Swaziland Newsletter No. 821 – 5 April 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 821 – 5 April 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.

 

eSwatini authorities target activist’s widow

By Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, Human Rights Watch, 28 March 2024

SOURCE 

On March 27, immigration officials at the Ngwenya Border post between South Africa and Eswatini stopped  Tanele Maseko, widow of murdered human rights lawyer and opposition activist Thulani Maseko, along with her two young children and her helper while they were trying to enter Eswatini.

Immigration officials flagged Tanele’s passport as belonging to a wanted person and confiscated it along with her mobile phone. Officials then called the police, who interrogated Tanele for about four hours before releasing her pending an appearance at the Mbabane police headquarters on March 28.  

But after Tanele arrived at the headquarters Thursday, police delayed her further interrogation until April 2, after her lawyers challenged how many officials could interview her without a lawyer present. The police are now seeking legal advice about interviewing her without her lawyers. Throughout all this, however, officials have yet to provide the reason why Tanele has been labeled a wanted person to begin with.

A vigil decrying the assassination of Eswatini Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko in Nakuru Town, Kenya, January 30, 2023. © 2023 James Wakibia/SOPA Images via AP Photo

Since Thulani Maseko was brutally killed  in his home in front of Tanele and their children on January 21, 2023, the government of Eswatini has been unrelenting in what appears to be a harassment campaign against Tanele to dissuade her from pursuing justice and accountability for her husband’s murder and continuing his legacy of promoting rights and democracy in Eswatini.

Some media have published reports that Eswatini state forces are targeting and monitoring Tanele and her life may be in danger. On December 29, 2023, the government released a statement in which it made untrue and defamatory remarks against her.

Regional human rights networks have condemned Tanele’s detention and targeting and are calling for an independent and transparent investigation into Thulani Maseko’s killing. The government of Eswatini should ensure transparency and accountability for the Maseko family instead of harassing and intimidating Maseko’s widow for seeking answers to her husband’s death.

Authorities should stop retaliating against Tanele for raising awareness about the situation in which her husband was killed. It has been 14 months since Maseko’s murder and authorities need to demonstrate greater commitment towards apprehending his killers and ensuring justice.

 

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee urges Senators to pass sanctions Resolution 174 as eSwatini intensifies crackdown on human rights defenders, detains assassinated human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s widow

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 29 March, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The United States (U.S) Senate Foreign Relations Committee has once again, lobbied or urged Senators to pass the sanctions oriented Resolution 174 as eSwatini regime intensifies crackdown on political activists and human rights defenders including the recent harassment of Tanele Maseko, the wife to assassinated human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko.

The human rights lawyer was the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF), he was assassinated while writing letters to human rights organizations and regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) facilitating a dialogue as part of peaceful means to resolve the eSwatini political crisis.

In an X (formerly Twitter) and in reaction to a story exclusively published by this Swaziland News in the early hours on Thursday regarding the detention of the late human rights lawyer’s widow including her children, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee noted the ongoing human rights violations in eSwatini.

“This week’s detention & ongoing harassment of Tanele Maseko, following the murder of her husband Thulani last year, is another reminder of the tactics the #Eswatini regime uses against democracy & rights defenders. The Senate must pass S.Res.174”, reads the tweet in part, published on Friday morning.

But the harassment of the widow also attracted the attention of the international human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch.

In an online report published later on Thursday, Human Rights Watch demanded answers why the widow was labeled a wanted person and harassed at the Oshoek Boarder.

“Immigration officials flagged Tanele’s passport as belonging to a wanted person and confiscated it along with her mobile phone. Officials then called the police, who interrogated Tanele for about four hours before releasing her pending an appearance at the Mbabane police headquarters on March 28. But after Tanele arrived at the headquarters Thursday, police delayed her further interrogation until April 2, after her lawyers challenged how many officials could interview her without a lawyer present. The police are now seeking legal advice about interviewing her without her lawyers. Throughout all this, however, officials have yet to provide the reason why Tanele has been labeled a wanted person to begin with”, reads an online report published by Human Rights Watch later on Thursday.

Minor children of the late human rights lawyer spent hours without food at the Boarder and exposed to extremely cold temperatures as police took turns to harass their mother after grabbing her passport and cellphones to ensure that, she doesn’t call anyone.

The widow was then ‘dragged’ to the Regional Police Headquarters where the harassment continued later on Thursday afternoon.

A questionnaire was sent to the Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the eSwatini Police Spokesperson, however, she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6279

See also

Eswatini: Authorities must stop harassment and intimidation of Tanele Maseko

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/03/eswatini-authorities-must-stop-harassment-and-intimidation-of-tanele-maseko/

Why assassinated human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s widow is being harassed by the police in the name of an investigation.

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6302

King Mswati’s police officers release detained widow to assassinated human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, Human Rights Defenders condemn harassment

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6274

Thulani’s widow flagged, taken to police station

http://www.times.co.sz/news/144532-thulani%E2%80%99s-widow-flagged%2C-taken-to-police-station.html

 

ECPA concerned with workers migrating

Nhlanganiso Mkhonta, Times of eSwatini, 3 April 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The Eswatini Credit Providers Association (ECPA) has raised concerns about reports of individuals misrepresenting facts to lending institutions and borrowing money with no intention of repaying the loans and then leave for overseas jobs.  

In an interview with this publication, ECPA Chairperson Thulani Dlamini said this act was not only morally wrong, but also constitutes a criminal offence. He said it has theft, misrepresentation, and fraud elements. “Individuals who engage in such deceitful behaviour risk facing severe consequences,” said Dlamini. ECPA is an association that was formed in 2018, and is made up of voluntary members of licensed credit providers such as;
• Amandla Financial Services
• First Finance Company
• Letshego Financial Services (Eswatini)
• Select Limited.

This comes after the association had noted a trend from some civil servants, particularly among teachers and nurses, who are leaving for overseas job opportunities, who approach lending institutions, and borrow money associated with their relocation costs with no intention of repaying the loans. The chairperson mentioned that while they acknowledged the aspirations of emaSwati seeking overseas job opportunities, they emphasised the importance of ethical conduct and financial responsibility in the borrowing process. Dlamini said they acknowledged the growing trend of emaSwati migrating for overseas job opportunities. He said this undoubtedly presented individuals with prospects for personal and professional growth.  

He said however, it was also worth mentioning that, the departure of skilled individuals could, in the long run, potentially hinder the development of key industries in the country. He said, therefore, it was essential for the country and institutions to collaborate with government and government Agencies and stakeholders to implement strategies that encourage skills retention and support the growth of local businesses. Dlamni added that ultimately, while overseas job opportunities offer emaSwati the chance to improve their livelihoods, it was crucial to strike a balance between facilitating such opportunities and safeguarding the interests of the local economy and workforce.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/business/144538-ecpa-concerned-with-workers-migrating.html

 

COVID-19: The elderly taking responsibility for their health

World Health Organization, 3 April 2024

SOURCE 

The Kingdom of Eswatini, like the rest of the world, was immensely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing different waves each affecting an increasing number of people. Between March and December 2020, the country experienced three waves. The reported cases were 6,633 in the first wave increasing to 10,313 cases in the second wave and 45,971 cases in the third wave. Deaths on the other hand also increased from 126 to 524 and 1,212 deaths in the second and third wave respectively in the same reporting period with the case fatality rate being recorded at 2.6% in the third wave. Eighty-two percent of the reported deaths were from people with diagnosed comorbidities with 10% being elderly. Based on this data, the most at risk of dying were the population with comorbidities and the elderly. 

The country is registering more reports of people living with comorbidities (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity) among the elderly population in general which means that targeting the elderly with the COVID-19 vaccine will also spread the benefit to most people with comorbidities. As such, with this data and other evidence, the need to prioritize the elderly with the vaccines cannot be overemphasized. 

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) Eswatini, within its normative role of providing technical guidance to the Ministry of Health, shared the recommendation on prioritization of the most at-risk population. Furthermore, the guidance was clear on ensuring that countries should prioritize 20% of their populations among which were healthcare workers who formed the front line;  the elderly ( 60 years and older), and those with comorbidities who were deemed most vulnerable to severe illness and death from the virus. Further to this, technical assistance was provided in crafting the National Deployment and Vaccine Roll Out Plan (NDVP)  to clearly stipulate these prioritized population groups and further ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is implemented in line with the NDVP.   

In March 2021, Eswatini introduced the COVID-19 Vaccine - AstraZeneca initially prioritizing the elderly, healthcare workers, and those with comorbidities in compliance with the recommendation from the World Health Organization. As the rollout progressed, other population groups were targeted starting with the next older age group among the population aged 59 years and below. Despite that, the focus on the initial priority groups of the elderly and those with comorbidities remained unchanged. By December 2022, the vaccine uptake had slowed down with national coverage increasing from 25.7% to a mere 35.5% between December 2021 and December 2022. In December 2022, the coverage among the elderly population was highest (71.5%) compared to the younger age groups (12 to 29 years) who were not a prioritized population group where the coverage was about 34%.  Whilst the national vaccine coverage at the national level is at a low of  36% and falls short of the national target of 70%, among the elderly population, the coverage was comparatively the highest. Prioritization of the high-risk population is one of the positive actions that has helped in increasing vaccine uptake of the vaccine among the most at-risk elderly population. 

Anna Mdluli, a 75-year-old, attributes her motivation to getting vaccinated from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and WHO’s tireless campaigns that mostly encouraged the elderly to prioritize vaccination since they were more vulnerable compared to the younger demographic. 

“I was afraid. My friends died and I was so touched I could not go to the funeral because I was asking myself, does it mean all elderly people will die - especially if I am exposed? I was among the first people to get vaccinated. I went to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital (RFM) to get the first dose of the vaccine. I later got the second dose from King Sobhuza II Clinic and took the booster dose of the vaccine as scheduled.”

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/covid-19-heroes-elderly-taking-responsibility-their-health

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 760 – 13 January 2023

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 760 – 13 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.

 

PUDEMO Women’s League President Xolile Dlamini-Malinga attacked by State agents at night, 28 bullets fired

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 9 January, 2023

SOURCE

 

MATSAPHA: Xolile Dlamini-Malinga, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Women’s League, was in the early hours on Monday, attacked allegedly, by King Mswati’s State agents.

Eswatini is in the midst of a political unrest, King Mswati has intensified attacks on pro-democracy activists, dozens have been killed by security forces since the unrest started.

It has been disclosed that the alleged State agents arrived at Dlamini’s rented house at Mobeni, Matsapha and randomly fired twenty-eight (28) bullets.

The PUDEMO Women League President and her husband Penuel Malinga, the organization’s National Organizing Secretary (NOS)were renting a house in Matsapha after Mswati’s forces attacked and destroyed their home at Mbekelweni, a Ford Ranger valued R1million was burnt.

A questionnaire was sent to Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, however, she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments, Wandile Dludlu, the PUDEMO Secretary General confirmed the attack on the Women’s League President.

“PUDEMO condemns this barbaric attack of our leaders and their properties, particularly comrade Xolile Malinga and Penuel, the National Organizer. We find this to be a barbaric program that we know has been adopted and sanctioned by the State. We want the State to know that we will not retreat, we will stand on and we will not be intimidated by this act. We support our leaders and we will do our best to ensure that the truth is uncovered as to who is responsible in the State organs, because we know it’s the State. We are grateful that no one was injured, but the damage is huge,” said the PUDEMO Secretary General.

 

See also

EFF condemns callous attacks on PUDEMO's Xolile Dlamini

https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/callous-attacks-on-xolile-dlamini-condemned--eff

 

COVID-19 among reasons for insulin shortage - minister

By Nkosingiphile Myeni, eSwatini Observer, 10 January 2023

SOURCE

 

Minister of Health, Lizzie Nkosi, has assured the public that they are working around the clock to get insulin supplies to normalise the situation.

The minister expressed her concerns with the rising number of diabetic people and that diabetes created difficulties for the population.

She revealed that the Mbabane Government Hospital alone attends to 180 clients per week.
She said although the number of patients in the government database being treated for diabetes could not be disclosed, they account for one of the higher intensities among the non-communicable diseases burden.

Nkosi said the country last conducted the STEPS survey in 2014, which revealed a 14.2 per cent prevalence of diabetes in the population.
She explained that the shortage was caused by suppliers who closed shops for the festive holidays.

She said local suppliers as well as the surging COVID-19 were major causes of the disruption of the supply chain.

“The shortage of insulin is one of the supply chain challenges that are as a result of interruptions from COVID-19 and delayed delivery of the insulin by local suppliers,” she said.

Nkosi said the ministry was inundated with health facilities’ reports of a shortage of certain types of insulin.

“The ministry has been discussing with the suppliers on how this can be sorted.  However, the festive holidays came up during which supply companies had to close,” she said.

She further stated that discussions with suppliers included the alternatives of getting the supplies into the country, adding that the ministry was in constant touch with them and requested that they urgently deliver.

Nkosi said orders were made last year and this day was unanticipated.
The minister advised that patients should not relent but continue to visit the nearest health facilities if they felt unwell.

She said health facilities were still open for advice, treatment and diabetes management, adding that while medicines were critical, they alone were not the overall package.

“The management of diabetes requires constant self-monitoring of the blood sugar, which is not possible because the self-testing or home testing tools are unaffordable for most of the diabetes sufferers in the country,” the minister said.

Nkosi said dietary control for diabetes was challenging to diabetic persons due to the poor practice of eating a diversified diet among the population.

“Diabetes is a difficult disease to treat, thus the failure of prevention approaches, resulting in high obesity trends in the population and a major cause of diabetes in adults,” she said.
The common reasons that diabetic patients may visit health facilities include hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), hypoglycaemia (low sugar) emergencies and other complications.

The minister further stated that the burden of non-communicable diseases was a growing public health threat not only in the country but globally.

She said diabetes management required constant self-monitoring of the blood sugar and costs implications for people living with diabetes.

The minister said the costs of diabetes prevalence in the country had not yet been quantified due to the complexity of the disease process and the tendency of existence of co-morbidities, making it more challenging to isolate purely diabetes treatment and management costs.
She said the analysis was still possible but not yet confirmed.

Adding, she said the ministry was preparing to conduct another STEPS survey this year.

 

This is a direct attack - transport union warns police boss

By Pholile Masuku, Swati Newsweek 12 January, 2023

SOURCE

 

MANZINI: The Transport Union SWATCAWU has criticized Police leaders after they published a picture of their vocal secretary General Sticks Nkambule as one of the most wanted person in their list.

The statement reads, “We have noted with shock the circulating notice by the Royal Swaziland Police to the effect that our General Secretary (GS) is wanted for alleged but unfounded contempt of court.”

“Not long ago, the Commissioner of Police contacted the GS seeking audience with SWATCAWU. It is very astonishing that despite having our GS's phone number, the Police and its Commissioner neglected to attempt to contact him before issuing of such a derogatory notice.”

“The said notice by the police is not only vague but a direct attack and continuation of harassment and intimidation of the GS. This we say against the background that the Police have already invaded the residence of the GS in full military gear.

“On vexatious contempt, we wish to place it on record that to date we have not been served with any court process regarding it. We were shocked to learn that an order was issued against us without our being made aware of the proceeding.

“What brings more confusion to this matter is that we have not received any contempt of court applications to enable us to respond to them. It is our strong conviction that;- this being a civil matter, it falls outside the scope and jurisdiction of the police. Furthermore, it is apparent from the defective court papers that there were three respondents cited. Which begs the question, Why is our GS the only one pursued?;

“We have since come to the conclusion, therefore, that the police are abusing their power and are being used by the government for the purposes of union bashing. We wish to remind the government that the right to associate, peaceful assembly, human dignity: - and expression is

constitutionally guaranteed and protected. The government has also committed itself internationally to respect these rights.

“As a union, we remain firm and resolute in our just cause for better service conditions for our members. We shall not be deterred by the cowardly show of force by the oppressive regime. The law shall not be massaged and manipulated to find fault with the just. We are engaged in wide consultations amongst our partners for an appropriate response.

Until then, Aluta Continua!!! Until Victory Always!!!”

 

Free Primary Education grants unpaid: pupils brace for lessons on empty stomachs

By Joseph Zulu, eSwatini News, 7 January 2023

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: It is not a secret that thinking on an empty stomach is very difficult, now imagine trying to solve math problems while hungry.

As school head teachers gear themselves up for reopening of schools on January 17, 2023, many of the schools do not have food to support the feeding schemes. The schools’ feeding schemes also known as Zondle, provide meals to pupils, but for many children in rural communities, this also becomes their main meal for the day. Head teachers, particularly in primary schools, stated that they had not yet received the free primary education (FPE) grants. They said this meant that they would not be able to supplement school meals through the Zondle programme.

The head teachers also revealed that food normally used for the feeding schemes had not yet been delivered to the schools. This publication spoke to some school head teachers as well as parents who expressed concern that it would be difficult for their children to focus on their schoolwork if there was no food. Some of the head teachers who were interviewed declined to speak on the record, stating that they did not want to be victimised for revealing the lack of food in schools.

“There is no food as it finished long before the official closing of schools,” said a head teacher. Some of the head teachers said they had only been left with rice, but that this was already rotten by now. “By the time we open, the rice will not be fit for consumption,” said *Jomo who is a teacher in one of the schools in the Lubombo Region.

Jomo, who heads a primary school revealed that at his school, more than half of his 600 pupils were classified as Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs). He said because of this they depended on meals at school. “If we do not have a meal, there is no way they could learn,” said Jomo.

He said it was not uncommon for pupils to collapse at his school due to hunger. He said this usually happened during assembly. Further, he revealed that after noticing that a majority of the pupils were from poor backgrounds, the school also started to provide breakfast in form of soft porridge but this was difficult to continue. He said the school did this as a pilot project.

 

Govt postpones schools opening

By Sifiso Dlamini And Bodwa Mbingo. eSwatini Observer, 12 January 2023

SOURCE

 

The ministry of education and training has postponed the opening of schools to January 24 following consideration of the delayed release of the Junior Certificate (JC) and Eswatini Primary Certificate (EPC) results.

Schools were initially scheduled to open on Tuesday. The postponement was announced by Minister of Education and Training, Lady Howard-Mabuza, during the release of the EPC and JC results yesterday.

The minister had earlier announced that government had considered postponing the opening of schools.

She acknowledged that there were challenges regarding the writing of examinations, which were periodically interrupted due to the prevailing political situation in the country.

Mabuza said this also resulted in the delayed release of the results.

She said the ministry and the Examinations Council tried by all means to fast-track the marking and release of the results in time to allow parents to prepare for the opening of schools.

“Following engagements with relevant stakeholders, the ministry has resolved to postpone the opening of schools from next Tuesday to Tuesday January 24, 2023,” said Mabuza.

The minister further stated that government was in the process of facilitating the payment of free primary education and OVC grants in preparation for schools opening. Mabuza said this was in collaboration with the ministry of finance.  

She said the postponement of the opening of schools would allow government more time to finalise the payment of the grants.

“As a ministry, all we know is that the ministry of finance through the treasury department is continuing with the payment of the grants and hope this will be completed before schools open,” she said.

With regards to feeding schemes, Mabuza said the ministry was also confident that by the time schools open, food would be delivered to all schools in the country.

The announcement will come as a relief for parents as they had pleaded with government to postpone the opening of schools by at least a week to grant them ample time to secure spaces as this was not an easy task.

Secretary General of Eswatini School Committees and Parents Association, Cyprian Dlamini said this would also allow parents time to secure spaces for their children who sat for the external examinations and government to address some of the issues that have been raised by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT).

Meanwhile, Eswatini Principals Association (EPA) President Welcome Mhlanga welcomed the postponement and said this would grant them enough time to register new pupils, as well as allow parents sufficient time to pay school fees, which usually takes about a week to finalise.

Mhlanga said it was not easy for them to comment on the matter prior to the official announcement by government because the release of the results was delayed.
“We will only be able to get the results today, which means parents can only collect their children’s results on Monday, which would not have been enough time,” he said.

Adding, he said this would have frustrated all those involved as they would not have had enough time to prepare.

He said it was better for pupils who had already been registered and admitted, but it would not have been the case for those who were still waiting for their results.
“As much as we were prepared to do the best we can, we welcome the decision by government as it will give all involved enough time,” said Mhlanga.

 

4 721 miss measles vaccination

By Sithembile Hlatshwayo, Times of eSwatini, 12 January 2023

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: At least 4 721 children missed the measles rubella (MR) immunisation last year.

The country recorded a national coverage of 4 250 children who were fully vaccinated for measles rubella (MR) last year. This is according to the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), Proxy Indicators Performance report as of November 2022. The country has a total of 33 000 children, who are eligible for vaccination in their first year of life and around 155 000 are under five years old. The Manzini Region recorded the most vaccinated children, with 1 678 and it was followed by the Hhohho Region, with 1 450. The Shiselweni Region recorded 744 and the least number of immunised children were recorded in the Lubombo Region.

At national level, the country’ target for MR was 90 per cent and by November 2022, it stood at 83.1 per cent. Meanwhile, Polio immunisation coverage was above 100 per cent. This was so because the 2021 coverage was at 69 per cent but strategies were used last year to trace all children who had missed the vaccination. EPI Programme Manager Xolisile Dlamini clarified that the gaps in vaccination were as a result of challenges in tracking the parents of the children, who at times relocated from their previous homes. She said some of the children who were closer to the borderline relocated with their parents to neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Mozambique.

 

eSwatini journalists covering Incwala forced to wear traditional attire.

By Wendy Magagula, Swaziland News, 12 January 2023

SOURCE

 

LOBAMBA: Eswatini journalists who were covering Mswati’s Incwala ritual ceremony on Tuesday were forced to wear a traditional attire as part of their accreditation conditions.

Journalist Themba Zwane and other scribes from the State controlled newspapers were seen clad in their traditional attires, however, even journalists were not allowed to enter Sibaya with their cellphones.

“We were forced to wear a traditional attire, that’s why I didn’t attend,” said one journalist working for the State controlled media. 

Reached for comments on Wednesday, King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane said as the King’s Office, they didn't handle accreditation for journalists, he referred comments to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).

“Journalists are accredited by the Ministry of ICT through the Department of Information and Media Development. Kindly take it up with the Directorate there or the Principal Secretary (Mr Phesheya Dube).We don't handle accreditation and we would therefore be irrelevant in enforcing or suggesting conditions for it,” said the King’s Spokesperson when responding to questions from this Swaziland News.

A questionnaire was sent to Phesheya Dube, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Journalists in eSwatini are restricted from criticizing Mswati and his royal family, some are members of Mswati’s regiments(emabutfo).

 

Warders accused of covering up riot

By Nkosingiphile Myeni and Andile Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 13 January 2023

SOURCE

SIDWASHINI Correctional Services facility warders are accused of covering up a riot by inmates that was allegedly caused by an argument over a girlfriend.

One of the three inmates facing charges of a foiled prison break, Bonginkhosi ‘Skyper’ Dlamini claimed that a warder, whom he identified as Sibusiso Magagula, was provocative and blames him as the cause for the riot.

Dlamini said Magagula repeatedly told him that he saw his girlfriend coming out of the residential quarters of the officers.

He said this infuriated him and he found himself man-handling Magagula.
“I confronted him and held his arm and told him to desist from saying those things. He then hit me and kicked me, saying I should return where I came from,” he said.

According to Dlamini, the other warders did not notice the  confrontation between Magagula and him but rushed to defend one of their own.

Dlamini, who was arrested with Gugulethu Ngwenya of South Africa and Mpendulo Msibi of Mkhondvo, stand accused of planning and attempting a prison break at Sidwashini correctional facility on October 17, 2018.

They made their submissions during their appearance before acting High Court Judge, Fikile Hlophe.

These are allegations whose veracity is yet to be determined by the court.

To read more of this report click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=19679

 

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 752 – 11 November 2022

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 752 – 11 November 2022

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.

 

Three injured as eSwatini army open fire on protesters

AFP, 11 November 2022

SOURCE

 

About 100 minibus taxi and bus drivers took to the streets in the central city of Manzini to demand the release of the four who were arrested earlier this week accused of assaulting a female customer.

But the protest soon turned violent.

Demonstrators looted shops and torched a police post, witnesses said, triggering the deployment of the armed troops.

"The army opened fire on protesters who were looting a truck," said one witness, who preferred to remain anonymous fearing retaliation from authorities.

Local hospital head Benjamin Simelane said three transport workers were taken there suffering from gunshot wounds and were currently receiving treatment.

"The soldiers were beating everyone they caught and opened fire," said a second eyewitness who also asked not to be identified.

Government spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo said "law enforcement agencies will continue to apply the law in order to uphold the rights of roads users and public transport users".

Musa Dlamini, the chair of the Swaziland Local Transport Association, said the group was investigating the incident.

Eswatini has traditionally stifled dissent and pro-democracy movements and political parties have been banned since 1973.

Previously known as Swaziland, landlocked Eswatini is Africa's last absolute monarchy.

Last year, at least 37 people were killed  and hundreds injured during weeks of anti-monarchy protests in the worst unrest to hit the usually peaceful southern African country.

 

 

Soldiers deployed in Manzini day of chaos: public transport workers’ protest turns chaotic

By Sibusiso Zwane and Stanley Khumalo, Times of eSwatini, 11 November 2022

SOURCE

MANZINI: Some parts of Manzini, mainly around the bus rank, came to a standstill yesterday morning (Thursday 10 November 2022).

It all started at around 9am when some public transport workers blocked the roads to and from the Manzini Bus Rank in protest against the continued incarceration of five of their members, including the President of the Eswatini Kombi and Buses Allied Workers Union (EKABAWU), Mcolisi Fakudze. The incarcerated public transport workers were; Mashumi Shabangu (38) of Matsapha, Mandla Malindzisa (37) of Fairview and Siyabonga Nhleko (36) of New Village. The others were Mcolisi Fakudze (32) of Ngwane Park and Nicholus Dludlu (35) of Nsingizini.

They were charged with the offence of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, in that on November 2, 2022 at Manzini City Centre, they allegedly assaulted Abdullah Aziz Kolia with a knobkerrie and sjambock several times all over the body. They are said to have also assaulted him with fists and kicks in the face with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm. After blocking the roads with stones and garbage, the public transport workers sent about 20 of their colleagues to give moral support to their incarcerated colleagues, so that they could also give them an update regarding their bail application.

During their appearance in court, their Lawyer Thembumenzi Bhembe, clarified to the court that at first, he was informed that the court had denied the accused persons bail and he went to the High Court. However, he submitted that at the High Court, he was informed that the accused persons were not denied bail, but it was deferred as the complainant was in a critical condition in hospital. In response to that, the presiding judicial officer, Magistrate Philisiwe Simelane, said during their first appearance, she took her time and addressed them in siSwati, thus she did not understand where the misunderstanding was.

Thereafter, the lawyer applied that he court grant them bail. He submitted that the accused persons were emaSwati and they were not a flight risk. He added that all of them had between one and three children, who solely depended on them, together with their spouses. He argued that their continued incarceration would affect their children and spouses. Again, the lawyer informed the court that the assault incident took place on November 2, 2022 and from there, the accused persons had been going to the police station on their own as they were called by the law enforcers for investigations. After that, he submitted that they were charged and warned to appear in court, which they duly did on November 8, 2022.

“By this, they showed that they are not flight risk and that they will attend their trial. Also, the police showed that they trusted them that they cannot run away from the court as they did not lock them up after charging them, instead they warned them to come to court,” the lawyer submitted.

In that regard, the legal practitioner asked the court to consider releasing them on their recognisance as they had displayed that they were willing to attend trial.  He applied that bail should not exceed E2 000. In response, the court asked him to make an offer and he applied that may their bail be fixed at E1 500 for each.

On the other hand, the Crown said bail was not opposed and that the complainant had been discharged from hospital as he was no longer in a critical condition.  However, he submitted that the court should consider that the purpose of bail was to ensure that the accused persons attended their trial. In that regard, the Crown submitted that the proposed E1 500 bail for each was small to ensure that they attended their trial. “Considering the seriousness of the offence, may the court consider granting bail not less than E5 000,” the Crown submitted. Thereafter, the court fixed their bail at E6 000 for each and their trial set for December 14, 2022.  

To read more of his report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/137590-soldiers-deployed-in-manzini-day-of-chaos-public-transport-worke.html

 

 

eSwatini crisis degenerates into terrorism

By Sambulo Dlamini, CAJ News, 9 November 2022

SOURCE

MBABANE: ARGUABLY one of the world’s most neglected crises lately, the catastrophe in Eswatini has degenerated into a guerilla warfare that is escalating by the day.

The month of November has undoubtedly been among the most restive in Africa’s last absolute monarchy since the conflict between the King Mswati III’s administration and the pro-democracy movement debased into bloodshed in mid-2021.

Last Saturday, a militant group killed Chief Prince Mahloma of Zandondo, said to be a relative of the king.

He had been held hostage in his home since the previous day with the assailants recording the ordeal, according to informants.

This incident, and the recent spate of police killings, attacks on some companies linked to Mswati III, indicates Eswatini is the latest country to be on the throes of a terror group.

The so-called Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF) has claimed responsibility of the chief’s killing. It has defiantly claimed responsibility of the other killings and arson in recent weeks.

The SISF is shrouded in mystery.

It claims to be on a mission to restore the dignity of the emaSwati but its chilling modus operandi is akin to a terrorist group.

This week, SISF razed to the ground properties of companies that Mswati III is said to have a stake or owns.

Shops and vehicles of the said businesses were burnt.

Losses were reported to run to thousands of Dollars.

On Monday, it emerged the king had summoned the media to his palace, the House of Dlamini, in Lobamba, a co-capital with Mbabane.

In response, the government was at the time of publication contemplating a curfew to curb further unrest.

At the session with journalists at the palace, it was alleged state-controlled media ordered to falsely report an increase in COVID-19 cases as a justification for the curfew.

On Tuesday, a newspaper reported Eswatini had recorded a staggering 87 percent daily increase in COVID-19 cases!

Activists are not impressed with what they believe is propaganda.

“Coming up with schemes and scams to sustain the current status quo that has created so many grievances and strife won’t work,” activist Qhawe Magongo said.

“They should initiate all-inclusive dialogue, release MP’S and accept that if there’s one thing that’s constant, its change,” he added.

Mswati III’s administration this week issued a stern warning.

Acting Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, said the government was taking “drastic and practical steps” amid killings of state security officers and other emaSwati.

He alleged citizens were being influenced with money to perpetrate crime.

“The nation is urged to work with government to create a peaceful environment, that would be suitable for us to dialogue in a free manner and share ideas in terms of how best we build a stable and prosperous country for which future generations shall be grateful to inherit,” Masuku said.

Government has also branded striking junior police officers as terrorists after the aggrieved cops marched to Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini’s residence demanding a salary increment.

“The march to the Prime Minister’s home was out of order and an indication of terrorist elements existing among the junior officers,” government spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, said at a media conference.

This week, church leaders marched to parliament to demand national dialogue as the solution to the tragic political impasse in the country.

The skirmishes in the former Swaziland are also a cause for concern in powerhouse neighbor, South Africa.

Apart from political and economic ties, the two nations share royal ties.

Newly-crowned Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, is a nephew of Mswati III’s.

His mother, Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, is a sister to Mswati III.

Mswati III (18 years at the time of coronation) attended the coronation of his nephew, King Misuzulu (48).

 

University cancels graduation amid security threats against Chancellor King Mswati.

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 8 November, 2022.

SOURCE

KWALUSENI: Salebona Simelane, the Registrar of the University of eSwatini (UNESWA)has written a memo informing staff members that the institution’s 2022 Graduation Ceremony has been cancelled.

“It is advised that due to unforeseen circumstances, the 2022 Graduation Ceremony of the University has been cancelled. The inconvenience caused is regretted,” reads the memo signed by the University Registrar, dated 08 November 2022

Reached for comments, Salebona Simelane, the Registrar of the University of eSwatini confirmed that the Graduation Ceremony has been cancelled, however, he asked not to share reasons behind the cancellation.

“It’s true that the graduation has been cancelled but I cannot share the reasons,” said the Registrar.

But insiders told this Swaziland News that the Graduation Ceremony has been cancelled as a result of the political unrest’s second wave ,and the fact that Chancellor King Mswati was feeling unsafe to attend.

“The King is not feeling safe these days due to the ongoing political unrest, so he is not comfortable with attending the ceremony,” said the insider.

Speaking to this publication, Colani Khulekani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) said the cancellation of the graduation was victory to them adding that they wanted to disrupt it because of King Mswati’s presence.

“Students are struggling with no scholarships, allowances such that some had stopped attending classes due to hunger. We wouldn’t have allowed a King who unleashed his soldiers and the police to shoot us as students, merely for demanding allowances to then attend a graduation ceremony and shake hands with us. Mswati is no longer popular among the people and we don’t want him in any of the institutions of higher learning,” said the Students President.

 

EU, Taiwan urged to avert civil war

By Timothy Simelane, Times of eSwatini, 5 November 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: The Embassies of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as well as that of the European Union (EU), have been engaged to save Eswatini from an imminent civil war.

Members of the mass democratic movement, who called themselves the Concerned Citizens of Eswatini delivered petitions to the two embassies and asked foreign envoys of either countries not to supply the Eswatini Government with ammunition. In the petition, the Taiwanese Embassy was criticised for allegedly supplying the government with helicopters that were then allegedly used to hunt down emaSwati, who are calling for political change.

“What is appalling is that military aid continues to be sent by President Tsai (of Taiwan) to an authoritarian regime here in our motherland. Taiwan´s taxes paid for helicopters that were used to kill and maim fellow emaSwati. Those helicopters continue to hover above our communities and our people live in perpetual fear and trauma,” alleged the petitioners. The petition was received by Minister Ching-Lin Tsuei of the embassy, who was in the company of other embassy staff members. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) was also visible inside and outside the embassy premises.
The petition was read by Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) (SG) Secretary General Mciniseli Vilakati.

PUDEMO Stalwart Mphandlana Shongwe, also spoke at the petition delivery event, saying he was not happy that the embassy had not taken a strong position about the killing of people last year. “Even as people continue to die, we have not heard your voice. One of the duties of the embassy is to stand up for the defenceless people. We are those people,” he said. SWALIMO Spokesperson Thantaza Silolo said he was aware that Taiwan had played a major role in fighting against poverty, but said its silent position on the political situation was not welcome. Tsuei said “Thanks for your petition. Your voice has been heard. I will present this petition to Taiwan and the Eswatini government.” On a similar note, the petitioners told the EU Embassy: “State resources, and to a larger extent Europe Taxpayer´s money, is used to buy arms and pay personnel that killed and maimed our people. Some of these resources continue, to be used on the arson of political parties’ leaders and members’ property. As we march, our people live in fear and uncertainties about an imminent civil war.”

They alleged that Europe Taxpayer´s money was being used to buy arms and pay personnel ‘that killed and maimed our people’. Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said it was a lie that the helicopters were used against citizens of the country. “We have a long standing diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) which dates as far back as the Era of His Majesty King Sobhuza II. His Majesty King Mswati III, has taken the diplomatic relations between these two States to another level of mutual respect and benefits. “It is naive and dangerous to think that helicopters are used against citizens of this country. Show me one example wherein, the helicopters were used against citizens and I will show you 10 examples of where the helicopters were used for the safety and protection of the country’s population,” he said.

 

Civil unrest erupts as gunmen execute member of royal guard

Bernama, 5 November 2022

SOURCE

 

MANZINI: Unknown gunmen executed a guard Friday and forced him to make a video that demanded King Mswati III of Eswatini institute democratic reforms.

The guard, Mbongseni Dlamini, was a member of the Royal Guard stationed at the Ludzidzini Royal Palace.

In the video posted on social media, Dlamini tells Mswati that citizens want democracy and that as officers of the crown, they are being executed.

“I’ve been kidnapped by the ground forces that want democracy. We are dying here. I also urge police, soldiers and warders to stop violence against civilians. People want democracy,” he was quoted as saying by Anadolu Agency.

Mswati unleashed the force of security officers, including guards, who killed more than 100 civilians -- mostly youth.

The killing of security of officers in ambushes has become common in the kingdom since unrest in 2021 when residents went on rampages and burned trucks, tires and looted shops on main roads.

Late Thursday, officers manning the Matsapha police station, had to take cover as gunmen fired bullets at duty officers.

In a separate incident in Kwaluseni, the home of Matsapha MP Sibusiso Dlamini was allegedly attacked by gunmen who fired bullets at the house, forcing him and his family to hide and lie on their stomachs to avoid being shot.

Director of Communications at the King’s Office, Percy Simelane, said law enforcement agencies will bring the culprits to account.

“To contain any form of lawlessness or criminality, we will continue to use legal means. Intelligence will continue to tell us who to bring to book. Some elements have already been booked,” said Simelane.

But Simelane maintained that Eswatini is a democracy with one of the best electoral systems in the world where the decision of voters is final.

“In this country, we the people, nominate and vote into parliament our representation as opposed to situations where party leaders around the world impose themselves on the electorate,” he said.

Since the June 2021 unrest, Mswati has not shown a commitment to talks.

At the 42nd Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit of heads of state in August, in Kinshasa, Congo, the group said it will set up a team to look into the Eswatini crisis, where pro-democracy groups are calling for the abdication of Mswati after the killing of civilians by security forces.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said SADC will set up a fact-finding mission on Eswatini and send a panel of elders to find effective ways to deal with the situation. - Bernama

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