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Friday, 9 May 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 876 – 9 May 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 876 – 9 May 2025

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. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

eSwatini’s 20 years of constitutionalism characterised by a crackdown on freedom of expression

By Melusi Simelane, Mail & Guardian (South Africa), 8 May 2025

SOURCE 

Although the African Union has declared 2025 the year of reparations, justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations, many remain shackled by colonial legal frameworks in the hands of post-colonial and post-independence Africa.  

The 2024 decision by the eSwatini supreme court to revitalise the Sedition and Subversion Act (SSA) contributes to crackdowns on freedom of expression. 

The last absolute monarchy in Africa will mark the 20th anniversary of its Constitution in July 2025. Since the Constitution was promulgated in July 2005, it is concerning that the highest court would revitalise a colonial law that stifles free expression and erodes trust in democratic institutions. 

Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of all human rights because advocacy and governmental accountability depend on its protection. Since the emergence of human rights after World War II, freedom of expression has retained its status as one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Africa Charter. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) adopted the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in conformity with Article 9 of the African Charter, highlighting the significance of this right. 

Sedition laws, rooted in colonialism, were initially intended to weaken this foundational aspect using emotionally charged terms that intentionally lack clear definitions. This ambiguity allows for prosecutorial misuse whenever the government faces criticism. The global decline in democratic principles and human rights values, coupled with the resurgence of offences like sedition, points to a troubling trend towards global authoritarianism that needs to be addressed. 

Unfortunately, the eSwatini supreme court’s ruling in Prime Minister of Eswatini and Another v Thulani Maseko and Six Others only worsens this alarming pattern. 

In reinstituting the crime of sedition, the court contributed to an environment where protestors, human rights defenders, political opposition, and activists’ freedom of expression may be stifled through arbitrary arrests. These groups will be compelled to engage in self-censorship regarding any perceived criticism of the government. Even in a monarchy like eSwatini, sedition laws are untenable as they contradict the right to self-determination, violating Article 1(2) of the United Nations Charter. 

In reinstituting the crime of sedition, the court contributed to an environment where protestors, human rights defenders, political opposition, and activists’ freedom of expression may be stifled through arbitrary arrests. These groups will be compelled to engage in self-censorship regarding any perceived criticism of the government. Even in a monarchy like eSwatini, sedition laws are untenable as they contradict the right to self-determination, violating Article 1(2) of the United Nations Charter. 

Paramedics tend to a person injured by police during protests in Mbabane in 2021 as security forces cracked down on pro-democracy protests in Africa's last absolute monarchy. Photo: AFP


To read more of this report, click here

https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/2025-05-08-eswatinis-20-years-of-constitutionalism-characterised-by-a-crackdown-on-freedom-of-expression/

 

eSwatini Government opens applications, students who support calls for democracy or closely related to political activists to be denied scholarship loans

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 8 May 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Makhosini Mndawe,the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has released a public announcement, inviting students to apply for scholarship loans.

“Students applying are those who hold acceptance letters from the various Universities”, reads the public announcement in part, released on Wednesday.

But the scholarship loans are politically discriminatory in eSwatini, students who support calls for democracy or closely related to political activists “are denied their right to education”.

This was communicated and confirmed by Labour and Social Security Minister Phila Buthelezi on numerous occasions during interviews with the State owned radio.

“Students who are protesting and fighting the current Government won’t be awarded scholarships,” said the Labour Minister during one of the interviews.

The Minister further supported Parliament submissions made by Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini who urged Government not only to withdraw scholarships for students who support calls for democracy but, cancel their passports.

 

50% eSwatini women experience sexual violence in their lifetime

By Nokwanda Mamba, Swaziland Democratic News, 7 May 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: About 48 %of adult women in Eswatini are likely to experience sexual violence in their lifetime, this is at least according to a January 2025 Afrobarometer report.

The report also indicates that one in three women and girls in Eswatini experience sexual violence by the age of 18, adding that most citizens reject the use of physical force to discipline women and considering domestic violence a criminal rather than a private matter.The report also relied on a study carried in 2022, which suggested that 91% of the respondents believed it was unjustifiable for men to physically discipline their wives, 6 % believed it was sometimes justifiable, while 3 % believed it was justifiable.

The Eswatini Government seems to be reluctant to succumb to the calls by women rights organisations who want Gender Based Violence (GBV) to be declared a national disaster, amid the rise of domestic violence cases in the country.

 

Police brutality, the scourge of 2021, rearing its ‘ugly head’ in eSwatini

By IB Dhlamini, UED Convenor, Swati Newsweek, 7 May 2025

SOURCE 

The United Eswatini Daispora (UED) is appalled with what the Royal Eswatini Police (REP) have done within a space of four days (30 April2025 and 3 May 2025) in Eswatini. When Mswati III and his cronies invaded the Hosea community under the guise of development, the UED learned with uneasiness on the reports of subjecting an elderly person, Gogo Mathunjwa, in an unlawful detention. Gogo Mathunjwa was detained for be known as a passionate supporter of the incarcerated Hosea Member of Parliament, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza.

Furthermore, the police were again seen on the 3 May 2025 unlawfully stopping a legitimate thanksgiving event organized by Honourable Lomalungelo LaZwide Simelane, the wife of exiled former Siphofaneni Member of Parliament Mduduzi Gawzela Simelane. The police, Siphofaneni Station Commander Motsa, claims that he was reacting after Prince Mshengu, the son of the late Prince Maguga who is known for having caused the mass removal of people from KaMkhweli and Macetjeni. The Station Commander cited the Public Order Act of 2017 as the basis for the prohibition of the Constituency Thanksgiving Ceremony in Siphofaneni.

In that regard, the UED views the actions of the Hluti and Siphofaneni police as the resuscitation of the culture of police brutality that saw the killing of Thabani Nkomonye on 8 May 2025 and over 100 Emaswati in June 2021 as well as maiming of hundreds of Emaswati countrywide. The reasons given for the detention of Gogo Mathunjwa and that of the thanksgiving prohibition organized by the Member of Parliament Hon. LaZwide.

The United Eswatini Diaspora (UED) warns the police to desist from this tendency of abusing the law to deny the people of Eswatini freedom of assembly, association and conscious. While the UED is conversant that the police are not going to change as they are enforcing an autocratic tinkhundla system. However, the UED notifies the police that it will not be long before the people decide to defend themselves. It is wise therefore, to call up on all people of conscious in Eswatini to stand up and condemn this abuse of human rights.

  

SWADNU welcomes partial drugs delivery but…

eSwatini Observer, Press Reader edition, 6 May 2025

SOURCE 

THE Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) has expressed cautious appreciation for the 26 per cent drugs and medical supplies recently delivered to the Mbabane Government Hospital.

But it insists that a full and sustained supply is urgently needed to restore normal operations and quality patient care.

Speaking on behalf of the union, SWADNU Secretary General Mayibongwe Masangane acknowledged the small progress but emphasised that health workers were still waiting for a complete response to their demands, following a petition delivered to the ministry of health last Tuesday. “There has been nothing formal communicated to us since the delivery of the petition . We are patiently waiting for a response. We really appreciate the 26 per cent, although it’s very low.

“We are not fighting anyone, but we would really love to get everything delivered,” Masangane said.

The petition, submitted by healthcare workers at the hospital, listed seven critical demands, including the urgent delivery of a full stock of essential drugs within three days and enough to last at least three weeks.

The partial delivery, which included fluids and vaccines, has provided temporary relief but is far from sufficient for the hospital’s needs.

Masangane urged government not to treat the issue as a public relations exercise, but to act meaningfully and responsibly in meeting the healthcare system’s long-term needs.

“We want a drug supply that will last and support us in returning to normal operations. Government must not just do things to clear their name, but must do the right thing,” he said.

SWADNU maintains that frontline workers are committed to delivering quality healthcare, but their ability to do so depends on the availability of adequate resources, particularly essential medicines.

See also

Protests demanding drugs in public hospitals spread to Nhlangano as health crisis worsens, King Mswati’s mother Queen Ntombi Tfwala in Singapore for medical treatment

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8998


Media freedom cannot be achieved in a journalism industry dominated by State Intelligence spies from the army and the police

Opinion by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 3 May 2025

SOURCE 

The media in eSwatini is dominated by State Intelligence spies from the army and the police and these agents have been holding the Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ENAJ) hostage making sure that, journalists are oppressed such that, the standard of living for media practitioners has been deteriorating over the years and now, far below that of colleagues within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

In eSwatini, journalists don’t know the value of their profession and, they have been reduced to useless beggars while holding a pen that they could use collectively, to influence policies and laws that seek to improve their lives.

As you read this, the new Executive of the Association of journalists is busy registering the organization and this means, the media organization that should be acting as the custodian of ethics, promoting ethical standards was an unregistered entity, of course, with no bank account.

Former journalist now Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini and Times Sunday journalist Mfankhona Nkambule are former Presidents of the Journalists Association.

This means Nkambule and the MP were heading an unregistered association and, it was not a problem they were receiving money from the Tinkhundla regime for suppressing other journalists.

It’s surprising to learn that, all the former Presidents of the Eswatini Journalists Association were heading an entity that does not exist in terms of the law but, if you can engage them, you will find yourself swimming in the mud with pigs.

As we celebrate press freedom, let me remind journalists that, they have the power to liberate themselves.

It’s actually a huge embarrassment to call yourself a journalist while you are visibly hungry, a hungry human being is not free but vulnerable to be used by anyone with money.

Therefore, if international partners like the European Union (EU) are serious about promoting media freedom, they must influence policies that seek to ensure that, journalists receive decent salaries in this country.

The EU must organize workshops and capacitate journalists so that, they can understand how important they are in this country.

Ntombi Mhlongo, the Secretary General of the Eswatini National Association of Journalists articulated this very well, journalists are financially struggling and vulnerable to be used.

The media has become an Army Barrack where even soldiers are deployed so that they can spy unsuspecting members of the pro-democracy movement, pretending to be conducting interviews.

See also

EU committed to protecting media freedom, pluralism

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/eswatini/eu-committed-protecting-media-freedom-pluralism_en


 Supreme Court denies CPS member, student bail

By Wanele Dlamini, Times of Eswatini, Press Reader edition, 6 May 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The Supreme Court of Eswatini has ruled that the two men accused of burning a police van and the national flag during a student protest pose a significant threat to public peace and security if released on bail.

In a judgment delivered yesterday, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Bonginkhosi Bongo Nkambule, a member of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS), and Menzi Bhembe, who was a student at the Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT).

The court’s decision reinforces the earlier ruling by the High Court, which had denied bail to the pair.

The Supreme Court’s judgment, penned by Justice Nkululeko Hlophe, sitting with Justices Jacobus Annandale and Mbutfo Mamba, highlighted the likelihood that releasing Nkambule and Bhembe would disturb public order or undermine public peace or security.

Nkambule and Bhembe were arrested in January 2024 in connection with incidents that occurred in September 2022.

These involved the alleged burning of a police vehicle transporting a body to the Mbabane Government Hospital mortuary and the destruction of the Eswatini national flag at the University of Eswatini’s Mbabane Campus.

They face charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, carrying a potential sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment without an option of a fine.

In its analysis, the Supreme Court scrutinised the High Court’s decision to refuse bail. Justice Hlophe noted that the lower court had correctly considered several factors, including the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the evidence against the accused and the potential for them to evade trial, influence witnesses or disturb public order.

The judgment pointed to evidence allegedly placing Nkambule at the centre of the incidents, including video and photographic evidence showing him tampering with the police van before it was set alight.

The court also noted his possession of a gas mask and the changing of trousers, suggesting an attempt to conceal his identity.

Furthermore, his membership in a proscribed political organisation and alleged ties to individuals who had fled to South Africa raised concerns about his potential to abscond.

Regarding Bhembe, the court acknowledged his student status but highlighted that the alleged offences occurred at an institution where he was not enrolled, suggesting a potential for political agitation.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/times-of-eswatini/20250506/281578066542826

 

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Friday, 2 May 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 875 – 2 May 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 875 – 2 May 2025

 

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. The newsletter is also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

eSwatini workers celebrating May Day under an extremely oppressive environment, no salary increment for civil servants amid escalating costs of living

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News,1 May 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Workers in the Kingdom of eSwatini are celebrating the May Day under an extremely oppressive environment amid reluctance by the Government to increase salaries for civil servants including members of the security forces.

Eswatini is an absolute Monarchy with oppressive laws and, despite the enactment of the Industrial Relations Act that promotes freedom and the rights of workers, the country has been restricting and suppressing workers from exercising their right to protest.

Political parties are banned in eSwatini and in the past few weeks, State police officers have been embarking on a crackdown on pro-democracy activists particularly, members of the main and largest People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), dispersing meetings thus violating the right to freedom of assembly and association.

But even the legally recognized trade unions are reportedly receiving threats from the Government for associating with political parties and, urged not to allow these political entities to use the May Day as political rallies.

As a result, the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) banned political formations from addressing the May Workers Day Celebration on Thursday at the Salesian Sports Grounds.

Political parties normally seize the opportunity during the annual May Day Celebration to address workers, in a country where political parties are not allowed to hold meetings or use the highly censored State media to address the Nation.

But the political parties were divided ahead of the May Workers Day with some demanded to speak “during the May Workers Day if the main and largest People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) is also allowed to address the workers”.

Responding to this Swaziland News amid emerging information suggesting that, political parties were scrambling to address the May Day, TUCOSWA Secretary General Mduduzi Gina said, a resolution was taken by affiliates, banning all political parties from addressing the May Workers Day but clarified that, these political parties will attend as invited as Guests.

Gina further clarified that, he was not aware of any division adding that, to the best of his knowledge, the message “has been communicated to the political parties and, they have been formally informed that, they won’t address the May Day.

“We don’t regard this as a division, this was a decision of the TUCOSWA General Council, political parties won’t address the May Day Celebration”, he said.

Reached for comments by this publication, Penuel Malinga, the Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) said, they will respect the decision of the TUCOSWA leadership in this regard.

“May Day is Workers Day and we have been invited as guests which we appreciate. If you are an invited guest, you take orders from those who invited you. Workers are PUDEMO so we believe in the leadership of the workers to guide us amid the socio-economic challenges facing the country,” he said.

 

FESWATU to celebrate 10 years on Workers Day

By Starsky Mkhonta, eSwatini Observer, Press Reader edition, 28 April 2025

SOURCE 

THE Federation of Swaziland Trade Unions (FESWATU) will celebrate its 10th anniversary during this year’s May Day.

This was disclosed by FESWATU President Mashumi Shongwe, who said this year marked a milestone for the federation.

He said the event would be held at Simunye, adding that the venue was selected due to its excellent facilities capable of accommodating a gathering of large magnitude.

“Simunye has all the necessary facilities and equipment suitable for an event like this, which is why we’ve decided to book it again this year.

“FESWATU leadership is satisfied with the venue and arrangements,” said Shongwe.

He said they were anticipating a bigger and better celebration and anticipating an attendance of over 10 000 people.

“As we mark 10 years since FESWATU was established, this achievement and other organisations involved in charity to improve the lives the vulnerable and less privileged,” said Hadebe.

Shongwe said to ensure safety and order at the stadium, there would be strict controls. “Attendees will be required to present membership cards at the gate. We don’t want chaos looking at the expected number of people so we will ensure that security is tight,” he said.

Shongwe also revealed that a prominent government official has been invited to deliver a keynote address.

“We will have a guest on the day but we are still waiting for confirmation before revealing their identity to the public,” he said.

To ensure everyone is well catered for, Shongwe announced that 15 cattle would be slaughtered for the event.

“The workers deserve recognition, as their contributions have helped make events like these possible. For that we are truly grateful,” Shongwe concluded.



See also

Political parties divided and scrambling to address May Workers Day Celebration if PUDEMO is allowed to speak, TUCOSWA Secretary General Mduduzi Gina says NO!

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8939

 

Taiwan foreign minister announces medical donations to eSwatini

China News Agency, 26 April 2025

SOURCE 

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has announced donations of advanced medical equipment to Eswatini’s Mbabane Government Hospital which he said would help enhance the African nation’s medical services.

The pledged donations, including a computed tomography scan, fundus cameras, and a patient monitor simulator, will help improve the quality of medical and health services in Eswatini, Lin said on Friday (local time), according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Lin, who was on a visit to the African nation from April 22-26 as President Lai Ching-te’s envoy, made the announcement during a visit to the Referral and the Emergency Complex of Mbabane Government Hospital.

Lin also said Taipei will continue to help the African ally further enhance its public health system, according to a news release issued by MOFA on Saturday.

In addition to the donations of medical equipment, Taiwan’s government also funded the renovation of the referral and emergency complex several years ago.

Meanwhile, Eswatini’s Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula thanked Taiwan for its support in developing the country’s healthcare system and reaffirmed his backing for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization, the release said.

According to MOFA, before wrapping up his African trip, Lin attended the 57th birthday celebration of Eswatini King Mswati III, who has ruled the landlocked country since 1986, and a subsequent dinner.

Taiwan, officially called the Republic of China, and Eswatini established formal diplomatic ties when the latter became independent in 1968. Eswatini is Taiwan’s only African ally.

 

Taiwan signs Memorandum of Understanding with eSwatini, online publications to share over R10million “countering Swaziland News” stories

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 26 April, 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Lin Chia-Lung, the visiting Taiwan Foreign Minister has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the eSwatini Government to counter what the Chinese Island describes as misinformation and disinformation.

But secret documents seen by this publication suggest that, the agreement will result to the funding of State journalists to counter information published by this Swaziland News.

This publication reported that, Taiwan will sign the agreement even before the Foreign Minister arrived in eSwatini and this, was after sources leaked some documents to this publication.

Indeed, the Taiwan Foreign Minister signed the MoU this week and according to information in possession of this publication, State journalists will share over R10million in the next few years, countering the Swaziland News stories and attacking editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.

The journalists are highly expected to create various online platforms and attack the editor, two (2) online platforms who were calling for democracy, have been identified as an alternative that will also benefit.

But the project is also targeting political activists criticizing Government and Taiwan, the political activists are highly expected to be insulted as well.

 

eSwatini urged to prioritise human capital, digital growth

Times of eSwatini, Press Reader edition, 30 April 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Eswatini risks being left behind in the evolving global economy unless it rapidly addresses skills development, digital infrastructure gaps and youth unemployment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.

In its April Regional Economic Outlook for Sub Saharan Africa, the IMF stressed that long term prosperity in the region hinges on bold investment in human capital and accelerated digitalisation, especially as the global economy transitions toward artificial intelligence (AI), service led growth and innovation driven development.

“Nearly one third of the region’s population continues to live below the poverty line,” the IMF report notes, highlighting the need for broad based growth strategies that prioritise job creation and support for the most vulnerable.

Eswatini, with its high youth unemployment rate and limited technological reach beyond urban centres, exemplifies this challenge.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/times-of-eswatini/20250430/281904484045799

 

Jailed MP Bacede Mabuza’s supporter Gogo Esther Mathunjwa (87) arrested

Swati Newsweek 1 May, 2025

SOURCE 

HLUTHI: A veteran activist Gogo Esther Mathunjwa was forced to spend more than ten hours at the Hluthi Police Station.

This happened yesterday just few hours before King Mswati III arrived in the area. The King opened a new plaza in the tiny town at Hluthi.

“Police took away gogo Mathunjwa before King Mswati arrived. They pretended as if they were investigating criminal activity involving her. The police knew she would speak about the issue of jailed MP Bacede Mabuza. “

“She was later released yesterday around 7pm. This was a very evil plan she had a right to speak before the King,”complained one of the residents in an interview.

In her previous interview with Swati Newsweek Online editor Mathunjwa said, “I’m starving now. Bacede Mabuza ensured that my family get food. His case had deeply hurt me.”

Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube of Ngwemphisi Inkhundla were arrested and convicted after urging King Mswati III to allow the masses to elect a prime minister.

A third MP Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane was forced to flee as police arrested more people who support the struggle for freedom in Eswatini.


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Friday, 25 April 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 874 – 25 April 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 874 – 25 April 2025

 

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. The newsletter is also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

Fighting poverty under Tinkhundla mixture of capitalist and socialist policies practically impossible

Comment by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 22 April, 2025

SOURCE 

Under the Tinkhundla undemocratic regime, emaSwati are paraded to investors as a cheap labour and this means, for Government to attract investors, the citizens must suffer or languish in poverty.

In this country, we have Government Gazettes that allow companies to underpay workers and in fact, the employment and trade policies promote poverty and the suffering of ordinary citizens while enriching the powerful and politically connected.

As the situation stands, it is even very difficult to conclude whether the current Government is a capitalist or socialist regime because the policies are a mixture of capitalism and socialism, Tinkhundla is actually a confused oppressive regime.

Some emaSwati working in the textile industry, security, hospitality, manufacturing and even the public service are living in poverty because the salaries were ‘programmed’ to immediately force them to ‘money-lending’ companies.

Thereafter, they will remain indebted for the duration of their employment if not the rest of their lives.

After death, the very same Tinkhundla system has made it easier for eStates within the Office of the Master of the High Court to be looted with impunity and this means, the chain of poverty will continue and be experienced even by the children of the deceased.

But this Government always claim to be fighting poverty, there’s absolutely no political will to eradicate poverty in this country, this country is actually a factory where poverty is manufactured.

The investment promotion policies promotes the enrichment of the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized.

 

Sweeping changes in new Employment Bill

By Kwanele Dhladhla, eSwatini Financial Times, 22 April 2025

SOURCE

Good news is on the horizon for employees in Eswatini, courtesy of sweeping changes and improvements contained in the Employment Bill of 2024, which seeks to promote decent working conditions for workers.

The bill, tabled by Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi on Monday in Parliament, addresses the issue of casual labourers who were in the past exploited by their employers.

The proposed legislation provides some regulations to prevent the abuse of employing people as perpetual or permanent casuals. Section 29 (2) reads, “A person may not be engaged as a casual employee where the nature of the work for which the employee is to be employed is full-time and permanent.”

It was explained that a casual employee should not work for more than 24 hours a week. The bill also provides some restrictions to avoid employing people on perpetual short fixed-term contracts.

Section 27 states that a fixed-term contract should clearly state its purpose. Further, it has been stipulated that the number of times for renewal of fixed-term contracts for the different sectors shall be determined by the Minister through regulations.

The legislation, which awaits Parliament’s approval, provides some regulation to ensure that part-time workers become entitled to the same protection and rights enjoyed by comparable full-time employees, including protection against discrimination in employment and occupation.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatinifinancialtimes.africa/sweeping-changes-in-new-employment-bill/

 

Malaria warning: 4 deaths, 296 cases

By Mnelisi Dlamini, Times of eSwatini, Press Reader edition, 23 April 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A notable significant rise in malaria cases has prompted urgent action from the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health, through its National Malaria Programme (NMP) and vigilant surveillance teams, has issued a stark warning following a marked increase in confirmed malaria infections across various regions. A thorough analysis of the situation reveals a substantial escalation in local malaria transmission since the beginning of the year.

Entomological investigations have pointed towards a growing population of Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary vectors of malaria. Compounding this issue are prevailing environmental conditions, characterised by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall, which are creating ideal breeding grounds for these insects.

Alarmingly, the rise in cases, predominantly reported between July 2024 and mid-April 2025, has reached a cumulative total of 296, tragically including four deaths. The Hhohho Region has been particularly hard hit with 124 cases, followed closely by Lubombo with 114.

Within these regions, indigenous transmission is concentrated in the Mhlangatane, Madlangampisi, Nkilongo, Sithobela and Hlane constituencies. These worrying trends are corroborated by national malaria surveillance data and detailed community-level investigations.

In response to this escalating public health threat, the Ministry, via the NMP, has intensified crucial interventions. These measures include extending Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) to previously unsprayed homesteads, proactively detecting and testing cases within high-risk communities, and distributing insecticide-treated bed nets, especially in areas with informal agricultural activity.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/times-of-eswatini/20250423/284541593951059

 

UNESWA lecturers down tools, demand salary payment

eSwatini Daily News, Press Reader edition, 23 April 2025

SOURCE 

UNESWA Lecturers have decided to down tools after management failed to deposit their April salaries.

University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Lecturers said they were supposed to receive their salaries on the 19th of April which is their payday.

In an interview, Secretary General for, Dr. Mduduzi Shongwe of the Association of Lecturers, Academic and Administrative Personnel (ALAAP) told Eswatini Daily News that they have decided to stand by the gate every day until management adhere to their demand. not received their April Salaries.

“This is not the first time the UNESWA management has toyed with our lives. It’s either they deposit 93 per cent or 90 per cent of our salaries or they fail to deposit it all,” said Dr Shongwe.

Further, Dr Shongwe pointed out that the management has failed to manage the crisis at UNESWA, and that the Institution should be led by another person not the present one. The employees of UNESWA spent the whole day singing songs and dancing inside the premises of the Institution.

“We have debts to settle, and we have our families to attend to but management seems not to care about our plight as workers. We are tired of this management, and we hope that a new one will be put soon. The secretary General then said that the organisations they mourn the death of the student who committed suicide most recently.

It was reported that the student left a note which stated that he had committed suicide because of a lecturer.

“As ALAAP we mourn the death of the student, but we do not impose ourselves but react after one of our members has reported a dispute, however, we will action on the matter as soon as IR is reported, Dr Shongwe said.

 

Students denied bail after violent protests

Legalbrief, (South Africa), 21 April 2025

SOURCE 

Three prominent eSwatini students leaders have been denied bail following violent protests at the memorial service of murdered university student Thabane Nkomonye last weekend.

Youths in the capital, Manzini, were demanding justice for the slain law student. Swaziland News reports that Nkomonye was allegedly killed by the police before his body was 'dumped' at Nhlambeni. Police denied this, saying they found his car at a ‘chaotic’ accident scene on 8 May.

The Pretoria News reports that a march was organised by University of eSwatini students and the Swaziland National Union of Students. Protester Phiwayinkosi Dlamini was shot in the eye and is recovering in the Mbabane Hospital.

MP Mduduzi Mabuza said ‘the main problem in this country is the government that undermines human rights’. Bafanabakhe Sacolo, the secretary general of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS), and students Khumbula Nxumalo and Siphosethu Mavimbela were denied bail. Speaking to Swaziland News, SNUS president Colani Maseko, said the detainees are facing charges of malicious damage to the Fairview Police Station.

‘The judiciary system of this country is an embarrassment and a shame. We will not give up until we live in a democratic world,’ he said.

 

eSwatini strengthens climate resilience through strategic water sector planning

Smart Water Magazine, 23 April 2025

SOURCE 

As climate variability increasingly disrupts water systems across Southern Africa, the Kingdom of Eswatini is accelerating its efforts to enhance resilience through strategic investment in the water sector. Informed by the national Programme of Action (2024–2029), Eswatini is focusing on strengthening institutional capacity, mobilising climate finance, and fostering cross-sectoral coordination to address the growing risks associated with droughts, floods, and irregular rainfall patterns.

Recent technical engagements convened national stakeholders and experts from key ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, supported by Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA). These dialogues focused on aligning Eswatini’s water investment planning with African Union frameworks for climate-resilient development, in line with the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy (2022–2032) and the Paris Agreement. Emphasis was placed on enhancing capacity to design and implement climate-resilient water programmes and to improve direct access to international climate finance.

According to Ms. Khangeziwe Mabuza, Principal Secretary and National Designated Authority for the GCF, “The Guidelines for the Development of Climate-Resilient Water Investment Programme... underscore their unwavering commitment to strengthening resilience in the water sector. This... equips us with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop comprehensive water investment programmes that integrate climate change considerations, ensuring long-term water security for our communities.”

According to GWPSA, Eswatini has committed SZL 136 billion to support sustainable water infrastructure and adaptation initiatives, prioritising integrated water resources management, climate-smart agriculture, and improved sanitation. “The commitment to water security and climate resilience requires a holistic approach that integrates strategic investment, policy alignment, and inclusive stakeholder participation,” added Mr. Musawenkhosi Mwelase from the Department of Water Affairs.

Eswatini’s proactive strategy exemplifies how targeted planning and regional collaboration can advance long-term water security in the face of climate change.

 

Mbabane, the executive capital and most populous city in Eswatini.

Credit: Eswatini Tourism, via Wikimedia Commons


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