SWAZI KING SHOULD NOT RULE

Swazis want king to ‘reign not rule’ Independent on line South Africa 4 September 2008 Manzini - Thousands of Swazis marched for multiparty democracy in Africa's last monarchy on Wednesday with workers threatening a week of mass action if their demands were not met, a union official said. The march took place after a last-ditch attempt by the Swazi government to declare the march illegal was thrown out by a court. The marchers, chanting songs for democracy and against King Mswati, were mostly dressed in red T-shirts, some carrying sticks and tree branches despite a warning by police against the carrying of weapons. Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions secretary-general Jan Sithole said that the federation wanted King Mswati to "reign not rule". "We also want a multiparty system of democracy that will have checks and balances, not the current system which lacks accountability," Sithole said. A week's mass action would take place from September 15 to 19 - the same week that Swaziland holds elections - if demands were not met. Demands included social grants for the elderly and better health and education facilities. Swaziland would hold a "40-40" celebration on Saturday, marking Mswati's 40th birthday and independence from Britain, which has caused unhappiness owing to its extravagance. - Sapa-AFP See also STRIKE