Swazi Media Commentary: May 2024

Friday 31 May 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 829 – 31 May 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 829 – 31 May 2024

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.

Millions in suspicious transactions tie South Africa’s ruling party to a controversial Swazi archbishop, documents show

By Micah Reddy and Tebogo Tshwane, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, 26 May 2024

SOURCE

As the African National Congress heads into a consequential election, a trove of leaked financial records carries echoes of past corruption scandals.

On a cloudy Sunday morning in March 2024, congregants poured into the main branch of All Nations Christian Church in Zion, in a field just off the highway between Mbabane and Manzini, the kingdom of Eswatini’s two largest cities. There are several branches of the church across South Africa and Eswatini — which until 2018 was known as Swaziland — and this building, whose construction began in 2017, is pure utilitarianism. It is a cavernous warehouse of a structure without adornment, made to accommodate its sizable membership.

Churchgoers in All Nations’ signature purple outfits swayed and spoke in tongues as they were led in animated prayer by a church leader. Off to his side stood self-proclaimed Archbishop Bheki Lukhele, the church’s patriarch, surrounded by a coterie of bodyguards, his hands raised to the heavens.

Lukhele, whose full name is Rebios Bheki Sigaca Lukhele, is a prominent religious figure in a country that is roughly 90% Christian. About 40% of the population, including Lukhele, is part of the Zionist Christian denomination, a blend of Christianity and traditional Swazi rituals and ceremonies. The 49-year-old is not just a religious leader, though. As the president of Eswatini Premier League soccer club Mbabane Swallows — and, as local media put it, the club’s “financial muscle” — Lukhele has forged a career that encompasses both Eswatini’s most popular religion and its most popular sport.

Still, as a religious leader, Lukhele has led a life of some controversy, with media reports homing in on his lavish lifestyle. The fact that he is also a polygamist has drawn criticism and prompted the association of Zionist churches in Eswatini — known as the League of Churches — to publicly state its opposition to church leaders having multiple wives. In 2019, a group of Lukhele’s supporters allegedly assaulted a Swazi journalist who was looking into sex abuse allegations against Lukhele. The journalist lodged a complaint with the police, but the case went nowhere.

While those incidents have been public, less known is that a steady stream of suspicious financial transactions — in the millions of dollars — has coursed through a network of politically connected people and companies in South Africa and into the bank accounts of Lukhele and his church, which is registered as a nonprofit. The transactions were revealed in the Swazi Secrets investigation, led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, based on a leak of hundreds of thousands of documents. These funds connect the so-called archbishop and his church to Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu, Eswatini’s ambassador to Belgium and the European Union and a brother-in-law of Eswatini’s king, Mswati III. Mngomezulu has ties to South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress, through the party’s funding arm. He is also a business partner with the party’s chief financial officer, Bongani Mahlalela, who was involved in these transactions as well.

The details of these money flows are contained in a massive leak of documents from the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU), an independent oversight body that provides financial intelligence to Eswatini authorities (and before that, Swazi authorities) to prevent money laundering and other illicit financial activity. To do this, the EFIU receives reports of suspicious financial transactions from the banks that it oversees. It also conducts its own investigations with regional counterpart organizations.

Distributed Denial of Secrets, a U.S.-based nonprofit devoted to publishing and archiving leaks, obtained more than 890,000 leaked documents from the EFIU and shared them with ICIJ and seven media partners as part of our Swazi Secrets investigation.

Documents from the leak show that the stream of suspicious transactions, spanning several years, included money that originated with the ANC. One of ICIJ’s partners on the Swazi Secrets investigation, the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism in South Africa, identified several additional links between the suspicious transactions and the ANC and senior party leaders. Once in Lukhele’s accounts, the money was used to buy residential and commercial properties, mostly in Eswatini, and vehicles including a bus, trucks and luxury cars, or it was sent to a range of beneficiaries. Some of those beneficiaries were unremarkable, such as gospel artists, but others were members of Eswatini’s Parliament, the then-mayor of the capital Mbabane and former deputy prime minister Themba Masuku.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.icij.org/investigations/swazi-secrets/millions-in-suspicious-transactions-tie-south-africas-ruling-party-to-a-controversial-swazi-archbishop-documents-show/

Country launches intense investigation

By Mfanukhona Nkambule, Times Sunday, 26 May 2024

SOURCE

MBABANE: A powered team comprising government officials and the leader of Cabinet launched an intense investigation into the alleged leak of the internal records from the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU) to ICIJ.

The ongoing investigation into the leaks was disclosed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE), Dr Phil Mnisi, during his engagement with editors, dubbed ‘Tea & Coffee with the Governor’, which was held at the MTN Golf Course. The governor said the investigations were being carried out at different institutions, which he did not divulge. According to Mnisi, the launched probe was aimed at ascertaining whether the kingdom had wanting financial processes or the financial system was hacked. He said the process was crucial in bringing confidence to all and sundry, that the Eswatini financial system was sound, compliant and was protecting the interest of everyone.

Without committing himself to the detail of each of the reported matters in the alleged leaked records, Dr Mnisi said, as the investigations continued, the CBE was playing its part in complying and also undertaking proper due diligence. The governor went on to say that they were not going to entertain people, who were obtaining information through hacking systems and exposing the country to reputational risks. “We are not going to entertain that. We do not want to let hackers and people that are leaking information to get away with it,” Dr Mnisi said. Unequivocally, he added: “If there is anyone who would be found to have leaked the information and hacked the system, we as the CBE and as the financial sector, are saying that those people must be brought to book.” Dr Mnisi described this alleged incident as very unfortunate.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/145280-country-launches-intense-investigation.html

Mbondzela homesteads demolished without court order

By Starsky Mkhonta, eSwatini Observer, 28 May 2024

SOURCE

THE owner of the farm at Mbondzela in Gege Sandile Simelane or anyone who gave a go-ahead for the demolition of houses for the residents/ farm dwellers did so without a court order.

The owner of the farm informed Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela and Minister of Tinkhundla Sikhumbuzo Dlamini with other senior officials that there was no court order when the demolition/eviction was carried out.

Simelane through his lawyer Nkosingiphile Dlamini informed the two ministers as well as other officials and residents that he had to see how he defended himself, his employees and property upon realising that the residents/ farm dwellers were attacking him or his property and his workers.

This was revealed yesterday during an emotive filled meeting held at Mashobeni South Umphakatsi where the two ministers had come to ascertain how government could intervene in the issue that had got out of hand.

Also present during the meeting were Gege Member of Parliament (MP) Agrippa Magesi Dlamini, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tinkhundla Nonhlanhla Dlamini as well as Under Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Sicelo Simelane, attended by over 500 residents.

Shiselweni Regional Secretary (RS) Bheki Thwala who directed the programme represented the office of the regional administrator.

With Simelane’s lawyer having explained what led to the situation reaching the precarious stage it was at, it was when he was going back to his seat that Thwala requested him to clarify something regarding the demolition of the houses for the residents living in the farm.

Thwala also requested those that were in attendance to voice out their views. He encouraged every speaker to address or ask those in attendance with respect.

He then directed a question to Dlamini (lawyer), asking him if his client followed the law when executing the demolitions.

“Just give clarity here. Was the demolition done after a court order was obtained and if so were the farm dwellers or families whose houses were demolished shown the papers granting the owner the right to demolish the houses or to evict them?” Thwala asked.

The lawyer even though he was diplomatic when responding to the question, said there was no court order when the exercise was carried out.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22506

King shares good economic news, fishing experience

By Mfanukhona Nkambule, eSwatini News, 25 May 2024

SOURCE

LUDZIDZINI: His Majesty the King is back home, with good news for emaSwati.

Arriving at King Mswati III International Airport at about 4pm yesterday, Ingwenyama then held a press conference at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. During the press conference, the King outlined his work schedule while he was in Taiwan, which included signing bilateral agreements, attendance of President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration, meeting emaSwati living, studying and working in that country.

The Head of State then entertained questions from the media, whereby this newspaper requested His Majesty to give his experience about his success in the shrimp fishing event where Ingwenyama became number one. The question’s moral was primarily centred on the significance of inculcating a culture of winning in both private and public centre, with particular reference or guidance by the country’s 2024 mantra ‘Nkwe’, which symbolises quick or urgent action.

Responding to the question, the King said he had no prior experience to fishing, owing to the fact that the country does not have a sea.His Majesty the King said other heads of State enjoyed an upper hand as their countries have oceans. Despite that Eswatini does not have a sea, and Ingwenyama had no prior experience in fishing, he said he definitely caught the most, such that the fishes were too many and had to share with his colleagues.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/145265-king-shares-good-economic-news-fishing-experience.html

Greenpeace Africa applauds eSwatini’s bold move to ban single-use plastic carrier bags

By Ferdinand Omondi, Greenpeace, 23 May 2024

SOURCE

Johannesburg, South Africa: Greenpeace Africa commends the Kingdom of Eswatini for its bold and progressive decision to ban all single-use plastic carrier bags effective December 1, 2024. This landmark move, announced on Wednesday by Eswatini’s Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, marks a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution in Africa as well as protecting our environment, public health, and the wellbeing of future generations.

Hellen Kahaso Dena, Greenpeace Africa’s Pan Africa Plastics Project Lead said,“Eswatini’s ban on single-use plastic carrier bags is a groundbreaking victory for our environment and a testament to the nation’s commitment to a plastic-free future. We commend Minister Simelane and the government of Eswatini for their leadership in the fight against plastic pollution in Africa”

Dena urged the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs to ensure strict enforcement of the ban and to incentivise manufacturers and producers to adopt affordable, circular, and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/press/55556/greenpeace-africa-applauds-eswatinis-bold-move-to-ban-single-use-plastic-carrier-bags/

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/

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

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com @Swazimedia

Friday 24 May 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 828 – 24 May 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 828 – 24 May 2024

eSwatini allegedly assisting Russia to register ships amid US sanctions, tankers now bear Swazi flag

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 21 May, 2024

SOURCE

MBABANE: News24, a South African online publication reported on Monday that, dozens of Russian tankers remain stuck doing nothing months after being sanctioned by the Treasury Department, a signal of the US’s scope to disrupt Moscow’s petroleum supply chain if it chooses to.

The report further suggests that, since October, forty (40) ships involved in Russia’s oil trade have been added to the Treasury’s list of designated entities, mostly for breaching a price cap that’s meant to restrict the Kremlin’s access to petrodollars.

But amid the US sanctions, the landlocked tiny Kingdom of eSwatini is now registering ships with an alleged intention to assist Russia and other sanctioned countries.

“The data show five of the Hennesea tankers are also operating with new identities, all of them now sailing under the flag of Eswatini. The tiny land-locked country in southern Africa, formerly known as Swaziland, is among the latest to offer ship registry services.This comes after the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) issued a warning in April regarding flags it identified as fraudulent. It raised specific concerns over flags purportedly administered on behalf of Guyana and Eswatini respectively,” News24 reported.

See also

No Russian vessels with eSwatini flag - govt

http://www.times.co.sz/news/145213-no-russian-vessels-with-eswatini-flag-govt.html

No political will to deal with evictions

By Son of the Soil, Times of eSwatini, 20 May 2024

SOURCE

The Kingdom of Eswatini faces escalating international scrutiny due to recurring incidents of forced evictions, predominantly executed by governmental entities, private enterprises and occasionally, municipal authorities. These evictions are frequently accompanied by the demolition of residential properties in a manner that seemingly contravenes both the national Constitution and various international human rights agreements to which Eswatini is a signatory.

The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights categorises forced eviction as the non-voluntary displacement of individuals, families, or communities from their homes or lands, devoid of legal protections or recourse. Fundamental to this discussion is the universal human right to property ownership, either individually or collectively, as safeguarded by Section 19 of our Constitution, which explicitly outlaws compulsory property deprivation under arbitrary conditions. The core of this provision underscores the necessity of protecting human proprietary rights.

In disputes concerning land or property ownership, a primary consideration is the determination of the rightful title holder, which could range from traditional chiefs overseeing Eswatini Nation Land, private landowners, or municipal authorities backed by statutory provisions. Such considerations become particularly complex when residential developments emerge on contested lands. The challenge arises when an entity asserting land ownership overlooks the rights of current occupants, who are often economically disadvantaged citizens lacking secure tenure, placing them in a profoundly vulnerable position.

It is essential to recognise that both local and international human rights frameworks staunchly oppose prioritising the rights of those with superior claims over ordinary citizens’ rights. Our Constitution explicitly details conditions under which property deprivation is permissible, such as through lawful procedures that ensure prompt, fair and adequate compensation; guarantee access to justice; and are sanctioned by a court order. Regrettably, numerous instances of forced eviction in Eswatini have transpired without adhering to these fundamental standards, violating constitutional safeguards on property rights.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/thinking-aloud/145162-no-political-will-to-deal-with-evictions.html

See also

Human rights violations intensify in eSwatini

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6561

Human rights violations intensify in eSwatini: Sigangeni resident Joseph Dlamini evicted by Indvuna Phazamisa Mhlanga

Over 700 vacancies crippling agriculture - PS

By Nonduduzo Kunene, eSwatini News, 17 May 2024

SOURCE

LOBAMBA: The Ministry of Agriculture has over 700 vacant posts that have crippled service delivery, among other challenges.

The figures were disclosed by the Principal Secretary, Sydney Simelane. He said the hiring freeze had crippled their service delivery, because retired and deceased officers had not been replaced since 2018, when the circular was introduced. “We are a big ministry and we need officers. Currently, we have more than 700 vacancies, which have affected our service delivery,” he said.

The PS made this presentation when he was leading the Ministry of Agriculture before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday. The deputy chairperson of the PAC Manzi Zwane, who is also the Chairman of the House of Assembly Public Service Portfolio Committee, said he was worried about the number of vacancies in the ministry.

He asked the PS if he submitted the vacancies to the Ministry of Public Service, which is responsible for hiring civil servants. “We have heard that the hiring freeze was lifted and controlling officers can fill vacant posts,” he said.
The human resources officer, in response, told the MPs that despite the Ministry of Public Service issuing a circular that stated that the hiring freeze had been lifted, the situation on the ground had not changed.

The officers highlighted that before the circular, officers had to ask for a waiver from Cabinet. It was stated that the difference was that the waiver had to be requested at the public service Ministry and posts would be issued based on the available budget. The officers said even before this circular, posts were issued based on the available budget.
The controlling officer also told the PAC that for this financial year, he had asked for 60 posts for extension officers, but he was granted only four.

Public Accounts Committee wants forensic audit

By Phephile Motau, eSwatini Observer, 21 May 2024

SOURCE

THE issue of unaccounted for COVID-19 response project funds continues to haunt the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) as members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have called for a forensic audit.

This was during the appearance of the deputy prime minister’s office yesterday, where it emerged that over E30 million funds were still not unaccounted for.

The auditor general found that there were unaccounted for funds amounting to E30 936 877.72 for the COVID-19 response project in the financial year ended March, 2021.

The AG said the audited financial statement (detailed statement of comprehensive income), reported a total expenditure amount of E349 955 313, whereas the records and management performance report submitted to his office represented an expenditure amount of E319 936 887.72 for the project.

This indicated unaccounted for expenditure designated for the COVID-19 Response Project.

However, the response by the DPM’s office yesterday showed that the issue had been resolved, yet the AG’s office said it remained unresolved.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22479

See also

AC demands E55 million breakdown from NDMA

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22484

Congo failed coup - eSwatini political party blasts Mswati

Swati Newsweek, 22 May 2024.

SOURCE

SWALIMO abhors dirty political meddling by the eSwatini royalty in foreign territories.

The Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) is noting with serious concern the continued tendencies by Eswatini royalty of wanting to meddle in other countries state affairs unwarrantably.

We have for years been concerned about the continued Taiwan-Eswatini relations even when it became clear to all other countries of the world that Taiwan belongs to the Mainland China yet King Mswati has stubbornly associated with the province, while dragging the state along.

Recently the Botswana government complained of King Mswati’s hosting and dining the former President of Botswana Ian Khama who is a wanted fugitive in that country.

As of current we are getting reports of a barbaric coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by elements very attached to a senior Prince trained by the last breath of the Muammar Gaddafi regime who unfortunately is son to King Mswati 111.

These trends are disturbing to us all as a nation as they point towards a banana republic system that is presided mafia style and will eventually lead to political chaos when foreign nations decide to revenge Eswatini’s meddling in their territorial affairs. The coup attempt tells us that indeed Eswatini royalty is priding itself in the tensions between other nations of the world.

It is very unfortunate that Eswatini’s royalty is also the ruling oligarch which means the Eswatini state is now frowned upon by many countries of the world. We have always been calling for democracy in this country so that at the end royalty can be easily identified outside of the state because we have never seen a kingship that prides itself in causing havoc in other territories unnecessarily while employing tools of the state.

The Eswatini royalty needs to be governed and controlled soon, otherwise we will find ourselves losing the peace we have come to love as foreign elements decide to visit this country to seek political revenge as it has become apparent that this country is now a breathing ground for coup plotters who want to destabilize democracies and hand dictators to the people.

Issued by: Thantaza N Silolo

SWALIMO Spokesperson.

Govt totally bans all single-use plastic bags

By Siboniso Nkambule, Times of eSwatini, 23 May 2024

SOURCE

MBABANE: Government has effected a total ban on all single-use plastic carrier bags.

This measure is effectively from December 1, this year. The announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, during a press conference held at her offices yesterday. Simelane said, under the terms of the ban, all retailers, supermarkets, manufacturers and vendors would be prohibited from selling or providing for free single-use plastic shopping bags to customers. This encompasses bags made from traditional plastic materials, including polyethylene and polypropylene, regardless of thickness. She said this marked a significant step towards eliminating plastic pollution and safeguarding the planet for future generations, including positioning of the Kingdom of Eswatini as a tourism destination of choice in Southern Africa.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/145232-govt-totally-bans-all-single-use-plastic-bags.html

University of eSwatini closed amid struggle to pay water and electricity bills

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 21 May, 2024

SOURCE

MBABANE: Gabie Ndukuya, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) has called upon all stakeholders to put pressure on Government as the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) closes amid shortage of water and electricity allegedly, due to unpaid bills.

Speaking to this Swaziland News on Tuesday morning shortly after Acting Registrar Richard Masuku released a memo, informing staff about a decision to temporarily close the University amid shortage of water and electricity, the Students President said, Government must be pressured to prioritize the institution of higher learning with funds and/or resources.

“The solution here is call upon all stakeholders to collectively put pressure on Government to fund the University, the crisis is escalating and affecting the students”, said the Students Union President.

Education Minister Owen Nxumalo had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

On another note, Richard Masuku, the UNESWA Acting Registrar confirmed through a memo directed to the staff that, the University was temporarily closing due to shortage of water and electricity.

“The decision was reached as a result of the disconnection of water supply by the service provider last week, and the imminent disconnection of electricity supply”, reads the memorandum in part.

The institution of higher learning Chancellor is King Mswati has been struggling without resources for some time now, as the Government prioritizes royal extravagance over the education system and other social programs.

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/

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

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com @Swazimedia

Friday 17 May 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 827 – 17 May 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 827 – 17 May 2024

890 000 leaked state documents: soldier, man demand E230k bribe from Archbishop Lukhele, arrested

By Sibusiso Shange, Times of eSwatini, 15 May 2024

SOURCE

MBABANE: Police have arrested two men for reportedly attempting to extort a sum of E230 000 from Archbishop Bheki Lukhele of All Nations Church in Zion.

This is the first spin-off from the widely publicised Swazi Secrets, an investigative project coordinated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). It was said the project is based on 890 000 leaked documents from Eswatini’s Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU), which ICIJ says it shared with a team of 38 journalists across 11 countries. The reports documented Archbishop Lukhele as having allegedly played a role in the transfer of certain monies from the African National Congress’s election account.

There is no record of Archbishop Lukhele responding to the allegations. Police are said to be investigating allegations that the two emaSwati men took advantage of the allegations made in the reports to solicit a bribe from the church leader. One of the two men, who posed as officers from the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU), was arrested yesterday.
In the attempt to extort Lukhele, they are said to have informed him that they could assist to protect him from being arrested, as he was aware of the information contained in the recently published leaked documents. It has been gathered that one of the suspects is a soldier. The duo aged 38 and 34 allegedly misrepresented to Lukhele that they were investigating the matter and that he would be arrested unless he paid the bribe.

However, sources said Lukhele, who insisted on his innocence, hastened to report the matter to the police, whose investigations led to the arrest of the duo. The duo was subsequently arrested and is currently assisting the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) with information. They were due to appear in court yesterday afternoon, however, they were produced and taken back to the police station, without appearing before any judicial officer, after spending about an hour in a police van, at the Mbabane Magistrates Court.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/145093-890-000-leaked-state-documents-soldier-man-demand-e230k-bribe-fr.html

eSwatini, burdened doubly with HIV and cervical cancer, targets safety for the next generation

By Nonduduzo Kunene, Vaccines Work, 13 May 2024

SOURCE

Eswatini suffers a double burden, with uncommonly high rates of both HIV and cervical cancer.

The country’s HIV prevalence of 25.9% among adults is one of the highest in the world. Its age-standardised cervical cancer incidence – 84.5 per 100,000 – is the world’s highest, bar none.

Those two disease rates are not independent of each other. Women living with HIV and the cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) are more likely to contract cervical cancer than their HIV-negative counterparts with HPV. A 2017 research paper from Eswatini found that women with HIV had a much higher rate of cervical lesions (22.9%) than HIV-negative women (5.7%).

Encouragingly, another study, also from Eswatini, and published just last month in the journal PLOS Global Public Health, points to the impact a robust public health response can have. Not only did the new research show lower-than-expected cervical cancer positivity rates overall – about 2.6% across both of the regions under study – it also showed that women living with HIV who had been on anti-retroviral therapy for longer periods of time were less likely to screen positive for cervical cancer than women whose HIV had been medically managed for less than five years. Women whose HIV load had been suppressed by treatment to undetectable levels, were also less likely to screen positive for the cancer than women with unsuppressed HIV burdens.

If those findings are encouraging, so are health policy initiatives being enacted on the ground. On 25 March 2024, Eswatini’s Ministry of Health mobilised a US$ 1.6 million grant for the introduction of HPV through Gavi’s Middle-Income Countries approach. This is part of a focused move to drastically reduce cervical cancer by 2030.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/eswatini-burdened-doubly-hiv-and-cervical-cancer-targets-safety-next-generation

SNAT, SWATCAWU and SNUS support Limkokwing staff on their prolonged strike for improved working conditions

Swaziland Democratic News, 14 May 2024

SOURCE

The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), the Swaziland Transport and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) and the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) have come out to support the Limkokwing lectures on their strike for better working conditions.

“SNAT is in full solidarity with the Limkokwing Lecturers who are on strike for improved working conditions. The gallant Lecturers resolved to down tools in demand of better working conditions.”

“SWATCAWU fully support the resolute NAWUSHI LUCT branch which is in the 7th week of their No Work No Pay industrial action, aimed to push for better pay and working conditions at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Swaziland. “

Limkokwing lectures are organized under union NAWUSHI and are pleading to other workers and members of society to assist them whilst on strike to feed their families.

The struggle of the working class resonates across all sectors of society. Attached are details on how one can donate any amount to help the fellow workers at the University.

King Mswati’s Government maintains silence as Taiwan nationals invade rural areas, forcefully seize land belonging to poor and powerless citizens while demolishing houses

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 13 May 2024

SOURCE

GEGE: King Mswati’s Government has maintained silence as Taiwan nationals invade the rural areas, forcefully seizing land from the poor and powerless citizens.

The land grabbing by Taiwan investors that started at Gege-Mbondzela in the South-western parts of eSwatini last week, is highly expected to spread to other areas as the Chinese province advance its economic interests while violating human rights in the tiny Kingdom.

Taiwan is a diplomatic ally to eSwatini despite the United Nations (UN) Resolution 2758 of 1972 that recognizes the One China Principle, the Chinese province previously donated helicopters to the army were used to launch air-strikes, shoot and kill innocent civilians during the unrest.

The Taiwan helicopters donated to the army are highly expected to start patrolling Mbondzela-Gege to monitor the residents and intimidate them to refrain from protesting, some of the residents are sleeping in the forests after the demolition of their homes.

Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Mciniseli Nhleko, a senior citizen of Gege was subsequently arrested for raising a voice against the Taiwan nationals who demolished his home last week,the Taiwanese are using businessmen Tito Dlamini and Sandile Simelane.

John Fan, the Managing Director of Nhlangano FTM Garments has been identified as one of the Taiwan investors who, with the backing of those in power, is grabbing land from the poor and powerless citizens.

Both businessmen, the Taiwan investor including Ambassador Jeremy Liang declined to comment regarding the ongoing human rights violations.

On another note, eSwatini pro-democracy and civil society groups strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by Taiwan, a province of the People’s Republic of China.

Mlungisi Makhanya, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) told this Swaziland News that, the diplomatic relations between eSwatini and Taiwan represents nothing but, a misery for the ordinary citizens.

“What this represents for the ordinary people of Swaziland is misery as you would see that, the people of Gege are today without homesteads because a Taiwanese engineered economic interest has led to them being evicted. We want to remind our people that, it must never be lost to them that, when the Royal Science Technology Park was to be constructed,emaSwati were violently and forcefully evicted there in a very cruel manner and that project, Swazis would remember, is being bankrolled by Taiwan”, said the PUDEMO President.

One of the demolished homes at Gege