News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.
Cops
fail to stop SWALIMO 15 branches launch
Times
Sunday print edition, 19 June 2022
“We are growing”.
This was the message sent yesterday by
between 500 to 600 members of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), who
attended the launch of 15 branches under Hhohho.
The event was held at Entsabeni Lodge
where the members gathered. The members travelled from various parts of the
country to launch the event.
According to the Deputy Secretary General
(DSG) of SWALIMO, the event was meant for launching Hhohho District. He
emphasised that the district had 15 branches which were launched.
According to Primrose Lukhele, who is the
Hhohho commander, there were about 300 leaders in the 13 branches. Yesterday,
she introduced the top leaders of the various branches. She said the branches
were; Hhukwini, Lobamba, Maphalaleni, Madlangempisi, Mayiwane, Mbabane East,
Mbabane West, Mhlangatane, Motshane, Ndzingeni, Nkaba, Siphocosini, Pigg’s
Peak, Timpisini and Ntfonjeni.
Representatives from all over the country
also attended with some travelling as far as Nhlangano.
Thantaza Silolo, who is the Spokesperson
for SWALIMO expressed concern that many of their members were not able to make
it to the venue. He said this was because police officers had mounted
roadblocks around the country at strategic places.
Silolo said it appeared the police
officers were targeting people who had worn the blue colours of SWALIMO. He
said he was also forced to turn back at Motshane and ended up using a different
route to Pigg’s Peak. He further also revealed that there the police officers
continued to patrol the route leading to the lodge where the event was held,
forcing some of the members to fear approaching.
Noteworthy, police officers were
strategically positioned near the lodge. This also included senior police
officers who also later spoke to senior officials of SWALIMO.
Meanwhile, the SWALIMO Presidents Mduduzi
‘Gawuzela’ Simelane also addressed the members who went ecstatic after he did
so via online.
Pay bogogo E2000 each per month- EFF Swaziland
By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 20 June, 2022
MBABANE - Economic Freedom Fighters of Swaziland,
Deputy President, Mthokozisi Tokyo Kunene, says King Mswati III’s government
should increase the elderly grant from E500 to E2000 per month.
This comes after this publication revealed
yesterday that elderly people in the country have still not received their
grants. They get E500 per month. After three months they get E1, 500.
"The government should increase the elderly
grants. Each should be given E2 000 each monthly now. We deny that there is no
money in Swaziland this regime is attached to luxury. The bought nicklaces,
cars which is a proof that money is there. So this regime should give our
elders the money," he said.
Kunene said in the first place elderly grants
should be distributed to the elderly on a monthly basis like all working people
who get paid on a 30 day cycle in the country, he condemned the illogical
concept of giving the elderly these farce of grants after three months."
He added that EFF cannot expect anything much from
a government formed by one man and his family.
"This regime cannot pay our elderly after 100
days. How can they survive in such terrible economic conditions. Truly they can
barely survive. This regime is like a dead dog," he said.
Kunene said the government delivered a budget
speech and the elderly were allocated their funds. It is shocking that while
the elderly are not paid but this government employing new soldiers instead of
paying the elderly."
He narrated that autocratic rulers worldwide uses
fear as a tool of oppression thus their main goal is to enlarge their armies
some even parades nuclear warheads, so even this Dlamini dynasty is not an
exception as they have fallen out of favour from the people themselves, they
opt for military rule, which will continue what hunger started.
"As the EFF we envision a government that will
priotise the welfare of citizens, in an EFF led government social grants will
be paid on a monthly basis," he said.
Detained
and heavily assaulted by Mswati’s soldiers for wearing freedom fighter Amos
Mbedzi’s t-shirt.
By
Nokwanda Mamba, Swaziland News, 18 June, 2022
LONHLUPHEKO: Chris Dlamini, the Deputy
Secretary General of the Swaziland Massacre Victims Association (SWAVISA) was
on Friday detained and heavily assaulted by King Mswati’s soldiers for merely
wearing Amos Mbedzi’s t-shirt.
Amos Mbedzi is the freedom fighter and
member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) who was linked to a military
wing of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO), he died recently after
spending fifteen (15) years in eSwatini prison.
Speaking to this Swaziland News
on Saturday, the SWAVISA Deputy Secretary General said he was on his way to a
Multi-Stakeholder activity at Siteki when he was detained by the police at a
road block at Lonhlupheko merely for wearing the late freedom fighter Amos
Mbedzi's t-shirt.
“My only crime was wearing SWAVISA
regalia and Amos Mbedzi's t-shirt.I was identified by the police at a roadblock
who then handed me over to eight (8) soldiers who then tortured and
assaulted me for about two(2)hours at a nearby shack.Fortunately,I managed to escape
into a bus that was passing by,”he said.
Tengetile Khumalo, the Army Spokesperson
had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report.
The Swaziland Massacre Victims
Association (SWAVISA) is an organisation that was formed by emaSwati who were
affected or injured during the June 29 massacre last year after King Mswati
unleashed his forces to shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding
democratic reforms.
On another, eSwatini citizens are
assaulted, tortured and killed merely for wearing t-shirts belonging to the
banned political organization.
Sipho Jele, a member of the People’s
United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) was allegedly killed by the police merely
for wearing a PUDEMO t-shirt.
Food
crisis: some head teachers release pupils earlier
By
Nhlanganiso Mkhonta, Times of eSwatini, 21 June 2022
MBABANE – Some head teachers have resorted to
releasing pupils earlier
than the usual time due to the ongoing food crisis in schools.
Many schools have made it known that they do not
have food under the schools’ feeding scheme, known as Zondle. Most claimed
they last received food supplies in the last academic year. Others schools
claimed that they were now surviving on sour porridge. The head teachers
in the schools, more especially in primary schools, complained that government
had taken too long to deliver food to the schools. The head teachers said they
reported the issue to the Ministry of Education and Training. Some of the
head teachers said they submitted their enrolment in March, so as to give
government an idea as to how much food they would need, but none had been
delivered since. The head teachers said they were surviving on food from last
year.
Busisiwe Msibi, Chibidze Primary School Head
teacher, said they last had food for the pupils some weeks ago. She said in her
school, there was only mealie-meal, which could not be eaten alone. She said
even if they decided to cook sour porridge, it would require sugar. Msibi said
the situation was dire, such that pupils were often ill as they came to school
on empty stomachs. She said sometimes, as teachers, they had to provide food
for some pupils who were taking medication. She said some pupils were from less
privileged homes, such that they would come to school and tell her that they
only had fermented mealie-meal drink (emahewu) at home.
Situation
Msibi said the situation would get worse if the
proposed rationing of food in schools would be effected. She said already, the
food they were receiving was not enough. Mkhondvo Primary School Head
teacher Gladys Mkhonta said in her school, they last had food last Thursday.
She said yesterday marked the second day without food. Mkhonta said this
brought challenges to the pupils, more especially those who had no money to buy
snacks around the school. She said currently, she had no idea as to where the
next meal for the learners would come from. She said the only hope was
government.
Mkhonta said they had not yet decided to release
the pupils earlier than usual but it was inevitable should they notice that the
pupils were not coping with the situation. She said they were looking up
to government to deliver food to the school. Cyprian Simelane, Ngozi Primary
School Head teacher said so far, the school was sustaining the pupils with sour
porridge. He said the school only had mealie-meal but no beans, so it would not
be possible to cook a full meal except the sour porridge. Simelane added
that even for that sour porridge, the school sometimes asked the parents to
provide sugar. Nsalitje Primary School Head teacher David Mkhweli said
currently his school was left with only one bag of rice and beans. He said the
situation was not looking good at all, because there was no certainty as to
when government would provide food to the schools.
Muziwethu Simelane, Kwaluseni Primary School Head
teacher, said in his school, they were also surviving on sour porridge. He said
there were beans as well hence they opted for the sour porridge. He said
sometimes he would urge parents to assist by giving the pupils some sugar to
mitigate the situation. Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of
Education and Training Bhekithemba Gama, said they were advising the head
teachers to liaise with their regional education officers (REO), who may assist
them on how to mitigate the situation until government delivered food to their
respective schools. He added that for the teachers to take such decisions
as releasing pupils earlier, they would need to consult with the REOs or
inspectors.
Thousands
languishing at home as attacks in Eswatini lead to safety concerns
By
Karabo Ngoepe, Independent online (South Africa), 21 June 2022
Johannesburg - Thousands of Emaswati who work for
Inyatsi Construction have been left in limbo following attacks at the company’s
operations.
After an arson attack last week, the company suspended
its operations Monday, resulting in over 2 300 workers being sent home. They
would not be earning a salary until the company resumes operations.
According to sources in the kingdom, the company is
reeling from arson attacks and damage to infrastructure, allegedly at the hands
of Pro-Democracy movements.
In a statement released by the company, it indicated
it had taken a proactive stance to tighten security in response to the
escalating and recurring targeted attacks that have resulted in the destruction
of machinery and equipment at three of its sites over the last year.
According to the company, the attacks have caused damage
of over R65 million.
“These malicious attacks have created an unsafe
working environment for our dedicated teams, and we have decided to reconfigure
and heighten our security protocols. During this period, our direct employees
will have to be on unpaid leave whilst ongoing projects valued at over R 700
million in the current financial year have to be temporarily suspended,” the
company said.
“We can no longer defer enhancing our security and
safety measures in the face of sustained attacks perpetrated by terrorists
still at large.”
The Kingdom of Eswatini has had violent protests since
2021 when Pro-Democracy Forces/Movements called for the removal of King Mswati
III. Arson attacks have become a regular occurrence with houses of those
working in government, mainly the police, targeted, and so are individuals
perceived to be linked to the king.
Many Emaswati have allegedly had their contact details
and addresses posted on social media platforms and news articles by a
journalist who is part of the Pro-Democracy Movement, calling for “national
braais” at the identified places.
The arson attacks generally followed the posts, and
the journalist would allegedly boldly indicate that the Pro-Democracy
Forces/Movements were behind them and would not stop. Instead, they would be
intensifying their fight.
Protests have been a regular feature in Eswatini.
Picture: Swazi News
The owners of Inyatsi Construction are perceived to be
linked to King Mswati. As a result of that narrative, the company has been at
the centre of some of the arson attacks. At least three sources in Eswatini
have told the Sunday Independent that those responsible for the attacks
believed they were inflicting pain and frustration on King Mswati, who they
believe has been delaying the country's proposed dialogue.
“There is this misconception that the company has ties
with the King, which is not true. They believe the company is making its money
through government contracts assisted by the King but look at the situation
now. The ordinary people are now suffering," said a source speaking
anonymously.
The country has an unemployment rate of 23.4 percent,
ranking 11th out of 94 countries globally and fourth in the Southern Africa
Development Community (SADC). The country has a poverty rate of 52% and GDP
growth of -3.3%.
“The company currently has 18 projects in the country,
including roads, water projects, maintenance, township developments and
agricultural development projects,” said the source.
The publication has established that the site that was
attacked at the Sigombeni was part of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural
Development Enterprise (ESWADE), which the European Union funds. According to
ESWADE, the EU, through its National Development Plan (2021-2027), set aside
€14.545 million (R278.37 million) to achieve increased Water Storage Capacity;
Enhanced Production Capacity for Smallholders and Strengthened Institutional
Capacity.
It is still unknown what the impact of the attack on
the site would be on the project and if the EU would still fund it. However,
the company indicated that it would be negligent for them to continue with the
18 projects as if it were business as usual.
“These 18 projects include roads, water projects,
maintenance, township developments and agricultural development projects which
all directly impact communities, including vulnerable groups. Although Inyatsi
Construction is a clear target of these attacks, the company itself is not the
real victim. The incalculable and far-reaching consequences of these attacks
have been sadly borne by the communities, sub-contractors and employees who
rely on the company," read the statement.
“As Inyatsi Construction, we value our human
resources, and their safety is of utmost importance. As we reconfigure our
operations to heighten safety and security protocols in the wake of sustained
attacks, we have seen it prudent to suspend operations temporarily for security
reasons,” read the statement.
By
Thokozani Mamba, Times of eSwatini, 23 June 2022
SITEKI – People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Lubombo
Branch Treasurer Tenele Mashwama was yesterday arrested in a joint operation of
the party.
They were arrested together with six other
members by police officers from the Lomahasha and Siteki Police
Stations. Tenele and Manqoba Kunene were arrested yesterday in the wee
hours at around 5am, while Light Mkhabela and Manqoba Nyoni were apprehended at
their respective homes on Tuesday morning. This latest incident comes
against the backdrop of another matter whereby PUDEMO Head of International
Relations Siboniso Mkhabela had his two cellphones and clothing items in a bag,
together with a notebook, confiscated by the police during a roadblock manned
at Lukhula area on Friday. Mkhabela was on his way to the
Multi-Stakeholders Forum (MSF) prayer service which was held at Good Shepherd
Mission Church when he was stopped by the police, who were in a joint operation
with the army. On Monday, the Siteki Police Station released his bag with
his clothing items.
Released
It was further established that the police
further arrested three others who were later released at the Simunye Magistrate
Court. The quartet of Tenele, Nyoni, Light and Manqoba were charged
jointly for contravening the Public Order Act of 2017 and Traffic Act of 2007.
They are all expected to appear at the Simunye Magistrate Court today. The
quartet are represented by the Siphofaneni based Lawyer Maxwell
Nkhambule. Nkhambule confirmed the matter and stated that the four were
expected to appear in court today. Chief Police Information and
Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the
matter. “We have four who have been charged by the police,” she said.
Worth mentioning is that it has been
gathered that the police were still looking for others who were on the list,
used to arrest the four PUDEMO members. Narrating the circumstances leading to
the arrest of the quartet, PUDEMO Head of International Relations, Mkhabela
stated that on Monday after the police released his bag with clothing items,
they left Siteki Town but were followed by a Toyota van without number plates
and it overtook them at Lonhlupheko.
Pursuing
Mkhabela said while approaching Maphiveni
T-junction, a soldier flagged them down to stop but some of the occupants of
the vehicle they were travelling in advised that they should not stop but
sped-off. He said they drove to a homestead around Maphiveni area and fled
in different directions towards the Black Mbuluzi River, leaving behind some of
their items inside the car. “We lost each other but reunited after about
six hours of being in the bushes. We found that soldiers had been deployed
around the homesteads at Maphiveni and roadblocks were manned at Nduma and
Lomahasha. Some of our members went to the car and found some of the clothing
items,” he said. Mkhabela said two phones belonging to Tenele were
missing. He added that there was a police car that was parked close to his
home.
“The death of Mpostoli and Sigubhu sparked
the intensifying fight for democracy and that police allegedly shot one pupil.
As Lomahasha residents, we will use peaceful means of protesting and don’t
believe that the burning of tyres warranted the state to deploy soldiers at
Lomahasha,” he said. Mkhabela further said if it called for seeking the
help of the international community, he was ready to do so. Meanwhile,
recently, police officers from Lomahasha Police Station fired four gunshots to
stop a Nkalashane High School pupil from fleeing at his home.
Broadcasting Bill: King has power to freeze
all broadcasts
By Mfanasibili Sihlongonyane, Independent News,
eSwatini, 19 June 2022
Mbabane – The
Eswatini Broadcasting Bill, 2019 gives His Majesty the King, powers to take
over all broadcasting stations or any particular broadcasting station in
Eswatini.
Article 69 (1) reads, “Where there is in force a
proclamation of a state of public emergency or threatened public emergency
under the Constitution, the King may make an order authorizing any officer or
any authority to (a) take over all broadcasting stations or any particular
broadcasting station in Eswatini; and, (b) control and direct all broadcasting
services from the broadcasting stations or broadcasting station to which the
provisions of paragraph (a) related for as long as the King considers it
expedient; and in so doing may require the exclusive services of the persons
employed in, working maintaining or crying on, the same.”
Subsection 2 of the bill continues to highlight
that when an officer or an authority is authorized to take over a broadcasting
station in terms of subsection (1), the person owning or controlling the
broadcasting station shall give up possession to the King or the officer or
authority, and the person employed in, working or maintaining the broadcasting
station, or carrying on a broadcasting service from the broadcasting station
shall, if the King in terms of that subsection requires their exclusive series,
diligently and faithfully obey, during the period the broadcasting station is
in possession of the officer or authority all such orders and other directions
as the officer or authority may give in connection with the working or
maintenance of the broadcasting station.
Subsection 3 then reads, “Reasonable compensation
shall be paid to a person who suffers loss or damage through the exercise of
the powers conferred by this section from monies appropriated for that purpose
by Parliament in such amount as may be agreed between that person and the
Minister.”
Then subsection 4 of the same article states that
that if a dispute arises as to the amount of compensation payable in terms of
subsection (3), any person claiming to be entitled to compensation may refer
such dispute to a court of law.
The article further stipulates in section 5, “In
determining the amount of any compensation including costs or expenses payable
under this section, the court or other person dealing with the matter, shall
have regard to the fact that the take-over has been necessitated by a state of
public emergency.”
Subsection 6 reads, “This section shall, with the
necessary modifications, apply in relation to diffusion services, the premise
apparatus, equipment and wires required in connection with those devices,
apparatus, equipment and wires required in connection with those services,
apparatus, equipment and wires and the persons employed in working, maintaining
or operating the same.”
Clause 70 (1), then indicates that where there is
in force a proclamation of a state of public emergency or threatened public
emergency under the Constitution, the Minister may, at any time by notice,
require the Commission to direct the licensees specified in the notice to
publish, at such times as may be specified in the notice, such announcement
relating to the public emergency as is specified in the notice, with or without
visual images of any picture, scene or object mentioned in the announcement.
According to subsection 2, where the licensee
published any announcement under subsection (1), the licensee may announce that
the publication is pursuant to a directive by the Minister. Then subsection 3
of the same clause highlights that the Minister may, at any time by notice,
require the Commission to direct any licensee specified in the notice to
refrain from including in the programmes included in their licensed series, any
matter or classes of matter specified in the notice.
Subsection 4 further reads, “Where the Commission
(a) gives a licensee a direction in accordance with a notice under subsection
(3); or (b) in consequence of the revocation by the Minister of a notice
referred to in subsection (3); or (c) in consequence of an expiry of a notice,
the licensee in question may publish an announcement stating the giving or
revocation of the direction, or of the expiration of the notice.
For complaints relating to public broadcasting or
broadcasting services, Article 71 stipulates that where a person has made a
complaint to the Corporation or to a broadcasting service, acted contrary to
the Code of Conduct and, the person has not received a response within fourteen
(14) days after making the complaint, or the person has received a response
within that period but considers that response to be inadequate, that person
may lodge a complaint with the commission about the matter.
Meanwhile, recently, the Ministry of Information,
Communication and Technology (ICT) hosted the Eswatini Broadcasting Bill 2019
Workshop for the House of Senate at the Hilton Garden Hotel. Present during the
one-day workshop was ICT Minister Princess Sikhanyiso, Senate President Lindiwe
Dlamini, senators, the ministry officials and stakeholders.
The bill advances the establishment of the Eswatini
Broadcasting Corporation, a national broadcaster, by amalgamating the
operations and resources of Eswatini Television Authority (ETVA) and the
Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS).
SWAZI
MEDIA COMMENTARY
Find us:
Blog: www.swazimedia.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674
Twitter: @Swazimedia