ATTACK ON SWAZI PRESS FREEDOM

The following is an editorial comment published in the Times of Swaziland today (7 January 2009) following the news that one of its writers Mfomfo Nkhambule had been hauled in by the state police because they felt what he had been writing in the newspaper was ‘subversive’.

Dark days unfold

Comment

Constitution or no constitution, the days of the little freedom of speech we have left in this country are numbered.

Times of Swaziland columnist Mfomfo Nkhambule has been told to watch his mouth. Police say his writing is now bordering on Subversive acts. In short, he has been warned against expressing his opinion on how this country ought to be governed. In his writing, Mfomfo is of the opinion that the 35 year old tinkhundla system of governance is no longer suitable for the Swazi people because of the worsening social, political and economic situation in this country. He emphasises that Swazis need to be educated on an alternative system that would work for the benefit of the majority. Police told him he was now chewing too close to the bone and this could land him in jail; implying that no matter how correct he could be, he is not allowed to say it the way he sees it.

So who or what should Mfomfo become to think the way police want him to? Obviously a tinkhundla supporter. How now? Swaziland is supposed to be independent. But what about its people. Are they not supposed to be independent thinkers?

The tinkhundla system is branded as democratic. Where is the democracy in a society that cannot think, speak or express itself freely? Is this how unique our system is where forced silence means consent to how certain people want to run our lives? Police have warned Mfomfo of laws hidden in dark cupboards that could be whipped out to deal with thinkers like him. Not that we did not see it coming. Those feeling threatened or wanting to appease the powers that be, have deliberately twisted Mfomfo’s writing to suggest he was a threat to this country’s leadership and or peace and national security. This newspaper would never allow anybody to use it to further acts that undermine these key components to national development.

It will however, encourage debate and freedom of expression as a contribution towards the development of Swaziland.

Those opposed to Mfomfo’s point of view are free to use the same platform to defend the tinkhundla system and counter Mfomfo’s weekly analysis.

Invitations have been extended to those who claim to be staunch supporters of tinkhundla but none has taken up the offer. This is not Mfomfo’s fault but that of their own and their silence speaks volumes. Government should therefore be careful on how it seeks to respond to criticism against its style of governance. We have continuously called for it to open a forum for dialogue to engage every sector of society on how best to deal with the glaring challenges facing Swaziland today.

Suppression of the media and rule by the barrel of a gun is certainly not the future Swaziland we all envisage.

His Majesty should never allow his subordinates to turn him into a dictator but rather a peace broker because that is a legacy we shall cherish for as long as we and our grandchildren shall live.