Swaziland Newsletter No. 807 – 15 December 2023

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 807 – 15 December 2023

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.

 

King Mswati’s wealth now worth R10billion according to Forbes, as unfair competition by royal linked companies worsen poverty situation and creates tension in eSwatini

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 14 December, 2023

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Mswati has accumulated wealth worth R10billion ($500million), according to Forbes rating, as alleged unfair competition business environment created by giant companies linked to the King worsen poverty situation while creating tension.

Eswatini is a tiny Kingdom with about 70% of the population living below the poverty line, has been struggling with a collapsed health and education system.

Hundreds are reportedly dying amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals while State Universities or institutions of higher learning now rely on donations for working equipment with financially struggling students dropping out.

The World Bank reported that, the unemployment rate increased in eSwatini from 23% to 33.3% in 2021 amid escalating costs of basic commodities.

But in the midst of the poverty situation, King Mswati, the Africa’s last absolute Monarch, owns shares in giant companies in the construction, tourism, agriculture, telecommunications and forestry industries among others.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Percy Simelane, the King’s Spokesperson said, it was difficult to know how Forbes reached the figure suggesting that, the King’s wealth was worth R10billion(500million).

“As the King’s rating formulae is an exclusivity to the person(s)who do the rating it shall continue to be difficult to figure what exactly was being calculated or considered as variables to his wealth. We therefore elect not to commit half-headedly and pretend we know how the sum total was reached. The figures keep on changing and we never get to know why it changes from time to time”, said the King’s Spokesperson when responding to a questionnaire from this publication.

On Wednesday this week, Thulisile Dladla, the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) visited Mgidzangcunu in the outskirts of Vuvulane, one of the areas situated in the poverty stricken Lubombo Region which is facing high levels poverty.

The purpose of the visit, it has been disclosed, was to assess the poverty situation however, similar visits by senior Government officials and politicians were witnessed before without a political will to address the challenges affecting the people of Mgidzangcunu.

But the poverty situation at Mgidzangcunu is experienced a few meters away from sugar-cane fields that supply the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESC) at Mhlume and Simunye, some of the Mgidzangcunu citizens were forced to poverty after their sugar-cane fields were forcefully grabbed by King Mswati and his Mother Ntombi Tfwala.

It has been reported that in 2021, eSwatini exported raw sugar worth over R8billion, the sugar was exported to countries that include South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and other parts of Europe.

Speaking to this publication on Thursday, Mphisi Dlamini, the Acting Chief of Vuvulane said, the poverty situation in the area was worsened by the King’s decision to grab their land for his personal sugar-cane farming business.

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5736

See also

Mswati not remitting 25% ‘in trust for the Swazi Nation’ minerals shareholding worth billions amid shortage of drugs in hospitals, King’s Spokesperson says public benefiting through Tibiyo scholarships

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5728

Mswati spends over R100million purchasing Ferrari cars for his children amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals, King’s Spokesperson says it’s a private matter

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=5711

 

Masculinity supposed to protect vulnerability of our community

By Thamsanqa KrTC Sibandze, eSwatini Observer, 14 December 2023

SOURCE 

As a man, a son, a brother and a member of this society, the rising levels of gender-based violence (GBV) in Eswatini demand our immediate attention and unwavering commitment.

We can no longer stand by as our sisters, mothers and daughters face the brutal realities of violence – it is time for us to RISE!

The One Billion Rising Eswatini movement is gearing up for the 2024 ‘Rising’ to unite Emaswati against the scourge of GBV. We, as men, are called upon to join this movement, to be part of the solution, and to imagine a world free from the shackles of violence, inequality and injustice.

In recent times, the world has been marred by turmoil and Eswatini is no exception. Our country grapples with socio-economic and political challenges, with an alarming rise in violence against women.

Femicide, the brutal killing of women, has reached unprecedented levels, often perpetrated by spouses or partners. The escalating figures are not just statistics; they represent human beings whose security has been violated, often without access to support and justice. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye any longer.

Rising festivals, organised by the One Billion Rising Campaign, provide spaces for compassion, healing and envisioning a world without violence.

As men, we must ask ourselves: What world do we want to create? How can we contribute to a society free from oppression and abuse?

We must rise to the principles of ending violence towards women, understanding patriarchy, and promoting care, community, trust and interconnectedness.

When men stand up and speak out against social issues, the impact resonates throughout society like a powerful ripple effect.

History has shown that real change occurs when men, as allies and advocates, take a stand against injustice.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21671

 

Drugs shortage: cops question 8 civil servants

By Stanley Khumalo, Times of eSwatini, 13 December 2023

SOURCE 

MANZINI: About Eight civil servants have reportedly been interviewed by the police to date as part of investigations into the shortage of medical drugs in public health facilities.

According to sources, following the call by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to intensify investigations into any corrupt practice by service providers and government employees throughout the entire supply chain of pharmaceuticals, with the intention to punish offenders; eight people have been interviewed. It is worth noting that in February 2023, the Auditor General (AG), Timothy Matsebula, presented his Forensic Investigation Proposal and Audit of Acquisition, Distribution and Management of Pharmaceuticals Report, where he stated that drugs worth E151.6 million were missing and or unaccounted for in public health facilities around the country.

This is despite that in the past five years; the Ministry of Health was awarded a budget of E12.66 billion. Conversely, the call to present information to the police was also emphasised by the Director of Funduzi Forensic Services, Zakhele Dlamini. Dlamini said people with information should assist government in finding the root cause of the medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies shortage. He said this would assist the police in investigating the issue in line with the forensic investigation done by his entity. Dlamini said by registering information with the police, the ‘whistle-blowers’ would be assisting in speeding up the investigations into the health crisis. He pleaded with the nation to assist in bringing the issue to its finality. Dlamini said his company was willing to assist in any manner regarding the investigation as per their commitment to government.

Funduzi Forensic Services was recruited by government to conduct a forensic investigation into the supply of medicines to public health facilities. The sources shared that, the police had engaged with the eight civil servants and others who were implicated, seeking information to establish their role in the procurement of medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies.

It has been gathered that those who were interviewed were also questioned on what they knew about what led to the shortage of medical drugs and pharmaceutical supplies in public health facilities. 

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/143033-drugs-shortage-cops-question-8-civil-servants.html

 

Storm leaves damage worth millions in eSwatini shortly after Senator Tony Sibandze moved a motion to establish a Climate Change Committee

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 9 December, 2023

SOURCE 

NGCULWINI: The effects of climate change are beginning to be costly to ordinary eSwatini citizens as a storm that destroyed cars and houses was experienced at Ngculwini and other areas on Friday afternoon.

The storm came after the landlocked tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa, experienced an extremely hot weather.

But, Senator Tony Sibandze successfully moved motion a motion for the establishment of a Climate Change Committee, the Senate Committee seeks to work with the Executive arm of Government and other stakeholders in addressing issues of climate-change.

Speaking to this Swaziland News, one of the affected residents at Ngculwini said, she had prepared her house for children to visit during the festive season but the storm damaged all windows.

“I was preparing for the kids to visit home during Christmas but the storm has destroyed all windows”, she said.

Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo had not responded at the time of compiling this report, he was asked if government had or will assess the damage caused by the storm.

The United Nations (UN)Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) list climate change as goal number thirteen(13), that seeks to encourage countries to limit and adapt to climate change. 

Climate change is one of the seventeen (17)Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN General Assembly in 2015 and the official mission statement of this goal is to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”. 

Random countrywide raids to curb crime coming:  Minister

By Sifiso Dlamini, Times Sunday, 10 December 2023

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Random countrywide raids, 24-hour roadblocks could be a norm in the near future.

This may well be the new normal should the aspirations of the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane come to fruition. Presenting an idea on how to curb corruption and crime in the country, the minister proposed embarking on random raids countrywide, through a joint venture by the country’s security forces. He also envisaged that mounting roadblocks in various strategic areas around the country day and night would go a long way towards cleaning the country’s streets and ridding it of crime. The minister advocated for sweeping operations meant to ensure peace and stability and a crime free country.  He said this would have a positive contribution towards removing the now abundant illegal firearms from the hands of criminals.

The minister revealed that such security tactics have been adopted by other countries, including some in the SADC region, yielding measurable success in reducing crime levels. He used Lesotho as an example, where he stated that the national army took over security duties from the police and conducted patrols and roadblock checks. He clarified that, this however, was doable through collaborative work by all security forces in a joint venture. However in order to achieve his dream for the country, the minister echoed his submission during the parliamentarians courtesy call to His Majesty King Mswati III at Mandvulo Grand Hall, where he proposed the increase in number of security force personnel. This was where members of the 12th Parliament introduced themselves to the King and made their presentation on how they believed the country could move forward and fulfill His Majesty’s vision to end corruption, address the poverty crisis and unemployment, as well as economic growth.

While making his submissions the minister pleaded with His Majesty and government to consider increasing the number of security forces personnel to provide a fence or shield around the country, to maintain peace and order. Adding, the minister said this was essential because no investor would be interested in investing in an unstable country where businesses, government structures, equipment and tinkhundla centres were burnt down and vandalised at any given time. The minister suggested that the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) should be increased to 15 000, Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to 12 000, His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) to 10 000. The minister also suggested increasing the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES)  personnel, which he also pleaded that they should be recognised as security forces to 5 000.

During an interview with the Times Sunday, Minister Prince Simelane asserted that his current ministry was also an important fence or shield for the country, as it was mandated to enforce the law through prosecuting cases working together with the other law enforcement agencies. He assured that during his tenure in office, he would do the best he could to ensure justice prevailed and was fair to all. He further pointed out that increasing the number of security forces personnel alone, would not be practical, as there was also a need to ensure that they were provided with all the working tools and equipment they required. “For this to be a success, government has to ensure that the security forces are well-equipped, unlike in previous situations where there was a shortage of vehicles and fuel for police officers resulting in them being unable to promptly attend to calls,” said the minister. Simelane has urged the Correctional Services which falls under his portfolio to engage the REPS and UEDF to embark on periodic random sweeping exercises, where they would conduct raids across all four regions in the country and be proactive in preventing crime.

He suggested that these raids should be conducted once a month and should not be isolated to urban or peri-urban areas, but countrywide in all four regions including townships and rural areas. “Currently, crime is on the rise in the country and there are a lot of illegal firearms circulating and being used to commit heinous crimes as well as drug smuggling. I believe that such raids would be important in sweeping the country and curbing crime,” he said. The minister further called for 24-hour patrols across the country and the mounting of roadblocks even at night no matter the weather conditions to ensure safety and peace in the country while reducing crime. “If we can manage to do this as a country, it will go a long way in ensuring service delivery and allowing emaSwati to rest easy while knowing they and their assets are protected,” he said. The minister also proposed that all tinkhundla centres across the country should be guarded day and night as well as all schools and government structures such as ministerial buildings, court houses as part of what he themed efficient service delivery.

 

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 806 – 8 December 2023

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 806 – 8 December 2023

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.

Senior official: eSwatini economy poorly managed by Govt

By Nonduduzo Kunene. Times of eSwatini, 1 December 2023

SOURCE 

EZULWINI: You would swear parliamentarians were having a moment of silence when an officer from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development detailed how poorly government was managing the Eswatini economy.

The officer said there was lack of monitoring of government resources, high corruption in ministries which had made service delivery impossible, and uncontrolled spending, which had affected some sectors of the economy. During the presentation, the parliamentarians would simply squirm in their chairs, nod in agreement or show faces of exasperation when Principal Planning Officer in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Siphiwe Dlamini, detailed to them that transforming the lives of people would remain a dream because government was poorly managing the economy. Dlamini was speaking during the ongoing induction conference for the 12th Parliament yesterday. She was taking the parliamentarians through the 2023 to 2026 National Development Strategy.

Dlamini stated that the plan clearly stated that good governance was the anchor of economic recovery. “It is impossible to transform people’s lives if the economy is not performing well,” she said. She started by presenting figures to put things into perspective. She noted that the numbers did not give a good picture of the country. Dlamini said the National Development Plan was aimed at changing the picture of the country. She told the MPs that, according to the figures, the population of the country was 1.1 million and its growth was at 0.7 per cent, with a majority being the youth.

Dlamini added that 33 per cent of the population was unemployed. This group, Dlamini said, was formed by the youth, which is 58 per cent of the polulation. She noted that these statistics were as per the 2021 Labour Survey. The officer added that 69 per cent of the population had access to clean water. She noted that the Human Capital Index was 37 per cent. Dlamini said the lower figures of the human index reflected the need for the government to invest more in education and health.

“Not just education but quality education, that will make them productive when they reach productive ages,” she said. Dlamini stated that it was unfortunate that the current education system was not good enough, because it was providing opportunities for white-collar jobs, yet that sector was saturated. She said there was need to bring in more skills. She recalled that the lockdown that was introduced due to COVID-19 cost a lot of people, who had white collar jobs, their employment, while only those with technical and vocational skills thrived.

“That showed that having a life skill is very important in life and for the economy, for the good production of goods and services,” she said.

The officer said when they were drafting the National Development Plan, they assessed the situation in the country and in government. She said they also assessed what needed to be done to develop the lives of the public.

Dlamini said the plan looked at the management of the economy. She mentioned that the assessment showed that the country’s economy was poorly managed. “It is for that reason that it is growing below average, and government is facing a fiscal crisis,” she said. Dlamini told the MPs that it had been announced that the country would receive a lot of money from regional economic bodies. Noteworthy, the country received the highest Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts of E11 billion.

“Can you see or feel the money?” she asked. The house was as quiet as a graveyard when she posed the question. 

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/142856-senior-official-eswatini-economy-poorly-managed-by-govt.html#:~:text=Dlamini%20said%20the%20plan%20looked,fiscal%20crisis%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20

See also

Who’s telling who? and what?

http://www.times.co.sz/feature/142918-who%E2%80%99s-telling-who-and-what.html

 

eSwatini Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg appeals for donations to end Malaria, Nurses Union Secretary General Mayibongwe Masangwane says money will be looted through corruption

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 7 December 2023

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Neal Rijikernberg,the Minister of Finance has launched the End Malaria Fund Border Resource Mobilisation Campaign, an initiative that seeks to raise funds that will help the country drive its end malaria activities.

It has been reported through Government online platforms on Wednesday that, boxes will be placed at selected ports of entry such as Ngwenya Border Post (Oshoek), Matsamo Border Post, Lomahasha Border Post, Mhlumeni Border Post, King Mswati III International Airport and Lavumisa Border Post where members of the public and tourists will donate.

“Malaria Elimination remains Eswatini’s top priority as we gear up to attain this vision in the not-so-distant 2025 and as such,we need to work collaboratively across sectors to ensure the realization of this vision. As a Government, we remain committed to ensuring that health is one of the key priorities as we embark on the national budget. As we seek more resources from various international and local partners, we continue to appeal to the people of Eswatini to use these facilities and donate towards funding the malaria program,” said the Finance Minister.

But Mayibongwe Masangwane, the Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) said, the donations will not help, in any way, as corruption was rife in the Ministry of Health.

”Corruption is at the highest level within the Ministry of Health, so even if the Finance Minister can raise funds to fund Malaria, the money will be looted through corruption,” said the Nurses Union Secretary General.

 

PM statement on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Swati Newsweek, 3 December, 2023

SOURCE 

MANZINI:  Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini Dlamini published a message early today as the globe commemorates the day of people living with disabilities.

The PM said, “As Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, I join the world in giving a message of support to Persons with Disabilities and make a personal commitment to create, foster and promote a more disability inclusive Eswatini.”

However Eugene Dube, the Swati Newsweek Online editor says the Mswati regime undermines the economic rights of people living with disability. He urged the new PM Russell to address this issue.

Swati Newsweek Online editor Eugene Dube says, “We have people living with disabilities who earn E280 each per month in Swaziland. This is a disgrace. Swazi leaders have greatly oppressed our people including disabled persons. The people with disabilities need money and love to survive. We need to live together and have equal rights.”

 

Lydia first female NatCom

By Kwanele Dhladhla, eSwatini Observer, 1 December 2023

SOURCE 

His Majesty King Mswati III has appointed Lydia Sijabulile Dlamini as the first female to serve as acting National Commissioner of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).

According to a memorandum directed to all divisions within the police service, Dlamini, whose substantive position was Senior Deputy National Commissioner, began serving as NatCom at the beginning of November.

It was stated that the king gave Dlamini, who has been a police officer for over two decades, the responsibility to lead the police service until February 28, 2024.
“Bayethe Wena Waphakathi,” read the message from Dlamini in appreciation to the king for the appointment to lead the service.

Lydia, who holds an LLB Degree and Masters in Public Sector Management, takes over from William Tsitsibala Dlamini, who passed away about a month ago at the age of 69 after collapsing at the OR Tambo International Airport while on his way back home from an Interpol meeting in Angola.

He had served as the head of the police service since 2019 after his predecessor, Isaac Magagula, was appointed senator. The late national commissioner served in the police service for 46 years.
The incoming NatCom will be expected to uphold His Majesty King Mswati III’s instruction to ensure that police officers strive in building trust and confidence in the community they work in.

The king also directed that the guiding principle and value of the policing profession should be discipline and that as officers of the law they should always exhibit conduct that was exemplary and above reproach.

His Majesty added that as law enforcers, police officers must always refrain from behaviour that would bring disrepute to the police badge.

His Majesty the King highlighted that another key defining trait of being a police officer was serving the nation whenever the need arose, whether in or out of uniform.

Further, NatCom will also be responsible for the provision of security for Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini and Deputy Prime Minister, Thuli Dladla and the entire Eswatini nation.

According to Finance Circular No.2 of 2023 following the 2021 situation of the unrest in Eswatini, there was a shift in the country’s security landscape in May/June 2021.

The commission that tabled the report to be used by the 12th Parliament stated that it was their view that the NatCom remained ultimately responsible for ensuring adequate security within the kingdom.

 

How Govt failure to pay E85k led to drugs shortage

By Sibusiso Zwane, Times of eSwatini, 7 December 2023

SOURCE

 

MATSAPHA: Failure by government to pay E85 000 is one of the reasons that led to the health crisis that has resulted in medical drugs shortages.

In fact, the Health Crisis Sub-committee members learnt with shock that one of the things that lead to the shortage of drugs in the country was the unavailability of E85 000. This amount is what the Central Medical Stores (CMS) required to service and/or renew a licence for its fleet management system, which include closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and tracking devices. These devices were instrumental in curbing the theft of the medical drugs when they were being transported to various hospitals and clinics. Without these devices, some officers took advantage of the situation and diverted the vehicles, resulting in the drugs being delivered to unintended places. Following the expiry of the service and/or non-renewal of the licence, the CMS team told the sub-committee that government said it did not have a budget to service and/or renew the system. As such, the CMS team said the cctv cameras and tracking devices in their delivery trucks were not functioning.

One of the sub-committee members, Manqoba Khumalo, who is the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, asked in disbelief if indeed government had said it did not have the E85 000. The CMS team maintained its statement. The sub-committee, which comprises of Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister Khumalo, Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg and Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health Khanya Mabuza, was tasked by Cabinet with addressing the ongoing health crisis in the country and it visited the CMS warehouse in Matsapha to get a feel of the prevailing situation, so that it could take an informed decision. However, during yesterday’s visit, one of the sub-committee members (minister of Finance) was not present.

After the CMS team had given a presentation to the sub-committee, Minister Khumalo, who also chaired the meeting, asked what controls the medical stores had in place to ensure that the drugs it dispatched reached the final and intended destination. He highlighted that he was asking this question because there were stories out there, which suggested that CMS delivery vehicles were sometimes spotted delivering medical drugs to vehicles, instead of health facilities. In response, the CMS team said they registered every box of drugs they dispatched and also registered where it was going. Thereafter, they said they would get a delivery note and rely on information which they got from regional pharmacists, who visited the health facilities in the regions.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/142934-how-govt-failure-to-pay-e85k-led-to-drugs-shortage.html

 

Judges must be investigated to ascertain how they benefited in questionable lawsuits against the Times of eSwatini

Opinion by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 4 December 2023

SOURCE 

I’ve been conducting research on the lawsuits and/or court judgements against the media particularly the Times of eSwatini and some of these judgements suggest that the judiciary has been pushing a corrupt agenda to undermine the independence of the media.

Apart from the judgement in the matter between African Eco (Pty) Ltd trading as the Times of eSwatini and the then Senate President Gelane Zwane, there are other matters that were concluded and the courts awarded damages while disregarding the provisions of the law of defamation.

In South Africa where the media is free and independent, it cannot be so easy to successfully challenge a newspaper for publishing articles of vital public interest particularly where the conduct of the journalist in the process of establishing facts before publishing, has proven that, there was absolutely no intention to defame.

It should be noted that even before concluding that the applicant was defamed, the Presiding Judge must be convinced with evidence that, there was an intention to defame and the story was not of public interest and/or, it was intended to defame.

The courts have an obligation to protect the media in line with the constitutional right to information but in eSwatini, the judiciary is colluding with corrupt individuals to award huge monies as compensation for defamation with an intention to discourage journalists from exposing corruption, the Times of eSwatini has been, over the years, a victim of this corrupt agenda.

The media, as the Fourth Estate institution must be protected particularly by the courts to promote the free flow of information.

A free and independent media positively shapes the society by providing information to enable citizens to make informed decisions regarding issues affecting their welfare either politically, socially, economically or otherwise.

The Times has written many stories about public figures including some of us(journalist) but, you cannot suggest that, the media must be destroyed just because it has exposed or criticized you, the media was established to inform the public and hold those in power  accountable.

Judge Nkululeko Hlophe who used to call the Times and complain about articles involving him, opted to use his judicial powers to attack the Times and award huge monies to applicants, perhaps, as a revenge and this, I would suggest, is very unfortunate.

Now, we will monitor the conduct of Judges particularly on cases involving or threatening the independence of the media, Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala once fined the Nation Magazine and its editor Bheki Makhubu two hundred thousand Rands (R200,000.00) merely for criticizing the Judiciary, he wanted the Magazine to struggle financially and subsequently close.

I once wrote an article for the Sunday Observer titled “The Judicial Dictatorship” where I was criticizing Judge Hlophe and the then corrupt Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi, after reading that article Judge Hlophe asked journalists in an open court saying “where is the journalist who wrote this, I want to issue a warrant of arrest”.

As journalists, we are not here to massage the feelings or egos of corrupt Judges, all public figures must be subject to criticism, even editors and/or journalists, criticism is meant to, among others, enhance or demand accountability of public power.

It should be noted that there are established editorial structures within newspapers to discuss complaints and where a lawsuit has been filed, the court must balance the public interest and the dignity of the affected person and award a reasonable amount as compensation.

The statements by Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Honorable Welcome Dlamini who suggested that the media must be regulated by the State will never see the light of the day while we are still alive, we cannot allow the Executive, Judiciary and Parliament to collude against and/or undermine the independence of the media.

We will capacitate the society to understand what media State regulation means and where the need arise, the people must rebel against the State and protect the media because the media is their only voice.

Regulating the media would mean those in power will establish policies that will undermine the independence of the media so that, the corrupt can loot more public resources with impunity.

As the situation stands, we are monitoring each and every Judge who is handling a lawsuit against the Times or any newspaper, Judges must research on South African cases involving the media and come-up with fair judgements not to award huge monies and then claim a certain percentage from the lawyers behind the scenes.

We are not suggesting that the media must be allowed to disregard the law, journalists must uphold an ethical conduct but, it is the duty of the courts to strike a balance between public interest and the right to human dignity. 

But having said that, where a newspaper has been found to have deliberately published stories with an intention to defame, the courts must protect members of the public in this regard.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 805 – 1 December 2023

 

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 805 – 1 December 2023

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.

 

State must regulate media – MP Welcome

By Phephile Motau, eSwatini Observer, 29 November 2023

SOURCE 

Former journalist Mbabane East Member of Parliament, Welcome Dlamini, said the State should regulate the media.

Dlamini, who also is the President of the Swaziland National of Journalists (SNAJ), was speaking yesterday afternoon during the second day of the parliamentarians’ five-day induction conference at the Happy Valley Hotel.

This was after a presentation by Chairman of the Editor’s Forum and Eswatini Observer’s Managing Editor, Mbongeni Mbingo, who presented on the relationship between the media and Parliament.

The parliamentarians showed a lot of interest in this presentation as many wanted to comment.

Mbingo had raised that since the enactment of the Media Council Bill about 20 years ago; the media had not been successful in regulating itself.

Dlamini said the media had a chance to regulate itself for 20 years and it had failed and this was because media houses did not see eye to eye.

The legislator said journalists from the Times of Eswatini were not reported on in Eswatini Observer and vice versa because of this adding that they had failed to come up with funds for the media complaints commission.

“Since you have failed to self-regulate, how about government brings back State regulation because you have failed to regulate yourself for over 20 years now,” Dlamini said.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21576

 

‘I will lobby international journalists should the State consider regulating the media’, says editor

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 30 November, 2023

SOURCE

MBABANE: Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor of the Swaziland News says, he will lobby international journalists to oppose Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini’s sentiments urging the State to regulate the media.

Dlamini said even though the State regulation will not affect this publication as it is registered in South Africa, he was eager to see the media in eSwatini operating freely without any influence from the State particularly because, the Swaziland News will eventually have an office in eSwatini.

“I will not sit down and relax just because this won’t affect the Swaziland News, the media is an institution with different owners including government. Each media house whether it’s the Times, Observer, Eswatini TV or Channel S is important because it diversity the flow of information, it is important. There are stories that could be covered by the Observer, the Times or Channel S that cannot be covered by the Swaziland News. On the other hand, there are stories that could be covered by the Swaziland News that cannot be covered by other media houses. But, the public needs all the information even if it’s weather forecast. So, no media house is important than the other, we need diversity of views and information. We can say the Observer is pro-government or Tinkhundla but the truth is; the public wants to know what government is saying or doing and the Observer fills that vacuum,” said the editor.

On another note, the editor thanked Eswatini Observer Managing Editor Mbongeni Mbingo for defending the media before Members of Parliament (MPs), he pledged to play his part at international level should government dare regulate the media. He said editors compete for stories and clash sometimes but, their common interest is the independence of the media and the public and should anything emerge threatening the “common interest”, they will speak in one voice and rebuke it.

 

No freedom of speech for Swazi widows

Opinion by Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek 26 November, 2023

SOURCE 

MANZINI: As inequality continues to exists in Eswatini widows' rights including freedom of expression have been greatly undermined.

Multitudes of Swazi widows face both physically and verbal attacks as their voices continue to be infringed upon at Eswatini and other parts of Southern African region.

These widows are voiceless, during their bereavement season they are not allowed to be in any discussions or in any conflict involvement. On the other hand, the Commonwealth Freedom of expression Charter promotes universal rights regardless of gender, race, and religious ethnic group. “Everyone has a right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

In Eswatini a widow is regarded as an inferior member of society. Most of her rights are taken from her by in-laws.

These restrictions include limitations to move around freely in public places.

A widow in Swaziland is not allowed in a national school or to sit in the front row in some churches.

In a previous interview Sikelela Dlamini, the former Secretary General of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) confirmed that teachers who are wearing mourning gowns are not allowed to teach in national schools linked to the Royal family.

Dlamini added, "Yes teachers wearing mourning gowns are not allowed to teach in national schools. This has always been a practice ever since and is a gross violation of human rights."

A widow’s freedom of expression is taken away from her as she can’t speak in public even if it is for the benefit of the larger society.

They are not allowed to visit areas like government offices, palaces.

In some churches they are not allowed to speak while wearing morning gowns.

A widow is not allowed to address a Chief or Indvuna whilst in mourning gowns because the latter represent the king in communities.

A widow’s voice is not heard and this is attributed to culture and patriarchy.

As country we need new laws which can protect the interests of the widows.

 

MPs told: you are to blame

By Phephile Motau, eSwatini Observer, 28 November 2023

SOURCE 

Former ambassador, Njabu Gwebu, has blamed parliamentarians for portraying a negative picture of the country to the international community.

Gwebu yesterday educated parliamentarians about etiquette during their Induction Conference held at the Happy Valley Hotel.

She said those who caused people to speak badly about the country were parliamentarians, making an example of a legislator who accused judges of being corrupt saying they were bought, a statement which was captured and highlighted by all media in bold headlines.

In the countries where they were stationed, Gwebu said diplomats were called to explain issues that appeared in local newspapers and they had to defend the country.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21568

 

PM’s statement sets Govt policy

By Mfanukhona Nkambule, eSwatini News, 25 November 2023

SOURCE

In his policy statement, Russell Dlamini, the PM, touched on key performance indicators, that might inform his administration’s strategic plan. He committed himself to the following programmes:

Formulation and implementation of a short to medium-term plan anchored on the Sibaya submissions;

Development of a long term plan, grand plan. The Grand plan will seek to modernise the country based on the Tinkhundla System as a vehicle for development; 

The Tinkhundla Administration and Development will be strengthened institutionally.

Long term plan to incorporate country’s socio-economic development model and the investment models will be at the centre of government’s plans;

Transformation of both economic and social outlook through investment attraction and job creation.

Create an environment that will attract investment, foster exponential growth, and nurture innovation ultimately ensuring sustainable job opportunities and well-being for all;

Government to work towards a society where every citizen, including persons with disabilities, women and children as well as the elderly feel safe and valued.

Government to improve the education curricula to reflect our African values and instill a winning mindset.

Strengthening of vocational institutions curricula with business acumen.

Government to strengthen the healthcare system by finding a lasting solution to the current crisis and by strategically increasing the focus on preventive health.

Government will give due attention to social services on which the poor and vulnerable depend;

Agriculture’s potential will be harnessed to employ many of the unemployed youth. This will be through large projects of commercialisation, mechanisation and building strong market systems that offer attractive returns to individual farmers.

 Government to ensure that agricultural systems are adapted to climate change while fostering resilience and ensuring food security and sovereignty; 

Every sector and government department will be integrated into the plan to attain the desired growth.

ICT, tourism, mining and manufacturing, among other important sectors, will receive appropriate attention and investment from government;

Infrastructure development plans will be ambitious and reflective of the mindset of thinking big.

With a majority of people predicted to live in cities, the future is urban, and it is critical that government builds resilient infrastructure that is long lasting.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/142768-pm%E2%80%99s-statement-sets-govt-policy.html

 

‘I am under surveillance. Everywhere I go, around my residence premises, and workplace premises, I met State Security Officers,’: Sibusiso Dlamini

By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 28 November, 2023

SOURCE

LOBAMBA: There is no freedom of speech in Eswatini?

African United Democratic Party Secretary General Sibusiso Dlamini who spoke bravely during Sibaya National discussion might be in danger.

Dlamini confirmed that members of the Royal Eswatini Government have been monitoring him after his speech he made at the recent Sibaya People’s Parliament.

“I am under surveillance. Everywhere I go, around my Residence premises, and work place premises, I met State Security Officers,” said the AUDP leader.

Dlamini urged the King to allow the Parliament to elect the prime minister. People who have been calling for an elected PM have been put in prison.

Kings emabutfo including Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo grabbed the microphone while Dlamini was speaking.

Mthandeni Dube, Gawuzela Simelane and Bacede Mabuza greatly popularised the idea of having an elected PM in Swaziland.

Mabuza and Dube were arrested and charged. Simelane was forced to flee into exile.

 

 

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