Swaziland Newsletter No. 762 – 27 January 2023

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 762 – 27 January 2023

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.

 

Murder of pro-democracy activist prompts outrage

By Jason Burke in Johannesburg and Phathizwe Zulu in eSwatini, The Guardian (UK), 24 January 2023

SOURCE

 

Authorities in Eswatini have promised a full investigation of the murder of a leading pro-democracy activist amid widespread fears that state security agencies may have been involved.

Thulani Maseko, chairperson of a coalition of pro-democracy groups, was shot dead at his home in Luyengo, about 45km from the capital, Mbabane, on Saturday.

The murder has prompted outrage. The United Nations, European Union, the UK and many human rights organisations in southern Africa have condemned the murder and called for a thorough investigation.

“Thulani Maseko was a stalwart of human rights who, at great risk to himself, spoke up for many who couldn’t speak up for themselves,” Volker Türk, the UN’s high commissioner for human rights, said.

“His cold-blooded killing has deprived Eswatini, southern Africa and the world of a true champion and advocate for peace, democracy and human rights.”

The tiny state, landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique, is the last absolute monarchy in Africa and has been hit by waves of unrest in recent years, prompting successive crackdowns.

Hours before Maseko’s death, King Mswati III told a parade at the Engabezweni royal residence that activists had “started the violence first” and “more trouble was coming for them”.

“People should not shed tears and complain about mercenaries killing them,” the king said.

Mswati has ruled Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, since 1986 and faced regular allegations of human rights abuses. Authorities are known to have hired South African private security companies to train security forces.

Alpheous Nxumalo, a government spokesperson, denied any involvement of security forces and said that an investigation was under way.

“We have no doubt the truth of this matter will be revealed … and the culprits brought to account,” Nxumalo said.

Maseko, 52, was a leading figure in the push for Eswatini to transition into a multiparty democracy. He was imprisoned in 2014 for allegedly criticising the judicial system’s lack of independence, though acquitted on appeal and released a year later.

Opposition spokesperson Sikelela Dlamini said “assassins shot [Maseko] through the window while he was inside [the] house with his family”.

The Swaziland Solidarity Network, an opposition forum based in South Africa, described the murder as “the clearest indication of the lengths to which Mswati will go to cling on to power”.

At the time of his death, Maseko was working as a lawyer for two people facing trial for offences allegedly committed during the unrest in 2021, the UN said.

In May 2021, protests by mainly young people started when a law student was murdered in circumstances that suggested police involvement. But unrest intensified dramatically when authorities said they would refuse any further “petitions” to the king, closing one of the few ways in which complaints and grievances could be expressed in the kingdom.

The protests that followed led to a more general breakdown in law and order, with sporadic arson and looting.

Observers say there are echoes in Eswatini of protests and violence elsewhere in Africa which have pitted educated and connected urban youth against longstanding rulers and elites

The country’s median age is 21 and unemployment is at more than 40%. Though the king lives in ostentatious luxury, with a fleet of luxury cars, private jets, numerous palaces and 15 wives, almost 60% of his subjects live in poverty, according to the World Bank. A large royal family also enjoys an opulent lifestyle, and members have unashamedly posted images of their extravagance on social media.

Though some local-level representatives are elected, the king effectively choses MPs, controls parliaments and appoints ministers, analysts say. Dissidents have long been silenced by a raft of repressive laws, with the largest opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), banned under terrorism laws.

Other reports on the assassination of Thulani Maseko

King Mswati to political activists: Don’t cry about mercenaries killing you, more trouble is coming (Swaziland News)

http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=3733

 

Human rights lawyer demands govts across SADC act against Thulani Maseko murder (Eyewitness News, South Africa)

https://ewn.co.za/0001/01/01/human-rights-lawyer-demands-govts-across-sadc-act-against-thulani-maseko-murder

 

UN rights chief urges 'impartial' probe after eSwatini killing (AFP)

https://www.trtworld.com/africa/un-rights-chief-urges-impartial-probe-after-eswatini-killing-64785

 

Leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for Thulani Maseko’s unlawful killing (Amnesty International)

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/01/eswatini-leave-no-stone-unturned-in-ensuring-justice/

 

Who killed Swazi human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko? (Daily Maverick, South Africa)

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-01-24-who-killed-swazi-human-rights-lawyer-thulani-maseko/

 

TUCOSWA condemns killing, says Maseko was of balanced mind (Times of eSwatini)

http://www.times.co.sz/news/138567-tucoswa-condemns-killing-says-maseko-was-of-balanced-mind.html

 

Maseko was not a violent person: Govt. spokesperson (eSwatini Observer)

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=19750

 

Eswatini must be suspended from SADC – Botswana National Front (Mmegi, Botswana)

https://www.mmegi.bw/news/eswatini-must-be-suspended-from-sadc-bnf/news

 

PLUS: Swazi Media Commentary archive on Thulani Maseko

https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/search/label/Maseko%20Thulani

 

King Mswati ‘bans’ dignified funerals for members of the armed underground forces fighting his regime

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 25 January, 2023

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: King Mswati, an absolute Monarch, has banned all dignified funerals for members of the armed underground forces fighting his oppressive Government.

Human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was assassinated less than forty-eight (48) hours after addressing a press conference demanding that freedom fighter Mlandvo Khumalo who was allegedly linked to the underground forces must be buried with human dignity.

Mlandvo Khumalo was allegedly killed by Mswati’s mercenaries in a joint operation with the army about three weeks ago, he was accused of attacking the King’s regiments.

National Commissioner William Tsintsibala Dlamini summoned Khumalo’s family last week and stopped the funeral, the police boss said he would have to consult with Mswati first if the funeral could be allowed to proceed.

SNAT Burial (PTY) LTD, a company that donated a coffin to the family of the freedom fighter was forced to withdraw the donation, the teachers’ funeral services company was accused of supporting terrorism.

But on Wednesday morning, the police seized Mlandvo’s corpse from his family and proceeded to Ngwane Park cemetery to bury him.

A questionnaire was sent to the National Commissioner of Police, however, he had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report.

But a family member who spoke to this Swaziland News on Wednesday morning confirmed that Mlandvo was buried by the police.

“We are still here at Ngwane Park, police are burying Mlandvo but they are almost done. They wanted him to be buried without a coffin after forcing the donor to withdraw the donated coffin but we tried to buy one,” said the family member.

Mlungisi Makhanya, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) said what the King was doing was an indication that he represented nothing but the misery of the Swazis.

“We have lived with dictators as emaSwati before, but we have never experienced these levels of dictatorship as we are experiencing under Mswati. But this will not deter us, if anything, this must make Swazis realize that Mswati represents nothing, but a misery for our people. All of us have got to unite in one voice, Mswati must be held to account for all the atrocities, killings and gross human rights abuses inflicted on emaSwati,” said the PUDEMO President.

Reached for comments, King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane said he was not aware that the King stopped the funeral, he demanded evidence to support the allegations.

“We are not aware he did. Until evidence to that effect is shared with us we will continue to doubt he did,” said the King’s Spokesperson.

Mswati,when addressing his regiments on Saturday at Engabezweni Palace vowed to deal with those calling for democratic reforms, dozens have been killed since the political unrest started in June 2021.

 

Russia's Lavrov Pledges Security Training to eSwatini

By AFP, 24 January 2023

SOURCE

 

Russia’s top diplomat on Tuesday pledged security training to Eswatini, just days after the brutal murder of a leading human rights lawyer and opposition politician.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was speaking in the landlocked country, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, a day after visiting neighbouring South Africa and just two days after Thulani Maseko was shot.

“Russia is prepared to assist Eswatini in training of security personnel, improving food production and also assistance on other issues of mutual cooperation,” Lavrov told reporters.

Following talks with Eswatini’s prime minister and other cabinet members, he said 50 Eswatini security personnel were studying at Russian defence universities.

Responding to a question on the political crisis in Eswatini, the minister said “as a matter of principle, we do not interfere with the political situations of any country”.

“We are here to promote our good relations, to create the best atmosphere for implementation of practical projects from the ground -- industry, agriculture, information communication technologies and many other things,” he said.

The weekend killing of Maseko has sparked worldwide condemnation.

 

Govt hires military expert for special missions

By Welcome Dlamini, Times of eSwatini, Sunday, 22 January 2023

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: A special military unit is now in place to deal with acts of terrorism.

Government has enlisted the services of a military consultant to assemble and train a special missions unit to focus first and foremost on counter terrorism. The special missions unit comprises of officers from both the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). Already, it has been reliably established, the quick response units (which are subsidiaries of the main unit) that have been put in place in key areas across the country are ready to diffuse any acts of terror. The units operate from the air and on the ground simultaneously to hunt down individuals linked to terrorist acts and the operations reportedly happen even in the thick of the night. Whenever there are reports of the use of firearms, the special missions unit reportedly springs into action to cease those weapons and arrest those responsible for them.

Bastion Security, which is headed by Military Expert Arno Pienaar, is the company that has been engaged to conduct the training for the special unit. All along, Bastion has been providing a fire and risk management function to Montigny Forestry since 2015. Two highly-placed sources within Montigny and the country’s security cluster confirmed to the Times SUNDAY that Bastion was formally training a counter terrorism unit of the State security agencies. The sources said they were aware that there was another company in South Africa (SA) called Bastion but there was no link between the two.

“Bastion Security and Bastion Akademie are not even the least associated with each other. There is just no connection between the two. Those seeking to link the two have their own ulterior motives and it’s all a lie. They just want to dent the image of Bastion Security and the work they are doing in Eswatini,” said one of the sources. The source within the security cluster said engaging Bastion was done in accordance with the law as necessary in the provision of services for purposes of national security. According to the source, this is not the first time that government enlists a consultant from outside the country to train officers of State security agencies. Consultants from Russia and Israel have reportedly been engaged before.

“The only difference is that previously we were sending the officers to be trained outside the country or the training happened virtually or outside of actual combat. This time though, it is on-ground and in-work training; it is a longer programme. They (consultants) are here to hold the officers’ hands through the process and not sitting somewhere and conducting the training virtually,” the highly-placed security cluster source stated.

He said even though Bastion was leading the training, this was not a one-man show but credit should go to the local officers for the work they have been doing as part of the special missions unit. It has been disclosed that the services provided by Bastion also include expert training on handling a special breed of canines (dogs). “Every time there is an operation, there are very expensive dogs which have been brought in from outside the country that are doing a whole new thing with the police. These dogs are able to sniff out guns from where they have been hidden,” said the source. It is reported that these dogs were responsible for sniffing out the gun that was allegedly used in the shooting of Umbutfo Fanafana Bhembe, while he was at Mahlabatsini on his way to join the march by Ingatja to cut the lusekwane shrubs. The source further disclosed that it was this special missions unit that shot dead Mlandvo Khumalo after he had shot Bhembe about four times in the stomach.   

“The consultants are also training operational units because as emaSwati, we are not used to terrorism and this is new to us. Whenever there’s something new then you need training as a country. From a terrorism point of view, there is a unit that is focusing on tracking those who are responsible for such acts in the country.  There is a group that has been brought in to train the army and police on many things such as intelligence operations, handling social media and, of course, counter terrorism tactics. We have never been here as a country so we need experts in this field to actually help us,” said the source. The special missions unit has been likened to the Delta Force in the United States of America, which is officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) and is one of the US special missions units primarily focused on the counterterrorism mission.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/138546-govt-hires-military-expert-for-special-missions.html

 

Scabies Outbreak in Swaziland while Mswati expropriates more wealth for his family

Communist Party of Swaziland statement, 20 January 2023

SOURCE

 

In the confusion of the emergence of a probable new variant of the coronavirus, people in Swaziland seem to be scratching their skin off. Health workers in Swaziland are pointing to a scabies outbreak in the country that is going on without any intervention.

Swaziland is in the midst of political unrest as the people continue to demand the democratisation of the country. The regime is spending more public funds on strengthening itself against the masses who continue to call for democracy. The regime’s security forces are spread all over the country, invading communities. Consequently, diseases such as scabies are on the rise, all without medical intervention. The public health system in Swaziland has also virtually collapsed as the regime prioritises its own survival than that of the people.

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the mite scacoptes scabiei. Classic scabies typically manifests as intensely itchy spots. The sides and webs of the face, fingers, wrists, armpits, area around the nipples and genitals are often affected.

Scabies can cause a serious mental health problem and affect the quality of life in constant scratching. With that being the case, it then qualifies scabies to be used as a biological weapon in case of war.

Apart from mental health being affected, the constant itching and scratching affects one's productivity as it grows more and more severe at night and people lose their sleep, and in the long run this is likely to lead to depression. Nurses have also been affected by the outbreak since they work closely with patients.

In addition to the fact that treatment for scabies is currently out of stock and there are few experts in diagnosis and treatment of the disease, there has not been any research and training of clinicians about scabies. There have not even been any counter measures like outreaches and home visits. Instead, professionals are wrongly deployed as the regime does not want to pay them for their skill.

It appears that the crippled health system in the country is being used against the poor Swazis to eliminate as much personnel as possible in protection of the crown.

Given the status that the tinkhundla system is crippled, any measure is possible for them to take in order to preserve the monarchy. Over and above that, due to its inherent nature of prioritising the royal family over the people, the regime is unable to provide basic services to the people, including healthcare. The Communist Party of Swaziland continues to mobilise the people of our country to intensify the heat against the absolute monarchy for democracy now.

Thokozane Kenneth Kunene, General Secretary.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 759 – 6 January 2023

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 759 – 6 January 2023

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.

 

Declaring gender-based violence national crisis cannot solve problem – DPM

By Sifiso Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 3 January 2023

SOURCE

 

With calls increasing for government to declare gender-based violence a national crisis, the Deputy Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, says this would not bring an end to the scourge.

Masuku said government alone could not end gender-based violence and called on civil society organisations, traditional authorities and society at large to come up with solutions to the national challenge.

In an attempt to curb gender-based violence, politicians, the civil society and general public called on government to declare GBV a national crisis following an increase in the number of reported cases.  

According to the Eswatini Priority Indicator Report (PIR) launched on December 7, 2022, 38 per cent of girls experienced sexual violence in childhood.

Almost 43 per cent of girls and women who reported any incident of sexual violence had two or more incidents before they reached the age of 18.

The report further detailed that one out of four girls and young women reported experiencing physical violence prior to age 18. Of these, 65 per cent described the perpetrator as being violent multiple times.

Sexual violence was associated with significantly increased probability of depression, thoughts of suicide, unintended pregnancy, pregnancy complications or miscarriages, and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile between January and August 2019, there were 560 cases reported on gender-based violence. Between January and August 2020, there were 629 cases recorded by the Royal Eswatini Police Service.

The civil society has emphasised on the need to identify the key drivers of gender-based violence, such as mental health so they could be turned into solutions through programmes.
Masuku stated that declaring GBV as a national crisis alone was not the solution, pointing out that such initiatives had been undertaken on other issues with little to no improvement.

“For instance, HIV was declared as a pandemic a long time ago but it has taken years to actually see significant improvement,” he said.

He said other initiatives had been undertaken by government such as the enactment of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act with the hope that it would deter perpetrators but instead the volume and nature of the crimes had escalated.

The deputy premier said as government, they were aware of a number of the root causes for gender based violence, which include alcoholism, substance abuse, child headed households and teenage pregnancy, among other.

“These problems cannot be solved by government alone. Everyone has to step up and play their part if we are ever to eradicate this disease from our society,” said Masuku.
He insisted on the need to have clear expectations on what would be done once GBV was declared a national crisis.

Masuku challenged those calling for GBV to be declared a national crisis to come up with solutions. “Let us all come together as a nation to find a solution to ending GBV and not look to government alone,” said Masuku.

He challenged the civil society, traditional authorities, families and the nation at large to come up with a proposal on how this could be addressed.
He said there was a need to have a clear expectation and proposals on what would be done once GBV was declared a national crisis.

Adding, Masuku said there was a need for all stakeholders to work together towards addressing the challenge at hand as it was already out of control.

 

New armoured vehicles: Army to patrol, ensure Tinkhundla elections take place, political activists warned

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 4 January, 2023

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: Army Spokesperson Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo says Government is better positioned to respond regarding the purchasing of armoured vehicles for the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force (UEDF).

This comes amid reports and emerging allegations suggesting that more vehicles would be purchased ahead of the coming elections, to patrol the whole country and deal with those who intended to stop the elections.

“We will patrol the whole country, day and night and ensure that the elections are successful. Those who want to stop the elections are warned not to dare disturb and violate the people’s right to vote”, said an insider.

Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo,the Army Spokesperson said the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force (UEDF) can only respond to operational issues.

“Your questionnaire is highly appreciated. The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force Public Affairs can only respond to operational issues. Kindly contact the Government Spokesperson in this regard,” said the Army Public Relations Officer (PRO).

But Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo when contacted this week said issues touching on elections were handled by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

“Issues touching on elections are handled by the EBC, contact the Chairman,” said the Government Spokesperson.

Efforts to reach Prince Mhlabuhlangene,the Elections Commission Chairperson proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

Eswatini is in the midst of a political crisis,elections might be held under the barrel of a gun despite calls for a political dialogue.

Reached for comments, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, the Chairperson of the MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF) said it was deeply concerning that at a time when violence seemed to be escalating, there were no signs on the part of the King and Government to normalize the situation.

“The fact that the King and Government are buying arms of war and vehicles is a bad sign that the Tinkhundla regime is gearing for war, in a situation where there is already a low-key civil war. No matter how long the Government and the King can prolong the question of a transition to a multiparty democratic dispensation, it is inevitable,” said the MSF Chairperson.

See also:

King Mswati buys multimillion armoured Toyota LandCruisers for the military amid political unrest

http://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=3626

 

Bring law allowing voters to recall MPs - EBC chairman

By Bodwa Mbingo, eSwatini Observer, 1 January 2023

SOURCE

 

With the nation gearing up for next year’s national elections, EBC Chairman Mhlabuhlangene Dlamini has seen the need for the country’s political system to allow voters power to recall underperforming representatives voted into Parliament.

EBC is the Elections and Boundaries Commission. It is a body that will be overseeing next year’s elections for members of Parliament (MPs), constituency headmen (tindvuna tetinkhundla) and chiefdom councillors (bucopho) in all the 59 Tinkhundla or Constituencies around the country.

In an interview with this publication, the EBC chairman noted that it was a weakness that under the election system of the country, there is not available a controlled and balanced mechanism, by which voters are able to hold their elected politicians accountable.

He said the filling of this gap is among the reform measures for the Tinkhundla political system urgently required for its efficiency and utility and that this may include the power to recall, in a non-abusive and controlled method, not made too easy to exploit for abuse.

Most recently, he noted that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) now had a benchmark, Elections Model Law for the respective member States, as Eswatini is, to align its respective national election laws in the context of legal harmonisation.

He said these were the principles and laws, instruments and reports that the EBC had, in his personal assessment, been progressively and systematically endeavouring to meet, over the election cycles post the 2005 Eswatini Constitution promulgation to date.

“The various reform and improvement areas have been largely informed by these objectives in the context of the country’s obtaining legal universe, from the national Constitution.

Equally notable also, in any election reform initiative undertaken, involves national consultations through the respective representative stakeholder clusters, especially during civic and voter education.”

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=19612

 

Persecution of 3 Swazi MPs - Editor writes for the Congress of African Journalists international magazine

By CAJ coordinator eSwatini, Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek

SOURCE

 

African journalists are called upon to act in solidarity with the oppressed Swazi people, influential Swaziland Liberation Movement President (SWALIMO) President, Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane said Tuesday during an interview.

Simelane an exiled lawmaker, escaped the cruel grip of injustice under King Mswati III dictatorship, believes African journalists can assist in the Swazi struggle for multiparty democracy.

King Mswati’s government arrested two other pro-democracy Members of Parliament who together with Simelane called for the end of King Mswati’s hand-picked Prime Minister.

The lawmakers Mthandeni Dube and Bacede Mabuza had been in prison for over a year now. They have been denied bail by the King’s judges.

The three Swazi lawmakers Simelane, Dube and Mabuza said it was time that the electorate vote for their Prime Minister and democratic reforms be introduced.

Currently, King Mswati appoints the Prime Minister of Eswatini. He usually appoints his relatives.

However, the Swazi regime responded by issuing warrant of arrests accusing the three MPs of master minding the 2021 June 29 unrests where security forces allegedly killed over hundred citizens.

Simelane managed to escape to South Africa while MPs Dube and Mabuza were arrested and charged with tramped up charges including terrorism.

“It’s not freedom of speech if it is not freedom after speech. The reason the three of us are in this situation is because there is absolutely no freedom after speech which to me means that there is no freedom of speech,” said Simelane.

Bonginkhosi Ignetius Dlamini (IB) Founding chairman of Lubumbano Lwenkhululeko YeMaswati (United Front For Democracy in Swaziland), and Founding convenor of the United Eswatini Diaspora (The UED) also urged international journalists and bodies to support the Eswatini struggle for multiparty democracy.

“The world must know that Swaziland is in both political and constitutional crisis. The blame is put squarely on the institution of the Monarchy. The king is not accountable to anyone, but to himself and his family. He controls the three arms of government; Executive, Judiciary and Legislature, also intimidates and imprisons the members of fourth estate,” said Dlamini.

He explained that if King Mswati realises that a clique of citizens are a threat to his absolute power, he sends them to jail. “The arrest of the two MPs, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube is testimony that the system lacks checks and balances,” he said.

The veteran activist said it is wrong for King Mswati III to be above the Constitution.

Dlamini urged the international media not to allow Swaziland to be a failed state right under their noses.

“Don't forget the people of Eswatini. Be the voices of the voiceless people of Eswatini,” he said.

Political Parties Assembly (PPA) Chairperson, Nombulelo Motsa, the said the incarcerated MPs have exposed the failure of the Swazi royal government.

“The issue of the pro-democracy MPs is an eye opener to many Swazis. It has exposed the legislative uselessness of the Swazi legislative system. MPs only go there to warm seats and formalize King Mswati’s interests,” she said.

Also, Phumlani Dlamini, editor of Eswatini Newsroom urged global journalists to focus on Eswatini crisis.

Dlamini said, “African Journalists must expose the atrocities perpetrated against citizens who want democratic reforms. As defenders of Freedom of speech and expression, journalists especially those in Africa must call for an unconditional release of the two MPs and the return of Simelane from exile,” said Dlamini.

Wandile Lulane, the editor of Breaking News 82 in Eswatini, said international journalists can play a massive role in the matter.

He said, “I believe that International journalists can help by raising awareness about the plight of these persecuted MPs by the royal family regime.”

“Other organisations can help by working in collaboration with organisations like LAW-DERSWA (Lawyers for Democratic Reforms in Swaziland) through strategic litigation initiatives in regional courts since the court's in Eswatini are not independent because they are captured by the regime.

Voice of the People’s News editor Mzwandile ‘Stufuza’ Dlamini said, “King Mswati III made it clear that he will never release the incarcerated Members of Parliament Hon. Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube therefore we have no choice but to challenge the King for the liberation of our MPs.”

He added, “There is no Judiciary in Swaziland as the High Court and Supreme Court consults King Mswati III before issuing judgments on cases where he has interests. All Judges are appointed by King and they are also told how to prosecute political activists.”

Also, civil society leaders believe freedom of expression is still an issue in Eswatini.

Apostle Bheki Vilakati said, “The African journalists should advocate for the freedom of the persecuted MPs as it is clear to everyone that there is miscarriage of justice in their case;

“It is a lip talk when one says there is freedom of speech in Swaziland.

“What is practised in Swaziland cannot be called freedom of speech, because the moment you speak against a certain practice, you are called a terrorist and jailed. As citizens, we are responsible for holding the current government accountable. The fact that there is no freedom of speech, the right to hold them accountable is taken away from the people to allow the government to do as it pleased. Calling for an elected Prime Minister by the people, does that qualifies an arrest? Does taking a petitions to the Tinkhundla centres guarantee brutal killing and torture of citizens by the State security?

“In a country where freedom of speech is allowed, public officials tolerate more criticism, however, in our country, defamation laws are crafted to stop legitimate criticism of the government and public officials. That means there is a violation of the right to freedom of speech,” he said.

Vilakati is one of the eminent Swazi religious leaders who support the struggle for freedom in Eswatini.

Another Swazi Pro-democracy Member of Parliament Simosakhe Shongwe from Mtsambama Constituency said, “We appeal to the global journalists to put pressure on King Mswati to release our lawmakers and Swazis should continue fighting for their freedom,” said Shongwe.

On 12, April 1973, the late Swazi King Sobhuza II banned all political parties and turned the kingdom into his mini farm !

Prior to the royal decree Swazis had freely participated in the political landscape. They were allowed to speak freely without being intimidated by Swazi police and their chiefs.

It is 49 years since the proclamation of the 1973 decree which banned multiparty politics, organizations and activities as well as suspending human rights.

Power in Swaziland remains in the hands of the absolute monarch, and the result has been deepening poverty among the people

The present king Mswati III also holds all judiciary, legislative and executive powers.

In 2021 The (PPA) told the United Nations office in Eswatini that over 70 Swazis including democracy activists were massacred by King Mswati III’s soldiers and police officers in June, July, 2021 during protests after the banning of the delivery of petitions in the Constituency centres.

In an interview, Eswatini government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo refused to explain why the two incarcerated Pro-democracy are not given bail.

 

Govt reverses recruits’ 52% salary cuts

By Stanley Khumalo and Sibusiso Zwane, Times of eSwatini print edition, 5 January 2023

 

MANZINI: Government will return the 52 per cent it deducted from security forces recruits’ allowances.

The allowances will be restored to E5 636 per recruit. This decision by government follows that leaders of the State security agencies in the country appealed the decision to reduce the allowances to E2 931 during the training of the recruits.

Government, through the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Public Service, Sipho Tsabedze, issued Establishment Circular No. 5 of 2022: Salary adjustment of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).

This circular, which minimised the allowances allocated to recruits, was issued on November 30, 2022. It reduced the allowances by E2 705.58.

In the review, the circular did not only alter the remuneration for recruits, it also changed their post titles. Trainees under the HMCS were all along referred to Warder II and were listed on Notch I, which is a position that was remunerated at E67 639 annually. Under the new circular, they were referred to as ‘Trainee Warder Recruit’ and were to be paid E35 172 yearly.

It was the same with the REPS wherein police recruits held the title of Constable II, listed in Notch I and paid E67 639 annually. However, under the new circular, these were referred to as ‘Trainee Police Recruit’ and were to be paid E35 72 per annum.

Meanwhile, according to sources, in December 2022, recruits were paid E2 931 per month.

According to a source at the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), in December 2022, recruits were paid their allowances for three months’ training.

The allowances were reportedly paid at the reduced 52 per cent and it was alleged that the recruits were informed that the reduction would be refunded to them when they were remunerated this month.

It has since been gathered that last month, the three security forces lodged an appeal on the decision to cut the allowances allocated to the recruits. It was said the appeal was on the basis that the aspirant servicemen were not in an open market training process.

This, it was gathered, meant that upon entry at the various training camps, they became State security personnel and would then be enlisted in the institutions that were training them.

It was said they were not like doctors and or other cadres, who after training, could be recruited in the private sector. The sources said the appeals by the State security agencies claimed that immediately after the recruits started training, they could be assigned to partake in any task that required their skill set. This was confirmed by the Acting PS in the Ministry of Public Service, Richard Phungwayo. He said the decision to review was implemented across the board on the recruitment in training for government departments.

Phungwayo said this was meant for all people who were recruited and trained by government as there should be a difference between those employed from trainees.

“This was for all, including nurses and doctors and it also included the police; however, the latter appealed right away formally,” he said.

He said the State security institutions emphasised that they were not training personnel for the open market, but those recruited started the service upon being recruited.

Phungwayo said in their case, whatever action that may ensue, they were accountable for it as officers and not trainees. He said in retrospect, government acknowledged the arguments that were being advanced, resulting in the reversal of the decision.

Furthermore, he said they would be reimbursed the difference that was withheld as the reasons submitted to government were clear. It is worth noting that the adjustments that were implemented in the now scrapped remuneration structure for recruits was subsequent to the awarding of an additional four per cent to security personnel as they raised concerns of being left out for almost eight years since the implementation of Phase I of the Salary Restructuring Exercise of 2014 in line with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

Phase I of the Salary Restructuring Exercise of 2014 benefitted about 102 personnel of the REPS and HMCS and the low ranking officers in the two State security agencies are yet to benefit. These officers are 8 170.

In addressing the concerns by lowly-ranked officers in the aforementioned security agencies, Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko announced that with effect from January 2023, the junior personnel would be awarded four per cent cushion which would be backdated to April 1, 2022. Leading to November 30, 2022, recruits in the aforementioned security agencies were to earn E65 669, according to the Establishment Register supporting the estimates of public expenditure for the financial year 2022/23. However, the annual salary for aspiring HMCS and the REPS officers was further reviewed upwards during the implementation of the three per cent cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA) and a once-off payment of one per cent of the annual salary.

During this process, the salary was increased by E1 970, to E67 639 per annum. However, in a twist of events, as government was in a bid to defuse the tension between it as an employer and junior security officers over the issue of Phase II, the recruits were not only omitted from the said cushion, but had their pay minimised. It is worth noting that in the Establishment

Leaders of the PSUs formally raised their concerns over government’s offer to junior members of the State security organ in one of their - Joint Negotiation Forum (JNF) meetings. Unions under the banner of PSUs are; the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) and Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP).

Meanwhile, the ministry, through its political leader, claimed that the four per cent salary cushion was reached during bilateral talks, not collective negotiations.

Circular No. 5 of 2022; salary adjustment of the REPS and HMCS officers, Tsabedze said pursuant to the review and restructuring of the two entities pay structure and the grievances raised by junior officers emanating from the implementation of Phase I on the restructuring of strategic levels in the two forces in terms of Circular No.1 of 2014, government had deemed it appropriate to issue the circular to implement the new salaries.

He said: “Government had, therefore, approved the restructuring of the aforesaid institutions for salary adjustment implementation. This process shall address the remaining part of the operational as well as the tactical levels of the two institutions.” Tsabedze said any outstanding issues shall be addressed by the consultant who would be engaged by government this current financial year to undertake the review of salaries for civil servants across the public service.

 

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