Swazi Media Commentary: dlamini welcome

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Friday, 7 March 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 867 – 7 March 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 867 – 7 March 2025

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.

Over 80 000 HIV+ patients, around 60 employees to suffer

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times Sunday, 2 March 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Following the reported closure of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) in Eswatini, around 80 000 emaSwati living with HIV are set to be affected.

This scenario is a blow to the country, which currently has over 210 000 people who are on antiretroviral therapy (ARVs).

The 80 000 who are taken care of, including being consistently monitored by the organisation include around 3 000 children in the Shiselweni and Hhohho regions.

As if that is not enough, this publication has uncovered that around 60 locals who were employed by the organisation are set to lose their jobs.

The EGPAF has been the highest beneficiary from USAID Eswatini.

This is because the entity in the past year received a larger share among the top partners of USAID Eswatini.

The entity was awarded E155 756 250 (US$8.307 million), when converted in yesterday’s exchange rate.

It was followed by Pact World, which received E127 818 750 and the third highest benefitting entity was The Luke Commission (TLC) with E125.44 million.

The organisation is among many others that have been affected following a decision by US President Donald Trump’s administration’s to terminate 90 per cent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts.

Health groups, non-governmental organisations and others who received money from the US aid agency to do good work had been living under a cloud of curiosity since Trump’s executive order froze the funding for a 90-day review on January 20, 2025.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149663-over-80-000-hiv-patients-around-60-employees-to-suffer.html

King Mswati’s extravagant lifestyle on the spotlight as USAID officially terminates R1.3billion health funding, CANGO Director says army HIV/AIDS prevention programs to be affected

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 28 February, 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: King Mswati’s lavish lifestyle funded with public funds is highly expected to be on the spotlight, subsequent to a decision by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officially terminating R1.3billion funding for critical health programs in eSwatini.

This decision comes after Donald Trump, the newly inaugurated US President halted donor funding for a period of ninety (90) days pending review, however, some eSwatini Non Governmental Organization (NGOs) were officially informed this week about the termination of the funding.

But King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane previously told this publication that, the “King’s budget is normally based on available funds”, he was asked to clarify if Mswati will consider reducing his budget amid the looming financial crisis in Government and the entire country.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News on Friday morning, Thembinkhosi Dlamini, the Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) confirmed that, some organizations received letters from USAID, officially terminating donor funding for certain projects.

“You will recall that the funding was first suspended pending review and now, some projects funded by USAID have been terminated. This will not only affect NGOs but even Government because here, we are talking about R1.3billion for the entire country and for different programs, USAID was assisting health programs even in the army,” said the CANGO Director.

It has been disclosed that, soldiers were also benefiting from the donors as USAID was supporting their clinics within the Army Barracks including the provision of Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs.

But amid the financial challenges in Government and the entire country, King Mswati spent millions hosting “Buganu Ceremony” and taking international trips with a huge delegation resulting to taxpayers paying over R200million for each trip as traveling allowances and other costs.

The King also owns two (2) private jets and a fleet of Rolls Royce cars in a country where about 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, with a collapsed health system.

Eswatini is also facing rampant corruption in the public administration and, the Government has not demonstrated a political will to fight corruption and end a culture of impunity.

See also

Elizabeth Glazer shuts down

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23535

NGOs’ blow as US ends USAID funding

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149635-ngos%E2%80%99-blow-as-us-ends-usaid-funding.html

Withdrawal of USAID funding a big blow

http://www.times.co.sz/feature/149666-withdrawal-of-usaid-funding-a-big-blow.html

Reduce King Mswati’s multibillion budget, fight corruption and escalate the collection of domestic taxes to mitigate deficit amid withdrawal of foreign donor funding

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8510

USAID cancelled R1.3billion funding: Job losses looming in Hotels and Guest Houses, some were generating significant revenue by hosting workshops for closed NGOs

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8508

USA funding withdrawal to impact development – CANGO Director

https://independentnews.co.sz/11285/news/community-news/usa-funding-withdrawal-to-impact-development-cango-director/

Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi says ‘yes we will cancel scholarships for University students who criticize Tinkhundla system as directed by MP Welcome Dlamini’

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 5 March 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Phila Buthelezi, the Minister of Labour and Social Security says, Government will cancel scholarships for all University students criticizing Tinkhundla system as directed by Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini.

Responding to the MP in Parliament on Tuesday, the Labour Minister stated that, there’s a clause in the scholarships agreement restricting the students from criticizing Government or the Tinkhundla system.

“We will definitely cancel the scholarships for those students because they are in violation of the scholarships agreement,” said the Labour Minister.

On another note, the Mbabane East MP suggested that, all University students studying abroad who then join political parties and criticize the Tinkhundla system must have their scholarships cancelled.

Eswatini is an absolute Monarchy, political parties are banned and citizens who criticise the Government are not only arrested, tortured or even killed but, denied scholarships and jobs.

Friday, 1 December 2023

Swaziland Newsletter No. 805 – 1 December 2023

Swaziland Newsletter No. 805 – 1 December 2023

State must regulate media – MP Welcome

By Phephile Motau, eSwatini Observer, 29 November 2023

SOURCE

Former journalist Mbabane East Member of Parliament, Welcome Dlamini, said the State should regulate the media.

Dlamini, who also is the President of the Swaziland National of Journalists (SNAJ), was speaking yesterday afternoon during the second day of the parliamentarians’ five-day induction conference at the Happy Valley Hotel.

This was after a presentation by Chairman of the Editor’s Forum and Eswatini Observer’s Managing Editor, Mbongeni Mbingo, who presented on the relationship between the media and Parliament.

The parliamentarians showed a lot of interest in this presentation as many wanted to comment.

Mbingo had raised that since the enactment of the Media Council Bill about 20 years ago; the media had not been successful in regulating itself.

Dlamini said the media had a chance to regulate itself for 20 years and it had failed and this was because media houses did not see eye to eye.

The legislator said journalists from the Times of Eswatini were not reported on in Eswatini Observer and vice versa because of this adding that they had failed to come up with funds for the media complaints commission.

“Since you have failed to self-regulate, how about government brings back State regulation because you have failed to regulate yourself for over 20 years now,” Dlamini said.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21576

‘I will lobby international journalists should the State consider regulating the media’, says editor

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 30 November, 2023

SOURCE

MBABANE: Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor of the Swaziland News says, he will lobby international journalists to oppose Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini’s sentiments urging the State to regulate the media.

Dlamini said even though the State regulation will not affect this publication as it is registered in South Africa, he was eager to see the media in eSwatini operating freely without any influence from the State particularly because, the Swaziland News will eventually have an office in eSwatini.

“I will not sit down and relax just because this won’t affect the Swaziland News, the media is an institution with different owners including government. Each media house whether it’s the Times, Observer, Eswatini TV or Channel S is important because it diversity the flow of information, it is important. There are stories that could be covered by the Observer, the Times or Channel S that cannot be covered by the Swaziland News. On the other hand, there are stories that could be covered by the Swaziland News that cannot be covered by other media houses. But, the public needs all the information even if it’s weather forecast. So, no media house is important than the other, we need diversity of views and information. We can say the Observer is pro-government or Tinkhundla but the truth is; the public wants to know what government is saying or doing and the Observer fills that vacuum,” said the editor.

On another note, the editor thanked Eswatini Observer Managing Editor Mbongeni Mbingo for defending the media before Members of Parliament (MPs), he pledged to play his part at international level should government dare regulate the media. He said editors compete for stories and clash sometimes but, their common interest is the independence of the media and the public and should anything emerge threatening the “common interest”, they will speak in one voice and rebuke it.

No freedom of speech for Swazi widows

Opinion by Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek 26 November, 2023

SOURCE

MANZINI: As inequality continues to exists in Eswatini widows' rights including freedom of expression have been greatly undermined.

Multitudes of Swazi widows face both physically and verbal attacks as their voices continue to be infringed upon at Eswatini and other parts of Southern African region.

These widows are voiceless, during their bereavement season they are not allowed to be in any discussions or in any conflict involvement. On the other hand, the Commonwealth Freedom of expression Charter promotes universal rights regardless of gender, race, and religious ethnic group. “Everyone has a right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

In Eswatini a widow is regarded as an inferior member of society. Most of her rights are taken from her by in-laws.

These restrictions include limitations to move around freely in public places.

A widow in Swaziland is not allowed in a national school or to sit in the front row in some churches.

In a previous interview Sikelela Dlamini, the former Secretary General of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) confirmed that teachers who are wearing mourning gowns are not allowed to teach in national schools linked to the Royal family.

Dlamini added, "Yes teachers wearing mourning gowns are not allowed to teach in national schools. This has always been a practice ever since and is a gross violation of human rights."

A widow’s freedom of expression is taken away from her as she can’t speak in public even if it is for the benefit of the larger society.

They are not allowed to visit areas like government offices, palaces.

In some churches they are not allowed to speak while wearing morning gowns.

A widow is not allowed to address a Chief or Indvuna whilst in mourning gowns because the latter represent the king in communities.

A widow’s voice is not heard and this is attributed to culture and patriarchy.

As country we need new laws which can protect the interests of the widows.

MPs told: you are to blame

By Phephile Motau, eSwatini Observer, 28 November 2023

SOURCE

Former ambassador, Njabu Gwebu, has blamed parliamentarians for portraying a negative picture of the country to the international community.

Gwebu yesterday educated parliamentarians about etiquette during their Induction Conference held at the Happy Valley Hotel.

She said those who caused people to speak badly about the country were parliamentarians, making an example of a legislator who accused judges of being corrupt saying they were bought, a statement which was captured and highlighted by all media in bold headlines.

In the countries where they were stationed, Gwebu said diplomats were called to explain issues that appeared in local newspapers and they had to defend the country.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=21568

PM’s statement sets Govt policy

By Mfanukhona Nkambule, eSwatini News, 25 November 2023

SOURCE

In his policy statement, Russell Dlamini, the PM, touched on key performance indicators, that might inform his administration’s strategic plan. He committed himself to the following programmes:

Formulation and implementation of a short to medium-term plan anchored on the Sibaya submissions;

Development of a long term plan, grand plan. The Grand plan will seek to modernise the country based on the Tinkhundla System as a vehicle for development;

The Tinkhundla Administration and Development will be strengthened institutionally.

Long term plan to incorporate country’s socio-economic development model and the investment models will be at the centre of government’s plans;

Transformation of both economic and social outlook through investment attraction and job creation.

Create an environment that will attract investment, foster exponential growth, and nurture innovation ultimately ensuring sustainable job opportunities and well-being for all;

Government to work towards a society where every citizen, including persons with disabilities, women and children as well as the elderly feel safe and valued.

Government to improve the education curricula to reflect our African values and instill a winning mindset.

Strengthening of vocational institutions curricula with business acumen.

Government to strengthen the healthcare system by finding a lasting solution to the current crisis and by strategically increasing the focus on preventive health.

Government will give due attention to social services on which the poor and vulnerable depend;

Agriculture’s potential will be harnessed to employ many of the unemployed youth. This will be through large projects of commercialisation, mechanisation and building strong market systems that offer attractive returns to individual farmers.

Government to ensure that agricultural systems are adapted to climate change while fostering resilience and ensuring food security and sovereignty;

Every sector and government department will be integrated into the plan to attain the desired growth.

ICT, tourism, mining and manufacturing, among other important sectors, will receive appropriate attention and investment from government;

Infrastructure development plans will be ambitious and reflective of the mindset of thinking big.

With a majority of people predicted to live in cities, the future is urban, and it is critical that government builds resilient infrastructure that is long lasting.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/142768-pm%E2%80%99s-statement-sets-govt-policy.html

‘I am under surveillance. Everywhere I go, around my residence premises, and workplace premises, I met State Security Officers,’: Sibusiso Dlamini

By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 28 November, 2023

SOURCE

LOBAMBA: There is no freedom of speech in Eswatini?

African United Democratic Party Secretary General Sibusiso Dlamini who spoke bravely during Sibaya National discussion might be in danger.

Dlamini confirmed that members of the Royal Eswatini Government have been monitoring him after his speech he made at the recent Sibaya People’s Parliament.

“I am under surveillance. Everywhere I go, around my Residence premises, and work place premises, I met State Security Officers,” said the AUDP leader.

Dlamini urged the King to allow the Parliament to elect the prime minister. People who have been calling for an elected PM have been put in prison.

Kings emabutfo including Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo grabbed the microphone while Dlamini was speaking.

Mthandeni Dube, Gawuzela Simelane and Bacede Mabuza greatly popularised the idea of having an elected PM in Swaziland.

Mabuza and Dube were arrested and charged. Simelane was forced to flee into exile.

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Monday, 22 June 2020

Swaziland journalist death threat after article supporting absolute monarch’s regime

A Swaziland (eSwatini) journalist received a death threat after he wrote an article in support of the political regime headed by absolute monarch King Mswati III.

Welcome Dlamini of the Times of eSwatini reported to police that he had received text messages and one threatened him with death. The text referred to an article he had written for the paper supporting the local tinkhundla system of government. One text told him to stop ‘lambasting progressive / political parties’.

The tinkhundla system in Swaziland does not allow political parties to stand in elections. King Mswati appoints the prime minister and government. He also chooses top judges and civil servants. Groups advocating multi-party democracy are banned under the Suppression of Terrorism Act.

The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) the best known of the prodemocracy groups and one of those banned dissociated itself from the death threat.

Police are investigating.

Journalists are often under attack in Swaziland but it is usually those criticising the regime who suffer. At present Eugene Dube, editor of the website Swati Newsweek, is in exile in South Africa after he wrote articles considered critical of the King.

Ncamiso Ngcamphalala, the Economic Freedom Fighters of Swaziland President, is on bail awaiting trail charged with sedition following comments he made in an interview with Swati Newsweek. He told the High court he had been tortured by police.

In March 2020 Swaziland journalist and former government cabinet minister Mfomfo Nkambule said he was tortured by police after he wrote articles critical of King Mswati for the online newspaper Swaziland News.

Also in March 2020 the editor of Swaziland News Zweli Martin Dlamini told the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s Media Monitor programme that police raided his home after he published articles in his newspaper. He said police tied him up and suffocated him with a plastic bag.

He was speaking from South Africa and said he feared returning to Swaziland.

Monday, 31 March 2014

KING’S PAPER QUESTIONS ABILITY OF JUDGE

A Swaziland newspaper has reported criticisms of the competence of a judge at a time when one editor and a writer are in jail awaiting contempt of court charges for criticising the kingdom’s judiciary.

The Sunday Observer reported criticisms that Mpendulo Simelane, aged 39, who was appointed to the High Court bench in February 2014, was not properly qualified to be a High Court judge.

The Observer is in effect owned by King Mswati III who rules Swaziland as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. The King chooses the judges in his kingdom and the article could be seen as an indirect criticism of the King’s decision.

Welcome Dlamini wrote in the Observer under the headline Mpendulo Simelane: Is he fit to Judge? ‘However, his [Simelane’s] appointment has been met with a lot of misgivings by the legal fraternity which feels he is not yet ripe for the position. The Sunday Observer has it in authority that even some of the judges are not happy with Mpendulo Simelane being appointed to be part of them.’

He added, ‘An impeccable source within the judiciary said it was well known that Simelane’s appointment had not gone down well with his colleagues even though there was nothing they could do about it.

‘“Some of the judges feel he does not yet qualify to be a judge. As a judge, you have to write judgments that will stand their ground throughout the world. Judgments are important because they become a point of reference for other countries. Is Simelane fit to write such judgments? Some of the judges don’t think so,” said the source.’

‘Further, said the source: “The judges would have preferred that the post should have been advertised because there are a lot of lawyers and magistrates who are senior and have the necessary qualifications to be appointed judges. With Simelane, he did not compete with anyone for the position. It was sort of a reward.”

‘Constitutionally, a person has to meet one of three requirements in order to be appointed judge of the kingdom’s High Court. That person should either have been “a legal practitioner, barrister or advocate of not less than ten years practice in Swaziland or any part of the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland”.

‘Or, that person should have served as “a judge of a superior court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in any part of the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland for a period of not less than five years”.

‘Alternatively, that individual should have either been a legal practitioner, barrister or advocate and a judge of a superior court as stated above for a combined period of such practice and service of not less than ten years.

‘Judge Mpendulo Simelane, according to another source within the legal fraternity, does not meet any of these requirements.

‘“Yes, he was admitted as an attorney 10 years ago but he served for only five years before he was appointed registrar of the High Court and that position cannot be classified as being a legal practitioner,” said the source.’

The publication by the Observer of direct questions about the competence of a judge comes two weeks after Bheki Makhubu, the editor of the Nation magazine and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko were arrested and charged with writing and publishing articles critical of Swaziland Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi.

The two men have been remanded in custody awaiting trial.

Their arrest has led to an outcry across the world with many human rights organisations calling for their immediate release. Amnesty International has named both men ‘prisoners of conscience.’

Earlier this year, the Sunday Observer was forced to publish an abject apology after it published a criticism of the judiciary. In its apology the newspaper said. ‘[It] is not the intention of the Swazi Observer and its newspapers to disregard the independence of the judiciary, but to be seen to assisting it uphold the rule of law in the country’.

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Friday, 7 March 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 867 – 7 March 2025

Friday, 1 December 2023

Swaziland Newsletter No. 805 – 1 December 2023

Monday, 22 June 2020

Swaziland journalist death threat after article supporting absolute monarch’s regime

Monday, 31 March 2014

KING’S PAPER QUESTIONS ABILITY OF JUDGE