The Government of Swaziland has buckled under pressure
from King Mswati III and reinstated teachers it sacked for striking for more
pay.
Two weeks ago King Mswati, sub-Saharan Africa’s last
absolute monarch, ordered teachers to return to work after a six-week strike.
He also ordered the Swazi Government, which he handpicks, to negotiate a
settlement with teachers. The teachers immediately returned to work, but the
government refused to reinstate about 200 teachers who had been sacked for
taking part in the strike.
This led to a crisis in Swaziland because once the king
pronounces on a subject no one - not even his government ministers – is allowed
to discuss the matter further. In this case the Swazi cabinet of ministers met
and decided that the king had not meant to allow the sacked teachers back to
class.
Timothy Velabo Mtetwa, who is known in the kingdom as the
‘traditional prime minister’ and who speaks for the king, publicly criticised
the government for defying the king’s wishes. It was even said that the
Minister of Education Wilson Ntshangase might be forced to pay a fine for disobeying
the king.
The government responded by claiming its actions had been
misinterpreted by the media.
Now, the King, through his advisors, has made it known
that he wants the sacked teachers reinstated and meekly the government has
followed his instructions.
The Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku told a press conference, ‘The government has decided that all the
sacked teachers should report back to work with immediate effect.’
Masuku, who is acting PM, added there had been, ‘regrettable
misinterpretation of the government’s actions’ towards implementing the ‘Royal Command’.
He said, ‘We are all grateful as a nation to have a
revered monarch who listens to his people and continues to display unique leadership
qualities.’
He went on to say pronouncements made by the king were
beyond reproach. He said government embraced this custom and was, therefore,
collectively obligated to observe and implement each and every pronouncement.
This is an embarrassing climb-down for the government,
but it is trying to pretend it was always going to reinstate the sacked
teachers. It has been blaming news media
for misinterpreting its actions.
The about-turn by the government also puts to rest the
claim from supporters of King Mswati that he is not an absolute monarch. The teachers
demonstrate clearly that the king is willing and able to overturn any government
decision as he chooses. It also shows that no one dares to contradict the king
once the ‘Royal Command’ has been made.
See also
WE MUST OBEY THE KING – SWAZI PM
‘THE SWAZILAND KING’S WORD IS LAW’
GOVERNMENT IGNORES KING’S RULING
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