The campaign has made some headlines across the world, but the newspapers in Swaziland choose not to share the good news of the campaign beyond their own borders. The websites of the Times of Swaziland, the kingdom’s only independent daily, and the Swazi Observer, the paper in effect owned by King Mswati III, didn’t report the event on their websites, so people who can’t buy the papers live in ignorance of how the local media reacted to the event.
Below (for the historical record) is what appeared in the print edition of the Times yesterday (23 February 2010).
I particularly liked the response from the Swazi Government (see the final report at the end of this post). ‘Principal· Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Clifford Mamba said he was not in a position to comment on what happened as they had not been briefed officially.’
There you are then, until someone officially tells him, it hasn’t happened. Somehow I think Mamba will miss the revolution when it comes.
SDC LAUNCHED IN SA
Jan Sithole, over 200 activists attend
JOHANNESBURG - A campaign dubbed the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) was launched in South Africa on Sunday.
Several local and South African organisations endorsed the formation of the 'international campaign for democracy in Swaziland.'
The campaign was launched at the civic centre in Johannesburg and was attended by over 200 activists and representatives of different organisations.
The launch was preceded by a strategic planning workshop where a joint declaration was crafted as well as an agreed programme of action.
Amongst some of the high profile speakers who attended were Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) President Sdumo Dlamini,· Global Solidarity activists and a member of the famous Walter Sisulu family, Elinor Sisulu.
The Swaziland Solidarity Network (which is banned in Swaziland) Secretary General Sikhumbuzo Thomo was also present.
The SDC workshop was attended by some of the well known democracy activists including former Illovo Managing Director Mandla Hlatshwako and Dr Ray Russon, Former SFTU Secretary General Jan Sithole and Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organizations (SCCCO) Musa Hlophe.
People who attended were given free SDC T-shirts and were informed of the launch of the SDC website. Coordinators of the campaign include COSATU's Crystal Dicks, COSATU international secretary Bongani Masuku, Vanitia Govender arid Philani Ndebele.
One of the activities that will be embarked upon by the SDC is to seek finances for the campaign, help coordinate training for Swazi activities in different areas as well as help forge unity within the progressive inside the country.
COSATU boss says sacrifices need to made
JOHANNESBURG .. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has said it is not a big brother to Swaziland and will not fight on her behalf but will rather complement her work. COSATU President Sdumo Dlamini said they would not substitute Swazis in this struggle but would only expect them to make hard sacrifices for their own victory and freedom.
He said COSATU would not fight on Swaziland's behalf, but would rather fight side by side with the Swazi people
SD government to seek briefing on launch
MANZINI Government is mum for now on the formation of the democratic campaign against the. country.
Principal· Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Clifford Mamba said he was not in a position to comment on what happened as they had not been briefed officially. He said they would wait for their embassy in South and only then would they be able to brief them on the SDC in a position to comment.
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