Swaziland Newsletter No. 812 – 2 February 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 812 – 2 February 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.

 

Adequate funding needed to address violence against women

By Chinomso Momoh, Development Diaries, 30 January 2024

SOURCE 

The government of Eswatini needs to urgently address violence against women in the country, as the menace remains a pressing and deeply rooted issue.

Development Diaries reports that approximately one in three females has experienced some form of sexual abuse by age 18, and 48 percent of women have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime, according to figures from the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA).

One of the setbacks identified by Human Rights Watch (HRW) is the lack of resources to effectively implement the 2023–2027 National Strategy to End Violence in Eswatini.

It is understood that the 2018 Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act lacks a funding mechanism, and the government has not ensured coordination amongst departments responding to violence against women and girls, to expedite trials involving sexual assault, or to offer victims and survivors adequate support and shelter.

As highlighted by the rights organisation, the year 2023 ended with a spate of killings of women and very little to show by way of concrete government action, despite the rise in the frequency and brutal nature of violence against women.

The consequences of such violence extend beyond the immediate physical harm, affecting the mental health, economic well-being, and overall quality of life of survivors.

The legal framework in Eswatini has undergone some positive changes to address gender-based violence, including the enactment of laws and policies aimed at protecting women’s rights.

However, the enforcement of these measures faces significant challenges, including resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and a need for increased awareness and education.

The former 2017–2022 National Strategy and Action Plan to End Violence in Eswatini called for the establishment of a multi-sectoral strategy to address violence in the nation, including violence against women and girls. However, the plan was never completely executed and was not funded by the government.

Addressing violence against women in Eswatini requires a sustained and collaborative effort to challenge deep-seated cultural norms, enhance legal frameworks, and provide support structures for survivors.

To ensure the safety of women and girls in Eswatini, Development Diaries calls on the country’s parliament to give the matter top priority in both words and deeds by ensuring that sufficient resources are available to implement laws and policies that seek to guarantee the safety of women and girls in the country. 

See also

Address Violence Against Women

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/29/eswatini-address-violence-against-women

 

Public sector associations want meeting with PM

By Sibusiso Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 29 January 2024

SOURCE 

Public sector associations want a meeting with Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, amid growing concerns over salaries and healthcare crisis, which they said government was seemingly failing to address.

The unions also highlighted challenges in the education sector, in particular that teachers were demotivated and were leaving for countries such as Taiwan.

 The unions, which include the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), the Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP), Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) and National Public Services and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), said salaries were low, thus the need for a salary review to be prioritised.

They said the issue of the salary review dates way back despite that government in 2022 awarded civil servants a three per cent cost of living adjustment (CoLA), a decision which PSAs are still bitter about, arguing that it was taken after government negotiated in bad faith.

Civil servants had initially tabled an 8.7 per cent CoLA but government countered with a three per cent offer, which the unions said they were forced to take.

They said the low salaries had resulted in the country losing experienced professionals to other countries thus it was one of the priority areas they wanted government to urgently address thus the proposed meeting with the prime minister. 

According to SWADNU Secretary General, Mayibongwe Masangane, said they had already made a request to meet the premier and were awaiting a response, stating that they were looking forward to developing a strong relationship with the prime minister.

“Previous heads of government always met us regularly, in particular the late Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini as well as his successor in the late Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini,” Masangane said.

“The only one we never got to meet was Cleopas Dlamini, so we would like to ensure that there are no strained relations from the onset with the incumbent,” he added, stating that they hope for a positive response to their meeting request.

A focal point of concern raised by Masangane was the pressing issue of the drugs shortage crisis, making it known that an urgent solution to the crisis was imperative.

He also highlighted the salary review, citing how low salaries have prompted numerous skilled healthcare professionals to seek better prospects in the United Kingdom.

The ministry of health had previously stated that it could not stop nurses from being recruited in the UK as there was no policy that prevents a nurse from leaving the country even if they were trained by government.

This was after it was reported that 87 nurses with experience in mental health and learning disability were recruited to work within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

“We cannot afford to keep on losing experienced professionals in such a manner because it is costing us greatly, so the issue of the salary review takes priority for sure,” he said.

SNAT Secretary General, Lot Vilakati, echoed the concerns about the salary review, emphasising the protracted delay in addressing this matter, despite the escalating cost of living.

“It's becoming increasingly challenging to survive on the meagre salaries we receive,” Vilakati said, highlighting the financial challenges faced by teachers, leading to many of them opting to seek opportunities in Taiwan.

“The inadequate remuneration leads to a drain of invaluable experience, which adversely affects the education system,” Vilakati stated.

He said teachers were not motivated to do their best because they are depressed by their living conditions, which is bound to negatively impact the learning process.

Vilakati further disclosed the intention to make a plea to the prime minister about SNAT’s inclusion in the Teaching Service Commission to ensure accountability in the hiring of teachers.

“We saw that the prime minister met the TSC a few weeks ago and urged them to deal with the alleged corruption, but we strongly believe that transparency can only be ensured through the inclusion of SNAT to oversee,” he stated. 

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21922

 

Candidate with lowest score picked for Mbabane CEO post

By Timothy Simelane and Ntombi Mhlongo, Times of eSwatini, 30 January 2024

SOURCE

MBABANE: Councillors of the Municipal Council of Mbabane have recommended a candidate who scored the lowest in the recent interview for the position of chief executive officer (CEO).

This happened yesterday [29 January 2024] during a council meeting convened to, among other things, deliberate on the report of the consultant, who carried out the recruitment exercise.

It has been gathered that during the council meeting, which had members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) present; the councillors ignored the recommendation made by the consultant, as they picked a female candidate who scored 49 per cent and was placed third. They are said to have completely overlooked a candidate who had scored 87.5 per cent and had topped them all. In terms of the Urban Government Act, 1969, a council is mandated to appoint a fit person to be town clerk or CEO, upon such terms and conditions as it may determine.

The candidate chosen by the councillors once worked for the municipality a few years ago, but will not be named as the recommendation is yet to be handed over to the Minister of Housing and Development Appolo Maphalala, as per the procedure. The one who scored the highest mark is well-known in the local government circles, having worked in different municipalities before joining the corporate sector. The latest developments come at a time when reports had surfaced that there was division among the councillors regarding a variety of issues, one of them being that of the recruitment of the CEO.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/143684-candidate-with-lowest-score-picked-for-mbabane-ceo-post.html

See also

Councillors go for third choice

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21927

 

Government cash flow challenges affect more institutions: Alliance Church Clinics closed, nurses in strike over unpaid January salaries

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 1 February, 2024

SOURCE 

MBIKWAKHE: Thabo Dlamini, a former Times of eSwatini journalist and resident of Mbikwakhe has confirmed that nurses working for the Alliance Church clinic in the area are on strike.

Speaking to this Swaziland News on Wednesday Dlamini said, patients were not receiving services when visiting the health facility.

“Patients are not receiving services and when I enquired from the nurses, they told me, they haven’t received their January 2024 salaries,” said the journalist.

Efforts to reach the Management of the Alliance Clinics proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

But a nurse who spoke to this publication on Thursday morning confirmed that, they were still waiting for their salaries as Alliance Clinics health workers.

“It’s true that we haven’t received our salaries and when we asked the administrators, they told us Government did not pay the subvention to all mission health institutions”, said the nurse.

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

Reached for comments, Mayibongwe Masangwane, the Secretary General (SG) of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) described the challenges faced by the health workers within Alliance Clinics as unfortunate particularly at the time when parents “are in need of monies” for schools fees.

“This is an unfortunate situation and extremely bad for the staff. January is the toughest month when a lot of people are required to pay school fees for their children. No worker deserve such treatment after providing his or her services to the employer. It is government's responsibility to provide health to the populace and when missionary health institutions are struggling government should subvert them. We condemn the act by government and the employer in the strongest possible terms”, said the Nurses Union Secretary General.

 

AJ Electrical accused of intimidating workers who want salary raise

By Nokwanda Mamba, Swaziland Democratic News, 31 January 2024

SOURCE 

MATSAPHA: AJ Electrical is accused of refusing to raise salaries for its workers while intimidating those who negotiate on behalf of their colleagues.

Speaking to this Publication, one of the affected workers said they were being underpaid by the company and those who petitioned the management to address their grievances were dismissed from work.

“We are being underpaid, sometimes we don’t get our salaries in full, our employer doesn’t even communicate beforehand when they are facing cash flow challenges and our last pay raise was in 2018.

“Our representatives petitioned the management but were sadly dismissed from work just for fighting for our rights”, revealed one of the aggrieved workers.

Andrew Begg, the Manager at AJ Electrical had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments Wander Mkhonza, the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) Secretary General said the workers were failed by government particularly the Ministry of Labour.

“Employers continue to put workers on a precarious position because the government, particularly the Department of Labour is failing in her primary responsibility to make sure that anyone in the Labour space respected the law. The fact that inspections are not carried out, informs us that government is in bed with these rogue employer”, said the ATUSWA Secretary General.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

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

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

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

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 738 – 5 August 2022

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 738 – 5 August 2022

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.

A battle royal for eSwatini's future

Protests are increasing pressure on King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, to relinquish power, says Koffi Sawyer, Chatham House, 3 August 2022

SOURCE

 

Domestic and international calls for a national dialogue in eSwatini are growing as the leadership in Africa’s only absolute monarchy, under King Mswati III, grapples with the sociopolitical crisis that continues to fester following last year’s intense pro-democracy protests.
 
The death of a law student – who many allege was killed by the police – sparked widespread protests last summer and led three members of parliament to petition for a democratically elected prime minister. The message was clear: the demonstrators wanted democratic reforms and an end to the absolute monarchy. 

With no comprehensive strategy to address these longstanding demands for democracy, the government continues to deflect and fall back on a hardline approach of intimidation: stifling voices of dissent, arresting protest leaders and deploying security forces to crack down on demonstrators and perceived troublemakers. 

The protests and the security-centred response have led to violence, death, destruction of property – and even cross-border tensions, with attempts to blockade the South African border due to sympathetic support from some in the neighbouring country. 

All of which makes critical the introduction of democratic reforms in eSwatini (known as Swaziland until 2018). These reforms will, in the short-term, defuse the current sociopolitical tensions and over time build more resilient and accountable institutions. 

Other popular monarchies that have moved to democracies with accountable governance show it is possible. From the mid 20th century in Bhutan, a succession of kings played a proactive role in introducing democratic reforms that led to a constitutional monarchy: executive power was invested in a cabinet of elected officials and the monarch acted as the head of state.

By relinquishing some power, then, King Mswati would enlarge the institutional circle of power, responsibility and accountability. In this way, proactively leading democratic reforms will not only probably preserve the monarchy but will protect its long-term viability and popularity among the population.
 
Last year’s tensions were initially defused by a ministerial delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), urgently dispatched to Mbabane in early July 2021. The political and diplomatic role SADC has taken shows just how important sociopolitical cohesion and stability are for the region. 

Following the visit to eSwatini by SADC delegates, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in November 2021, and King Mswati agreed to an inclusive national dialogue to address the political upheaval.

A key lingering issue, however, has been the form that the dialogue should take, as pro-democracy groups have rejected the Sibaya – a traditional platform through which citizens’ views are brought before a national gathering at the King’s kraal. This scepticism stems from concerns that the Sibaya has been compromised over the years – exposing it to potential manipulation by the establishment to further entrench the monarchy’s power and authority – and is no longer a legitimate instrument for open dialogue. 

SADC’s continued mediation faces several challenges. There is little evidence of political will on the part of eSwatini’s leadership. No regional precedent or blueprint for a process involving an executive monarchy or other constitutional neotraditional structures exists. Complicating matters further are allegations of foreign meddling and a regime change agenda behind what is now being referred to as eSwatini’s ‘winter revolution’.

Towards a national dialogue

A golden rule for constructive national dialogue is that it is nationally led and owned. However, in eSwatini a few key challenges constrain the process. The country’s political leadership lacks the trust of the people. Independent political institutions are at best weak, at worst not designed to perform their democratic accountability and oversight roles.

The power balance between the king and the pro-democracy groups is asymmetrical. The king lacks strong incentives to loosen his grip on power and authority. And, importantly, a strong, organic grassroots movement for reforms doesn’t appear to extend beyond the country’s main capital cities. 

Although pro-democracy groups represented by civil society and political groups are leading the call for governance reforms, it is important to expand the pool of consultations to involve other key national stakeholders, including traditionalists, women and young people.

Cultural, historical and financial links with the South African economic and governing elite are practical aspects that should be considered. Given the deep ties between the countries, South Africa and its governing ANC should invest in long-term peace and stability in eSwatini. 

The international community can be an important guarantor of a genuine process, support more effective local participation, and bolster national ownership. The approach must be coordinated, integrated, and sensitive enough to mitigate the risks of the process being manipulated for other purposes. 

It is only within a constitutional order that the institution of the monarchy can be safeguarded and sustainably protected. As father of the nation, it is incumbent upon King Mswati to show honest and proactive leadership – and be ready to shed some of his absolute power in the long-term interest of his people and future monarchs. 

Sawyer is a consultant and researcher on politics and governance in Africa

 

By-election victory for Eswatini pro-democracy activists

AFP, 1 August 2022

SOURCE

 

The wife of a self-exiled pro-democracy lawmaker in Eswatini won Sunday her husband’s seat in a by-election that activists said showed continued support for reforms a year after deadly protests. Nomalungelo Simelane-Zwide was elected as the new member of the lower house for Siphofaneni on Saturday, winning 53 percent of the vote in the small town about 80 kilometres south-east of the capital Mbabane.

Speaking after the results were announced early on Sunday, Simelane-Zwide thanked all Swazi people for “entrusting me with the responsibility to represent them in parliament”. Simelane-Zwide is married to Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane, a pro-democracy activist who fled to South Africa after police issued a warrant for his arrest following a wave of protests last year.

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Rights groups say 46 people were killed last year as police violently quashed demonstrations calling for democratic reforms. Police put the death toll at 37. Simelane is among a group of lawmakers who have advocated for changes to the country’s complex system of non-party elections that critics says ensures King Mswati III faces no meaningful dissent.

 

Sive Siyinqaba: LaZwide's victory is a big lesson to tinkhundla regime

By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek 3 August, 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE - Sive Siyinqaba Sibahle Sinje National Movement, MP LaZwide’s election victory is a confirmation of a political conscious generation of Eswatini who embraces democracy.

This was revealed in a statement by Sibahle Sinje’s acting chairman Ngomyayona Matoni Gamedze.

“May I, on behalf of Sive Siyinqaba National Movement, take this opportunity to congratulate the Swaziland Liberation Movement for winning the constituency seat in Siphofaneni and choosing to keep it home. The victory by Swalimo’s Comrade Nomalungelo Simelane popularly known as LaZwide is a confirmation that people heeded the calls for change and it is evident that democracy has successfully permeated the notorious system.

“The winds of change blowing across the country are unstoppable,” he added.

 

Gamedze said the claim that her win is about the credibility of Tinkhundla is self-fooling and an attempt of trying to convert a political defeat to a positive now that all efforts of undermining her candidacy failed dismally.

“From the day she was nominated, her nomination was a nightmare for the regime. Fortunately, there was very little the regime could do to her because the world was watching, hence supporting a rival candidate became an option.”

He said this scenario will be replicated in the next general elections. By no small measure this is a victory for political parties’ democracy against the outdated and undesirable Tinkhundla system.

Gameze explained that Swaziland needs to claim its rightful place in the nations of the world, not just as a quantity element but as an effective participant in the global affairs. The country needs to achieve its full potential and stop being a “skunk” of the international community that fails to honour its obligations and opting to shy away from regional summits.

In happier times the relationship between the Sive Siyinqaba and the monarchial systems was cosy before the fall out, under the tenure of late Prime Minister, Barnabas Dlamini.

 

Eswatini royal riches – the business of being king

By Inhlase Centre for Investigative Journalism, The Namibian, 3 August 2022

SOURCE

 

Never in the history of Eswatini has a king been directly involved in business.

King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of Eswatini, has changed that.

His vast business interests first raised eyebrows and set tongues wagging in 2004 when he acquired 10% shares at mobile telecommunications service provider MTN Swaziland.

The availability of the MTN shares in the market had not been advertised.

The Swaziland Post and Telecommunications Corporation, a public enterprise, had handed over its shares at MTN to the king on a silver platter. By giving the king 10%, the SPTC share was reduced to 41%.

By acquiring the shares, it was argued, the king had boldly and loudly announced his first move into business.

In 2009, Forbes Magazine listed King Mswati III as one of the 15 richest royals, worth about US$200 million.

In November 2018, he bought a fleet of about 12 Rolls Royces for himself and the royal family.

The purchase of these luxury vehicles was heavily criticised by among others the United States (US) embassy in Eswatini.

This purchase has intensified the criticism of King Mswati's lavish lifestyle, while 63% of his people live in abject poverty.

Since the open acquisition of shares at MTN, the king and the royal family have not looked back and have continued to expand their business interests.

In some businesses, it has been alleged, he is a sleeping shareholder.

Royal conglomerate

King Mswati's acquisition of businesses has been an addition to the royal 1968 conglomerate, Tibiyo Taka Ngwane, created by his father, King Sobhuza II, by a royal charter.

Tibiyo was established at independence by King Sobhuza, who stated the company was being set up to empower emaSwati, and to assist the government to develop the country.

However, as Tibiyo grew to become a significant player in business, its initial mandate changed significantly.

This change became more visible during the reign of King Mswati.

Tibiyo has turned into a behemoth that only serves the interests of the royal family.

Political formations in Eswatini are reported to have raised the matter of the royal family's wealth during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) troika's visit to the country on a fact-finding mission in July last year, following violent pro-democracy protests.

This was in the aftermath of the June 29 politically motivated unrest.

Boycotts and sabotage

In Eswatini, there are increasing public calls by pro-democracy campaigners to boycott business entities linked to King Mswati and the royal family, who are estimated to own about 50% of the country's economy.

Some of the businesses connected to the king, the royal family as well as others linked to the tinkhundla system of governance have also been sabotaged.

In March this year, for example, heavy machinery belonging to Inyatsi Construction, a company rumoured to be linked to the king, was burnt by unknown arsonists at Sicunusa where it was preparing to start construction of a road.

Inyatsi has been winning high-profile civil construction projects such as the construction of an international airport at Sikhuphe and the International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel.

The royal family's control of the economy is done through Tibiyo Taka Ngwane, which holds significant shares in different companies, mainly in the agricultural sector, particularly the sugar and forestry industry.

Coming out

There are other business entities believed to be cash cows of the royal family.

Others have come out in public to declare their shareholding as not connected to royalty to avoid being targeted by a disgruntled population tired of the royal family's greed, such as Southern Star, a haulage company.

Lincoln Motsa, a co-director of Linac Investments running the OK chain of stores in the country, did the same.

The other director, he said, is his wife.

For Motsa, it was too late, because three of his shops had already been torched.

As of the end of its financial year, 30 April, 2018, Tibiyo had assets worth E2,13 billion, according to its annual report.

Tibiyo Taka Ngwane holds 100% shares or less in some of the sugar companies in the country and holds large tracts of land which are home to its commercial forests.

In the sugar industry, Tibiyo is a 50% shareholder at the Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES).

The RES is the largest sugar production company in the country.

Writing in The Bridge, an online publication, Mandla Hlatshwayo, who is chairman of Letfusonkhe living in exile in South Africa, said Tibiyo received E130 million in dividends from RES in 2021.

At the establishment of RES scores of emaSwati had to move to give way to the sugarcane-growing project.

At Ubombo Sugar, the country's second largest sugar production company, Tibiyo is a 40% shareholder.

Tibiyo has a 50% shareholding at Inyoni Yami Swaziland Irrigation Scheme, which is involved in sugar cane farming and livestock.

Shares everywhere

Early in the year, Inhlase reported that another royal company, Silulu Royal Holdings, has been freely acquiring tracts of land and some were set aside for commercial forests for the benefit of the royal family.

Other farms, many of them under Silulu Royal Holdings, are owned by the king and the royal household.

Tibiyo has over the years also invested largely in property, finance services and others.

Tibiyo is a 40% shareholder at Bhunu Mall in Manzini, and owns the Eswatini Observer newspaper.

It holds 30% shares at Eswatini Development Finance Corporation, 25% shares at Simuye Plaza and 100% shares at Tibiyo Properties.

It owns 41,25% at Tibiyo Insurance Brokers.

In mining, the royal company has 25% shares at Maloma Colliery, an anthracite coal mine. The rest of the shares were previously held by Chancellor House, the ANC's investment wing.

The 75% shares initially held by Chancellor House have since changed hands and a local investor has taken over.

In the manufacturing sector, Tibiyo is a 40% shareholder at Swazi Beverages, a company that was burnt during last year's political unrest, and holds 26% shares at Parmalat Swaziland.

The investment company is a 100% shareholder at Tibiyo Leisure and Resorts, a five-star resort at eZulwini.

It also held 39,69 shares at Swazi Spa Holdings, now under liquidation.

It used to own 76% shareholding at the Royal Swazi National Shipping Corporation, which has been dormant for years.

Additional to these are numerous farms held by Tibiyo, and some are held by the king in a trust for the Swazi nation, but they essentially benefit the king and the royal family.

This article is produced by Inhlase Centre for Investigative Journalism from Eswatini. The story is part of 'The Palpable Stirrings of Change in Eswatini' series, with the support of the Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust under the Sylvester Stein Fellowship.

 

Union takes Zheng Yong garments to court over dismissal of 20 workers in Eswatini

Industriall, 4 August, 2022

SOURCE

Garment manufacturer Zheng Yong Swaziland has dismissed 20 workers for going on a strike for minimum living wages, and the Amalgamated Trade Unions of Swaziland (ATUSWA) is challenging the dismissals.

The five-week strike took place from April 5 to May 9 with the main demand being wage increases of at least E15 per hour or E2983 (US$179) per month. However, the employers awarded a paltry 7.25 per cent increase or E12 per hour.

The union says instead of engaging on the workers demand, the employers teamed up with the government and used strike breaking tactics and violence against the workers including teargassing them in their homes and threats of violence. According to the ITUC Global Rights Index for 2022, Eswatini is amongst the “10 worst countries for working people.”

Further, it’s been over three months since the garment manufacturer gave the dues that it is collecting from 1247 workers to the union. By not surrendering the dues as per the labour laws, Zheng Yong, which employs about 4000 workers, is flouting national labour laws, says ATUSWA which is affiliated to IndustriALL Global Union. The union says withholding the dues is a form of union busting as it violates Section 43 of the Industrial Relations Act which states that an employer “shall promptly remit” union dues after collection. ATUSWA argues that the employer’s actions can be construed as punishing workers for going on strike which is against the law.

To resist the push back, ATUSWA is taking Zheng Yong to the Industrial Court to challenge the dismissals and for violating workers freedom of association. Additionally, the union says the employer must respect trade union rights.

Wander Mkhonza, ATUSWA secretary general says: “Zheng Yong and other employers must improve working conditions in the garment and textile sector and not always resort to threats and legal action. Employers must engage with the union when there is a dispute instead of taking drastic action such as dismissing workers for striking for living wages.”

“Adopting an anti-union stance is detrimental to promoting industrial harmony between ATUSWA and Zheng Yong. The employer must pay living wages especially after recent increases in the cost of living. We recommend approaches that promote social dialogue and mediation and arbitration to resolve the dispute,” says Paule France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub Saharan Africa.

 

eSwatini unrest: Solidarity forces invade Zakhele police camp, fire hail of bullets.

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 3 August 2022

SOURCE

 

MANZINI: Members of the pro-democracy Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF) invaded Zakhele Police Camp on Wednesday evening and fired a hail of bullets.

The escalating political tension in eSwatini comes after Mswati refused to engage in a political dialogue and subsequently unleashed his security forces to kill dozens of civilians.

Reached for comments, the Spokesperson of the Solidarity Forces only confirmed that the forces were already inside eSwatini in preparation for operations.

“We will release a full report later, but the forces are already inside the country for operations,” said the Spokesperson of the Solidarity Forces.

Superintendent Phindile Vilakati had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Eswatini is in the midst of a political unrest after King Mswati unleashed soldiers and the police to shoot and kill dozens of protesting civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms.

 

Dirco to call in eSwatini High Commission over spokesperson saying South Africa is infected with crime

By Nicole McCain, News 24 (South Africa), 3 August 2022

SOURCE

 

The [South African] Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) will be calling in representatives from the Eswatini High Commission to explain statements made by a government spokesperson, stating that South Africa has a “cancer of criminality from head to toe”.

Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo was interviewed on SAfm on Tuesday, amid allegations that the foreign government is linked to the murder of Hillary Gardee, the daughter of former EFF secretary-general Godrich Gardee.

Gardee had claimed in a series of tweets that the Eswatini king was involved in the murder because the EFF had closed border posts in Eswatini in April for six hours during a protest.

Gardee did not provide any evidence for his claims.

In the interview with SAfm presenter Sakina Kamwendo, Nxumalo said it was “unjournalistic and unethical” to insult Eswatini's head of state.

Nxumalo previously told News24 that Gardee’s claims were “wild and empty allegations”.

During the radio interview, Nxumalo said his government did not want to dignify the allegations with a response:

“Our [government] does not have a history of running after people [and] taking people down because they toyi-toyi at the border... I don't know why Gardee is valuing himself so highly.”

Nxumalo described the murder as an “unfortunate development” and said South Africa is “infected with the cancer of criminality from head to toe”.

He added Gardee should be working on bringing legislation to reduce the crime in South Africa, instead of trying to expose conspiracies.

Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela told News24 that the department would file a démarche with the kingdom’s high commissioner on Wednesday to seek an explanation.

“We certainly take a dim view of the comments made by Nxumalo. It was an unfortunate statement to make. We will seek to ascertain if this is the view of their government, or of an individual. We want to know what they are going to do about it. It was a wrong characterisation of South Africa. There is no country that is without crime,” he said.

On Friday, News24 reported that the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria had ordered the Hillary Gardee murder investigation to be handed over to the Hawks and for case to be treated with urgency.

This after the Gardee family said the police were not prioritising the case due to a lack of interest and media attention.

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: www.swazimedia.blogspot.com

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

Twitter: @Swazimedia

 

Swaziland’s largest university closed as students protest over unpaid scholarships

The largest university in Swaziland (eSwatini) has stopped in-class teaching and sent students home until further notice after protests against the non-payment of scholarships.

The move was confirmed on state radio by University of eSwatini (formerly UNISWA) Registrar Dr Salebona Simelane. He said classes would continue for students studying online during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

The closure which has become a regular event in recent years came as students called for a 60 percent increase in the level of scholarships. They also want all students who are qualified and want them to be given government scholarships. One immediate concern is that 1,500 first-year students who recently started courses have not been awarded scholarships.

They marched on parliament last week to deliver a petition. Students from the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology are also protesting.

Separately, Thulani Mkhaliphi, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, criticised the students on state radio. He reportedly said, ‘When we award scholarships, we analyse even the conduct of that child, respect is part of those qualities, we cannot award government scholarship to Emahlongandlebe (disrespecting individuals). They want a government scholarship but now they are protesting, we will monitor them very closely.’

The Swaziland News, an online newspaper, reported Mlamuli Gumedze, President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS), said students decided to protest because Mkhaliphi would not engage with them to explain why they were denied scholarships.

Mbongwa Dlamini, President for the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), said his union supported the students. Wander Mkhonza, Secretary General of the Amalgamated Trade Unions of Swaziland (ATUSWA) also added support.

The Swazi Government regularly pays student scholarships late and only after students engage in protest action. In August 2019 student leaders said police detained and tortured seven students after a protest march in the capital, Mbabane. They had marched to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to deliver a petition regarding the payment of allowances, scholarships for all admitted first year students and involvement of students in decision-making.

In November 2019 police fired live ammunition and shot a university student with a rubber bullet at the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) in Manzini during class boycotts. Students across the kingdom were angry that the government failed to keep its promise to pay them their allowances for books, accommodation and other equipment.

There is an ongoing dispute between students and the government over the payment of scholarships and allowances that cover fees, living expenses and items such as books. In May 2017, SNUS launched a campaign for scholarships for all. Students want all students admitted to higher learning institutions to have scholarships, regardless of the programme they are doing or the institution they are in.

 

See also

Swaziland Government breaks promise to pay overdue student allowances https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2020/01/swaziland-government-breaks-promise-to.html

Swaziland police hold and ‘torture’ students after protest march on Govt ministry

https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2019/08/swaziland-police-hold-and-torture.html

Swaziland police fire gunshots and shoot student with rubber bullet as campus protests continue https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2019/11/swaziland-police-fire-gunshots-and.html

Swaziland students boycott classes as Govt. breaks promise to pay allowances https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2019/11/swaziland-students-boycott-classes-as.html 

Move to call textile workers’ pay strike in Swaziland as firms give gifts to King

A trade union representing textile workers in Swaziland (eSwatini) is planning a strike before Christmas, accusing Taiwanese-owned businesses in the kingdom of colluding with the government to underpay employees.

They say the money the companies save will be presented to absolute monarch King Mswati III as tetfulo (gifts).

The Swaziland News, an online newspaper, reported on Tuesday that such gifts were normally given by people who wanted favours from the King.

The News reported Warnder Mkhonza, the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA), said most Taiwanese investors had royal connections. 

It added, ‘Mkhonza said they have noted that Taiwan was now funding government operations through various donations while on the other hand, workers are complaining of low wages.’

The News quoted Mkhonza saying, ‘Our country has become more like a Taiwanese colony and this has negative impact in the lives of the working class particularly the textile workers. The Taiwanese donate millions for social responsibility projects including cultural events like Incwala and Umhlanga. This happens while workers are complaining of low wages and government is staggering in addressing this issue because our authorities are highly connected and personally benefiting from Taiwan.’

The News added, ‘Mkhonza said the Taiwanese might be doing all this because they have since realized that corruption was legitimate in the country and running in the veins of the royal family.’

Mistreatment of workers in the textile industry in Swaziland has been known for many years and workers have staged strikes and other protests to draw attention to the situation.

ATUSWA is campaigning for a minimum wage of at least E3,000 (about US$250) per month. At present, it is reported most textile workers earn between E1,300 and E1,500 per month. They are supported by the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA). ATUSWA reported workers had been sacked for trying to join the union.

In July 2014 a survey of the Swazi textile industry undertaken by the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) revealed workers were subjected to harsh and sometimes abusive conditions, many of the kingdom’s labour laws were routinely violated by employers, and union activists were targeted by employers for punishment. More than 90 percent of workers surveyed reported being punished by management for making errors, not meeting quotas or missing shifts. 

More than 70 percent of survey respondents reported witnessing verbal and physical abuse in their workplace by supervisors.

In its report on human rights in Swaziland in 2013, the US State Department said wage arrears, particularly in the garment industry, were a problem. It said, ‘workers complained that wages were low and that procedures for getting sick leave approved were cumbersome in some factories. The minimum monthly wage for a skilled employee in the industry - including sewing machinists and quality checkers - was E1,128 (US$113 at the time). Minimum wage laws did not apply to the informal sector, where many workers were employed.

‘The garment sector also has a standard 48-hour workweek, but workers alleged that working overtime was compulsory because they had to meet unattainable daily and monthly production quotas.’

In September 2014 hundreds of workers at Tex Ray were affected by poisonous chemical fumes at the factory in Matsapha. Many needed hospital treatment and the factory was closed for several days.

In May 2015, it was estimated 3,000 people in the textile industry lost their jobs when the United States withdrew trading benefits under the Africa Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) because of Swaziland’s poor record on human rights which included workers’ rights.

Swaziland makes a lot of its relationship with Taiwan. It is the only nation in Africa that officially recognises Taiwan. In 2018 Taiwan gave the King US$1.3 million towards the cost of his 50^th birthday celebration. In April 2018 the King called on the United Nations to admit Taiwan to the organisation. Taiwan, which calls itself the Republic of China on Taiwan, is not recognised by the UN because the People’s Republic of China claims the territory as its own.

See also

Exploitation by Taiwan textiles

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2012/04/exploitation-by-taiwan-textiles.html