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Friday, 25 April 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 874 – 25 April 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 874 – 25 April 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.

 

Fighting poverty under Tinkhundla mixture of capitalist and socialist policies practically impossible

Comment by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 22 April, 2025

SOURCE 

Under the Tinkhundla undemocratic regime, emaSwati are paraded to investors as a cheap labour and this means, for Government to attract investors, the citizens must suffer or languish in poverty.

In this country, we have Government Gazettes that allow companies to underpay workers and in fact, the employment and trade policies promote poverty and the suffering of ordinary citizens while enriching the powerful and politically connected.

As the situation stands, it is even very difficult to conclude whether the current Government is a capitalist or socialist regime because the policies are a mixture of capitalism and socialism, Tinkhundla is actually a confused oppressive regime.

Some emaSwati working in the textile industry, security, hospitality, manufacturing and even the public service are living in poverty because the salaries were ‘programmed’ to immediately force them to ‘money-lending’ companies.

Thereafter, they will remain indebted for the duration of their employment if not the rest of their lives.

After death, the very same Tinkhundla system has made it easier for eStates within the Office of the Master of the High Court to be looted with impunity and this means, the chain of poverty will continue and be experienced even by the children of the deceased.

But this Government always claim to be fighting poverty, there’s absolutely no political will to eradicate poverty in this country, this country is actually a factory where poverty is manufactured.

The investment promotion policies promotes the enrichment of the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized.

 

Sweeping changes in new Employment Bill

By Kwanele Dhladhla, eSwatini Financial Times, 22 April 2025

SOURCE

Good news is on the horizon for employees in Eswatini, courtesy of sweeping changes and improvements contained in the Employment Bill of 2024, which seeks to promote decent working conditions for workers.

The bill, tabled by Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi on Monday in Parliament, addresses the issue of casual labourers who were in the past exploited by their employers.

The proposed legislation provides some regulations to prevent the abuse of employing people as perpetual or permanent casuals. Section 29 (2) reads, “A person may not be engaged as a casual employee where the nature of the work for which the employee is to be employed is full-time and permanent.”

It was explained that a casual employee should not work for more than 24 hours a week. The bill also provides some restrictions to avoid employing people on perpetual short fixed-term contracts.

Section 27 states that a fixed-term contract should clearly state its purpose. Further, it has been stipulated that the number of times for renewal of fixed-term contracts for the different sectors shall be determined by the Minister through regulations.

The legislation, which awaits Parliament’s approval, provides some regulation to ensure that part-time workers become entitled to the same protection and rights enjoyed by comparable full-time employees, including protection against discrimination in employment and occupation.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatinifinancialtimes.africa/sweeping-changes-in-new-employment-bill/

 

Malaria warning: 4 deaths, 296 cases

By Mnelisi Dlamini, Times of eSwatini, Press Reader edition, 23 April 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A notable significant rise in malaria cases has prompted urgent action from the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health, through its National Malaria Programme (NMP) and vigilant surveillance teams, has issued a stark warning following a marked increase in confirmed malaria infections across various regions. A thorough analysis of the situation reveals a substantial escalation in local malaria transmission since the beginning of the year.

Entomological investigations have pointed towards a growing population of Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary vectors of malaria. Compounding this issue are prevailing environmental conditions, characterised by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall, which are creating ideal breeding grounds for these insects.

Alarmingly, the rise in cases, predominantly reported between July 2024 and mid-April 2025, has reached a cumulative total of 296, tragically including four deaths. The Hhohho Region has been particularly hard hit with 124 cases, followed closely by Lubombo with 114.

Within these regions, indigenous transmission is concentrated in the Mhlangatane, Madlangampisi, Nkilongo, Sithobela and Hlane constituencies. These worrying trends are corroborated by national malaria surveillance data and detailed community-level investigations.

In response to this escalating public health threat, the Ministry, via the NMP, has intensified crucial interventions. These measures include extending Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) to previously unsprayed homesteads, proactively detecting and testing cases within high-risk communities, and distributing insecticide-treated bed nets, especially in areas with informal agricultural activity.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/times-of-eswatini/20250423/284541593951059

 

UNESWA lecturers down tools, demand salary payment

eSwatini Daily News, Press Reader edition, 23 April 2025

SOURCE 

UNESWA Lecturers have decided to down tools after management failed to deposit their April salaries.

University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Lecturers said they were supposed to receive their salaries on the 19th of April which is their payday.

In an interview, Secretary General for, Dr. Mduduzi Shongwe of the Association of Lecturers, Academic and Administrative Personnel (ALAAP) told Eswatini Daily News that they have decided to stand by the gate every day until management adhere to their demand. not received their April Salaries.

“This is not the first time the UNESWA management has toyed with our lives. It’s either they deposit 93 per cent or 90 per cent of our salaries or they fail to deposit it all,” said Dr Shongwe.

Further, Dr Shongwe pointed out that the management has failed to manage the crisis at UNESWA, and that the Institution should be led by another person not the present one. The employees of UNESWA spent the whole day singing songs and dancing inside the premises of the Institution.

“We have debts to settle, and we have our families to attend to but management seems not to care about our plight as workers. We are tired of this management, and we hope that a new one will be put soon. The secretary General then said that the organisations they mourn the death of the student who committed suicide most recently.

It was reported that the student left a note which stated that he had committed suicide because of a lecturer.

“As ALAAP we mourn the death of the student, but we do not impose ourselves but react after one of our members has reported a dispute, however, we will action on the matter as soon as IR is reported, Dr Shongwe said.

 

Students denied bail after violent protests

Legalbrief, (South Africa), 21 April 2025

SOURCE 

Three prominent eSwatini students leaders have been denied bail following violent protests at the memorial service of murdered university student Thabane Nkomonye last weekend.

Youths in the capital, Manzini, were demanding justice for the slain law student. Swaziland News reports that Nkomonye was allegedly killed by the police before his body was 'dumped' at Nhlambeni. Police denied this, saying they found his car at a ‘chaotic’ accident scene on 8 May.

The Pretoria News reports that a march was organised by University of eSwatini students and the Swaziland National Union of Students. Protester Phiwayinkosi Dlamini was shot in the eye and is recovering in the Mbabane Hospital.

MP Mduduzi Mabuza said ‘the main problem in this country is the government that undermines human rights’. Bafanabakhe Sacolo, the secretary general of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS), and students Khumbula Nxumalo and Siphosethu Mavimbela were denied bail. Speaking to Swaziland News, SNUS president Colani Maseko, said the detainees are facing charges of malicious damage to the Fairview Police Station.

‘The judiciary system of this country is an embarrassment and a shame. We will not give up until we live in a democratic world,’ he said.

 

eSwatini strengthens climate resilience through strategic water sector planning

Smart Water Magazine, 23 April 2025

SOURCE 

As climate variability increasingly disrupts water systems across Southern Africa, the Kingdom of Eswatini is accelerating its efforts to enhance resilience through strategic investment in the water sector. Informed by the national Programme of Action (2024–2029), Eswatini is focusing on strengthening institutional capacity, mobilising climate finance, and fostering cross-sectoral coordination to address the growing risks associated with droughts, floods, and irregular rainfall patterns.

Recent technical engagements convened national stakeholders and experts from key ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, supported by Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA). These dialogues focused on aligning Eswatini’s water investment planning with African Union frameworks for climate-resilient development, in line with the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy (2022–2032) and the Paris Agreement. Emphasis was placed on enhancing capacity to design and implement climate-resilient water programmes and to improve direct access to international climate finance.

According to Ms. Khangeziwe Mabuza, Principal Secretary and National Designated Authority for the GCF, “The Guidelines for the Development of Climate-Resilient Water Investment Programme... underscore their unwavering commitment to strengthening resilience in the water sector. This... equips us with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop comprehensive water investment programmes that integrate climate change considerations, ensuring long-term water security for our communities.”

According to GWPSA, Eswatini has committed SZL 136 billion to support sustainable water infrastructure and adaptation initiatives, prioritising integrated water resources management, climate-smart agriculture, and improved sanitation. “The commitment to water security and climate resilience requires a holistic approach that integrates strategic investment, policy alignment, and inclusive stakeholder participation,” added Mr. Musawenkhosi Mwelase from the Department of Water Affairs.

Eswatini’s proactive strategy exemplifies how targeted planning and regional collaboration can advance long-term water security in the face of climate change.

 

Mbabane, the executive capital and most populous city in Eswatini.

Credit: Eswatini Tourism, via Wikimedia Commons


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