Swaziland Newsletter No. 814 – 16 February 2024

 

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 814 – 16 February 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 pro-democracy MultiStakehokder Forum (MSF) resolved to support United Nations (UN) call for an international credible investigation into human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko’s assassination

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 12 February, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Sivumelwano Nyembe, the Spokesperson of the Eswatini MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF) says, the organization has resolved to support the United Nations (UN) consistent call for an international, transparent and credible investigation into the assassination of lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko.

A questionnaire was sent to Alpheous Nxumalo, the Government Spokesperson, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko, the Chairperson of the MSF, a coalition of pro-democracy groups in eSwatini was killed allegedly by King Mswati’s mercenaries, the Eswatini Government has been staggering in allowing international investigators to investigate the politically motivated assassination.

The human rights lawyer was killed at the time when he was corresponding with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other international organizations in facilitating an all inclusive political dialogue as part of peaceful means to resolve the political crisis.

The MSF held its Annual Meeting last weekend at Ermelo, Republic of Africa where the resolution was taken.

“The recently held MSF meeting at Emerlo is constitutional meeting whereby MSF membership come together to review the past year and make a plan for the following year. So it was basically a review and planning meeting. This meeting reflected on the assassination of the first Chairperson of the organization Comrade Thulani Maseko and the response of the State in investigating this assassination, and supported the call by the United Nations (UN) to force or demand that the government of Swaziland institute an international independent and transparent investigation on the assassination of Comrade Thulani Maseko. The meeting also made a very critical plan in moving forward the democratic revolution in Swaziland”, said the MSF Spokesperson when speaking to this Swaziland News on Monday morning.

Eswatini is ruled by Mswati as an absolute Monarch, political parties are banned from participating in elections and human rights defenders are killed for demanding democracy.

As a result of the persecution and the ongoing killing of human rights defenders, the MSF leadership opted to hold the Annual Meeting in the neighboring South Africa, security was contracted and provided by the leadership to ensure the safety of the political activists.

 

Judge recuses himself after death threats

By John Sukati, eSwatini Observer, 14 February 2024

SOURCE 

Industrial Court Judge, Muzikayise Motsa, has recused himself from hearing the medical drugs and procurement case, citing threats to his safety and his family.

The judge yesterday said when his personal safety and the security and safety of his family and children, who he endears so much was now threatened, just because he presided over a particular matter, it was no longer worth it.

He also cited persuasive misinterpretation of the true facts in the application, saying these were obviously calculated to distort the correct version of events to create an eschewed public impression about the judicial officer.

The judge said those responsible for this must hang their heads in shame.

This is in the case where government applied for the judge to recuse himself from presiding over the matter where Principal Procurement officer in the Ministry of Health, Sincedzile Dlamini-Magwaza, and Deputy Director Pharmaceutical Services Fortunate Bhembe, took government to court in a bid to stop the forensic investigation into the issue of procurement of medical drugs.

The investigation involved Nikilitha Consultancy and Funduzi Forensic Services (Pty) Ltd.
Ministry of Health Principal Secretary, Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, in his application calling for the judicial officer to recuse himself, alleged that Judge Motsa was not regulating the proceedings in a fair manner.

Mabuza alleged that the judge proceeded to adjudicate the matter and made orders and rulings that were always tellingly in favour of Magwazwa and Bhembe.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22017

 

Catholic entity in eSwatini ‘perturbed’ by stockouts of medicine, call for ‘urgent’ action

By Silas Isenjia, ACIAfrica, 10 February, 2024

SOURCE 

Members of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) in the Kingdom of Eswatini have expressed their concern about persistent shortage of medicine in the health institutions of Africa’s last absolute monarch.

In a paper analyzing the possible effects of medicine stockouts in the country that is also known as Swaziland, CPLO members weigh in on the situation reportedly caught the attention of the country’s king, with his spokesperson lamenting that corruption has undermined efforts to address the challenge.

“As citizens, and/or collaborators in the provision of healthcare service in the Kingdom of Eswatini, we are perturbed with unending reports of medicine (stockouts),” CPLO members say in their paper shared with ACI Africa on Thursday, February 8.

The evidence of the Catholic entity that exists to update ecclesiastical authorities and the Catholic communities on parliament issues in Eswatini is based on the fact that “medicine stock outs have always been something being taken by those frequenting health care facilities in the Kingdom of Eswatini,” they say. 

They add that “in the recent months, patients nearly went to the street but were prevented by their conditions.”

CPLO members underscore the necessity of stocking health facilities with medicine, saying, “The availability of medicines is the basis of any medical or health institution to run competently.”

Persistent shortage of drugs in health facilities has far reaching implications and consequences, members of the Liaison office say, and continue, “Drug shortage is demoralizing healthcare workers since it impacts negatively on their ability to carry out a treatment plan in an appropriate manner.”

The shortage also frustrates patients, who visit health facilities and “do not receive the health care” they need to address their situations, they say.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.aciafrica.org/news/10240/catholic-entity-in-eswatini-perturbed-by-stockouts-of-medicine-call-for-urgent-action

 

Malema’s call for democratic reforms in eSwatini sparks controversy

By Momen Zellmi, BNN, 12 February 2024

SOURCE 

Julius Malema, the charismatic leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), faces criticism from Eswatini’s government over his calls for democratic reforms in the neighboring kingdom. Alpheous Nxumalo, a government spokesperson, has accused Malema of threatening Eswatini’s national security and undermining regional stability.

During a recent EFF rally, Malema unveiled six resolutions focused on Eswatini, including supporting a transition from an absolute monarchy to a more inclusive governance system. The fiery leader urged democratic reforms, sparking a wave of reactions from the Eswatini government and its supporters.

Malema’s resolutions come at a time when Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, faces growing pressure to embrace democratic principles. Protests have erupted, with citizens demanding political change and an end to King Mswati III’s rule.

In response to Malema's comments, Nxumalo asserted Eswatini’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that it was not a subsidiary of any other country. He criticized Malema for what he perceived as interference in Eswatini’s internal affairs.

To read more of this report, click here

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/malemas-call-for-democratic-reforms-in-eswatini-sparks-controversy

 

PM speaks out against unfair promotions

By Phiwase Phungwayo, Times of eSwatini, 9 February 2024

SOURCE 

MATSAPHA: The premier has spoken out against unfair promotions and unequal opportunities within the police service, saying these demoralise staff and hinder the service’s ability to carry out its mission.

Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini stressed the need for a culture of fairness and transparency, where everyone was given a fair chance to advance and contribute to the success of the organisation. He said this during the opening of the senior officers and senior civilian support staff members’ conference of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) at Matsapha Police Academy yesterday.

He also said corruption should be uprooted within the police service. “There should be no unfair promotions, and promotions should not be based on who you know, but only by qualifications,” he said, to the rapturous applause of the audience.

Dlamini further invited police officers, who had concerns regarding this issue, to visit his office as he said it was open to whistleblowers. He said his office aspired to create a motivating environment within the police service.

The PM said as crucial as it was to empower officers with knowledge and skills through studies, there should be alternating of opportunities among police officers and doing away with providing these opportunities to one and the same people. Likewise, he said this should be done away with among officers who went on international trips.

“Akungahambi labagangako nalabangati umsebenti,” he reiterated, loosely translated, ‘the corrupt and lazy should not be afforded opportunities to travel’.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/sports/143821-pm-speaks-out-against-unfair-promotions.html

 

NEWS 24: eSwatini King, state want SA Judge to rule ‘defamatory’ Swazi journalist committed terrorism

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 15 February, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Eswatini King and the Government wants South African Judge to rule that exiled journalist Zweli Martin Dlamini committed terrorism by reporting about the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF), News24, a South African publication reported on Wednesday.

In 2021, Eswatini - the last absolute monarchy in Africa - was rocked by a series of pro-democracy protests. A subsequent crackdown killed dozens of civilians.

Now the Eswatini monarchy and its government have asked the Mpumalanga High Court to rule that an exiled journalist they accuse of defaming them with dozens of “wildly improbable” stories is guilty of terrorism. 

News24 further reported that, the Eswatini King and Government also want the court to order that Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini can only publish stories on them after they have seen the articles and been given seven days to respond to them.

They claim that Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini is guilty of terrorism because he and his publication “clearly support” the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF), a group aligned with an extremist faction of the Eswatini pro-democracy movement.

“According to Eswatini authorities, the SISF is guilty of terrorism - and, by extension, Dlamini and the Swaziland News’ allegedly favourable coverage of them amounts to “acts of terrorism”. 

While lawyers for the Eswatini monarchy and state have slammed dozens of Dlamini's reports as potentially fabricated, human rights groups have increasingly raised alarm about the alleged violent repression of the pro-democracy movement in the country, which is Africa's last absolute monarchy. Three years ago, the tiny region was shaken by pro-democracy protests, which were followed by a violent crackdown that resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians and triggered a political crisis. Two opposition lawmakers elected in a 2018 election were jailed and a third is in exile”, reads the News24 report.

According to Eswatini's monarchy and government, Dlamini and his publication have falsely claimed that King Mswati III and his allies “shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms”.

These claims, they say, are “incendiary and are published maliciously as advocacy of hatred”.

They further allege that such reporting “constitutes incitement to cause harm with the intention to incite a violent response, and to justify the actions of the terrorist organization”.

Because the Swaziland News was hosted online in South Africa, the Eswatini state argues, Dlamini and his publication have violated the provisions of South Africa's Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and Related Activities Act Number 33 of 2004 - because they were involved in, among other things, trying to unlawfully overthrow the Eswatini government.

Dlamini has denied these accusations - and told the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela that the Eswatini government's litigation against him was driven by a desire to suppress his reporting “on the killing of civilians in Eswatini”.

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6044

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

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

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

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

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 732 – 24 June 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.

Cops fail to stop SWALIMO 15 branches launch

Times Sunday print edition, 19 June 2022

“We are growing”.

This was the message sent yesterday by between 500 to 600 members of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), who attended the launch of 15 branches under Hhohho.

The event was held at Entsabeni Lodge where the members gathered. The members travelled from various parts of the country to launch the event.

According to the Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of SWALIMO, the event was meant for launching Hhohho District. He emphasised that the district had 15 branches which were launched.

According to Primrose Lukhele, who is the Hhohho commander, there were about 300 leaders in the 13 branches. Yesterday, she introduced the top leaders of the various branches. She said the branches were; Hhukwini, Lobamba, Maphalaleni, Madlangempisi, Mayiwane, Mbabane East, Mbabane West, Mhlangatane, Motshane, Ndzingeni, Nkaba, Siphocosini, Pigg’s Peak, Timpisini and Ntfonjeni.

Representatives from all over the country also attended with some travelling as far as Nhlangano.

Thantaza Silolo, who is the Spokesperson for SWALIMO expressed concern that many of their members were not able to make it to the venue. He said this was because police officers had mounted roadblocks around the country at strategic places.

Silolo said it appeared the police officers were targeting people who had worn the blue colours of SWALIMO. He said he was also forced to turn back at Motshane and ended up using a different route to Pigg’s Peak. He further also revealed that there the police officers continued to patrol the route leading to the lodge where the event was held, forcing some of the members to fear approaching.

Noteworthy, police officers were strategically positioned near the lodge. This also included senior police officers who also later spoke to senior officials of SWALIMO.

Meanwhile, the SWALIMO Presidents Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane also addressed the members who went ecstatic after he did so via online.

 

Pay bogogo E2000 each per month- EFF Swaziland

By Eugene Dube, Swati Newsweek, 20 June, 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE - Economic Freedom Fighters of Swaziland, Deputy President, Mthokozisi Tokyo Kunene, says King Mswati III’s government should increase the elderly grant from E500 to E2000 per month.

This comes after this publication revealed yesterday that elderly people in the country have still not received their grants. They get E500 per month. After three months they get E1, 500.

"The government should increase the elderly grants. Each should be given E2 000 each monthly now. We deny that there is no money in Swaziland this regime is attached to luxury. The bought nicklaces, cars which is a proof that money is there. So this regime should give our elders the money," he said.

Kunene said in the first place elderly grants should be distributed to the elderly on a monthly basis like all working people who get paid on a 30 day cycle in the country, he condemned the illogical concept of giving the elderly these farce of grants after three months."

He added that EFF cannot expect anything much from a government formed by one man and his family.

"This regime cannot pay our elderly after 100 days. How can they survive in such terrible economic conditions. Truly they can barely survive. This regime is like a dead dog," he said.

Kunene said the government delivered a budget speech and the elderly were allocated their funds. It is shocking that while the elderly are not paid but this government employing new soldiers instead of paying the elderly."

He narrated that autocratic rulers worldwide uses fear as a tool of oppression thus their main goal is to enlarge their armies some even parades nuclear warheads, so even this Dlamini dynasty is not an exception as they have fallen out of favour from the people themselves, they opt for military rule, which will continue what hunger started.

"As the EFF we envision a government that will priotise the welfare of citizens, in an EFF led government social grants will be paid on a monthly basis," he said.

 

Detained and heavily assaulted by Mswati’s soldiers for wearing freedom fighter Amos Mbedzi’s t-shirt.

By Nokwanda Mamba, Swaziland News, 18 June, 2022

SOURCE

 

LONHLUPHEKO: Chris Dlamini, the Deputy Secretary General of the Swaziland Massacre Victims Association (SWAVISA) was on Friday detained and heavily assaulted by King Mswati’s soldiers for merely wearing Amos Mbedzi’s t-shirt.

Amos Mbedzi is the freedom fighter and member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) who was linked to a military wing of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO), he died recently after spending fifteen (15) years in eSwatini prison.

Speaking to this Swaziland News on Saturday, the SWAVISA Deputy Secretary General said he was on his way to a Multi-Stakeholder activity at Siteki when he was detained by the police at a road block at Lonhlupheko merely for wearing the late freedom fighter Amos Mbedzi's t-shirt.

“My only crime was wearing SWAVISA regalia and Amos Mbedzi's t-shirt.I was identified by the police at a roadblock who then handed me over to eight (8) soldiers  who then tortured and assaulted me for about two(2)hours at a nearby shack.Fortunately,I managed to escape into a bus that was passing by,”he said.

Tengetile Khumalo, the Army Spokesperson had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report.

The Swaziland Massacre Victims Association (SWAVISA) is an organisation that was formed by emaSwati who were affected or injured during the June 29 massacre last year after King Mswati unleashed his forces to shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms.

On another, eSwatini citizens are assaulted, tortured and killed merely for wearing t-shirts belonging to the banned political organization.

Sipho Jele, a member of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) was allegedly killed by the police merely for wearing a PUDEMO t-shirt.

 

Food crisis: some head teachers release pupils earlier

By Nhlanganiso Mkhonta, Times of eSwatini, 21 June 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE – Some head teachers have resorted to releasing pupils earlier than the usual time due to the ongoing food crisis in schools.

Many schools have made it known that they do not have food under the schools’ feeding scheme, known as Zondle. Most claimed they last received food supplies in the last academic year. Others schools claimed that they were now surviving on sour porridge. The head teachers in the schools, more especially in primary schools, complained that government had taken too long to deliver food to the schools. The head teachers said they reported the issue to the Ministry of Education and Training. Some of the head teachers said they submitted their enrolment in March, so as to give government an idea as to how much food they would need, but none had been delivered since. The head teachers said they were surviving on food from last year.

Busisiwe Msibi, Chibidze Primary School Head teacher, said they last had food for the pupils some weeks ago. She said in her school, there was only mealie-meal, which could not be eaten alone. She said even if they decided to cook sour porridge, it would require sugar. Msibi said the situation was dire, such that pupils were often ill as they came to school on empty stomachs. She said sometimes, as teachers, they had to provide food for some pupils who were taking medication. She said some pupils were from less privileged homes, such that they would come to school and tell her that they only had fermented mealie-meal drink (emahewu) at home.

Situation

Msibi said the situation would get worse if the proposed rationing of food in schools would be effected. She said already, the food they were receiving was not enough. Mkhondvo Primary School Head teacher Gladys Mkhonta said in her school, they last had food last Thursday. She said yesterday marked the second day without food. Mkhonta said this brought challenges to the pupils, more especially those who had no money to buy snacks around the school. She said currently, she had no idea as to where the next meal for the learners would come from. She said the only hope was government.

Mkhonta said they had not yet decided to release the pupils earlier than usual but it was inevitable should they notice that the pupils were not coping with the situation. She said they were looking up to government to deliver food to the school. Cyprian Simelane, Ngozi Primary School Head teacher said so far, the school was sustaining the pupils with sour porridge. He said the school only had mealie-meal but no beans, so it would not be possible to cook a full meal except the sour porridge. Simelane added that even for that sour porridge, the school sometimes asked the parents to provide sugar. Nsalitje Primary School Head teacher David Mkhweli said currently his school was left with only one bag of rice and beans. He said the situation was not looking good at all, because there was no certainty as to when government would provide food to the schools.

Muziwethu Simelane, Kwaluseni Primary School Head teacher, said in his school, they were also surviving on sour porridge. He said there were beans as well hence they opted for the sour porridge. He said sometimes he would urge parents to assist by giving the pupils some sugar to mitigate the situation. Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Training Bhekithemba Gama, said they were advising the head teachers to liaise with their regional education officers (REO), who may assist them on how to mitigate the situation until government delivered food to their respective schools. He added that for the teachers to take such decisions as releasing pupils earlier, they would need to consult with the REOs or inspectors.

 

Thousands languishing at home as attacks in Eswatini lead to safety concerns

By Karabo Ngoepe, Independent online (South Africa), 21 June 2022

SOURCE

 

Johannesburg - Thousands of Emaswati who work for Inyatsi Construction have been left in limbo following attacks at the company’s operations.

After an arson attack last week, the company suspended its operations Monday, resulting in over 2 300 workers being sent home. They would not be earning a salary until the company resumes operations.

According to sources in the kingdom, the company is reeling from arson attacks and damage to infrastructure, allegedly at the hands of Pro-Democracy movements.

In a statement released by the company, it indicated it had taken a proactive stance to tighten security in response to the escalating and recurring targeted attacks that have resulted in the destruction of machinery and equipment at three of its sites over the last year.

According to the company, the attacks have caused damage of over R65 million.

“These malicious attacks have created an unsafe working environment for our dedicated teams, and we have decided to reconfigure and heighten our security protocols. During this period, our direct employees will have to be on unpaid leave whilst ongoing projects valued at over R 700 million in the current financial year have to be temporarily suspended,” the company said.

“We can no longer defer enhancing our security and safety measures in the face of sustained attacks perpetrated by terrorists still at large.”

The Kingdom of Eswatini has had violent protests since 2021 when Pro-Democracy Forces/Movements called for the removal of King Mswati III. Arson attacks have become a regular occurrence with houses of those working in government, mainly the police, targeted, and so are individuals perceived to be linked to the king.

Many Emaswati have allegedly had their contact details and addresses posted on social media platforms and news articles by a journalist who is part of the Pro-Democracy Movement, calling for “national braais” at the identified places.

The arson attacks generally followed the posts, and the journalist would allegedly boldly indicate that the Pro-Democracy Forces/Movements were behind them and would not stop. Instead, they would be intensifying their fight.

Protests have been a regular feature in Eswatini. Picture: Swazi News

The owners of Inyatsi Construction are perceived to be linked to King Mswati. As a result of that narrative, the company has been at the centre of some of the arson attacks. At least three sources in Eswatini have told the Sunday Independent that those responsible for the attacks believed they were inflicting pain and frustration on King Mswati, who they believe has been delaying the country's proposed dialogue.

“There is this misconception that the company has ties with the King, which is not true. They believe the company is making its money through government contracts assisted by the King but look at the situation now. The ordinary people are now suffering," said a source speaking anonymously.

The country has an unemployment rate of 23.4 percent, ranking 11th out of 94 countries globally and fourth in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). The country has a poverty rate of 52% and GDP growth of -3.3%.

“The company currently has 18 projects in the country, including roads, water projects, maintenance, township developments and agricultural development projects,” said the source.

The publication has established that the site that was attacked at the Sigombeni was part of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (ESWADE), which the European Union funds. According to ESWADE, the EU, through its National Development Plan (2021-2027), set aside €14.545 million (R278.37 million) to achieve increased Water Storage Capacity; Enhanced Production Capacity for Smallholders and Strengthened Institutional Capacity.

It is still unknown what the impact of the attack on the site would be on the project and if the EU would still fund it. However, the company indicated that it would be negligent for them to continue with the 18 projects as if it were business as usual.

“These 18 projects include roads, water projects, maintenance, township developments and agricultural development projects which all directly impact communities, including vulnerable groups. Although Inyatsi Construction is a clear target of these attacks, the company itself is not the real victim. The incalculable and far-reaching consequences of these attacks have been sadly borne by the communities, sub-contractors and employees who rely on the company," read the statement.

“As Inyatsi Construction, we value our human resources, and their safety is of utmost importance. As we reconfigure our operations to heighten safety and security protocols in the wake of sustained attacks, we have seen it prudent to suspend operations temporarily for security reasons,” read the statement.

 

 Seven PUDEMO members arrested

By Thokozani Mamba, Times of eSwatini, 23 June 2022

SOURCE

 

SITEKI – People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Lubombo Branch Treasurer Tenele Mashwama was yesterday arrested in a joint operation of the party.

They were arrested together with six other members by police officers from the Lomahasha and Siteki Police Stations. Tenele and Manqoba Kunene were arrested yesterday in the wee hours at around 5am, while Light Mkhabela and Manqoba Nyoni were apprehended at their respective homes on Tuesday morning. This latest incident comes against the backdrop of another matter whereby PUDEMO Head of International Relations Siboniso Mkhabela had his two cellphones and clothing items in a bag, together with a notebook, confiscated by the police during a roadblock manned at Lukhula area on Friday. Mkhabela was on his way to the Multi-Stakeholders Forum (MSF) prayer service which was held at Good Shepherd Mission Church when he was stopped by the police, who were in a joint operation with the army. On Monday, the Siteki Police Station released his bag with his clothing items.

Released

It was further established that the police further arrested three others who were later released at the Simunye Magistrate Court. The quartet of Tenele, Nyoni, Light and Manqoba were charged jointly for contravening the Public Order Act of 2017 and Traffic Act of 2007. They are all expected to appear at the Simunye Magistrate Court today. The quartet are represented by the Siphofaneni based Lawyer Maxwell Nkhambule. Nkhambule confirmed the matter and stated that the four were expected to appear in court today. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the matter. “We have four who have been charged by the police,” she said.

Worth mentioning is that it has been gathered that the police were still looking for others who were on the list, used to arrest the four PUDEMO members. Narrating the circumstances leading to the arrest of the quartet, PUDEMO Head of International Relations, Mkhabela stated that on Monday after the police released his bag with clothing items, they left Siteki Town but were followed by a Toyota van without number plates and it overtook them at Lonhlupheko.

Pursuing

Mkhabela said while approaching Maphiveni T-junction, a soldier flagged them down to stop but some of the occupants of the vehicle they were travelling in advised that they should not stop but sped-off. He said they drove to a homestead around Maphiveni area and fled in different directions towards the Black Mbuluzi River, leaving behind some of their items inside the car. “We lost each other but reunited after about six hours of being in the bushes. We found that soldiers had been deployed around the homesteads at Maphiveni and roadblocks were manned at Nduma and Lomahasha. Some of our members went to the car and found some of the clothing items,” he said. Mkhabela said two phones belonging to Tenele were missing. He added that there was a police car that was parked close to his home.

“The death of Mpostoli and Sigubhu sparked the intensifying fight for democracy and that police allegedly shot one pupil. As Lomahasha residents, we will use peaceful means of protesting and don’t believe that the burning of tyres warranted the state to deploy soldiers at Lomahasha,” he said. Mkhabela further said if it called for seeking the help of the international community, he was ready to do so. Meanwhile, recently, police officers from Lomahasha Police Station fired four gunshots to stop a Nkalashane High School pupil from fleeing at his home.

 

Broadcasting Bill: King has power to freeze all broadcasts

By Mfanasibili Sihlongonyane, Independent News, eSwatini, 19 June 2022

SOURCE

 

Mbabane – The Eswatini Broadcasting Bill, 2019 gives His Majesty the King, powers to take over all broadcasting stations or any particular broadcasting station in Eswatini.

Article 69 (1) reads, “Where there is in force a proclamation of a state of public emergency or threatened public emergency under the Constitution, the King may make an order authorizing any officer or any authority to (a) take over all broadcasting stations or any particular broadcasting station in Eswatini; and, (b) control and direct all broadcasting services from the broadcasting stations or broadcasting station to which the provisions of paragraph (a) related for as long as the King considers it expedient; and in so doing may require the exclusive services of the persons employed in, working maintaining or crying on, the same.”

Subsection 2 of the bill continues to highlight that when an officer or an authority is authorized to take over a broadcasting station in terms of subsection (1), the person owning or controlling the broadcasting station shall give up possession to the King or the officer or authority, and the person employed in, working or maintaining the broadcasting station, or carrying on a broadcasting service from the broadcasting station shall, if the King in terms of that subsection requires their exclusive series, diligently and faithfully obey, during the period the broadcasting station is in possession of the officer or authority all such orders and other directions as the officer or authority may give in connection with the working or maintenance of the broadcasting station.

Subsection 3 then reads, “Reasonable compensation shall be paid to a person who suffers loss or damage through the exercise of the powers conferred by this section from monies appropriated for that purpose by Parliament in such amount as may be agreed between that person and the Minister.”

Then subsection 4 of the same article states that that if a dispute arises as to the amount of compensation payable in terms of subsection (3), any person claiming to be entitled to compensation may refer such dispute to a court of law.

The article further stipulates in section 5, “In determining the amount of any compensation including costs or expenses payable under this section, the court or other person dealing with the matter, shall have regard to the fact that the take-over has been necessitated by a state of public emergency.”

Subsection 6 reads, “This section shall, with the necessary modifications, apply in relation to diffusion services, the premise apparatus, equipment and wires required in connection with those devices, apparatus, equipment and wires required in connection with those services, apparatus, equipment and wires and the persons employed in working, maintaining or operating the same.”

Clause 70 (1), then indicates that where there is in force a proclamation of a state of public emergency or threatened public emergency under the Constitution, the Minister may, at any time by notice, require the Commission to direct the licensees specified in the notice to publish, at such times as may be specified in the notice, such announcement relating to the public emergency as is specified in the notice, with or without visual images of any picture, scene or object mentioned in the announcement.

According to subsection 2, where the licensee published any announcement under subsection (1), the licensee may announce that the publication is pursuant to a directive by the Minister. Then subsection 3 of the same clause highlights that the Minister may, at any time by notice, require the Commission to direct any licensee specified in the notice to refrain from including in the programmes included in their licensed series, any matter or classes of matter specified in the notice.

Subsection 4 further reads, “Where the Commission (a) gives a licensee a direction in accordance with a notice under subsection (3); or (b) in consequence of the revocation by the Minister of a notice referred to in subsection (3); or (c) in consequence of an expiry of a notice, the licensee in question may publish an announcement stating the giving or revocation of the direction, or of the expiration of the notice.

For complaints relating to public broadcasting or broadcasting services, Article 71 stipulates that where a person has made a complaint to the Corporation or to a broadcasting service, acted contrary to the Code of Conduct and, the person has not received a response within fourteen (14) days after making the complaint, or the person has received a response within that period but considers that response to be inadequate, that person may lodge a complaint with the commission about the matter.

Meanwhile, recently, the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) hosted the Eswatini Broadcasting Bill 2019 Workshop for the House of Senate at the Hilton Garden Hotel. Present during the one-day workshop was ICT Minister Princess Sikhanyiso, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, senators, the ministry officials and stakeholders.

The bill advances the establishment of the Eswatini Broadcasting Corporation, a national broadcaster, by amalgamating the operations and resources of Eswatini Television Authority (ETVA) and the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS).

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: www.swazimedia.blogspot.com

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

Twitter: @Swazimedia

 

BOOST FOR PRO-DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGN

Officials of Swaziland’s best known prodemocracy party PUDEMO have met with the Economic Freedom Fighters in South Africa to try to reignite the campaign for democracy in the kingdom.

The Times of Swaziland, the kingdom’s only independent daily newspaper, reported on Friday (16 June 2017) the campaign would be coordinated under the hashtag #FreeSwaziland.

The Times which does not support the movement for democracy in Swaziland where King Mswati III rules as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch reported, ‘In the past, a similar campaign had been characterised with marches that sometimes resulted in violent confrontations with the police.’

International human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch take a different view. In its World Report 2016, it said ‘The Suppression of Terrorism Act, the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938, and other similarly draconian legislation provided sweeping powers to the security services to halt meetings and protests and to curb criticism of the government, even though such rights are protected under Swaziland’s 2005 constitution. In September 2015, eight human rights defenders challenged the constitutionality of these security laws in the High Court of Swaziland. A final ruling has yet to be handed down.’

The STA was ‘regularly used’ by the police to interfere in trade union activities, Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) said in a submission to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in 2015.

Amnesty International has  criticised of Swaziland for the ‘continued persecution of peaceful political opponents and critics’ by the King and his authorities. It said the Swazi authorities were using the Acts, ‘to intimidate activists, further entrench political exclusion and to restrict the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.’

In Swaziland political parties are not allowed to contest elections. The people are only allowed to select 55 of the 65 members of the House of Assembly, with the King appointing the others. No members of the 30-strong Swaziland Senate are elected by the people.

PUDEMO – the People’s United Democratic Movement – along with all other prodemocracy groups is banned in Swaziland under the Suppression of Terrorism Act

Mlungisi Makhanya, the Secretary General of PUDEMO, confirmed to the newspaper that a meeting had taken place.

See also

SWAZI TRIALS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: AMNESTY

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2015/03/trials-politically-motivated-amnesty.html