to please him.

Before the health system collapsed, Mswati constructed his own Manzana Royal Hospital and further established a Fire Department within his Palaces ,emaSwati are on their own as the socio-economic situation worsens.

King Mswati has literally destroyed this country, the Tinkhundla regime will never announce that it has collapsed, only the intelligent will analyze that based on the collapsed critical State institutions.

 

Draconian laws contributing to GBV – women rights activists

By Sifiso Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 15 October 2024

SOURCE 

Parliamentarians and women rights activists say the country’s out-dated draconian laws are contributing towards perpetuating gender-based violence (GBV).

They have called for the speedy review of some of the country’s legislations such as the Marriage Act of 1964, Administration of Estate Act of 1902 and the Wills Act of 1955, among other out-dated legislations.

The need for the speedy review of the legislations was also raised during Sibaya, People’s Parliament, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu.

The former minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs said some of the country’s out-dated laws were no longer constitutional as they did not align with the Constitution of 2005.
The minister called for the review of the legislations in order to afford women equal rights to property.

Under the minister’s watch, government through the ministry of justice, piloted two notable bills in Parliament, being the Marriages Bill and Matrimonial Properties Bill, which sought to address some of the inconsistencies.

The proposed bills included provisions to abolish marital power held by husbands over their wives ability to contract and to litigate, as well as provisions for the equitable distribution and equal access of spouses to marital property.

The Marriages Act provides for only two grounds for divorce being adultery and witchcraft. However in the proposed Marriages Bill of 2022 which was piloted during the 11th Parliament, six new grounds for divorce were provided for, among which is impotence.

The National Health Service (NHS) defines impotence as erectile dysfunction, where a person becomes either unable to get an erection or unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sexual intercourse.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22750

 

King Mswati’s trip with Zuma’s daughter costs taxpayers R200m

Report Focus News, 15 October 2024

SOURCE 

King Mswati and Jacob Zuma daughter


King Mswati III of eSwatini’s upcoming overseas trip, including a visit to Italy, is estimated to cost taxpayers more than R200 million (£8.5 million), according to local media reports.

The king left the country on Sunday accompanied by his new wife, 21-year-old Inkhosikati Nomcebo Zuma, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma.

The Swaziland News reports that the costs include allowances for the royal delegation, private jet expenses, and spending money for the king and his wife. The royal couple will attend the World Food Forum in Italy before proceeding to other engagements.

When approached for comment, the king’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, told local media that his office was not responsible for finances or allowances for the king and his delegation. He referred inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

King Mswati III married Nomcebo Zuma in July 2023, just months after first seeing her at a celebration last year. The marriage has drawn attention due to the connection with former South African President Jacob Zuma.

The cost of this trip is likely to reignite debate about royal expenses in eSwatini, where about 60% of the 1.2 million population lives below the poverty line. King Mswati III, 55, who is Africa’s last absolute monarch, has faced criticism in the past for his lavish lifestyle amid widespread poverty in the country.

Local sources suggest that members of Zuma’s family have been included in the delegation, allegedly to ensure the young wife doesn’t feel lonely during the trip. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, who is part of the king’s delegation, were unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.

 

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