Swaziland Newsletter No. 950 – 30 October 2026

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 950 – 30 October 2026

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 and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

Justice for every victim of 2021 but are we ready for the full truth?

Editorial comment, Swazi Bridge, 28 October 2026

SOURCE 

This week, officials from the Attorney General’s office will fly to the United Nations offices in Geneva to explain what has become of the investigation into the murder of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko. Earlier this week Swazi Bridge reported that government has been forced to write a comprehensive response to the UN human rights body on the progress, or the lack thereof, on finding out what happened to Maseko. The message could not be clearer. The world has not forgotten Thulani. More than three years after his death, it still wants answers. On Sunday Swazi Bridge also reported on the confessions of the killers of Thulani Maseko. 

Our story put Maseko’s assassination back on the national agenda. Judging by the feedback, this country has not found closure. Our people still wants to know who killed Thulani and why. Two reactions, from the barrage on social media and emails, stood out for us though. The first came from the leader of one of the banned political parties. His comment was buried deep among many, but it stands out because of who he is and what he proposed. The people who can bring us real answers, he proposed, are the FBI, (or independent investigators of FBI calibre). 

That is a sharp observation, and a hard one to argue with. The second came from a senator, who had previously asked why we always isolate Thulani Maseko when we talk about the violence of 2021 and never the victims of the progressives’ violence. In particular, why does the media never demand justice for Chief Prince Mahloma of Zandondo, who was savagely killed by members of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF)? Here is the dichotomy: Maseko was a prominent and popular leader of the progressives while Prince Mahloma was a revered member of the royal family. The senator’s complaint therefore is that the focus on only one is unfair. That is a fair criticism, and it deserves an answer, not a shrug. 

Anyone who follows the progressives’ arguments can understand their frustration. Many people were killed by the police and army as the state tried to crush the 2021 uprising. The day the full scale of that brutality is revealed, many people will be embarrassed they cheer led the government. Consider, for example, the four boys killed by soldiers at Lobamba. They were not protesting. They were not burning anything. They were boys, and they are dead. Consider the young boy captured in the documentary “The Unthinkable”, who is today paralysed. Consider the woman who was allegedly burnt in a fire and spent almost two years in a South African hospital.

To this day she has received no justice. There are unconfirmed reports that some people were thrown into the fires at the Matsapha breweries. Their stories lie buried under the forced silence and the pretence of normalcy that has followed 2021. They are not the only ones. The eSwatini Solidarity Fund documentary managed to trace and document many people who were shot, killed and assaulted by the police and army. A full and transparent investigation by “the FBI”, as the party leader suggested, would expose the true scale of the state led terrorism. We have already heard confessions from the defecting police and correctional services officers who describe the nights they went out to kill, and who came back to recount it in the camps. 

Yet the country never conducted a full investigation that could help us all heal. Many of the soldiers and police who were ordered to kill are mentally disturbed or depressed today because haunted by what they were made to do. Sadly the low ranking junior officers men who did the dirty work for the authorities carry the scars, and have nowhere to lay down the guilt, the pain and the moral weight of it and are to this day refused their legitimate salary adjustment.

To read more of this commentary, click here

https://swazibridge.com/article/index.php?iywtrre=eFuu

 

See also

eSwatini blames widow for stalled Maseko murder probe, offers conditional international cooperation (Swazi Bridge)

https://swazibridge.com/article/index.php?iywtrre=eFur

Thulani Maseko assasination files (Swazi Bridge)

https://swazibridge.com/article/index.php?iywtrre=eFuq

 

1 516 girls drop out of school due to pregnancy

By Timothy Simelane, Times of eSwatini, 27 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A total of 1 516 girls left school due to pregnancy between 2023 and 2025, while the number of reported violence cases in schools increased from 45 in 2023 to 204 in 2024–2025.

This has raised concerns about learner protection and retention in Eswatini’s education system.

The figures are contained in a presentation on the Guidance and Counselling Programme, delivered by Acting Director of Guidance Londiwe Ngci Dube during the 2026 Education Joint Sector Review (JSR) Indaba, held at Sibane Sami from October 26 to 28.

According to the presentation, the number of primary school girls who left school due to pregnancy increased from 88 in 2023 to 180 in 2025, representing a rise of about 105 per cent. At secondary school level, the figure increased from 964 to 1 336 over the same period, a 39 per cent increase.

The presentation warned that pregnancy was the leading recorded reason for school dropout, while other reasons, including abuse at home, substance use and bullying, also increased.

The figures are counts rather than dropout rates, and the presentation cautioned that some of the increase could be attributed to improved reporting. It said enrolment figures were needed to calculate accurate dropout rates.

The presentation was made under the JSR’s deep dive into equitable access, participation and inclusion. During the ongoing Education Sector Review at Sibane Sami Hotel.  It assessed progress in guidance and counselling services against the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) 2022–2034, particularly the commitment to assist learners at risk of dropping out.

To read more of this report, click here

https://times.co.sz/47244/news/1-516-girls-drop-out-of-school-due-to-pregnancy/

 

King calls for no hungry student project at UNESWA

By Melisa Msweli, eSwatini Observer, 25 October 2026

SOURCE 

UNESWA Chancellor His Majesty King Mswati III on his way to the main arena for the 44th
graduation Ceremony at Kwaluseni Campus (Pic: Lucky Simelane)

His Majesty King Mswati III has called for the implementation of the No Hungry Student Project at the University of Eswatini to ensure students receive the nutritional support they need.

The king outlined challenges facing the institution and called for measures to support students.

He said the project should be implemented to ensure learners had access to the nutritional support they needed while pursuing their studies.

The call formed part of His Majesty’s wider remarks on the need to improve conditions at the university as it continues to educate young people and contribute to national development.

The King also highlighted the challenge of student accommodation, saying only 2 900 out of 9 000 students had access to on-campus housing.

He said the majority were left in potentially unsafe off-campus situations and called for public-private partnerships to address the housing challenge.

His Majesty said UNESWA required E1 billion in capital investment to modernise teaching spaces, expand ICT facilities and enhance security measures.

He encouraged public and private sector partners to continue supporting the university through infrastructure funding, research grants and technology transfer.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/king-calls-for-no-hungry-student-project-at-uneswa/

See also

King Mswati urges UNESWA graduates to consider creating jobs amid scarcity of employment opportunities (Swaziland News)

https://swazilandnews.co.za/articles/40061

 

UN advances inclusion at Ekwetsembeni special school

By Gcwalisile Mhlabane, eSwatini Positive News, 27 October 2026

SOURCE 

EKWETSEMBENI: The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities through a visit to Ekwetsembeni Special School, where learners received staple food donations and support towards essential plumbing repairs.

The visit, held on October 26, 2026, brought together UN representatives, learners, teachers, caregivers and school leadership for a day centred on solidarity, inclusion and the shared responsibility of ensuring that no one is left behind.

The UN family donated staple food items and contributed towards plumbing repairs to support the school’s daily operations and the wellbeing of learners. The contributions reflected the collective commitment of the UN system, alongside the generosity of individual staff members.

Speaking on behalf of UN staff, Staff Federation President Zanele Thabede emphasised the importance of solidarity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“Building inclusive communities requires all of us to stand together and ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with dignity, afforded equal opportunities and supported to participate meaningfully in society,” Thabede said.

She stressed that inclusion should extend beyond words to practical actions that address the needs of vulnerable groups and ensure that everyone feels valued in their communities.

UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira reaffirmed that inclusion and equality are central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The promise of the 2030 Agenda is clear: to leave no one behind. This means ensuring that everyone, including persons with disabilities, has the opportunity to live with dignity and access the support they need to thrive,” Wachira said.

He emphasised that building a just and compassionate society requires collective responsibility, meaningful partnerships and deliberate efforts to address the needs of people who require additional support.

Wachira also paid tribute to Ekwetsembeni Special School’s teachers and caregivers for their dedication, patience and compassion in creating a nurturing environment where learners can develop their abilities and reach their full potential.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/un-advances-inclusion-at-ekwetsembeni-special-school/

 

King Mswati allegedly backed by the United States to maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 26 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: King Mswati is allegedly backed by the United States (US) to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan; an Island historically regarded as a Chinese Province and in terms of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2758 of 1971.

It has been disclosed that, the US now regards Eswatini as a key strategic diplomatic partner in southern Africa amid deteriorating relations with the neighbouring South Africa.
As a result, diplomatic relations were strengthened with Eswatini by the current United States President Donald Trump administration.

But two ‘political competitors’ in the US have different views or positions regarding the issue of Eswatini, President Barack Obama’s Democrats political party has been vigorously supporting the calls for democratic reforms in the Sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute Monarchy while President Donald Trump’s Republicans “supports the Monarchy and/or the current ruling Tinkhundla system of Government in the Kingdom”.

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/articles/40091

See also

The China-Taiwan diplomatic war is more about politics than economics (The Diplomat)

https://thediplomat.com/2026/10/the-china-taiwan-diplomatic-war-is-more-about-politics-than-economics/

 

eSwatini repatriates 11 third-country nationals

By Stanley Khumalo, Times of eSwatini, 25 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Eswatini has repatriated 11 third-country nationals since July 2025 under an arrangement with the United States Government.

The latest to return home is a national of Guinea who departed Eswatini on Friday and arrived in his country on Saturday.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli announced this in a statement yesterday, saying the individual had voluntarily returned to his country-of-origin following arrangements to facilitate his repatriation.

According to the statement, the latest departure brings the total number of third-country nationals repatriated from Eswatini to 11 since the arrangement with the US Government commenced in July 2025.

Government said it continued to work with relevant national authorities and international partners to facilitate the safe and orderly return of the individuals to their respective countries.

It added that the process was being conducted in accordance with applicable laws and procedures, with due regard for the rights, dignity and well-being of those concerned.

Government also reassured the nation that it remained committed to managing the process responsibly and making the necessary arrangements to support the individuals’ safe onward travel.

It said it would continue to inform the public of significant developments concerning third-country nationals temporarily residing in the country, where appropriate.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 912 – 30 January 2026

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 912 – 30 January 2026

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 and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

Govt breach­ing UN chil­dren’s rights con­ven­tion - Par­ents

Sunday Observer (eSwatini) Press Reader edition, 25 January 2026 

Par­ents have joined the Swazi­l­and National Asso­ci­ation of Teach­ers (SNAT) in con­demning gov­ern­ment’s hand­ling of sweep­ing edu­ca­tion reforms.

They warned that the rushed rol­lout of Com­pet­ency-Based Edu­ca­tion (CBE) and a new four-year sec­ond­ary school pro­gramme amounts to poor gov­ernance and is a breach of an inter­na­tional chil­dren’s rights con­ven­tion.

Eswat­ini Schools Com­mit­tee and Par­ents Asso­ci­ation (ESCAPA) Pres­id­ent Cedric Chirwa said the asso­ci­ation fully agrees with the Swazi­l­and National Asso­ci­ation of Teach­ers (SNAT) that the min­istry of edu­ca­tion and train­ing was press­ing ahead with reforms without proper con­sulta­tion, adequate pre­par­a­tion or trans­par­ency, des­pite schools open­ing on Tues­day.

Chirwa said par­ents were neither con­sul­ted nor given access to reports eval­u­at­ing pilot pro­grammes, leav­ing them in the dark about what kind of edu­ca­tion their chil­dren will receive. “We agree with SNAT and it is even more alarm­ing that par­ents have also not been engaged,” Chirwa said.

“We have not seen any report on CBE or on the four-year pro­gramme. Par­ents do not know what edu­ca­tion will be taught to their chil­dren, and teach­ers them­selves are con­fused. That is a wor­ry­ing state of affairs as schools open,” he added. The cri­ti­cism comes as gov­ern­ment pre­pares to intro­duce CBE across sec­ond­ary schools and restruc­ture the sys­tem into a single four-year cycle cov­er­ing Grades 8 to 11.

The min­istry says the reforms will pri­or­it­ise prac­tical skills, cre­ativ­ity and mas­tery of com­pet­en­cies, while mov­ing away from tra­di­tional exam rank­ings and intro­du­cing new sub­jects such as music, dance, fine art and drama.

Chirwa said the man­ner in which the reforms are being imposed may place Eswat­ini in breach of the United Nations Con­ven­tion on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which the coun­try is a sig­nat­ory.

“Art­icle 29 of the Con­ven­tion defines the aims of edu­ca­tion and also recog­nises the liberty of par­ents to choose the kind of edu­ca­tion they want to give to their chil­dren,” he said.

“By not con­sult­ing par­ents and other stake­hold­ers, and by with­hold­ing key reports, gov­ern­ment is going against that con­ven­tion,” he added. While care­ful to avoid incit­ing lan­guage, ESCAPA warned that side­lin­ing par­ents risks deep­en­ing mis­trust and entrench­ing divi­sions around edu­ca­tion policy.

“This is dan­ger­ous because it cre­ates a situ­ation where one party sees itself as always right and the other as oppos­i­tion. That is not what we want. We want to move together, to speak openly about how to improve the sys­tem and agree on the way for­ward,” he stated.

He cau­tioned that without trans­par­ency and shared own­er­ship, failed reforms could degen­er­ate into blame-shift­ing rather than account­ab­il­ity.

“If it fails, people will point fin­gers, and oth­ers will defend decisions even when they know things were done wrongly, simply for the sake of defend­ing,” he said.

At the core of par­ents’ frus­tra­tion, accord­ing to him, is the absence of pub­licly avail­able reports on the per­form­ance of CBE at primary school level and on the pilot of the four-year sec­ond­ary pro­gramme con­duc­ted in selec­ted schools last year.

Without these, ESCAPA argues, there is no evid­ence base for scal­ing the reforms nation­wide.

“These reports should have been avail­able not only to par­ents, but also to the media, so they could be inter­preted and explained to the wider pub­lic,” Chirwa said.

 

Three years on, justice denied for assassinated eSwatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko as Amnesty International demands independent investigation

By Abigail Jele, Swaziland News, 28 January 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: It’s been three solid years since the assassination of Thulani Maseko, a highly respected human rights lawyer who was shot dead at his home on 21 January 2023 in Eswatini. 

Three years on, no one has been held accountable for his killing, his assassination sent shockwaves across the country, the region, and the international human rights community, and remains a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who defend human rights in Eswatini.

As demands for justice continue, Amnesty International has raised serious concerns about the slow pace and lack of transparency surrounding investigations into his death.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Amnesty International Southern Africa Coordinator stated that, even though the motive behind Maseko’s assassination “remains unclear”, they strongly believe he was murdered for defending human rights.

“Although the motive behind his killing remains unclear, Amnesty International has reason to believe that Thulani Maseko was murdered in connection with his work as a human rights defender and lawyer. Amnesty International is concerned that the search for those responsible for his violent death is dragging on, despite longstanding calls from civil society organizations, governments and intergovernmental organizations for an independent investigation into his murder.

Amnesty International calls on King Mswati III. to promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigate the unlawful killing of Thulani Maseko and to bring any responsible individuals to justice in a fair trial. Amnesty International also urges that Thulani Maseko’s family be granted access to justice and effective legal remedies. They must also be protected from intimidation”, said the Amnesty International Coordinator.

Three years after his killing, justice for Thulani Maseko remains elusive and continued absence of accountability not only deepens the pain of his family but also entrenches a culture of impunity that places all human rights defenders at risk.

 

‘Expel them’: eSwatini minister sparks alarm with anti-LGBTQ school rhetoric

By Luiz De Barros, Mamba Online, 28 January 2026

SOURCE  

LGBTQ+ young people have come under attack in Eswatini after the country’s Education Minister called for queer school pupils to be expelled, comparing them to gangsters.

According to local media, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo made the troubling remarks on Tuesday while visiting schools in the capital, Mbabane, to mark the start of the academic year.

Nxumalo claimed that learners in the southern African nation were being “coerced” into what he described as “unacceptable behaviour”, including gangsterism and homosexuality.

He told scholars and staff that same-sex relationships had no place in schools because they conflicted with religious beliefs and cultural traditions.

“We do not know where these practices come from, and we rebuke them in the name of Jesus,” Nxumalo was quoted as saying. “One fails to understand why a girl would convince another girl to fall in love with her.”

The minister added, “I will not tolerate any issues that come with homosexual relationships in our schools,” and vowed to personally ensure that any pupils involved in such relationships were expelled.

Nxumalo reportedly also praised US President Donald Trump’s stance on the LGBTQ+ community, describing it as the correct position to take.

LGBTIQ+ advocacy group Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM) expressed its “deep concern” about the minister’s statements, noting that the Constitution guarantees equality and that every Swazi child has the right to education.

“Expelling learners on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation or gender expression directly undermines these constitutional and statutory protections,” ESGM said in a statement.

“Such actions risk denying children their right to education, exposing them to stigma, violence, and long-term harm.”

The group stressed that “sexual orientation and gender identity are not misconduct” and said that “schools have a duty to address behaviour in a manner that is lawful, non-discriminatory, and consistent with child protection principles, not through exclusion or fear.”

ESGM called on the Ministry of Education and Training to ensure that schools are safe and inclusive environments for all learners, and to stop making statements that encourage discrimination, bullying or the exclusion of vulnerable children.

Eswatini remains one of the world’s last absolute monarchies and has a poor record on human rights. Although not actively enforced, men “suspected” of sodomy can be arrested without a warrant under the Criminal Procedure Act of 1938.

ESGM has been engaged in a years-long legal battle to overturn the government’s refusal, despite a court order, to register the organisation as an official entity.

 See also

Minister’s same-sex relationships statement: Minister must retract – CANGO (eSwatini Observer)

https://eswatiniobserver.com/ministers-same-sex-relationships-statement-minister-must-retract-cango/

 

15 minors raped in just 25 days

By Bongiwe Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 26 January 2026

SOURCE 

At least 15 children under the age of 18 have been raped since the beginning of the year.

These statistics are according to cases that were officially reported to the police across the country.

The latest case was reported in Mankayane on January 21, where a four-year-old girl was raped allegedly by her 18-year-old neighbour. The incident happened at Nhlotjeni in December.

Sources close to the matter said the four-year-old and other minors usually went to the 18-year-old man’s home to play.

All seemed normal until early last week when the four-year-old girl’s mother overheard some children older than her daughter discussing what the teenager did to them when they went to play at his home.

Surprised, the mother is said to have then called her daughter aside and asked her what happened to them when they were playing at the neighbour’s home.

“The girl narrated that they were violated by the 18-year-old. Her mother reported the matter to the police, while parents and guardians of the rest of the children said they were still to discuss the matter,” said a source.

The suspect has not been arrested yet, as confirmed by Acting Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze.

This case is at least the 15th to be reported to the police this month.

The cases reportedly happened in various areas in all four regions of the country.

The Lubombo region leads with six cases, followed by the Manzini and Hhohho regions with four cases each.

Only one case has so far been reported in the Shiselweni region.

More than half of the survivors of abuse are under 14 years, while at least four are aged 10 or below, indicating extreme vulnerability among younger children.

In the majority of the cases, the alleged perpetrators are known to the victims, including relatives such as uncles, cousins, stepfathers, neighbours, and boyfriends.

This points to abuse occurring largely within trusted environments such as homes, family settings and neighbourhoods, as previously articulated by SWAGAA in its latest report (December 2025).

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatiniobserver.com/15-minors-raped-in-just-25-days/

 

The King’s Imbasha: How royal patronage is bankrupting the State

Opinion by Velaphi Mamba, Swaziland News, 25 January 2026

SOURCE 

King Mswati III has long relied on cultural nationalism as a substitute for democratic legitimacy. 

Culture, in his hands, is not simply heritage but a governing technology that is employed to manufacture obedience, suppress dissent, and convert public resources into royal loyalty. 

Under the banner of tradition, state power is reproduced not through accountable institutions but through ritual, spectacle, and increasingly, cash incentives meant to buttress a patronage system that has now bankrupted the country.

It is within this context that the practice of imbasha must be understood. Following the weeding of the King’s fields after the Incwala ceremony, regiments are paid a cash stipend, framed as cultural appreciation and a symbol of the king’s benevolence. 

This year alone, the reported cost of imbasha reached a staggering E45 million. At E1,000 per regiment member, this implies that roughly 45,000 people will be paid representing only 3.75% of Eswatini’s population of approximately 1.2 million. Fewer than four out of every hundred emaSwati will receive this benefit, while the remaining 96% are excluded, many facing chronic unemployment, food insecurity, and failing public services. 

It is important to also highlight the fact that imbasha is paid to men and boys only, who are the ones that culturally weed the king’s fields. The gender dimensions of the matter should therefore not go unnoticed.

The imbasha stipend is not a marginal expense nor a once-off gesture. If imbasha continues at E45 million per year and the 45 000 regiments’ figure remains constant, the state will have spent E450 million over a decade buying loyalty from a narrow segment of society. Nearly half a billion Emalangeni will have been transferred not through developmental programmes or social protection, but through a patronage system designed to reward ritual compliance and entrench royal hegemony. 

This is not a sustainable national redistributive program but selective appeasement, financed by a state already massively failing to meet its most basic obligations. The swelling numbers to weed the king’s fields are not a sign of the people’s love of culture and the king. 

They are emblematic of the economic desperation of the masses.

Worse still, the imbasha system is riddled with corruption and opacity. The money does not reach regiment members through transparent, auditable payment mechanisms. Instead, it is channelled through layers of traditional leadership – tindvuna and royal structures where discretion replaces accountability. 

This creates fertile ground for skimming, favouritism, and exclusion. Numerous accounts indicate that not all regiments receive the full E1,000, while others receive nothing at all, depending on their proximity to power. Portions of the E45 million vanish before reaching the intended recipients, shrinking even further the already tiny share of emaSwati who benefit. 

The absence of beneficiary registers, payment trails, independent audits, or parliamentary oversight means that tens of millions of Emalangeni are being moved annually in ways that offend basic principles of public finance management and potentially violate anti–money laundering laws. In any functioning state, such cash-heavy, politically controlled disbursements would trigger an investigation. 

In Eswatini, they are normalized and we are witnessing money laundering by the king in plain sight. This is egregious exercise of public finances and needs to be revisited.

King Mswati (centre) during the end of 2025-2026 Incwala ceremony

To read more of this commentary, click here

http://www.swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=11208

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 857 – 13 December 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 857 – 13 December 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.

 

Human rights triumph in eSwatini top court ruling

Legalbrief Africa, 9 December 2024

SOURCE 

In an extraordinary judgment, the highest court in eSwatini has come out in support of human rights and against the kingdom’s police chief. This is almost unheard of, particularly in the way that it outlines constitutional principles that must rule in democratic countries, writes Carmel Rickard on the Legalbrief site. The judgment, she writes, is one for the record books: most unusual in a state whose human rights credentials are constantly questioned. This is a judgment for the record books: Eswatini’s highest court has come out in favour of human rights and against the established order in that kingdom. All most unusual in a state whose human rights credentials are constantly questioned. The case is an appeal by the Royal Eswatini Police Service staff association (Reposa) against a decision of the High Court in 2022. The High Court found in favour of Eswatini’s National Commissioner of Police, the Commission of Correctional Services and the Attorney-General. And the earlier court judgment is typical of what observers might have expected. The Supreme Court decision, however, delivered with commendable speed on 29 November, can only be described a milestone.

The dispute between the two sides has its origins in a circular, issued by the Ministry of Public Service in 2014. At the time, writes Rickard on the Legalbrief site, it was said that the circular was at least in part intended to improve the lives and welfare of members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service by increasing their salaries. But what happened in fact was something different. It was to be implemented in two phases, the first would affect senior officers and it was immediately put in place. Phase two, affecting the more junior members, has never been implemented. As the Supreme Court put it, ‘government reneged from its legal obligations as contained in the circular, after awarding senior officers lofty salaries.’ Of course, this led to ill feeling between the junior and senior officers, and, as the Supreme Court wrote, by failing to live up to its promises and creating that ill-will, the action of non-implementation ‘was itself a threat to national security’. The junior officers were vulnerable, but their seniors were insulated in every way. And when the junior staff wanted their share of the money promised in the circular, the Commissioner of Police used his disciplinary powers to challenge the way the juniors went about expressing their complaints, namely presenting their grievances through a petition, delivered after a completely peaceful march, to the Prime Minister, their line officer. The Prime Minister’s office received their petition most cordially, and agreed to deal with their problem.

 

One Billion Rising wants women to be allowed to abort or willingly terminate pregnancy

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 10 December, 2024

SOURCE 

One Billion Rising wants women to be allowed to abort, Coordinator Colani Hlatjwako says unsafe abortion a national crisis

MBABANE: “Unsafe abortion is a silent epidemic claiming the lives of countless women and girls worldwide, including in Eswatini, Colani Hlatjwako, the One Billion Rising Africa Coordinator told this Swaziland News.

During the recent Interface dialogue at Zikhotheni community held at Galile Sports ground last month, the issue of unsafe abortion was discussed at length, young women face preventable deaths or life-altering complications because they lack access to safe, legal, and affordable reproductive healthcare. 

Members of the community said “this harsh reality forces many to seek dangerous alternatives, risking their health and lives”.

The One Billion Rising Coordinator further mentioned that, unsafe abortion in Eswatini “is rooted in poverty”, stigma, and inadequate access to reproductive health services. 

“Many young women, particularly in rural areas like Zikhotheni Galile, lack access to affordable contraception and reproductive health education. Faced with unplanned pregnancies and societal pressure, they often turn to unsafe methods performed by unqualified practitioners”, said the One Billion Rising Africa Coordinator.

 

In shocking breach of Constitution 52 politicians fail to declare assets, stand to lose jobs

By Nonduduzo Kunene, Times of eSwatini, 11 December 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A total of 52 politicians have not declared their assets and liabilities before the Commission of Human Rights and Public Administration (CHRPA)/Integrity.

This was disclosed by the commission yesterday during the commemoration of International Human Rights Day and 15 years of the commission’s existence in Eswatini. The shocking figures of Members of Parliament (MPs), senators and Cabinet ministers, who have contravened the supreme law of the country, were disclosed by Human Rights Examiner, Nelisiwe Zwane. Zwane presented before the commemoration delegates, who included the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, United Nations (UN) organs, civil society organisations and other government officials.

The officer stated that one of the activities of the commission this year was to ensure that parliamentarians and politicians honour their obligation and declare assets before the commission. According to Section 241 of the Constitution of Eswatini, a person who holds public office shall submit to the Commission of Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity a written declaration of all property, assets owned by, or any benefit gained or liabilities, owed by the holder of that office whether directly or indirectly. The first declaration should be done within six months after the commencement of the integrity commission or before taking office, as the case may be. The declaration is expected to be conducted after two years in office as well as at the end of their term. This is a significant constitutional provision that helps to increase transparency and trust in leadership, preventing conflict of interest and the acquisition of illicit assets or attainment of wealth through corrupt practices.

The commission, on October 10, was in Parliament for the declaration of assets and liabilities exercise. After a poor turnout, the declaration period was extended to November 10, 2024. Last week, the commission was still in Parliament assisting senators who, needed help during the exercise, but the turnout was still poor. The 12th Parliament MPs were sworn in on October 6, 2023, in Parliament, and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker were also elected on the day.  Zwane stated that out of 59 elected MPs and 10 appointees, only 28 declared their assets and liabilities. Out of 30 senators, of whom 10 are elected by the Electoral College and 20 appointed, only 14 honoured their constitutional obligation.

This means that even the 20 senators appointed by His Majesty the King, have contravened the supreme law.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/148499-in-shocking-breach-of-constitution-52-politicians-fail-to-declar.html

See also

Politicians not declaring assets serious concern – CANGO

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23187

 

High eSwatini suicide rate: Are police investigations enough?

By Joseph Zulu, Times of Eswatini Press Reader edition, 7 December 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Eswatini is facing a troubling rise in reported suicides, leading to questions about the preparedness of police officers to investigate these deaths effectively.

Since January, there have been 110 reported suicide cases, reflecting a 13.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

While the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has expressed concern over these escalating numbers, some members of the community and even police officers are questioning whether the detectives responsible for determining the causes of death are adequately equipped to establish whether these cases are genuine suicides or potential foul play.

In just 48 hours, a fortnight ago this publication reported three suicides: Two men and one woman.

The two men were found dead near a locality called Ndvwabaneni under Mhlangatane, while the woman was from a neighbouring community known as Sihhoye.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 globally, with 73 per cent of these cases occurring in low and middle-income countries like Eswatini.

The WHO emphasises that suicide prevention requires a multi-sectoral approach, incorporating public health interventions, mental health services and thorough forensic investigations to identify and address underlying causes.

Discussing these concerns, an unnamed police officer stated that typically, the police rely on a pathologist to determine the actual cause of death when reported.

He noted that a medical doctor may not immediately ascertain whether a gunshot wound to the head was self-inflicted or a result of an attack.

“In developed countries, a collaborative analysis of the scene by both police and medical experts usually helps reach a conclusive determination of the actual cause of death,” said the officer.

The officer pointed out that the absence of specialised investigative units to address suicides in Eswatini contrasts sharply with advanced countries, where police departments often have dedicated teams for suicide prevention and investigation.

He emphasised that suspected suicides should undergo thorough investigations to rule out foul play but mentioned that limited resources and training pose significant challenges.

Moreover, it was reported that the REPS lacks a fully equipped laboratory for post-mortem forensics; body tissues or samples are often sent to South Africa for medical analysis.

 

Assassinated eSwatini highly regarded lawyer and PUDEMO leader Thulani Maseko awarded by the United States for human rights and constitutional reforms advocacy

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 11 December, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Assassinated eSwatini highly regarded human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko has been awarded by the United States (US) for his role in advocating for human rights and constitutional reforms in this tiny undemocratic Kingdom.

Maseko was awarded by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday and the award was accepted by his wife Tanele Maseko.

The assassinated human rights lawyer was a member of eSwatini’s main and largest political party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO).

In a public statement sent to this Swaziland News, Brian Sangweni, the PUDEMO Spokesperson expressed gratitude to the United States for honoring the late human rights lawyer.

“The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, the Government of the United States of America, and the people of America for honoring Comrade Thulani Maseko with the Secretary’s Human Rights Defenders Award. The award was received on his behalf by his wife, Comrade Tenele Maseko, herself a dedicated Human Rights Defender. The Secretary’s Human Rights Defenders Award, given by the U.S. Department of State, honors individuals or groups for their extraordinary commitment to promoting human rights in difficult and dangerous conditions. The award amplifies their voices, provides visibility as a protective measure, and acknowledges their impactful work. Criteria include exceptional courage, leadership in justice and accountability, and demonstrable community impact. It highlights defenders’ sacrifices, inspires advocacy, and strengthens international solidarity, encouraging global movements to continue pursuing justice, freedom, and the rule of law. This recognition emphasizes the vital role of human rights defenders in creating meaningful change worldwide”, reads the statement in part.

Eswatini is an absolute Monarchy, human rights defenders are arrested, tortured and killed for demanding democracy while political parties are banned from participating in elections.

See also

Human rights a basis for peace, stability, says EU in Eswatini

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/eswatini/human-rights-basis-peace-stability-says-eu-eswatini_en

 

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