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

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

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

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

 

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

 

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. 842 – 30 August 2024

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 842 – 30 August 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.

 

Army ready to prevent unrest - minister

By Siboniso Nkambule, Times of eSwatini, 27 August 2024

SOURCE 

LOBAMBA: The Acting Minister of National Defence and Security, Pholile Shakantu, has assured senators that the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) remains vigilant to prevent a recurrence of the June 2021 unrest. While emphasising the military’s readiness, Shakantu highlighted that the true priority lies in fostering peace among emaSwati. She also stressed the importance of promoting peace across all sectors of the nation’s structures, urging collective efforts to ensure stability. This was disclosed yesterday, when the Ministry of National Defence and Security was presenting its first quarter performance report for the year 2024/25 financial year before its Senate portfolio committee.

The committee members had questioned the minister about the army’s readiness to protect the country against foreign elements that would want to disturb peace. Senator Fezeka Dlamini said there were elements that infiltrated the country in 2021.Dlamini asked for the ministry’s assurance, questioning what they were doing to ensure that what happened during the June 2021 unrest was not repeated. She said emaSwati love peace and they appreciate it in the country. Adding, Dlamini mentioned that they were happy to see that the national airspace was safeguarded, both in peace and wartime. She, however, raised concerns about the aircraft that need to undergo major servicing, but due to a lack of budget, that mandate was not achieved.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146800-army-ready-to-prevent-unrest-minister.html

See also

Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu says army ready to ‘shoot and kill’ those who might trigger another political unrest.

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=7235

 

International team of investigative journalists to take over human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s assassination case as a ‘special project’

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 28 August, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A team of highly skilled international investigative journalists is expected to commence a high-level investigation into human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s assassination.

This was confirmed by Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor of this Swaziland News who urged the public to assist in ensuring the success of the investigation.

“I was contacted two weeks ago by an international human rights organization and formally informed that, the investigation by the international investigative journalists will commence soon. We urge the public to assist the journalists with any information, potential sources will be contacted anonymously and the journalists are skilled in the gathering of information and protection of sources”, said the editor.

Dlamini said the assassination of the human rights lawyer, remains an unresolved case of international interest, he urged more human rights organizations, including those under the United Nations (UN), to consider commissioning more independent investigations to investigate the death of the lawyer.

Maseko, the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF) was assassinated at the peak of the political unrest and, at the time, he was preparing for a political dialogue as recommended by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

 

The late human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko

eSwatini to roll out first women-controlled HIV prevention product

News Release, IPPF, 26 August 2024

SOURCE 

IPPF’s [International Planned Parenthood Federation] Member Association in Eswatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), is soon to roll out the first women-controlled HIV prevention product, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR). FLAS will be among the first organisations to offer the DVR outside implementation or pilot studies anywhere in the world. Made of flexible silicone, the ring is inserted into the vagina by a woman and slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV.

In 2023, in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections and every week, 3100 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years [LM5] became infected with HIV. Therefore, there continues to be an urgent need for HIV prevention methods that females can use to protect themselves.

The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month.

The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception.

The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention. This need for women-controlled HIV prevention products has long been advocated for, with the African Women Prevention Community Accountability Board launching the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto in early 2023. The Choice Manifesto prioritises the principle of choice to ensure that women and girls have the right to choose which HIV prevention methods work for them. Currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.

To read more on this, click here

https://www.ippf.org/media-center/eswatini-roll-out-first-women-controlled-hiv-prevention-product

 

Arrests looming in home affairs investigation

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times Sunday, 25 August 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The net is closing in on civil servants who are implicated in the fraudulent activities at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This is because the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which has been conducting investigations, has reportedly completed its work. This publication has gathered that the ACC has completed its work and around 10 officers are set to face the music. Having concluded the investigation, it was gathered that ACC officers were already working on an application to obtain warrants of arrests for the implicated individuals. Sources revealed that if all goes according to plan, the arrests would be effected in the next coming days. Called for comment, ACC Acting Commissioner Maphevu Mkhatjwa said while the commission has completed its investigation, he could not say when the arrests would be effected. Mkhatjwa argued that it was not wise to reveal anything, as such would jeopardise whatever investigation they carried out. He then referred this reporter to ACC Spokesperson Jabu Phakathi who, however, told this reporter that she was not aware of any planned arrests.

Phakathi reminded this reporter that the entity operates within the ambit of the law which prohibits the disclosure of information or details of any person who is the subject of an enquiry or investigation. The ACC has a three-pronged legal mandate of prevention whereby it is supposed to examine practices and procedures and advice on ways of preventing corruption.

It also has an education role of empowering the public and private bodies and the general public on the forms and dangers of corruption.  Furthermore, the ACC has the function of investigation which is to receive and investigate complaints of alleged or suspected corrupt practices made against any person, and refer appropriate cases to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).  

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146757-arrests-looming-in-home-affairs-investigation.html

 

Imbali warned against same-sex relations

By Sibusiso Shange, Times of eSwatini, 28 August 2024

SOURCE 

LUDZIDZINI: Imbali has been warned against engaging in same sex relations during the course of the Reed Dance. The annual Reed Dance, known as Umhlanga, is an annual event where maidens from all four regions of the country assembly in one place, for the fetching of reed from swamps, with instruction from His Majesty King Mswati III. The reed is then used to cover enclosures (emaguma) in the country’s royal residences and royal kraals.

During the event, which is aimed at encouraging the girl child to preserve her purity, the young girls are afforded the opportunity to showcase their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire world.  The event is not limited to emaSwati, but open to other African tribes with the same belief. The maidens were yesterday warned against engaging in the act, upon arrival to register for the event at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. “You are warned against engaging in same sex relationships during the course of the event. War unto those who will be found to have engaged in same sex relations here,” said one of the tindvuna repeatedly.  

[…]

The young girls were also warned against singing vulgar songs during the event. They were further warned against artificial hair and urged to maintain natural hair.The indvuna went on to warn the maidens against wearing leggings, sun shades and miniskirts, as well as going to other events, such as the Trade Fair.

“You are strictly warned against loitering. No one is expected to be found at the Gables without valid reasons. You are also warned against littering,” warned the indvuna.

The young girls were also warned against engaging in sexual relations during the course of the event. 

To read the full report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/146822-imbali-warned-against-same-sex-relations.html

 

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. 840 – 16 August 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 840 – 16 August 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.

 

Task team to probe workers’ rights violation claims

By Timothy Simelane, Times of eSwatini, 13 August 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Government has assembled a high-powered task team to investigate the alleged violation of workers’ rights, as concluded by the recent International Labour Conference.

The task team will conduct its functions backed by the Commissions of Enquiry Act. This year was the 16th time Eswatini came under discussion for allegedly violating the same International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention. The conclusions of the conference dealt with a number of alleged workers rights violations, such as the alleged harassment in the education sector involving the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Mbongwa Dlamini, and the teargassing of workers in a bus. They also included the brutal murder of Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko, who represented workers on legal issues and alleged physical attacks of trade unionists such as Sticks Nkambule, General Secretary of the Swaziland Transport, Communication and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU), who fled the country.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi announced a 14-member committee comprising of government office bearers. It will be chaired by Principal Secretary in his ministry, Makhosini Mndawe, while members include Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Lomvula Hlophe, Assistant Attorney General Mndeni Vilakati, Principal Secretary of the Ministry Housing and Urban Development Dr Simon Zwane and others. The minister said the task team had been empowered by Cabinet, among other things, to verify the allegations that were made during the discussion of the country in Geneva, by summoning and examining witnesses under oath. It will also demand disclosure of information, documentation, and book, including conducting site inspections, in terms of Section 11 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act.

It will also co-opt any relevant government ministry, department or institution, including inviting officials from the ILO, as may be necessitated by the need to validate and/or obtain clarities in the implementation of the ILO conclusions, comments or recommendations. The team will also consult with social partners and other relevant stakeholders. The minister said government had exerted enormous effort to enhance relations with the social partners, including attendance to various workers’ events, such as May Day. “Government was taken aback by the discussion of the country during the recent International Labour Conference, wherein the country was accused of violating ILO Convention 87. “This discussion was viewed by government to have been premature and constitute a major setback to the concerted efforts of reaching out to join hands with the labour movement to promote the spirit of tripartism and social dialogue on worker-related issues,” he said.

Buthelezi said government committed itself to addressing the conclusions of the Conference. “As a result, Cabinet has deemed it proper to appoint a Government Technical Task Team to consider with a view to address, the conclusions that were adopted by the Conference in June.  During the 112th session of the annual International Labour Conference, government was among the list of 24 countries, which were discussed by the Conference Committee on Application of Standards (CAS), wherein the government was requested to provide information regarding the implementation of Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (1948), ratified by Eswatini on April 26, 1978.

 

Activists call for ‘decisive’ SADC action on crisis-ridden eSwatini ahead of Harare summit

By Victoria O’Regan, Daily Maverick (South Africa), 13 August 2024

SOURCE 

Activists calling for political reforms in Eswatini have urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take decisive action to deal with the deteriorating situation in the kingdom, ahead of the 44th SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, this week. 

In a 1 August letter addressed to the SADC Secretariat and its member states, the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) – a coalition of political parties and civil society pro-democracy organisations – called on the regional bloc to “intensify its engagement with the Eswatini government” and apply “pressure to ensure that the recommendations previously made by SADC are fully implemented”.

“As the 44th SADC Summit approaches, we implore you, the Heads of State and Government, to take decisive action to address the deteriorating situation in Eswatini. The time for collegial approaches has passed; SADC must now assert its position firmly and revive the stalled and prolonged efforts to resolve the situation in Eswatini,” the letter read. 

“Despite numerous recommendations from SADC and the international community, the Eswatini government continues to violate the fundamental civil rights of its citizens, contravening several SADC protocols and charters.”

The group listed its demands, which include a “genuine, inclusive dialogue” with the Eswatini government, civil society, unions, political opposition and the regional community “to chart a path forward”; the SADC monitoring the government’s implementation of its recommendations and the status of civil rights in the country by requesting detailed reports from the Eswatini government; and the SADC ensuring these reports are made public.

Speaking to Daily Maverick, MSF spokesperson Sivumelwano Nyembe said the forum viewed the implementation of a “national dialogue to be of urgency”. The MSF has, for years, called for an “internationally mediated dialogue” with the primary aim of reforming the current political system in the country and ushering in a new constitution that guarantees multiparty democracy.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-08-13-eswatini-activists-call-for-sadc-action-on-crisis-ridden-nation/

 

Government wins Supreme Court appeal against assassinated human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and other political activists

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 13 August, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Thulani Rudolf Maseko,the assassinated eSwatini human rights lawyer has lost a Supreme Court case declaring provisions of the Suppression of Terrorism unconstitutional.

The lawyer who was allegedly assassinated by King Mswati’s mercenaries for demanding democracy, had challenged the constitutionality of the Suppression of Terrorism Act together with Mlungisi Makhanya, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the late former PUDEMO President Mario Masuku and current Deputy Secretary General(DSG) Maxwell Dlamini.

But Government successfully appealed Judge Mbutfo Mamba’s judgement declaring some provisions of the Supression of Terrorism Act unconstitutional.

Chief Justice (CJ) Bheki Maphalala,Justice JM Van Der Walt, Justice JM Currie, Acting Justice MJ Manzini and Acting Justice LM Simelane ruled that, the fact that PUDEMO was proscribed without being afforded the right to be heard does not mean provision of the Supression of Terrorism Act should be declared unconstitutional.

“The underlying reasoning essentially boils down to this-because the Respondents we’re not afforded an opportunity to be heard before PUDEMO was declared a specified entity, sections 11(1) and (2) of the STA Act are invalid and unconstitutional, since they have been declared “terrorists” without being heard. As indicated earlier, the above reasoning conflates the process of proscription without a criminal trial. Whether or not Respondents were afforded an opportunity to be heard before PUDEMO was proscribed as a specified entity is a separate issue. Moreover, could the Majority have reached a different conclusion if none of the Respondents had admitted to be members of PUDEMO?. It is implicit in the reasoning of the Majority that in the latter instance, no infringement would have been found to exist”,  reads the Supreme Court judgment in part that upheld the appeal and dismissed the application by Maseko and others.

Eswatini is ruled by King Mswati as an absolute Monarch, political parties are banned and declared as terrorists for demanding democracy while human rights defenders, political activists, independent journalists and  pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs) are arrested, tortured or even killed.

Thulani Rudolf Maseko, the human rights lawyer who was among those challenging the constitutionality of the Supression of Terrorism Act that is used against those demanding democracy, was assassinated allegedly by King Mswati’s mercenaries and a few hours after King Mswati threatened those calling for democracy.

Before Government declared PUDEMO as a terrorist entity, King Mswati issued an order directing the then Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini to ensure that,citizens calling for democracy are strangled to death.

As a result of the King’s order, Sipho Jele, a member of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) was allegedly arrested and subsequently killed by the inside prison,the judgement was delivered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

 

Complete restoration of police service through prayer

By Crime Watch, eSwatini Observer, 14 August 2024

SOURCE 

The National Commissioner of Police – Vusie Manoma Masango believes in the complete restoration of the Royal Eswatini Police Service as a law enforcement agency through heavenly intervention.

Masango revealed this during a thanksgiving prayer service for a successful Police Day celebration held at the Police Academy last week Wednesday. He stressed the importance of giving thanks to the Almighty God for a perfect Police Day, quoting the scripture from Luke 17, whereby the only leper who went back to Christ was completely restored.

“We are praying for the complete restoration of the police organisation,” he said.
The police chief stated that the thanksgiving service a completion of a sequence of prayer services was that preceded the Police Day celebrations.

He recognised and appreciated the legacy and vision of the then acting national commissioner for seeking divine intervention for a successful Police Day. He expressed sincere gratitude to all the men of the clergy who were responsible for sharing the Word of God during the services.

The national commissioner noted that the policing mandate demands that officers be guided by the Almighty God and not rely on human intelligence in the performance of duty. He said divine intervention is important because police cannot successfully combat crime on their own accord.

He said police officers need to individually and collectively seek the Lord’s intervention and guidance in the execution of the policing mandate.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22628

 

Spokesperson Percy Simelane says King Mswati not in any way involved in secret ship dealings with sanctioned Russia, hoisting of flag not authorised

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 9 August, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: King Mswati is not, in any way involved in ships dealing with Russia, his Spokesperson Percy Simelane has clarified.

The King’s Spokesperson was responding to this Swaziland News on Thursday evening after being asked to clarify allegations contained in an article published by News24 suggesting that, ships with eSwatini flag, assisting Russia to transport oil and other goods “have been banned” by the United Arab Emirates(UAE).

“To the best of my knowledge, we have no ships anywhere in the seas as a country. We have not authorized any hoisting of our flag or Blue Peter on any ship or boat anywhere in the world”, said the King’s Spokesperson.

It has been reported that, the eSwatini flag “is now on a list that restricts calls to UAE ports and waters”,’ according to a government circular posted on the Port of Fujairah website, Eswatini was allegedly colluding with Cameroon to assist Russia amid United States (US) sanctions. 

“Vessels sailing under both flags have transported oil for Moscow after it assembled a shadow fleet of ships to help keep sanctioned supplies moving. The ban won’t apply to ships assessed by a wider international classification body. Flag states are key to maintaining safety standards in global shipping. For oil tankers, Liberia and the Marshall Islands are among the largest providers, but after the invasion of Ukraine a series of less well-known flags emerged, with questions about the strength of their safety standards. Eswatini-formerly Swaziland-is a particularly new player, with no ships sailing under its flag in 2023, according to Clarkson Research Services, a unit of the world’s largest ship broker. That number is now at 26 ships, though not all of them would be tankers. Of 18 Eswatini-flagged ships visible in ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, the ownership of 16 is unclear. Several tankers on that list have hauled oil produced in Russia and Iran, according to Kpler data”, News24 reported.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

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

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

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