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Friday, 14 March 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 868 – 14 March 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 868 – 14 March 2025

 

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. The newsletter is also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

United States Secretary of State holds productive call with PM

By Ncaba Ntshakala, eSwatini Daily News (Press Reader edition)

SOURCE 

THE government of Eswatini has highlighted its commitment to diplomatic engagement with the United States following the recent suspension of foreign aid by the U.S. administration.

In a press statement released, the Prime Minister Russell Dlamini disclosed that he held a telephonic meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which both parties recognized the longstanding and friendly relationship between their countries.

The statement noted that the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the existing bilateral ties, while Secretary Rubio conveyed optimism about expanding their partnership.

This latest development follows growing concerns in Eswatini regarding the potential impact of the U.S. aid freeze, which was part of a major decision by the U.S. government to halt virtually all foreign assistance. The suspension, ordered by President Donald Trump’s administration, has left many developing nations, including Eswatini, uncertain about the future of critical programs previously supported by American funding. Historically, U.S. aid has played a crucial role in Eswatini, particularly in sectors such as health, education, and economic development.

Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo recently addressed these concerns, emphasizing that Eswatini respects the sovereign decisions of other nations, including the U.S. “The United States is within their sovereign right to put ‘America First.’ Therefore, as a sovereign Nation ourselves, we are obligated to respect other Nations’ decisions,” Nxumalo stated. However, he reassured the public that diplomatic channels had already been activated to resolve the issue.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/eswatini-daily-news-9y77/20250311/281492167083939

See also

eSwatini secures AGOA eligibility for 2025 amid shifting us policies

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23591

 

 

Communications Officer says over 24 000 condoms distributed at Hlane Royal Residence Buganu Ceremony where married women engage in sexual activities with men

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 11 March, 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Veli Gamedze, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) Communications Officer has confirmed that, over twenty-four thousand (24000) condoms were distributed at Hlane Royal Residence during the Buganu Ceremony.

Thousands of women gathered at Hlane last weekend for the Ceremony, even men were allowed to attend so that they can have sex with married women, the event promotes and encourages women to come together and drink traditional alcohol while socializing with men.

The FLAS Communications Officer was quoted by the State owned Eswatini Observer on Tuesday confirming that, the said number of condoms were distributed in an attempt to promote safe sex during the Ceremony.

On another note, eSwatini is facing a health crisis amid shortage if drugs in public hospitals and, the country might face challenges in implementing HIV/AIDS prevention programs subsequent to newly inaugurated United States (US) President Donald Trump’s decision halting donor funding.

This means emaSwati living with HIV might soon struggle to access Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs as the supply of ARVs was supported by donors.

King Mswati organised the Buganu Ceremony and subsequently introduced “Lutsango Holiday” saying “he was honoring women”.

 

See also

FLAS and Swazi Observer managing editor must account why they tarnished Buganu Ceremony with 24000 distributed condoms, “kaNgwane ngisho bulima uyabutsatsisa”.

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8574

 

USAID woes: gloom sets in as hundreds expect last pay

By Sebentile Shongwe and Mnelisi Dlamini, Times of eSwatini, 7 March 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: About 500 workers employed by organisations funded by the USAID were informed that their contracts will end at the end of March.

Employees of programmes funded by USAID under NERCHA went home dejected after the Ministry of Health gave them an unclear response on their fate in the programmes. The meeting had been convened by the Ministry of Health’s Principal Secretary (PS) Khanya Mabuza. Some of the workers were attached to the National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) and were funded by UNAIDS.

A credible source revealed that Mabuza addressed the workers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation concerning their fate as the current funding cycle comes to an end. It was said that the PS mentioned that the donor has closed its doors of funding, halting all programmes that were being funded by them. The meeting was attended by over 80 employees who were stationed all over the country’s medical facilities, all of whom were directly impacted by the UNAIDS funding.

The primary objective of the ministry was to address the looming uncertainty surrounding the continuation of their employment. However, the session appears to have generated significant anxiety among the staff. The central concern revolves around the expiration of their contracts at the end of March. Employees repeatedly sought clarification on the implications of this deadline, asking directly: “What does the end of the month mean for our contracts? Will we be paid for March, and will our contracts be terminated?”

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149749-usaid-woes-gloom-sets-in-as-hundreds-expect-last-pay.html

 

An eSwatini midwife’s fight against infant mortality

By Nokukhanya Musi–Aimienoho, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, 12 March 2025

SOURCE 

For close to three decades, Lindiwe Shongwe, midwife and sister-in-charge at the Mbabane Government Hospital maternity ward, has delivered new life with skill and care.

She embarked on the path to becoming a midwife after witnessing the heartbreaking impacts of infant mortality on her own community. During her time on the job, the prospects for a newborn have improved: where in 2000, 69 babies in every 1,000 born in Eswatini were expected to die before their first birthday, by 2024, that number had dropped to just under 40. However, 40 deaths per 1,000 live births is still significantly worse than the global rate of just under 28.

Eswatini’s nurses are the silent heroes of our nation’s fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. They are the unsung champions, standing firm in the face of adversity and ensuring that every woman and child has access to life-saving vaccines.

But for Shongwe, the joys of the work outstrip its sadnesses. “I love being a midwife because I love seeing people happy,” Shongwe says. “It’s such a joy witnessing the excitement on a mother’s face when she holds her newborn baby for the first time. We do our best to offer the best quality services possible.”

Along the labyrinthine corridors of the Mbabane Government Hospital, mothers speak of her with reverence and gratitude, sharing stories of her kindness and patience. Bhekiwe Msibi, cradling her child at the vaccination clinic, reflects on her experience of pregnancy and childbirth. “During my pregnancy, I was scared. I didn’t know if my child would survive or if I would be a good mother. But Nurse Lindiwe taught me the importance of vaccinating my child against diseases that could have taken his life. She explained everything in a way I could understand,” she says.

Shongwe and her team deliver over 500 babies a month. Under her leadership, the maternity ward has developed standard operating procedures and audit reports that not only improve accountability, but also ensure that lessons learned are shared across the department. Shongwe works with community health workers, bridging gaps in communication and fostering collaboration to enhance patient care.

Midwife Lindiwe Shongwe in her hospital scrubs. Credit: Sibusiso Dlamini



To read more of this report, click here

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/eswatini-midwifes-fight-against-infant-mortality

 

Some rape survivors drop charges for cash

By Joseph Zulu, eSwatini News, 8 March 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Some rape survivors are reportedly opting to drop charges against perpetrators in exchange for cash.

This is happening in a country where it was recently reported that rape cases are on the increase. This trend has caused concern among some law enforcement officials, as they argue that it promotes gender-based violence (GBV). For instance, during a recent workshop on GBV, a police officer revealed that there had been instances where some women who initially reported rape later withdrew their complaints after receiving financial compensation from alleged perpetrators. Investigations by Eswatini News have established that the police officer was telling the truth.

The officer stated that the tendency to drop rape charges in exchange for money had become a significant cause for concern. It must be noted that the GBV workshop, where this issue was first raised was organised by the Prison Fellowship, in collaboration with the police as well as the Eswatini Association for Crime Prevention and the Rehabilitation of Offenders (ESACRO).

This alarming practice not only complicates police investigations, but also undermines efforts to ensure justice for survivors of sexual violence.

The officer who spoke at the workshop described how survivors sometimes approach law enforcement to report rape, only to later state that they had accepted money from the alleged perpetrators and would no longer be pursuing charges against them.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149763-some-rape-survivors-drop-charges-for-cash.html

 

Passion killings in eSwatini: rising tide of violence

By Nomsa Mbuli, Times of eSwatini, 7 March 2025

SOURCE 

Passion killings, once considered a rare and tragic occurrence, have become alarmingly frequent in Eswatini. Recent reports from the Times of Eswatini and other sources of news reports highlight a disturbing trend where acts of violence fuelled by emotions such as jealousy, anger and greed are claiming lives at an alarming rate.

What was once primarily associated with romantic disputes has now expanded to include conflicts between men and even family members over land and possessions. According to police records and investigative reports, passion killings rooted in romantic relationships continue to dominate headlines. In one recent case reported by the Times of Eswatini, a young woman was found dead after her partner allegedly stabbed her during a heated argument.

The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, citing feelings of betrayal and jealousy as his motivation. This tragic incident is just one example of how unchecked emotions can spiral out of control, leading to devastating consequences. Research and history have proven that the pattern we’re seeing is that these crimes often stem from uncontrolled emotions.

Many perpetrators act impulsively without considering the long-term impact of their actions. People, in general, are not taking care of their mental health so they are quick to anger and quick to act, only to regret their actions later on. While passion killings tied to love affairs remain prevalent, there has been a noticeable rise in violent altercations between men, often triggered by petty disagreements or perceived slights. In another report, two men were involved in a fatal confrontation after exchanging insults at a local shebeen.

One individual pulled out a knife, leaving the other fatally wounded. In another incident, a man was stabbed to death by another in Shiselweni, also in a shebeen after he tried to stop a fight between two other men and became the victim. Such incidents underscore the growing ease with which violence escalates in everyday situations. In other reports, guns have also taken centre stage as more people are now able to obtain illegal guns and use them to scare or shoot others during disagreements at taverns.

This shift indicates a broader societal issue where conflict resolution skills are lacking. People now believe that, to solve a problem, they need to eliminate the source of the problem, which is usually another person. It also does not help that people have joined gangsterism and killing for ‘pride’; it pushes them up the ranks in their gangs. We need to address this through education and community programmes that promote healthy communication and emotional regulation.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/the-female-voice/149734-passion-killings-in-eswatini-rising-tide-of-violence.html

 

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