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Friday 13 September 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 844 – 13 September 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 844 – 13 September 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.

 

No FPE, some schools without water, electricity on first day

By Sithembile Hlatshwayo, Times of eSwatini, 11 September 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The delay in the payment of free primary education (FPE) grant has seen some schools go without water and electricity, among other things.

Other schools say they fear that the available food will be finished in the coming two weeks and are crossing their fingers for the Ministry of Education and Training to intervene.

The ministry stated that the food delivered to schools before they closed for the second term will last them at least 30 days, hence it is not an issue as deliveries are expected to be made in two weeks. True to the sentiments shared by Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General Lot Vilakati, schools were not ready to reopen yesterday.

In other schools, since they do not have money to buy petroleum gas, they are unable to cook the limited food they have.

Fonteyn Primary School Deputy Head teacher Nomcebo Mamba said the school is in arrears of E5 444.80 for an outstanding water bill, while their electricity units were exhausted about two weeks ago. Mamba said they had no idea of what to do as they were hoping that the Ministry of Education would come to their rescue. “We are expecting representatives from the ministry today (Tuesday 11, 2024) who will be introducing our new head teacher,” Mamba said.

The school has been without a head teacher since July 2024. Mamba said they were in the dark regarding the financials of the school, hence they were also in the dark on whether they received the FPE grant or not. According to Mamba, the school is also struggling with some of the working tools, including charts. She said they reported the matter to the school committee and pastoral inspector. Mater Dolorosa (MDS) Primary School Head teacher Thabo Nkambule said they were looking forward to the ministry supplying them with food in the next two weeks as the remaining food will is not enough.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/147020-no-fpe-some-schools-without-water-electricity-on-first-day.html

See also

SNAT: schools not ready to reopen

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146986-snat-schools-not-ready-to-reopen.html

 

Chinese roots deepen in Africa’s last Taiwan holdout

By Cebelihle Mbuyisa, Semafor, 10 September 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: China is building up its business and economic interests in Eswatini in a sign that Taiwan’s last African ally is gradually pivoting towards Beijing.

The southern African country was the only one of Africa’s 54 countries that declined to attend last week’s triennial China-Africa summit in Beijing. The kingdom of Eswatini has long refused to cut ties with Taiwan — even when Beijing has explicitly threatened to cut all trade with the African country because of it.

But, despite that official snub last week, members of the Eswatini’s business community told Semafor Africa that authorities are quietly warming to China. It is forcing Taipei to face up to the reality that Chinese enterprises, business people, and even state players are digging deep roots in the kingdom’s economy.

Taiwan’s ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang, told Semafor Africa that “a significant number of Chinese nationals” were pouring into the small landlocked country of 1.2 million people which would, in time, “undermine” his country’s special relationship with the kingdom.

In another sign of thawing relations with Beijing, a delegation led by the head of Eswatini’s mines authority Guduza Dlamini travelled to China with a high-profile local businessman in late 2023, reportedly to engage Chinese investors and to chart a way for the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Government spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo denied that the delegation’s mission had been to begin the process of establishing diplomatic relations.

And it’s not just private business people. Eswatini’s government in May 2023 awarded the state-owned PowerChina a $165 million tender to construct the vital Mpakeni Embankment Dam even while noting in a statement that Eswatini had “yet to establish diplomatic relations with China” it had recognized PowerChina for “its brand influence in the southern African region.”

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.semafor.com/article/09/10/2024/china-ramps-up-ties-in-eswatini-africas-last-taiwan-ally

Taiwan’s President Tsai meets King Mswati III in Eswatini last year; Wang Yu Ching/Office of the President


See also

China-Africa Summit Shines a Spotlight on Eswatini, Taiwan’s Lone Partner in Africa. Taiwan’s last foothold on the continent is built on personalized diplomacy with Eswatini’s absolute monarch

https://thediplomat.com/2024/09/china-africa-summit-shines-a-spotlight-on-eswatini-taiwans-lone-partner-in-africa/

Eswatini ’quietly warming’ to China: report

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2024/09/12/2003823677

 

Prime Minister, Acting Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner investigating Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala amid power struggle, want King Mswati to remove him

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 6 September, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Maphevu Mkhatjwa,the Acting Commissioner of the Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) has written a letter to the Managing Director of the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit(EFIU) requesting financial transactions for Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala amid a power struggle with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and the ACC Acting Commissioner.

It has been disclosed that, the plot to investigate and subsequently arrest the CJ was orchestrated by the ACC Acting Commissioner, the Chief Justice who doubles as Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is alleged to be refusing to endorse the appointment of Mkhatjwa as ACC Commissioner and as a result, Mkhatjwa is alleged to have asked the PM to assist him remove the Chief Justice.

“The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) is seized with investigation referenced as Enquiry file number 09/2024. The basis of the investigation relates to allegations of corruption that the above mentioned individual is suspected to be receiving bribes from members of the public seeking jobs in the judiciary and/or from those who had applied for judicial appointments. Therefore, in an effort to pursue the investigation we hereby request for your cooperation by providing us with his financial profile, assets profile and any information that you deem necessary to bring to our attention. We will further request your institution to provide us with analysis on the flow of funds in respect of entities and/or parties that are and may be connected with this investigation. The processing of this matter should be treated with confidentiality as outlined in section 18 of the POCA”, reads the letter in part allegedly signed by the ACC Acting Commissioner.

The documents further suggest that, the Chief Justice was investigated by Chief Investigator Sipho Mthethwa and Assistant Superintendent Clement Sifiso Khumalo who is currently working for the ACC on secondment.

But a source within the State Intelligence Unit told this Swaziland News on Thursday that, the power struggle erupted after the Chief Justice made moves to recommend the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Lillian Zwane as the new Commissioner of the ACC yet Maphevu Mkhatjwa, a police officer, is also eyeing the position.

The Prevention of Corruption Act states clearly that, a person may be appointed as ACC Commissioner if that person qualifies to be a Judge of the High Court.

It has been disclosed that, the ACC was investigating Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini on allegations of corruption and/or looting of public funds within the Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), he was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) when over R200million public and donated funds allegedly disappeared within the State entity.

But shortly after being appointed as the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini allegedly summoned and captured the ACC, he subsequently announced the establishment of a Task Team that will report to him.

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=7291

 

About 110 suicide cases reported since January

By Mthunzi Mdluli, Times of eSwatini, 12 September 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: About 110 suicide cases have been reported from January until August, this year.
According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the statistics show an increase in the number of people taking their own lives compared to the same period in 2023.

During the same period in 2023, there were 97 recorded suicide cases. This is an increase of 13.4 per cent. The police indicated that a majority of those who committed suicide in the past eight months were men. Chief Police Information Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, said men commit suicide because of infidelity, child maintenance, debt, fear of arrest after committing certain offences and lacking somethings.

Vilakati said police are concerned about the increasing number of people who take their own lives, whose number increases annually. According to Vilakati, people aged 25 years and above are the ones who take their own lives.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/147036-about-110-suicide-cases-reported-since-january.html

 

SADC’S betrayal of the people of Swaziland

SSN statement, 7 September 2024

SOURCE 

The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) is deeply disheartened and outraged by the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to remove the Swaziland political crisis from its agenda. This is a betrayal of the citizens of Swaziland and the entire region, shutting down any hope that the regional body might take meaningful steps toward promoting democracy, human rights, and lasting peace in Swaziland.

Swaziland rightly entered SADC’s focus through the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation following the brutal suppression of a peaceful nationwide campaign for political reform in June 2021. Since then, the government’s repression has only escalated. Over 100 Swazis have been killed, countless others disabled, and entire communities have been terrorized by state-sponsored violence.

These crimes carried out under the watchful eyes of SADC, have been perpetrated with the aid of mercenaries from South Africa and Russia. Despite this well-documented brutality, SADC has chosen to turn its back on the people of Swaziland, prioritizing other issues over the lives and rights of Swazi citizens.

SADC’s inaction is a direct betrayal of its own values and stated mission. The body claims to promote democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights as foundational principles for regional integration. Yet it has repeatedly failed to address the autocratic rule of Mswati whose government operates under a perpetual state of emergency that has been in place since April 12, 1973.

The contradiction between SADC’s lofty ambitions and its passivity in Swaziland is impossible to ignore. The regional body’s unwillingness to act undermines its credibility and casts doubt on its ability to achieve the political and economic integration it aspires to. It is clear that a region governed by democratically elected leaders cannot fully integrate a country ruled by an absolute monarch without compromising those democratic principles.

SADC’s mission to maintain peace and security has similarly failed, as the body waits for conflicts to explode before taking action, rather than addressing the root causes of unrest. The ongoing crisis in Swaziland is a testament to this failure.

What is most shocking, however, is the fact that nearly every country in SADC is a functioning democracy. This means that unlike Mswati, the other regional leaders owe their power to their citizens, to whom they are accountable. Yet by ignoring the cries of the Swazi people, they are betraying not only the citizens of Swaziland but their own citizens as well.

The actions of these leaders reflect either a deep betrayal or a profound misunderstanding of the aspirations of their own people. Across the region, opposition parties, civic organizations, and ordinary citizens have expressed their solidarity with the people of Swaziland and condemned the royal tyranny. Even a few incumbent SADC leaders have recognized the urgent need for change.

The people of Swaziland are not asking for charity or intervention without reason. They are determined to free themselves from the yoke of a regime that has consistently violated their human rights and subjected them to violence and terror. What they need is the moral support of the region, and for SADC to uphold its own principles by acknowledging these abuses. At the very least, SADC must suspend Swaziland’s participation in the body until it meets the basic criteria for governance and human dignity.

We, therefore, call upon all grassroots organizations across the region to unite and form a coalition that will lobby for SADC to suspend Swaziland and urge other global institutions to impose targeted sanctions against the regime. The time for passive condemnation has passed. The region must stand with the people of Swaziland in their pursuit of freedom and justice, and send a clear message to Mswati’s regime that its crimes will no longer be tolerated.

Issued by the Swaziland Solidarity Network.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Friday 6 September 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 843 – 6 September 2024

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 843 – 6 September 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.


Daughter of South Africa’s ex-president Zuma to be eSwatini king’s 16th wife

By Rachel Savage and agencies, The Guardian (UK), 3 September 2024

SOURCE

Engagement of Nomcebo Zuma, 21, to King Mswati, 56, confirmed at annual Umhlanga reed dance

A daughter of the former South African president Jacob Zuma and the king of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, have become engaged during a traditional ceremony in which Nomcebo Zuma was among hundreds of women and girls dancing for the monarch.

Zuma, 21, appeared on Monday night at the annual reed dance as the liphovela – the royal fiancee or concubine – and will become King Mswati III’s 16th wife.

The 56-year-old king has led Africa’s last absolute monarchy since taking power in 1986, days after his 18th birthday, and has been criticised for his lavish lifestyle while most of the population lives in poverty.

The days-long reed dance is a traditional rite of womanhood, with young women singing and dancing bare-chested, wearing traditional clothing that includes anklets and thick colourful tassles, some carrying mock swords and shields.

Also known as the Umhlanga, it was regarded as an example of Eswatini’s “graceful” culture, said Bianca Dlamini-Holman, a Swazi influencer, in a 2023 YouTube vlog about that year’s dance. About 5,000 people attended this year’s celebrations at the Ludzidzini royal village in Lobamba.

It is not the first time King Mswati, who has dozens of children, has announced a much younger bride at the Umhlanga. In September 2005, 17-year-old Phindile Nkambule was presented as his 13th fiancee at a reed dance, with the BBC reporting at the time that she had caught his eye at the main dance the previous month.

Just days before, the king had rescinded a ban on sex for and with girls under 18, which he had implemented in an effort to fight HIV/Aids. Two months after imposing the ban in 2001, Mswati fined himself a cow for breaking his own rule by taking a 17-year-old as his ninth wife, according to the BBC.

The king rules the country of 1.2 million people by decree, with political parties banned and elected officials only existing in an advisory capacity.

In 2003, Mswati’s 10th wife, Zena Mahlangu, was abducted, aged 18, while preparing for her A-level exams, her mother, Lindiwe Dlamini, who fought an unsuccessful legal battle to have her daughter returned, alleged.

The king’s latest bride also comes from a large polygamous family. Jacob Zuma, 82, has been married six times and currently has four wives and more than 20 children.

He was South Africa’s president from 2009-18, when he was forced to resign by his African National Congress party after a series of corruption allegations. The shrewd political operator upended the country’s elections earlier this year, when his new uMkhonto we Sizwe party came third, with 14.6% of the vote.

 

Nomcebo Zuma (3rd L) and one of the king’s daughters, Princess Sakhizwe (2nd L), sing and dance with other young women during the Umhlanga reed dance. Photograph: Emmanuel Croset/AFP/Getty Images

See also

Eswatini-Zuma Marriage: political, economic, and social implications for Eswatini and South Africa

https://lansinginstitute.org/2024/09/03/eswatini-zuma-marriage-political-economic-and-social-implications-for-eswatini-and-south-africa/

Political power play or family ties? Views vary on Eswatini-Zuma marriage

https://www.voanews.com/a/political-power-play-or-family-ties-views-vary-on-eswatini-zuma-marriage-/7766067.html

Ex-SA president Zuma’s daughter adorned with emagwalagwala

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146882-ex-sa-president-zuma%E2%80%99s-daughter-adorned-with-emagwalagwala.html

Inkhosikati LaGija spends over ten years without seeing King Mswati, under punishment for previously escaping from the Palace amid allegations of physical abuse by husband.

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=7265

 

eSwatini Government foreign registered rented cars used to hunt and kill human rights defenders

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 3 September, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: In a country where the law including traffic laws are applied to the ordinary citizens, police officers who are sometimes converted to be ‘hitmen’ for the King Mswati cruel and oppressive regime, are allowed to drive around with foreign registered cars pasted with a police number plate on top.

An alleged foreign registered Toyota Hilux GD6 with a police number plate GSD 520 PO pasted on top, was seen at the SwaziPlaza Mbabane Police Post on Tuesday morning, these cars are allegedly used either to hunt human rights defenders or kidnap children or ordinary citizens to be murdered for alleged ritual purposes.

Government would then issue a statement blaming foreigners traveling in foreign registered cars when in fact, these are alleged State agents on ‘State duties’.

Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati,the Police Spokesperson declined to comment.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News on Tuesday, Sibongile Mazibuko, the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) first thanked this publication for exposing the suspicious cars, she then urged the public to take pictures and sent to the editor wherever they see these vehicles.

“These vehicles are also allegedly used to kill citizens particularly during Incwala ritual ceremony, so we thank the Swaziland News for monitoring this. We urge citizens to take pictures of these vehicles including their drivers so that, when a child or a citizen disappears, we can ask those people. You will recall that, the vehicle that abducted a child at Nyanyali during Incwala was also foreign registered and the police later came-in to assault and intimidate the mother for demanding her child. There’s absolutely no reason to paste a number plate on top just to cover the original one, it’s illegal and if I can do this, the police could arrest me. Why cover a number plate if the vehicle is clean and used for genuine assignments?”, said the NNLC President.

Tinyanga to hospitals: refer some patients to us

By Thokozani Mamba, Times of eSwatini, 5 September 2024

SOURCE 

SITEKI: Traditional healers (tinyanga) want hospitals to be empowered to refer some patients to them for treatment in healing huts known as tindumba.

Such referral prescriptions have to be authorised by the Ministry of Health. Yesterday, close to 100 tinyanga from across the country converged at the Siteki Town Council Hall, to commemorate the World Traditional Medicine Celebration Day. Chairman of the Traditional Witchdoctors Association (TWDA), Makhanya Makhanya, thanked the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ministry of Health and Georgetown University (GU) for the working partnership with tinyanga.

Makhanya said as traditional healers, they are impressed with the attention and recognition extended by the health organisations. The chairman then requested the ministry to foster a long-term working relationship with them, by ensuring the ministry formulates referral prescriptions to documented tinyanga, so they can be treated at their tindumba. He mentioned that the association will also issue referral prescriptions to health facilities if their patients need the attention of medical practitioners.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146937-tinyanga-to-hospitals-refer-some-patients-to-us.html

 

Supreme Court decision upholding repressive security laws is a blow to human rights

International Commission of Jurists, 30 August 2024

SOURCE 

The Supreme Court Judgment paves the way for ongoing repression of freedom of expression in the Kingdom.

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is concerned that an ill-considered judgment issued on 13 August 2024 by Eswatini’s Supreme Court will allow for the continued overexpansive use of national security and counterterrorism laws to violate human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Court’s decision in Prime Minister of Eswatini and Another v. Thulani Maseko and Six Others overrules a 2016 decision of the High Court, which had declared draconian provisions of the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938 and the Suppression of Terrorism Act No. 11 of 2008 to be unlawful.

The ICJ now calls on Eswatini to repeal the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act and the Suppression of Terrorism Act or to amend them to comply with Eswatini’s international legal obligations and ensure full compliance with international law.

“Over a long period of time, the Eswatini government has abused these already problematic laws to criminalize freedom of expression, target human rights defenders, and harass, intimidate, and ultimately silence those who  exercise their right to public and political participation, including the political opposition in the country,” said Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, ICJ’s Africa Director.

The ICJ considers that these laws are vague and overbroad, in contravention of the principle of legality, and non-compliant with Eswatini’s international legal obligations to protect freedom of expression, association, assembly, and political participation.

The overbreadth of these laws and their abuse by the Eswatini authorities was in stark evidence by the conviction and sentencing of Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza to 85 years and Mthandeni Dube to 58 years in July 2024. The charges, which arose in the context of widespread protest for democratic reform in Eswatini in June 2021, have been characterized by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights as “politically motivated”. The accused had neither committed nor encouraged the commission of any acts of violence but merely had exercised their right to freedom of expression in advocating that members of Eswatini society should exercise human rights and advocate for democratic reform.

“The newly rendered Supreme Court ruling, along with the prosecution and conviction of Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube for the exercise of their rights, represents a continuation of the weaponization of the law in Eswatini to suppress political opponents and human rights defenders,” added Ramjathan-Keogh.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.icj.org/eswatini-supreme-court-decision-upholding-repressive-security-laws-is-a-blow-to-human-rights/

 

Sex workers hold indaba, fear monkeypox

By Sabelo Ndzinisa, eSwatini News, 31 August 2024

SOURCE

MBABANE: As the kingdom prepares for what promises to be a hectic weekend of events, there are health concerns related to sex workers and the monkeypox threat.

The country will be hosting a triple-header of high-profile events, including the Reed Dance Ceremony, Eswatini International Trade Fair and the bike event to be hosted at the Rider’s Ranch at Sidvokodvo. It is anticipated that a number of visitors from different countries will attend some of these events. There was an indaba for sex workers in the country yesterday, at SibaneSami Hotel, in Ezulwini, where they raised a number of concerns. They complained of being excluded from important health discussions, alleging that they are not educated about how they can protect themselves from diseases like HIV/AIDS and Mpox formerly known as monkeypox. Important to note is that the Ministry of Health was represented during this indaba, along with the Human Rights Commission and Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

It has also been gathered that police were invited to be part of the meeting, but allegedly did not show up, according to Lungile Khumalo, who handles sex workers’ issues in the country.  

Khumalo admitted to Eswatini News that sex workers are vulnerable to diseases because they are not educated or capacitated on how to protect themselves. She said due to financial vulnerability, some sex workers are allegedly raped and abused by clients, exposing them to infections like HIV/AIDS. “Socially, sex workers are treated badly, which explains why they are not included in educational health programmes. We have noted a sharp rise in HIV/AIDS infections among them, because they are not educated on health preventative measures,” she said. Khumalo said it was time for government to change the mindset towards sex workers and embrace them  as part of society. She stated that during the indaba, the sex workers admitted that they feel left out, not just on health education, but job opportunities as well.   

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146866-sex-workers-hold-indaba-fear-monkeypox.html

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Friday 30 August 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 842 – 30 August 2024

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 842 – 30 August 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.

 

Army ready to prevent unrest - minister

By Siboniso Nkambule, Times of eSwatini, 27 August 2024

SOURCE 

LOBAMBA: The Acting Minister of National Defence and Security, Pholile Shakantu, has assured senators that the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) remains vigilant to prevent a recurrence of the June 2021 unrest. While emphasising the military’s readiness, Shakantu highlighted that the true priority lies in fostering peace among emaSwati. She also stressed the importance of promoting peace across all sectors of the nation’s structures, urging collective efforts to ensure stability. This was disclosed yesterday, when the Ministry of National Defence and Security was presenting its first quarter performance report for the year 2024/25 financial year before its Senate portfolio committee.

The committee members had questioned the minister about the army’s readiness to protect the country against foreign elements that would want to disturb peace. Senator Fezeka Dlamini said there were elements that infiltrated the country in 2021.Dlamini asked for the ministry’s assurance, questioning what they were doing to ensure that what happened during the June 2021 unrest was not repeated. She said emaSwati love peace and they appreciate it in the country. Adding, Dlamini mentioned that they were happy to see that the national airspace was safeguarded, both in peace and wartime. She, however, raised concerns about the aircraft that need to undergo major servicing, but due to a lack of budget, that mandate was not achieved.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146800-army-ready-to-prevent-unrest-minister.html

See also

Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu says army ready to ‘shoot and kill’ those who might trigger another political unrest.

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=7235

 

International team of investigative journalists to take over human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s assassination case as a ‘special project’

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 28 August, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A team of highly skilled international investigative journalists is expected to commence a high-level investigation into human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s assassination.

This was confirmed by Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor of this Swaziland News who urged the public to assist in ensuring the success of the investigation.

“I was contacted two weeks ago by an international human rights organization and formally informed that, the investigation by the international investigative journalists will commence soon. We urge the public to assist the journalists with any information, potential sources will be contacted anonymously and the journalists are skilled in the gathering of information and protection of sources”, said the editor.

Dlamini said the assassination of the human rights lawyer, remains an unresolved case of international interest, he urged more human rights organizations, including those under the United Nations (UN), to consider commissioning more independent investigations to investigate the death of the lawyer.

Maseko, the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF) was assassinated at the peak of the political unrest and, at the time, he was preparing for a political dialogue as recommended by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

 

The late human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko


eSwatini to roll out first women-controlled HIV prevention product

News Release, IPPF, 26 August 2024

SOURCE 

IPPF’s [International Planned Parenthood Federation] Member Association in Eswatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), is soon to roll out the first women-controlled HIV prevention product, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR). FLAS will be among the first organisations to offer the DVR outside implementation or pilot studies anywhere in the world. Made of flexible silicone, the ring is inserted into the vagina by a woman and slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV.

In 2023, in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections and every week, 3100 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years [LM5] became infected with HIV. Therefore, there continues to be an urgent need for HIV prevention methods that females can use to protect themselves.

The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month.

The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception.

The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention. This need for women-controlled HIV prevention products has long been advocated for, with the African Women Prevention Community Accountability Board launching the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto in early 2023. The Choice Manifesto prioritises the principle of choice to ensure that women and girls have the right to choose which HIV prevention methods work for them. Currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.

To read more on this, click here

https://www.ippf.org/media-center/eswatini-roll-out-first-women-controlled-hiv-prevention-product

 

Arrests looming in home affairs investigation

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times Sunday, 25 August 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The net is closing in on civil servants who are implicated in the fraudulent activities at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This is because the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which has been conducting investigations, has reportedly completed its work. This publication has gathered that the ACC has completed its work and around 10 officers are set to face the music. Having concluded the investigation, it was gathered that ACC officers were already working on an application to obtain warrants of arrests for the implicated individuals. Sources revealed that if all goes according to plan, the arrests would be effected in the next coming days. Called for comment, ACC Acting Commissioner Maphevu Mkhatjwa said while the commission has completed its investigation, he could not say when the arrests would be effected. Mkhatjwa argued that it was not wise to reveal anything, as such would jeopardise whatever investigation they carried out. He then referred this reporter to ACC Spokesperson Jabu Phakathi who, however, told this reporter that she was not aware of any planned arrests.

Phakathi reminded this reporter that the entity operates within the ambit of the law which prohibits the disclosure of information or details of any person who is the subject of an enquiry or investigation. The ACC has a three-pronged legal mandate of prevention whereby it is supposed to examine practices and procedures and advice on ways of preventing corruption.

It also has an education role of empowering the public and private bodies and the general public on the forms and dangers of corruption.  Furthermore, the ACC has the function of investigation which is to receive and investigate complaints of alleged or suspected corrupt practices made against any person, and refer appropriate cases to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).  

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146757-arrests-looming-in-home-affairs-investigation.html

 

Imbali warned against same-sex relations

By Sibusiso Shange, Times of eSwatini, 28 August 2024

SOURCE 

LUDZIDZINI: Imbali has been warned against engaging in same sex relations during the course of the Reed Dance. The annual Reed Dance, known as Umhlanga, is an annual event where maidens from all four regions of the country assembly in one place, for the fetching of reed from swamps, with instruction from His Majesty King Mswati III. The reed is then used to cover enclosures (emaguma) in the country’s royal residences and royal kraals.

During the event, which is aimed at encouraging the girl child to preserve her purity, the young girls are afforded the opportunity to showcase their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire world.  The event is not limited to emaSwati, but open to other African tribes with the same belief. The maidens were yesterday warned against engaging in the act, upon arrival to register for the event at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. “You are warned against engaging in same sex relationships during the course of the event. War unto those who will be found to have engaged in same sex relations here,” said one of the tindvuna repeatedly.  

[…]

The young girls were also warned against singing vulgar songs during the event. They were further warned against artificial hair and urged to maintain natural hair.The indvuna went on to warn the maidens against wearing leggings, sun shades and miniskirts, as well as going to other events, such as the Trade Fair.

“You are strictly warned against loitering. No one is expected to be found at the Gables without valid reasons. You are also warned against littering,” warned the indvuna.

The young girls were also warned against engaging in sexual relations during the course of the event. 

To read the full report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146822-imbali-warned-against-same-sex-relations.html

 

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