Kenworthy News Media, 19 April 2018
Swaziland is one of the
world’s most unequal countries, where over ten percent survive on food aid.
Absolute monarch King Mswati is celebrating his and his independent country’s
50th birthday by giving himself a new plane and throwing a huge
party, writes Kenworthy News Media.
Today (19 April 2018),
Swaziland’s absolute monarch King Mswati III begun what Swaziland’s official
tourist website refers to as “lavish celebrations” and “a party fit for a
king”.
The so-called 50/50
celebrations are a combined celebration of Mswati’s 50th birthday
and the 50th anniversary of Swaziland’s independence in September.
King Mswati amongst other
things bought himself an A340-300
Airbus that was flown into the King Mswati III Airport a couple of
days ago. The plane is believed to have cost US$15 million.
Food aid and evictions
Many of King Mswati’s subjects can only dream of such opulence. According to the World Food Programme, about 14 percent survive on food aid from the UN. According to the World Bank, over 40 percent earn less than US$1.90 a day.
Many of King Mswati’s subjects can only dream of such opulence. According to the World Food Programme, about 14 percent survive on food aid from the UN. According to the World Bank, over 40 percent earn less than US$1.90 a day.
Just days before the
celebrations, Pakistan donated 1 million US Dollars to help feed starving children in
Swaziland, according to Swazi Media Commentary. The Swazi government
claimed it could not afford to pay for the food.
Two weeks ago, 61 people in
rural Swaziland, including more than 30 children, were left homeless after
their homes were demolished by armed police and bulldozers, Amnesty
International reported. The evictions were carried out in accordance with a
court order.
“The affected people were
not provided with an alternative accommodation, forcing some of them to take
refuge at a local school. Others slept in the open at the site of the
demolitions with their belongings”, Amnesty International wrote in a press
release.
According to the British
human rights organisation, “Swaziland has a long history of forced evictions”.
Robin Hood in reverse
Many ordinary Swazis have been forced to contribute to King Mswati’s celebrations, even though he is worth an estimated US$200 million.
Many ordinary Swazis have been forced to contribute to King Mswati’s celebrations, even though he is worth an estimated US$200 million.
South African paper eNCA
reported, that over $80.000 that had been intended for retired and
disabled people in Swaziland were instead used to help pay for King
Mswati’s birthday party.
Judges were also sent a
memorandum from the office of Swaziland’s Chief Justice on April 4, where they
were asked to make a contribution of a minimum of $160 for the 50/50
celebrations.
Coupless dictatorship
According to government spokesperson Percy Simelane, the 50/50 celebrations are worth celebrating, however, because of Swaziland’s peaceful history since independence.
According to government spokesperson Percy Simelane, the 50/50 celebrations are worth celebrating, however, because of Swaziland’s peaceful history since independence.
“We are politically stable
and have never experienced a coup in those 50 years”, he told online newspaper
The Swaziland.
But the so-called peaceful
nature of King Mswati’s regime comes at a price, especially for ordinary
Swazis.
The King controls
parliament, the judiciary and the economy. Political parties are banned from
taking part in elections. Political activists are beaten up by police. And those
advocating democracy are prosecuted under a terrorism act that Amnesty
International has called “inherently repressive”.
Change through activism and
democracy
Even so, people in Swaziland continue to protest. Every year, on the anniversary of Swaziland’s independence from Great Britain on 6 September, Swaziland’s democratic movement campaign for democracy through marches, seminars and workshops. This so-called Global Week of Action is organised by the Swaziland United Democratic Front.
Even so, people in Swaziland continue to protest. Every year, on the anniversary of Swaziland’s independence from Great Britain on 6 September, Swaziland’s democratic movement campaign for democracy through marches, seminars and workshops. This so-called Global Week of Action is organised by the Swaziland United Democratic Front.
Last year between four and
five thousand people marched to Swaziland’s parliament to deliver a petition
demanding a people’s government, land reforms, rural development and affordable
health and education.
And as recently as last
Friday (13 April 2018), about 2.000 people marched
through the capital Mbabane to protest against poor and worsening
living conditions. The march was arranged by the Trade Union Congress of
Swaziland.
According to political
coordinator of the Swaziland United Democratic Front, Wandile Dludlu, bringing
about democratic change in Swaziland is the only way to improve the situation
for the majority of Swazis.
“Until Swazis truly own and
run their country, celebrations such as 50/50 are just personal enrichment
journeys of the king and his close associates, local as well as international”,
says Dludlu.
See also
KING
UNILATERALLY RENAMES SWAZILAND
SECRECY OVER COST OF KING’S NEW JET
THOUSANDS PROTEST IN SWAZILAND
https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/thousands-protest-in-swaziland.html
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