Search This Blog

Friday 8 November 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 852 – 8 November 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 852 – 8 November 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.

 

eSwatini ranking in Mo Ibrahim governance report worsening

Emmanuel Ndlangamandla, Times of eSwatini, 4 November 2024

SOURCE 

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation released the 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), the latest iteration of the biennial dataset assessing governance performance and trends in the 54 African countries over the decade 2014-2023.

…. Eswatini governance, unfortunately, is among the deteriorating countries.  To this end, Eswatini’s overall Governance score has deteriorated over the last decade (2014-2023) and has done so at an accelerated pace over the most recent five years (2019-2023). With a score of 44.5 (out of 100.0), Eswatini ranks 35th (out of 54) in overall Governance in 2023. It is critical that the current Administration led by His Excellency Russell Dlamini and Parliament should analyse this report and take measures to improve the worse performing areas.  Without good governance, emaSwati will continue to suffer!

To read the full report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/thinking-aloud/147877-eswatini-ranking-in-mo-ibrahim-governance-report-worsening.html

 

eSwatini health campaign bundles HPV vaccination with other critical interventions in schools

By Nonduduzo Kunene, VaccinesWork, 31 October 2024

SOURCE 

Eswatini's EPI chief Xolisiwe Dlamini tells VaccinesWork that the first-of-its kind initiative is all about making the most of the resources at the small country’s disposal.

In the chilly middle months of this year, the largest vaccination initiative Eswatini has seen in three years brought both human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and COVID-19 jabs onto 900 school campuses, with mobile health teams also folding in a deworming blitz and nutrition survey.

Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) director Xolisiwe Dlamini told VaccinesWork that the campaign’s patchwork structure reflected the tiny southern African country’s determination to do “the most” with the resources at their disposal.

At the height of the effort, said Dlamini, 300 health workers, split into 65 volunteer-supported teams, were out vaccinating thousands of girls against HPV, the cause of the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer worldwide, and kids of both sexes against COVID-19. Between vaccines, dewormers and nutritional supplements, the aim was to reach a total of 300,000 students. Final numbers are still being collated following the campaign’s close in mid-October, but Dlamini indicates that early analysis suggest more than 70% of the target was achieved.

Launched in June by Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, it is a collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Education. 

The campaign brought critical health care interventions to the learners at both primary and high school levels. Girls aged 9–14 years are the target group for HPV vaccination, while children 12 years and older were eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. All pupils were offered deworming. Kids aged 6–19 years were given nutritional supplements “as per need”, Dlamini explained.

The integrated campaign is of a second act. In 2023, Eswatini launched the HPV Vaccine in Schools campaign, designed to reach 30,000 girls between 9 and 14 years old with the cancer-blocking shot. That experience appears to have taught agenda-setters that sending health teams onto school grounds is an opportunity not to be squandered.

“The deworming service aims to address bilharzia and soil-transmitted parasitic intestinal worms that cause various diseases. These parasitic diseases cause significant deaths worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In a previous mapping exercise, it was revealed that 15% of school-going children were infected with bilharzia disease and 5.6% of school-going children were infected with soil-transmitted diseases,” said Dlamini.

“The services are free, and they are an effort by the government to ensure that Eswatini’s future is filled with emaSwati who are healthy, educated and productive.”

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/eswatini-health-campaign-bundles-hpv-vaccination-with-critical-interventions-schools

 

Over 2 000 children surviving on one meal a day

By Sabelo Gwebu, eSwatini News, 2 November 2024

SOURCE 

MALKERNS: A community tells a different story in the fast-improving town of Malkerns.

The Mangozeni Township, nestled in this small town known for its vibrant pineapple farms and scenic landscapes, shows a picture of hardship, neglect and the daily struggle for survival. The township is home to over 2 000 children under nine and is facing a crisis that demands urgent attention from both local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

As local Social Motivator Dumile Maphalala recorded, over 2 000 children depend on a soup kitchen meal for survival. Mangozeni is less than 600 square metres in size, but because of the situation, two soup kitchens, Great Commission and Malkerns Soup Kitchen, have set up base. The biggest struggle now is what to feed the hungry mouths.

“The biggest challenge of Mangozeni is the frequent pregnancies. Most of these children stay with either one of their parents, and most are unemployed. “The only job for the residents is seasonal, which is working at Swazi Can during the citrus season,” Maphalala said. Mangozeni is characterised by its poor living conditions, where families grapple with extreme poverty and limited access to essential resources like electricity and water.

Water is available at E1 Lilangeni per 20 litres, but some households cannot afford that. For many residents, a daily meal is a luxury, while a mere E20 for bread is as scarce as water in the Kalahari Desert. The community’s reliance on these soup kitchens highlights the urgent need for food security and, most importantly, social support. Maphalala, a dedicated social motivator in the township, is vocal about the alarming issues facing the township. She points out that Mangozeni is grappling with a high rate of teenage pregnancies and a growing population.

The lack of employment opportunities in the area has created a desperate situation, leading many mothers to allegedly turn to sex work as a means of survival. With most jobs in the town tied to the seasonal demands of the pineapple farms, work is often irregular and insufficient to meet the needs of families. “This precarious economic situation leaves little room for parental engagement, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the children.

“The impact of poverty on child development is profound, and the children of Mangozeni are no exception,” Maphalala lamented. She continued that without proper care and supervision, these young lives are at risk of falling into cycles of neglect and deprivation. She added that as social workers, they are deeply concerned about the long-term implications of such neglect, which can hinder children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. “One of the pressing issues facing Mangozeni is the lack of birth certificates for many children.

“The parents, mostly teenagers, do not understand that registration is a critical step in ensuring that children have access to essential services, such as education and healthcare,” she added. Visibly, the situation in Mangozeni is a small-scale, broader societal issue faced by many communities in the country. While the government has made strides in addressing poverty and improving social welfare, the challenges faced by the township residents highlight the need for more targeted interventions.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/147856-over-2-000-children-surviving-on-one-meal-a-day.html

 

More emaSwati dying of snake bites amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 1 November, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: More emaSwati are reportedly dying of snake bites amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals and, with the antivenom medication being found only at the Luke Commission.

This means any citizen who might be attacked by snakes in areas far away from the Luke Commission, might die along the way while being transported to the health facility, a person bitten by a Black Mamba normally collapse within a few minutes.

A questionnaire was sent to Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments on Friday afternoon, Mayibongwe Masangwane, the Secretary General(SG) of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union(SWADNU) confirmed that, the whole country is facing shortage of antivenom, a medication for snake bites.

“It’s true, the whole country is facing shortage of antivenom”, he said.

It has been disclosed that, a relative of a prominent public figure “is among those who recently died” of snakes bite amid shortage of the antivenom.

Eswatini is facing a worsening health crisis triggered by royal extravagant spending and corruption in the public administration, dozens have died since the crisis erupted.

 

HIV prevalence high among disabled in eSwatini - FODSWA

By Musa Simelane, eSwatini Observer, 3 November 2024

SOURCE 



Persons with disabilities face a heightened risk of HIV infections in the country as they are vulnerable to sexual violation and are largely excluded from HIV/AIDS educational outreach programmes.

This highlight was made by Bongani Makama, President of the Federation of Organisations of Disabled Persons in Swaziland (FODSWA) at the World AIDS Day 2024 commemoration launch at St Joseph’s Primary School (Mzimpofu).

This year’s global theme is ‘Take the Rights Path’, which has been localised to: Nkwe! Eswatini Take the Rights Path to End AIDS.

He said females, especially those with cerebral palsy, have a high HIV prevalence since they are taken advantage of by shady elements in the communities, who capitalise on the fact that they cannot talk and have physical and cognitive challenges.

This leads to cases of sexual assault and, ultimately, increased rates of HIV transmission. Some even end up pregnant unknowingly, and cannot communicate effectively or identify the culprits.

“Persons with disabilities are also more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS due to a range of factors, including limited access to education and healthcare, heightened discrimination, and, often, a lack of tailored outreach and support. This is particularly concerning, as persons with disabilities represent a population that, historically, has been under served in health programmes,” explained Makama.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22924

 

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 1 November 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 851 – 1 November 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 851 – 1 November 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.

Persecution of opposition leaders & activists unrelenting, gatherings banned

Civicus, 30 October 2024

SOURCE



Introduction

Since May 2021, Eswatini has made no meaningful progress in addressing severe human rights violations against pro-democracy activists, journalists and trade unionists. The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) Resolution 554 which urges democratic reforms in the kingdom has been effectively silenced and Resolution 569 on protecting civic space has similarly failed to prompt any substantial action.

Separately, despite global calls for regional leaders to prioritise Eswatini’s human rights crisis and pressure the government to repeal these repressive laws and respect fundamental freedoms during the 44th SADC Summit on 17th August 2024, Eswatini remains unaccountable, as demonstrated by the exclusion of Eswatini from the SADC Organ Troika’s Agenda following a request by King Mswati III. This lack of regional accountability leaves pro-democracy defenders without redress and exacerbates human rights violations.

Association

Supreme Court revives repressive sedition provisions

On 13th August 2024, Eswatini’s Supreme Court overturned a 2016 High Court ruling that had invalidated several repressive sections of the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA) and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA). The High Court had originally found that these provisions violated constitutional rights to freedom of association, expression and assembly. The decision came in response to cases brought by activists, including the late Thulani Maseko and others who were charged under these laws for participating in pro-democracy actions.

The Supreme Court’s decision allows the government to continue using vague terrorism laws to suppress political opposition and human rights activism. This ruling could further embolden authorities to intensify their crackdown on dissent. On 15th July 2024, Eswatini pro-democracy lawmakers Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube received severe prison sentences —25 years for Mabuza and 18 years for Dube—over charges of “terrorism” and murder connected to the 2021 protests in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

Eswatini authorities target activist’s widow

Tanele Maseko, the widow of Thulani Maseko who was killed in January 2023, has reportedly been targeted by the Eswatini government with harassment and surveillance to stop her from seeking justice and carrying on her husband’s human rights work. On 27th March 2024, as she crossed the Ngwenya Border between South Africa and Eswatini with her children and a helper, she was detained because officials flagged her passport, confiscated her phone and informed the police. After being questioned for four hours, she was released with a follow-up at the Mbabane police station scheduled, which was later postponed to 2nd April 2024 after her lawyers intervened. This incident came shortly after the Eswatini Prime Minister claimed in January 2024 that she was obstructing justice, following her acceptance of a 2023 Magnitsky Human Rights Award on her husband’s behalf.

Amnesty International urged Eswatini authorities to cease harassment and instead focus on a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into Thulani Maseko’s murder, holding those responsible accountable.

Opposition leader allegedly poisoned

Eswatini’s main opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), was allegedly poisoned and rushed to a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, in critical condition on 24th September 2024.

Makhanya has been a target of King Mswati’s regime, which has been cracking down on political activists and human rights defenders. Previously, his alternative home at Malindza was bombed and destroyed during recent political unrest.The Eswatini government has openly threatened to apprehend activists hiding in South Africa. This incident follows the abduction of Thabo Kunene, alleged Commander of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF), and the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko.

ICJ calls on the South African Police Services to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into circumstances of Makhanya’s incapacitation and to bring to justice any persons determined to be responsible for any criminal conduct related to this incident.

Peaceful Assembly

Crackdown on public gatherings and political dissent

The government has implemented increasingly draconian measures to stifle opposition, including bans on public gatherings and widespread surveillance. Currently, in practice, no public gatherings are permitted in Eswatini, as confirmed by Eswatini Newsroom. This ban was reinforced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development by issuing a warning statement to the public against participating in or organising unauthorised gatherings due to concerns over potential political unrest linked to the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO)’s uprising planned for 17th October 2024. The government cites public safety and security concerns, requiring individuals to adhere strictly to the Public Order Act No. 12 of 2017 and the Code of Good Practice in Public. This ongoing ban on public gatherings reflects the government’s broader efforts to stifle political dissent and prevent the expression of pro-reform sentiments.

Expression

Media restrictions and government criticism

Media in Eswatini face severe restrictions, especially when reporting on issues related to the monarchy or the government. According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2024 Report, eSwatini scored 17 out of 100 . It concluded that eSwatini was “not free” after receiving a score of one out of forty for political freedom and sixteen out of sixty for civil rights.

At a breakfast meeting held on 13th September 2024, Times of eSwatini Managing Editor Martin Dlamini questioned the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as to when they would arrest those who allegedly stole public funds and caused the health system to collapse. He accused the ACC of either being ineffective or unwilling to go after powerful people involved in corruption. In response, Prime Minister Russel Dlamini dismissed Martin’s questions, accusing the Times of being too negative about the government and the king and told Martin to “swallow” his own comments, treating them as just his personal opinions.

 

Student team expands impact with water and bridge projects in eSwatini

By Caitlin Hayes, Cornell Chronicle (Cornell University, US), 29 October 2024

SOURCE 

At Matfuntini Primary School in rural Eswatini, the stream-fed tap water sometimes ran black or brown. Teachers at the school suspected the water often made their students sick, and when the stream was dry, they had no water at all.

This summer, six students from the Cornell Engineering project team Engineers in Action (EIA), alongside a team of masons from Eswatini and the local community, installed a solar-powered groundwater system and disinfection system to ensure clean water for the school. They also provided trainings and a manual so the community can continue maintenance on the system themselves.

Cornell Engineers in Action, alongside a team of masons and the local community, piloted the installation of a solar-powered groundwater system and disinfection system to ensure clean water for a primary school of 180 students in rural Eswatini.

“It was really cool to see the impact we’re having, not just in building the project but also transferring skills,” said Sara Buchta ‘25, an environmental engineering major and the project manager for Cornell EIA.

Since 2017, Cornell EIA has worked with communities to build footbridges that connect thousands of people in Eswatini to schools, medical facilities and markets. Now they’re expanding their impact with the water sanitation project, piloted for the first time last summer and supported by the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, as well as a more complicated bridge, to be constructed in 2025, that will reduce manual labor and expand the map of where bridges can be built. 

“The mission of the project in terms of global development and improving access in these rural communities has stayed the same, but it’s really exciting for us to get to learn even more technical disciplines and expand our engineering knowledge,” Buchta said. “Everyone’s had to learn things outside of their discipline – because we believe in the mission.” 

To read more of this report, click here

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/10/student-team-expands-impact-water-and-bridge-projects-eswatini

 

Fourteen schools affected by storm

By Nokuphila Haji And Bongiwe Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 30 October 2024

SOURCE 

About14 schools have been affected by the back-to-back storm that hit some parts of the country from Saturday.

The storm continued until Monday evening.

So far only three regions had schools destroyed by the storm. The Hhohho region led with six schools while Lubombo and Manzini each had four.

National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Director Early Warning and Research Eric Seyama yesterday said on Monday, some parts of the country experienced harsh winds and damaging hailstorms which caused yet another destruction.

Seyama said this had a far-reaching impact, on education and the communities well-being at large.

He said 236 households were also severely impacted by these back-to-back storms, affecting 1 272 people.

He said over 8 000 power outages were reported across various regions, highlighting that the storm was disrupting daily life and access to essential services.

Seyama said many homes experienced significant damages, with roofs being blown off.

He said hail from the storm also affected agricultural lands, maize fields and vegetable gardens. He said this was challenging since these were crucial resources for food security.

Seyama added that in collaboration with the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BRECS), they were coordinating response interventions to address the immediate needs of those who were affected.

He said 32 households had already been supported with relief material which included tarpaulins to provide temporary shelter.

On that note, acting Principal Secretary in the ministry of Education and Training Naniki Mnisi said their teams toured the affected schools with Micro-Projects so as to ascertain the damage.

 

NATCOM reveals: gangs sign secrecy code

By Siboniso Nkambule, Times of eSwatini, 28 October 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: As police ramp up efforts to eliminate gangsterism nationwide, investigations have uncovered that gang activities have shifted into highly-organised crime networks.

These gangs now operate within tightly-knit cells, designed to be difficult for authorities to infiltrate. Members are bound by strict oaths of secrecy, sworn not to reveal the identities of fellow members or the masterminds orchestrating their operations. This was revealed by the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, Vusi Manoma Masango, during Mankayane Crime Prevention fund-raising dinner, which was held last Friday. The dinner was attended by Members of Parliament (MPs), senior police officers and government officials among others.

A sum of E102 000 was pledged towards Mankayane crime prevention. The event was aimed at raising funds that will go towards aiding the Mankayane community police forum with working equipment, such as handcuffs, whistles, torches, reflector vests and identification name tags, among other necessities. This will benefit 22 chiefdoms under the jurisdiction of Mankayane Police Station. Recently, Masango warned about a new gang, which calls itself ama27. It is said the gang is causing havoc in communities and has infiltrated a number of schools across the country, and some pupils have joined it.

The NATCOM raised concern about the emergent gang; which he said is deadlier than the 26s and 28s. Masango said they got to know about the new gang recently. He said this calls for everyone to play a role in the fight against gangs in schools. Masango said this during a house presentation to a Msibi homestead at Sandlane. Speaking during the dinner, Masango said the country is currently faced with a new crime phenomenon, which is gangsterism. He said this crime phenomenon has evolved into coordinated criminal activity, whereby gang members operate in certain cells, which are hard to penetrate and whose members are sworn into secrecy, against divulging the identities of fellow members and/or their handlers/masterminds. According to Masango, these are their children with whom they live and who grew up right in front of their eyes, yet they have now become monsters who have created an environment of unease and fear within their communities.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/147775-natcom-reveals-gangs-sign-secrecy-code.html

 

State security issues must be handled with utmost political maturity

Opinion by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 27 October, 2024

SOURCE 

When defending Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini amid tension with junior police officers, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said, the cops must not threaten the PM by saying the delay in the implementation of their salary increment under Phase two (2) undermines State security.

While the press statement released by the Government was matured this time and defended the Prime Minister very well, there’s a misleading paragraph that must be addressed and clarified in the statement.

Firstly and with due respect, it is important for the Government Spokesperson and the Prime Minister to understand the context of State security, it is not about monitoring a political unrest or protests as others in the corridors of power might conclude.

State security in context, is ensuring the safety of the country including its citizens and properties while on the other hand, maintaining law and order, police officers particularly, junior cops remain the basic resources in this regard.

While I’m not physically inside eSwatini, I had on numerous occasions, received assistance from the police after reporting house breaking and theft cases to the police, some of my properties were recovered.

We may differ on how the police handle some political cases but the truth is and as the situation stands, they are trying to work with limited resources and they are financially broke.

Some State investigators within the Police Criminal Investigating Department (CID) are using their own resources including airtime and data to investigate cases, no cars, no allowance to enable them to buy clothes as some of them are not always in uniform.

As journalists including Members of Parliament (MPs), we are advocating for the release of the police salary increment not because we don’t have grievances against the police, we may not agree with their modus operandi sometimes but, we cannot disregard the significance of their job.

The police are correct to warn that, the delay in releasing their salaries undermines State security, we can’t have financially broke law enforcement officers and feel secured, some of us we have properties in the country and if anything happens, we report to police officers and we trust them for the safety of our properties.

It is important therefore, to put political differences aside when addressing an issue where all of us, have a common interest.

In fact, we must develop political maturity and understand that, regardless of our political ideological differences, our common interest is the country.

Certain human rights organizations are taking care of me as a journalist, thats why I’m able to be productive and write informative articles, if I’m not taken care-of, access to information would be undermined because instead of writing articles, I will become frustrated and start thinking about my children’s school fees and food.

Therefore, the police officers are actually saying, the more this issue delays, the law enforcement agency won’t be productive and State security would be undermined, a hungry person cannot think properly and be productive.

But in conclusion, let me further correct the Government Spokesperson who stated that, the police are not negotiating in good faith by mentioning that, their plight undermines State security.

It is wrong to dictate to a hungry person on how that particular person must express his/her frustration, this delay is affecting even the police officers’ children.

The issue of Phase two (2) is no longer an issue worth negotiating but Government agreed to increase salaries for these officers through a Circular, the PM must just implement a Government Circular and depending on the availability of funds, make a commitment in writing when will these monies be released so that, the officers can plan and secure loans from banks, improve their lives based on that commitment.

I know the pain of being financially broke with no hope what tomorrow might bring, let us not pretend as if we don’t know what these police officers are going through.

The MPs who moved and supported the motion urging the Prime Minister to address this issue, did so out of love for the country.

We must avoid this tendency of politicizing a genuine issue that was documented and undermines State security, there’s a Government Gazette awarding junior police officers their salary increment and therefore, there’s absolutely no need for negotiations, the Prime Minister must just release the money.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

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

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

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