The following is a media release from Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA)
Wednesday 3 September
ACTSA hold Vigil for Democracy outside the Swaziland High Commission
ACTSA [Action for Southern Africa] supporters today held a Vigil for Democracy in Swaziland outside the High Commission [in London, UK]. During the Vigil ACTSAs Director, Tony Dykes presented a letter to the High Commissioner echoing the demands of civil society in the country for democracy, rights and an end to corruption.
The Vigil was held in solidarity with the Swaziland United Democratic Front, a coalition of all progressive forces inside Swaziland, who are protesting against the extravagant 40/40 royal celebrations taking place on 6 September and campaigning for free and fair elections.
The 40/40 celebrations mark King Mswati III's 40th birthday as well as 40 years of independence. However, civil society in the country are protesting against so much of the country's wealth being wasted on the lavish celebration when 70% of the population live on less than $1 a day and little is done by the government to address the HIV and AIDS pandemic in a country with the highest prevalence of HIV in the world.
The people of Swaziland will go to the polls on 19th September. However, these elections stand little chance of being free and fair as political parties are banned and only those candidates selected by the King's Court are entitled to stand.
>> Email the High Commission to demand democracy for Swaziland
40/40 only comes once!Just like Xmas.The same people complaining about celebrations will not go fasting on any day to alleviate hunger and poverty. they are just having 'sour grapes 'cause the majority of swazis had something to smile about for once.Look at all those happy children's faces, happy old people and excited tourists.Not to mention Mugabe's glee-that was priceless!the same complainants are spending very hard-earned cash on bombs and not on their parents who are hungry.They got an education through the same spending and they dont want to return the favour to the next generation!They must go jump into the most crocodile infested river in Swaziland!40/40 was magnificent! Long live Swaziland! A long life to me too and all 40 year olds!
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