Search This Blog

Friday 26 August 2022

Swaziland Newsletter No. 741 – 26 August 2022

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 741 – 26 August 2022

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.

 

eSwatini not free, has long way to go

By Emmanuel Ndlangamandla, Times of eSwatini, 22 August 2022

SOURCE

 

The Freedom House conducts an annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

For its 2022 report, Eswatini was once again rated as not free, scoring 17  of out of a score 100, where on political rights Eswatini’s score was one out of 40, and on civil liberties the country scored 16 out of 60. Let us share some aspects of this report to help us introspect.

Political rights

With regard to a question of if the prime minister (PM) was elected based on a free and fair system, the PM is appointed, hence the score was zero out of four. With regard to the election of legislative bodies, the country again was scored zero out of four, as election processes are deemed to be not free and fair as they can be influenced by external factors. The case of a widow who was denied her right to be elected because she was mourning her husband is one example, not just being an example of an unfair system but a gender skewed system.   With regard to electoral laws’ fairness and being implemented impartially, the report scored the country zero out of four. The report states that the Elections and Boundary Commission (EBC) is appointed and is also dependent on Ministry of Justice and   Constitutional Affairs for funding and, hence lacks independence. The other questions asked in this report were on the topics below:

Political pluralism, participation

Do the people have the right to organise in different political parties of their choice? Is the system free of undue obstacles to the rise and fall of these competing parties or groupings? Once again Eswatini was scored zero out of four because elections are based on individual merit. Even though political parties are operational, they are not registered; they face obstacles in organising and promoting their programmes and are not allowed to contest power. The report states that political crackdown is a common phenomenon and also cites the arrest of two members of Parliament while the third MP is in exile and also lost his parliamentary seat. 

Functioning of government

Do the freely elected head of government and national legislative representatives determine the policies of the government? Eswatini scored zero out of four. It is noted in the report that Parliament cannot initiate legislation. Parliament is seen as having limited powers and at most acts as a ‘rubber stamp’ for the Executive’s decisions. Are safeguards against official corruption strong and effective? The country also scored zero out of four. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is perceived to be ineffective and lacks adequate financial and human resources. Does the government operate with openness and transparency? Once again the country scored zero out of four. Eswatini lacks access to information laws, and there is no culture of proactive disclosure of government information.

Civil liberties

Is there freedom and an independent media? The country scored one out of four. It is noted in the report that a variety of laws, including the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act and defamation laws can be used to restrict media coverage by criminalising publications that are alleged to be seditious. Are individuals free to practice and express their religious faith or non-belief in public and private? The country fared better at two out of four. It’s noted in the report that non-Christian groups are denied access to State broadcasters.Is there academic freedom, and is the educational system free from extensive political indoctrination? The country scored one out of four. Restrictive laws such as anti-terrorism limit academic freedom.

Organisational rights

Is there freedom of assembly? Eswatini scored zero out of four as freedom of assembly is restricted. The report notes that human rights-focused NGOs are also constrained by sedition and terrorism legislation. Also noted is that Eswatini has a vibrant trade union movement which, however, faces crackdowns during strikes and public protests.

Rule of law

It is noted in the report that the Judiciary enjoys some independence hence it scored two out of four. The report continues to note that the King holds ultimate authority with regard to the appointment and dismissal of judges. On due process on civil and criminal matters Eswatini scored one out of four due to time limits on detention without charge and are not always respected. In terms of protection from illegitimate use of force, it is noted that police brutality continues in spite of the passage of the 2018 Police Act. With regard to equal treatment for all segments of society, Eswatini scored one out of four as women, people with disabilities and LGBTQI populations continue to face restrictions. This report paints a gloomy picture regarding the state of freedoms for emaSwati. Nelson Mandela once said: “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”

 

eSwatini’s King Mswati accused of assaulting yet another wife

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Mail & Guardian (South Africa), 25 August 2022

SOURCE

 

Eswatini king, Mswati III, allegedly assaulted Inkhosikati Sibonelo Mngomezulu — known as LaMbikiza — for questioning him about the real father of Princess Sikhanyiso’s son, Prince Phikolezwe.

This is not the first time allegations have emerged of abuse by the king.  

The late Inkhosikati Nothando Dube (LaDube) allegedly sent photographs to political activist Lucky Lukhele and journalists reporting the physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband.

It has been reported that LaDube was allegedly isolated and heavily assaulted by the king and his bodyguards after being found in bed with Ndumiso Mamba, the then minister of justice and constitutional affairs.

The king’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, said he was only responsible for the public image of the king, not private matters. He added that any effort to inquire about the matter would be an invasion of the king’s privacy.

“We are not aware, it is the public face of the king that is our area of interest and concern. We therefore wouldn’t be able to know what happens behind closed doors and any effort by us to inquire along those lines would be an invasion of privacy,” he said.

Questions were sent to LaMbikiza but she had not responded at the time of publication. 

Lukhele, the spokesperson of the Swaziland Solidarity Network, confirmed that LaDube had sent him photographs as evidence of assault. He added that he was also aware of the assault against LaMbikiza.

“I am aware that LaMbikiza was assaulted by Mswati and she lost her teeth in the process. Other queens are suffering at the hands of the king, he doesn’t want them to socialise with men that he sees as competitors, he has a low self-esteem. LaDube even reached out to me reporting that Mswati assaulted her, she even shared some pictures,” said Lukhele. 

LaMbikiza is alleged to have told some of her close friends about the incident while she was in hospital in about February last year. It is alleged that the queen was receiving dental implants. 

A royal household insider, who is close to LaMbikiza, said: “It’s true, she told me kutsi loMjita [Mswati] umshaye wamkhokha ematinyo. Wangitjela asayowafaka lamatinyo waphindze wangitjela noma asabuyela ayowalungisa [She told me that he assaulted her and she lost her teeth, she even told me when she was going to hospital for the artificial teeth]. So if you want to verify this, check her passport around February 2021 and then follow that evidence. She was assaulted a few months or weeks after the birth of Phikolezwe.” 

An independent investigation by Swaziland News found that LaMbikiza left the country on or around 15 August this year. Her diplomatic passport suggests that she flew to South Africa at about 10:54am.

But royal insiders said the queen was receiving medical treatment in South Africa for a different illness, not for her teeth.

“She is sick and has gone for an operation. It’s true that these days there’s a serious conflict between the king and the queen … The queen [has in the past]  tried to advise the king that he must listen to the people, instead the king accused her of being a sellout and [said] that she was plotting to kill him.” 

A former member of the king’s advisory council also confirmed that the queen reported the assault to him.

“She even showed me a picture after the assault and was forced not to appear in public until she receives medical treatment,” said the person. 

Mswati rules eSwatini as an absolute monarch, with executive, judicial and legislative powers.  As a result, he cannot be taken to court to be held accountable for allegations of gender-based violence. 

Human rights lawyer Nosimilo Vilakati said domestic violence remained a gross violation of human rights, irrespective of who the perpetrator was.

“National and international law instruments serve the purpose of protecting every individual against any form of abuse. Analysis of domestic violence as an abuse of human rights is addressed in national courts. 

“However, when domestic courts fail to do this, international litigation provides positive mechanisms.The right to be free from domestic violence is not directly stated in international human rights treaties because domestic violence often results in battery, rape, murder,” said Vilakati.

 

‘Security is fast deteriorating’: eSwatini activists welcome SADC move

Lenin Ndebele, News 24 (South Africa), 20 August 2022

SOURCE

 

Pro-democracy activists from Eswatini welcomed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) resolution to send a fact-finding mission to Africa's last absolute monarchy.

They noted, however, that it was not the first fact-finding mission to be sent to Eswatini, with those before not yielding much progress.

Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer from Eswatini, and Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of the People’s United Democratic Movement, the largest opposition party in the country spoke to News24.

Maseko said: “While we welcome the developments, we are concerned about what we see as a lack of decisiveness when it comes to the Eswatini question.

“The question is, how many fact-finding missions will be conducted before there is a serious commitment to a real meaningful process to resolve the crisis?”

He added that he hoped President Cyril Ramaphosa’s framework for dialogue would be consolidated so that King Mswati III commits to it, although in the past, the king had not been so keen on engagement. 

“We do feel that the king is given leeway to delay the resolution of the impasse while he continues to harass the people in Eswatini and the leaders of the mass democratic movement.

He added: “In our view, the facts speak for themselves for the need to bring the parties to the impasse to the table of dialogue, and SADC long accepted that dialogue is the only possible and meaningful way to address the socio-economic and political crisis facing the country.”

He also said that SADC should pin down the king to commit to the creation of a political climate of peace conducive to dialogue, ensuring that all political prisoners are released, exiles return home safely, and all impediments to meaningful dialogue and free political activity are removed.

Another wish from Maseko was for SADC to agree on a framework for the dialogue to start, including timelines, and the adoption of mutually agreed terms of reference.

“We do hope that the fact-finding mission will realise the urgency because the security situation is fast deteriorating,” he added.

Makhanya told News24 that while SADC was going to send another fact-finding team led by a panel of elders, it owed the people of Eswatini an update on what happened with past envoys.

“While we in principle welcome the decision by the SADC summit to send the panel of elders on a fact-finding mission anywhere it deems fit, we however strongly feel that SADC owes the people of Swaziland an explanation on how far the previous fact-finding mission went and their subsequent reports,” he said.

Three envoys sent by SADC have been to Eswatini in the past.

Makhaya feels SADC was playing “marbles” with the Eswatini situation and as things stood, “the country will continue to burn”.

While SADC handles the diplomatic side of the crisis, Makhanya said they would not wait but take matters into their own hands.

“We are not waiting for SADC to liberate us, we are liberating ourselves. Our message to our people is very clear: You are on your own and only your efforts will liberate you,” he added.

He also branded SADC leaders as “elites” who are “indifferent” about the massacre of innocent people.

 

Govt ‘clarifies’ SADC leaders’ resolution

By Mhlonishwa Motsa, Times of eSwatini, 20 August 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo’s office has clarified the real stand taken by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the country’s political situation.

Government refuted reports that the Southern African leaders resolved, during the 42nd Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, to send the newly-approved Panel of Elders (PoE) to the country to deal with the political upheaval. The meeting, which was attended by the regional Heads of State, including His Majesty King Mswati III, was held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on August 17, 2022.

In a statement issued by Nxumalo’s office, government said SADC released a communiqué after the meeting on the same day and the reports that were later circulated in various communication outlets were contradictory to the resolution. “Government would like to provide clarity on the circulating reports to the effect that SADC would be deploying a panel of elders to the Kingdom of Eswatini to address the country’s political situation.

“The resolutions highlighted in the communiqué is the official position that SADC has taken on the matter regarding the Kingdom of Eswatini and other issues that were addressed at the summit. Any other assertions as to the process that will follow regarding the Eswatini matter are therefore not a reflection of what was agreed on the summit,” reads the statement.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/136640-govt-%E2%80%98clarifies%E2%80%99-sadc-leaders%E2%80%99-resolution.html

 

EFF CIC advised parents not to release girls to join umhlanga [Reed Dance]

By Pholile Masuku, Swati Newsweek, 25 August, 2022

SOURCE

 

LOBAMBA: Nombulelo Motsa, says the national umhlanga ceremony should be boycotted by all Swazis and the girls in Eswatini.

Motsa revealed this in a statement dated 25 August, 2022.

She said, “The Economic Freedom Fighters of Swaziland wants to take this opportunity to warn everybody and all young girls, maidens and young women in particular to boycott and abstain from Mswati's manipulated ‘umhlanga’ reed dance ceremony.”

The president said, “UMhlanga must fall! Stay at home. Phepha, Uyaphi hlala ekhaya”.

“As EFF Swaziland we want to warn the entire Swazi nation that they must not endorse a murderer through cultural manipulation of Umhlanga reed dance ceremony, where Mswati practice his rituals to young women to be submissive to his autocratic, evil and brutal regime.

“As the EFF Swaziland, we want to remind Swazis to remember the lives of our fallen Heroes and Heroines who were massacred by Mswati's brutal and evil regime last year June 2021 by abstaining from all his activities.”

She added, “As EFF Swaziland and other progressive movements in the country and in diaspora we are still engulfed by the dark clouds of mourning for our beloved Heroes and Heroines who were massacred by Mswati's security forces. Their sin was calling for democratic reforms at the time, not even regime change.”

In fact, all Swazis who love democracy must disassociate themselves from Mswati's manipulated cultural activities, which legizimize his murderous, evil and cruel regime in the public eye, both local and international.

She explained, “The EFF Swaziland would like to urge all parents not to send their children to attend Mswati's manipulated cultural activities. It is a fact that Mswati has disassociated and removed himself from the throne by killing innocent civilians in the country.

“As Mswati’s security forces continue to brutalise our people daily with evil impunity and gruesome devious actions, in total gross violations of human rights. The people on the other hand continue to be strong, decisive and resolute in calling for regime change.

“Lastly, as EFF Swaziland we want to urge all progressive forces in Swaziland and diasporians globally to unite and find practical solutions to overthrow Mswati's autocratic government.

“Swazis we are on our own, no one will liberate us without us from this evil, brutal and cruel regime.”

 

Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi urges ILO to assist eSwatini recover from COVID-19 economic recession

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 25 August, 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: Phila Buthelezi, the Minister of Labour and Social Security has urged the International Labour Organization (ILO) to assist eSwatini recover from the COVID-19 economic recession.

Speaking during the launch of “The Next Normal’: The Changing Workplace in Eswatini” report at Hilton Gardens on Wednesday, the Minister said COVID-19 affected many businesses, resulting to job losses.

The report comes after a study conducted by ILO in collaboration with Business Eswatini.

“It is not an exaggeration that COVID-19 destroyed many jobs as much as it did business establishments. Crucially, however, the pandemic took away productive souls from our midst. One is therefore encouraged that as we begin to pick up the pieces as a country we will do so with a trusted partner such as the ILO on our side. The study informed how labour relations and business processes could be managed at a time when confusion and shock were the order of the day. Not only did the assessment inform and empower business; it also helped the Ministry to tailor some of its services appropriately and equip other organs of state which are working very closely with businesses,” said the Minister as quoted by Government online platforms.

Addressing participants during the presentation of the report, ILO Director Dr Joni Musabayana said the study raised several extremely pertinent issues related to Eswatini’s labour market and more broadly, the priorities outlined in the Abidjan Declaration. 

“The disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will leave a legacy in respect of how, where and when we work,” said the ILO Director as quoted by eSwatini Government online platforms.

On another note, Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Nathi Dlamini emphasized the importance of creating jobs even for the future generation.

“We have to create the jobs needed by emaSwati so that we may not fail our future generations. We would also love to extend our appreciation to the International Labour Organisation for their support towards improving the Private Sector and we are looking forward to having a continuous fruitful relationship as this is a tripartite affair,” said the Business Eswatini CEO.

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: www.swazimedia.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674

Twitter: @Swazimedia

 

Friday 19 August 2022

Swaziland Newsletter No. 740 – 19 August 2022

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 740 – 19 August 2022

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.

 

SADC needs a firmer strategy for the spiralling Eswatini crisis

By Ringisai Chikohomero, ISS Today, 15 August 2022

SOURCE

 

The Eswatini crisis is descending into violent conflict, with the bombing of state institutions and attacks against security forces on the rise. At the same time, brutal repression of protests and apparent abductions of civil society members continue.

Is King Mswati III letting his fear of losing the monarchy get in the way of national peace? His remarks at this year’s 5 August Eswatini Police Day show a lack of commitment to true national dialogue. Referring to the increasing attacks on state institutions, he called for ‘an eye for an eye.’ This position moves the country away from talks.

The government has also expressed its intention to go ahead with elections next year – flying in the face of Southern African Development Community (SADC) efforts to resolve the political crisis before the polls are held.

Regional efforts to contain the situation and get the parties to talk also seem to be waning. The much-anticipated dialogue promised during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the country at the end of 2021 hasn’t happened. And the Eswatini matter hasn’t been raised in recent SADC meetings. A special summit of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation to discuss the Eswatini crisis, slated for 21 July, was cancelled at the last minute.

The government’s intention to go ahead with 2023 elections flies in the face of SADC efforts

SADC’s 42nd heads of state summit in Kinshasa on 17 and 18 August is expected to prioritise Eswatini. The regional body needs a bold and clear position on the next steps – such as assigning a high-level envoy to the kingdom.

For the pro-democracy movement, there’s a sense that the king is being handled with kid gloves while Eswatini sinks into turmoil. His lukewarm response to national dialogue and regional mediation has been seen as arrogant and aloof, but then again, he has more to lose. The prospect of potentially being the world’s last absolute monarch, the threat to his wealth and the royal family's future raise the stakes for him.

As violence increases, SADC needs to ramp up its interventions to help solve the political crisis. A recent Institute for Security Studies closed webinar showed that the lack of consensus on the situation, including among political parties and civil society in Eswatini, is a major stumbling block to talks.

Protesters are becoming more militant, and the emergence of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces further complicates the crisis. The group claimed responsibility for the January bombing that killed a police officer. Political parties also seem to be gravitating towards violence. Calls by the People’s United Democratic Movement president in July for the party’s ground forces to be vigilant and attack key state institutions added fuel to the fire.

SADC should move away from its collegial approach towards one that gets the king to engage in talks

Despite the problems, SADC is best placed to lead the national dialogue process. To do so effectively however, there must be a deliberate change in strategy. First, the regional body must act more boldly and with greater urgency. This means moving away from its collegial approach towards one that gets the king to engage in talks.

Mswati has been given too much space to dictate the pace of a peaceful resolution, to the detriment of the SADC initiative and Eswatini’s citizens. The regional bloc should establish a high-level presence in the country rather than continuing with intermittent visits by officials.

This can be achieved using SADC’s existing structures, like its Mediation Reference Group and the panel of elders currently led by former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete. These mechanisms have the mandate and capacity to engage with the king. Activating them would also indicate to Mswati that SADC is serious about finding a lasting solution.

One problem with SADC’s efforts thus far is that the matter has been elevated to summit level without clarity on how it will be handled. Leaving an issue for a summit’s attention can vastly extend the time taken to resolve it. Zimbabwe’s political and economic crisis is a good example, with SADC only appointing then South African president Thabo Mbeki to mediate in 2008. Zimbabwe has since been dropped from the regional body’s agenda altogether.

To avoid this problem, SADC could designate a special envoy to Eswatini, as it did in the case of Lesotho in 2018. Former South African deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke was appointed special envoy by Ramaphosa, SADC’s facilitator at the time. He worked tirelessly to support dialogue toward constitutional reforms.

SADC could designate a special envoy to Eswatini, as it did in the case of Lesotho in 2018

In Eswatini, the special envoy would carry the bloc’s mandate and be dedicated to working on the crisis. SADC can also place the special envoy in-country to enable real-time monitoring of developments and direct access to stakeholders. While Lesotho isn’t out of the woods yet, it has made progress through Moseneke’s support.

To strengthen the envoy’s position in Eswatini, an advisory team of regional government and civil society experts could be set up. This would be a first for SADC. The team would provide the envoy with a wealth of resources and support mediation by mapping points of entry and leverage to keep opposing sides at the table.

This week’s Kinshasa summit is the ideal opportunity to appoint the envoy. On 16 August, before the summit starts, the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation will meet. Although Namibia chairs the organ from 18 August, South Africa – with strong links to Eswatini and its closest neighbour – should continue to play a role.

SADC must do everything possible to prevent the Eswatini crisis from escalating into a full-blown violent conflict. In a region already dealing with major challenges linked to inequality and poverty, political strife caused by a lack of democracy in one of its member states must be avoided.

Ringisai Chikohomero, Research Consultant, ISS Pretoria

 

Communist Party of Swaziland calling for ‘nationwide mass uprising against the regime’

Morning Star (UK), 16 August 2022

SOURCE

 

THE Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) is calling for a “nationwide mass uprising against the regime” after government forces opened fire on democracy protesters at the weekend.

On Saturday, 15 marches were held across the country, with petitions delivered to MPs demanding democracy in Africa’s last absolutist monarchy.

In Manzini district, the march was attacked by armed officers who fired live bullets at peaceful protesters, although no injuries were reported.

Communists and trade unionists took part in the activities, which called “for the economy of the country to be democratically controlled by the people and the provision of free quality healthcare, education as well as other services.”

Political parties were banned in Swaziland — now known as Eswatini — in 1973, with King Mswati III commanding absolute power over the judiciary, executive and parliament.

Close to 70 per cent live below the poverty line, with more a third of the population in extreme poverty and reliant on the World Food Programme for food.

The CPS blames the monarchy for the situation and called today “for unity among the oppressed people for a nationwide mass uprising” to bring down the regime.

“The call must be a unifying one for democracy now, which includes the unconditional unbanning of political parties, unconditional release of political prisoners, unconditional return of political exiles, recognition and respect for the rights to freedom of speech, assembly and association,” it said in a statement.

 

Shots, tear gas at Mbongwa’s support march

By Nhlanganiso Mkhonta, Times of eSwatini, 16 August 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE – The march organised in support of SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini turned violent as shots and tear gas canisters were fired to disperse the supporters.  

SNAT stands for the Swaziland National Association of Teachers. Dlamini was yesterday double-booked as he was expected to hand over responses to his ‘Show Cause’ letter to the Ministry of Education and Training and further meet the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police William Tsitsibala Dlamini, who had summoned him. At around 10am yesterday, supporters of the SNAT president arrived at the ministry and started singing political songs while waiting for him. The supporters included members of different political parties, unionists and SNAT members. Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule was also part of those who came to support Mbongwa.  

Mbongwa arrived a few minutes later and joined the supporters in song. SNAT Secretary General (SG) Sikelela Dlamini addressed the supporters on the reason they were at the ministry. He then allowed the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) President, Bheki Mamba, to address the supporters. The SNAT president then entered the ministry’s offices to hand over his letter and he took less than five minutes doing so and returned to the supporters. Thereafter, Sikelela addressed the supporters on the way forward, which was proceeding to the police headquarters. However, Sikelela told the supporters that only Mbongwa, the SNAT executive and other unions executives would go to the police headquarters.

He urged the supporters to remain at the Ministry of Education as the executives would return to address them. However, the supporters heard none of this and decided to march on their own, heading to the police headquarters via the road passing by the Mbabane Government Hospital. Just before reaching the police headquarters, the marchers were met with armed police officers from the Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU) and other police officers. There were over 100 police officers who stopped the marchers. The police informed the supporters to leave and fired shots in the air as well as tear gas canisters. The supporters ran helter-skelter while the police persuaded them.

Some of the supporters ran to the construction site near the Mobeni Flats below Mvwakwelitje area. The police invaded the construction site where there were workmen busy with their work. They reportedly assaulted some of the protesters who were hiding in the construction site. One of the supporters who was assaulted was a teacher from Evelyn Baring High School by the name of Lucky Mamba. Others who were injured during the skirmish were reportedly rushed to the hospital.

 

Media capture: It’s a battle for power and influence.

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 16August, 2022

SOURCE

 

Machawe Nxumalo, the then Times News editor has tried twice to establish an online publication but despite being backed by the regime with funds, all his media projects collapsed.

The former Channel Swazi Manager first tried to establish the Swazi Journal before grouping State journalists for another online project known as “Eswatini Bulletin”.

All these online publications collapsed in less than six (6)months and the State journalists went back to the Times and Observer.

Now, Nxumalo who once invaded the online space scandalizing ‘Zwemart’ [Zweli Martin Dlamini] while presenting himself and other State journalists as ‘real scribes’ knows that it’s not a joke to run an online publication, it is far different from being employed.

But it is not only Machawe Nxumalo, more State journalists are attempting to penetrate the online space but their greatest fear is competing with the Swaziland News whose following is now fast approaching two hundred and fifty thousand (250 000).

As a result, the State journalists who lost relevance after Swazis embraced the Swaziland News are plotting ways of tarnishing the image of ‘Zwemart’ to push him out of the ‘game’ so that they could emerge and be embraced by the audience.

A Coordinator from one of the reputable international media organizations sent me a piece of writing purported to be authored by me, where it is alleged that I called for the assassination of King Mswati.

A State journalist authored that piece of writing with an intention to influence a global media organization to take action against me, but those efforts failed because the author failed to fake my style of writing.

It is very important to state that my position about the future of King Mswati as a Head of State in this country is very clear, Mswati must be removed from power.

But despite my political opinion and position on Mswati’s future, captured journalists must relax and refrain from trying to fake my sentiments.

My style of writing cannot be faked by any State journalist and I told the Coordinator that I would not even entertain that ‘rubbish’.

She even laughed after I asked her to analyze my style of writing and that of the fake article.

The State journalist authored the fake article, under the byline “By Zweli Martin Dlamini” and sent it to the reputable media organization with an intention of tarnishing my image.

But he was too shallow minded and couldn’t imitate my style of writing because,like singing, writing is a unique skill with identity and a ‘password’ that cannot be easily cracked.

It’s true that the power of influence has shifted from the traditional media to online publications, this did not come overnight but through hard-work, perseverance and dedication.

It’s a pity that State journalists don’t understand the cycle of nature in the context of skills, power and influence in society.

As a result, we are seeing Diego Maradonas and Jomo Sonos in the media who want to compete with Christiano Ronaldos and Lionel Messis, they are doing everything in their power to try and tackle new players hoping they would re-emerge and be influential.

Leadership suggests that as you grow older, you must transfer the skills to young people so that your legacy can continue, State journalists opted to sell the integrity of the media to Mswati.

In this country, the regime captured almost all journalists who were once trusted by the people, now those journalists, after being dumped by the masses who boycotted their newspapers think scandalizing “Zwemart” will help them regain popularity among the masses, it’s a nightmare.

The truth is; in every job there’s retirement, in the media we have Mkhulus who are fast approaching 60 years, they want to compete with young and energetic journalists and even go as far attempting to scandalize us.

Establishing and managing an online publication is not a joke, at times you sleep around 2am, writing, editing and uploading articles, the Mkhulus and Gogos in the media who are busy scandalizing young journalists cannot survive that pressure.

In conclusion, let me make it clear that the online space is open, all State journalists are free to establish platforms, the audience will decide who to follow.

Therefore, scandalizing ‘Zwemart’ will not attract any following for Tinkhundla propaganda platforms, people want the truth.

The basic principle of journalism is to act in the public interest, State journalists must do just that and they will attract a huge following online.

The problem starts when these journalists establish online platforms, act in King Mswati’s interest and then expect the public to follow and embrace their platforms.

I fully understand that the campaign to tarnish my reputable is a battle for power and I will handle it well.

It’s over ten (10) years now since the State media started scandalizing me and I am not going down.

 

‘An eye for an eye’ Swazi King closes door to peace

By Dr Jabulane Matsebula, Swati Newsweek, 15 August, 2022

SOURCE

 

King Mswati, the last absolute monarch in Africa, instructed the police force to use revenge and lethal force against Swazi citizens calling for democracy. King Mswati's statement effectively transforms the police force from a professional organisation responsible for maintaining law and order to a retributive vigilante group. The statement is irresponsible and represents a serious failure of leadership. Instead of showing leadership and good judgement, Mswati wants to push the country into more chaos. The statement is yet another example that the king has no respect for the rule of law and life. Police violence and retaliation is not an answer to the political crisis in Swaziland.

King Mswati must take a deep look into his behaviour and responsibility for the current political instability in the country. Violence will not benefit anyone and has no place in our society. Members of the police force must disobey the order to retaliate. It is for the benefit of this country and its people that the police force conducts its policing duty within the law no matter the circumstances.

PUDEMO is deeply concerned about the ongoing warmongering posture by king Mswati. In June/July 2021, Mswati led a vicious war against unarmed civilians which resulted in many deaths and countless injuries. He is now spoiling for another war and has closed the door to a peaceful resolution of the political crisis.

When Mswati promised to hold a national dialogue to resolve the political crisis in the country, we warned against complacency, misplaced optimism and false belief. The whole idea of a national dialogue was hollow, farcical and ambiguous. It was used as a trajan horse to calm the walters and overpower the liberation movement. Mswati was never committed to dialogue. He does not believe in a peaceful resolution of the political troubles engulfing the country. His recent instruction to the police to kill civilians is a clear indication that political dialogue remains a distant dream. The people of Swaziland have no choice but to regroup into a mass revolt to remove the royal family from state power.

Dr Jabulane Matsebula is PUDEMO’s representative in Australia

 

Eswatini political crisis deepens as the promised dialogue remains a wish

By Zakithi Sibandze, Democracy in Africa, 16 August 2022

SOURCE

  

On the 12th of April 1973, Eswatini’s newborn democracy was cut short at its prime when a decree banning political parties was issued by the then King Sobhuza II, giving way to new political system (introduced as Tikhundla) which is promoted as “unique” to the Swazi condition, embracing “African values”. This decree made Eswatini into an absolute monarchy, granting the king control of all the three arms of government, in addition to being above the constitution. This reversed the gains of Swazi people in their struggle for independence in the colonial era. As a result, today Swaziland is in labor for freedom.

This has always been a ticking time bomb that could have exploded at any time, no wonder the recent events that has taken lives and spread violence across the country. Amidst all the recent upheavals that have demonstrated deep anger among the people due to many factors, a quench for social change has grown naturally with the demand to recognize the rights and freedom of every person as a major demand. The once open and closed struggles gave birth to a political turmoil that started last year after the death of a university student. Ever since then, the country is slowly disintegrating into a war zone as state brutality rises and pro-democracy forces respond. 

More than a year now have passed since the government promised dialogue to the nation and SADC chair President Cyril Ramaphosa personally visited the country, calling for calm and dialogue. Due to the respect and commitment displayed by South African presidency, Swazis were able to calm down and seek peaceful ways of resolving their challenges which was the ‘dialogue’ everyone yearns for.

Despite these efforts, the Eswatini state has not listen and taken the calls for dialogue seriously. To them, it one of the ways to keep people calm by telling them what they want to hear. Up to this day, true dialogue has not been materialized and squabbling continues between vocal members of parliament and the prime minister.

Build up to the dialogue

In late June 2021, a SADC Organ Troika Ministerial Fact-Finding Mission was dispatched to the Eswatini, followed by a technical fact finding mission the following month. These missions engaged with key stakeholders in the Kingdom of Eswatini with a view to assist the Organ with clear understanding of the prevailing political and security situation in the country. After collecting facts, the SADC Organ extended a hand in line with its policies by proposing and drafting Eswatini’s framework for Inclusive National Dialogue with its findings, observations and recommendations.

Among the objectives was that the dialogue is based on national ownership, domestic measures, and peaceful co-existence. It further made recommendations of establishing a multi stakeholders national dialogue committee and a proposed Roadmap for conducting a national dialogue. With all this effort the government has downplayed this subject within parliament and fed strongly to the narrative that the state never wanted dialogue but simply wanted to calm protestors and minimize the blowback it faced. Since the announcement that Sibaya will be conveyed to help nation find solutions to problems, the government has given one excuse after the other as it was first reported that the government sought to delay dialogue until after the Incwala ceremony. After that they said they are waiting for SADC secretariat which was helping with terms of reference and the terms were presented.

The government has never been short of excuses as they now allege the environment is not conducive for dialogue as there is violence where properties of pro-democracy leaders and some government leaders were burned down. The cycle of lies and political dribbling has intensified with the total avoidance of the subject of dialogue. 

MPs could not keep quiet on it yet still find no answers on what is happening, only to be promised that there will be dialogue when time is right without explaining what constitutes a right time and who is planning the dialogue if it’s not people delegated by them as rightful representatives of the people. This situation illuminates the reality of Swazi politics, which is captured and directed outside the walls of parliament and ultimately centered in the royal family.

A cycle of violence is brewing

There are now new growing threats to Eswatini as state security forces have become ubiquitous and there have been killings targeting these security personnel. Many citizens feel betrayed by SADC and fooled by the government, making efforts at reconciliation even more difficult. The government continues to use the media solely to discredit pro-democracy forces and authorities use derogatory names for these groups. This hate speech has the power to brew hate crimes as burnings of pro-democracy properties and killings of state security continue unabated. The king recently charged police officers that they must meet insurgencies eye for an eye.

Obstacles to dialogue

The blame for this violence is solely on the government’s side as progressives were the first to call for dialogue and have been eagerly waiting for it. Challenges of not having the much anticipated dialogue emanates among other things on: Firstly, the king’s remarks that they can’t dialogue with ‘dagga smokers’(equating supporters of democracy with those that are intoxicated) point to a painful reality that those in authority do not recognize all citizens as equals. Secondly, the current system dominated by royalty and immediate relatives and associates has for too long lived unchallenged. Adapting to new realities is hard for the leaders and their past deeds towards the people increase the level of mistrust between the state and society. 

Thirdly, the Swazi state is a one party state where there is no opposition. Their politics is limited to how they understand and want to play their own politics. The rhetoric of home grown democracy has reached its elasticity level as more people decry the system and its failures. Fourthly, the state has strong international supporters such as the Equatorial Guinea government whom it is believed it sent some of its armed forces (photographic evidence of which circulates online platforms and in testimonies of victims).

SADC has also fed this complicity. As we learned from a leaked video by the resigned army commander, SADC has pledged to be on the Kingdom’s side politically, which resembles the way it shielded ex-president of Zimbabwe Mr. Robert Mugabe from responsibility of Zimbabwe crisis. 

The importance of dialogue

Dialogue will give the nation a chance to resolve our political difference with less violence and minimize the human cost that might have occurred during violent political conflict. Swazis has a long culturally believe that if problems are big there is a need to sit down and talk which is commonly known as Kungena endlini kagogo which can be interpreted as getting together and talking. The effect of the last unrest continues to show its ugly faces as many people are suffering including young children who lost parents or guardians. This is breaking families and communities in ways we have not imagined as the scourge of violence seems to be the only adopted ways of resolving problems.

To read more of this article, click here: https://democracyinafrica.org/eswatini-political-crisis-deepens-as-the-promised-dialogue-remains-a-wish/

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: www.swazimedia.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674

Twitter: @Swazimedia