Swaziland Newsletter No. 753 – 18 November 2022

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 753 – 18 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.

Public transport back today after 5 workers released

By Stanley Khumalo, Times of eSwatini, 17 November 2022

SOURCE

 

MANZINI: After two days without public transport, buses and kombis will be transporting the public as of Thursday (17 November 2022).

The public transport workers had last rendered their services on Monday as on Tuesday, they boycotted in support of a call for the release of incarcerated Members of Parliament (MPs) legislators Mthandeni Dube and Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza. However, on Tuesday evening, following a spate of encounters between the public transport workers and security personnel, the latter communicated that they would not resume their duties on Wednesday (yesterday).

Instead, they had reported that they would use the day to search for their members, who were taken by law enforcers at Mpaka to Siteki Police Station, while also searching for those who were injured and or shot by the security personnel. Yesterday, the public transport workers reported that they would resume their duties today. A public notice by Swaziland Transport and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) said: “Following release of all detained transport workers by State forces, transport operations shall be restored on this 17th day of November 2022. Transport workers still call for the release of incarcerated MPs NOT later than this December 2022 (sic).”

Chairperson of SWATCAWU Manzini branch Maqhawe Rasta Mamba, said their decision to return to work followed that their colleagues who were taken by law enforcers at Mpaka to Siteki Police Station were released. This was also confirmed by the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, who said the five people who were taken by the police were released on Tuesday night.Meanwhile, Mamba said they had also learnt that one of their colleagues was shot and was currently recuperating at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital, while another was assaulted, allegedly by soldiers.

He said despite that they would be resuming operations today; they would, at 9am, convene a meeting to discuss certain issues. Among these issues, he said, was that their colleague who was shot on Tuesday at or near Ticantfwini was travelling with an accomplice, whose whereabouts remained unknown The accomplice, Mamba said, was also allegedly shot.“After the meeting we shall visit our member in hospital to get details about the person he was travelling with and seek to locate him,” he said.

In light of these developments, Chairperson of the National Road Transport Council (NRTC) Magesi Dlamini confirmed that services of the public transport sector would be restored today. He apologised profusely to the public for the inconvenience they endured in the past two days. Dlamini said as the NRTC, they would meet with the different associations to forge a way forward in order to ensure that such a challenge did not recur in the near future. He acknowledged that the boycotting of duties by workers of the sector had ripple repercussions to the owners, which were attested to by Swaziland Local Transport Association (SLTA) National General Secretary, Ambrose Dlamini.

Ambrose said the impromptu disruption of services by the public transport workers was a threat to their employment, as it created a shortfall in generated revenue. This, in turn, he said brought a challenge to the entrepreneurs of the sector as they had commitments, which included settling debts incurred when funding the procurement of the public service vehicles and also salaries. He also elaborated that the transport sector was the backbone of the economy, as it was relied upon for productivity and when such happened, it meant that every operation was halted. Furthermore, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) yesterday pledged its support and solidarity for SWATCAWU, which is also an affiliate to the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland Union and the International Transport Workers Federation. 

SATAWU said: “It is very saddening and unfortunate that transport workers are being physically harassed, beaten, kidnapped, and humiliated by soldiers in the country.” SATAWU, in a statement said, SWATCAWU was fighting for better working conditions, against human rights abuse and the release of prisoners who were also MPs. The union also condemned the shooting of the public transport workers. SATAWU said the shootings were anti-human and a violation of human rights as SWATCAWU members did nothing wrong and it was unusual for taking it to the streets for their demands. This, it said, was in fact a democracy to engage in.

 

A quiet Tuesday

eSwatini Observer, 16 November 2022

SOURCE

 

The planned protest action in support of the incarcerated legislators at the High Court resulted in yesterday not being an ordinary day as people stayed away from work.

This was despite government stating that all workers should report to work as it was a normal working day and further assured that security measures had been put in place to ensure the public’s safety.

The assurance, however, did not convince transport operators and businesses alike to open for business as shops remained closed while public transport was unavailable throughout the country.

Government offices also remained closed as civil servants stayed at home despite the no-work, no-pay principle.
Schools were also forced to send pupils back home due to the uncertainty of the protest. 

Describing the situation in towns, Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) E.Nathi Dlamini, who gave an eyewitness account said after yesterday businesses would record losses due to the unintended closure.

Meanwhile, heavy police presence at the High Court and roadblocks mounted across the country resulted in the protest not being successful.

This was despite that different political formations and unions had urged their members through various social media platforms to meet at the High Court to show support to the MPs. Public transport workers through their union had stated that transport would be provided for people going to join the protest at the High Court.

However, those who were suspected to be part of the protesters were immediately turned back and not allowed to remain within the High Court vicinity by the police.

At about 9:30am yesterday a group of about 30 men who were passing by the ministry of public works and transport were turned back as they made their way to the court.
Former Deputy Senate President, Ngomuyayona Gamedze, also had a hard time getting into the High Court as he was prevented from entering.

Gamedze’s attempt at reasoning with the officers at the main gate was unsuccessful as he was denied entry.
However, some were allowed entry as they were spotted sitting with some legislators, who had come to support their colleagues. 

 

Military state: Mswati’s soldiers block pro-democracy Multi-Stakeholders Forum's community dialogue.

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 12 November, 2022

SOURCE

 

BUHLENI: King Mswati allegedly deployed his soldiers to block a community dialogue organized by the pro-democracy Multi-Stakeholders Forum (MSF) at Buhleni on Saturday.

Reached for comments, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, the MSF Chairperson confirmed that soldiers were deployed to stop the community dialogue.

“When we arrived at Buhleni, we found armed soldiers and we were told by the Police Station Commander that the authorities ordered that the community dialogue must be stopped. When we asked the police why the soldiers were deployed, we didn’t receive clear answers. This is a clear indication that this Government is not committed to participate in a political dialogue,” said the MSF Chairperson.

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

King Mswati unleashed his soldiers and the police to shoot and kill dozens of civilians, the King subsequently refused to participate in a political dialogue.

The disruption of the MSF community dialogue at Buhleni by the army comes after Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo criticized Members of Parliament (MPs) for resolving to engage the pro-democracy movement to discuss possible ways of engaging in a dialogue.

 

March against mini-skirts ban: Tear gas, shots fired

By Phiwase Phungwayo, Times of Eswatini (print edition), 14 November 2022

MANZINI: A march by women activists supposedly meant to be peaceful at Lwandle turned violent as gunshots and tear gas were fired by security forces to disperse the crowd.

On Saturday around noon, women from various formations convened at Lwandle, a distance away from Chief Nkamane’s residence to demonstrate against the ban of wearing of mini-skirts and bum shots, only to be met by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), who barricaded the road leading to the chief’s residence.

The march was organised by the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Women’s League, which was supported by other formations such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Swaziland and Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO).

The women activists were also joined by some male supporters from political organisations. The march to the chiefdom at Lwandle follows an alleged announcement by Chief Nkamane banning the wearing of pants and make up by women of the area, since the Incwala Ceremony was soon approaching.

It should be noted that the banning of mini-skirts, pants, as well as make-up is usually done in chiefdoms in the country as soon as preparations for the Incwala Ceremony begin. Also, men are usually advised against wearing shorts.

The water regiment (Bemanti) are responsible for demanding penalties, usually in the form of money, from those who are found to have not complied. Meanwhile, during the march, the women activists parked the transport they were travelling in at a distance from the chief’s residence at Lwandle, with the aim to alight and walk there, since officers of the law had blocked the road with their vehicles. As they walked, the police officers requested to engage the leaders. As the discussion was facilitated, an Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU) Quantum arrived and went past the marchers and parked at a distance.

The women activists explained that they wanted to enter the chief’s residence to demonstrate after his statement on the women’s dress code. The police officers warned the marchers against entering the premises and said they were prohibited. In turn, the marchers requested the officers of the law to get them a representative from inside the chief’s residence to communicate with.

The police officers went to consult from their colleagues and during this period, another vehicle from OSSU and a van approached. The police officers dispersed the crowd with gunshots. The marchers ran off and while they boarded their vehicles, tear gas was fired.

When the marchers got outside Lwandle along the tarred road, they regrouped. A van with some soldiers arrived and gunshots were fired gun shots. The crowd took off and got to Ngwane Park where they settled.

SWAYOCO Women’s League Vice President Palesa Dlamini said although the banning of pants and make-up was a norm, it did not mean it was right and should be accepted.

“The fact that it has been going on for a long time is wrong, so we can rise against injustice any time because telling people what to wear is wrong,’’ Dlamini said.

Meanwhile, Chief Nkamane’s Secretary Lucky Mkhatshwa, said the marchers did not get to the umphakatsi as they were dispersed before they got there. Mkhatshwa explained that it was quite the norm for the chiefdom to issue certain rules before the commencement of the Incwala Ceremony.

“There are certain dos and don’ts that we are expected to adhere to. The chief was simply doing that, reminding his people of the things that are not supposed to be done,” he said.

The chief’s secretary requested not to expand on the matter as the marchers did not get to the umphakatsi. However, he stated that the people belonged to the King and in the event that they came, they would be welcomed by the chief.

When reached for comment, Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Nosipho Mnguni said the police were deployed at the chiefdom to maintain order, as per their duty to respond when they were called. Mnguni said there were no injuries reported.

 

Exams in eSwatini postponed ahead of planned protests

BBC, 16 November 2022

SOURCE

 

Eswatini has postponed school-leaving for English and Siswati language exams to December, the education ministry has announced.

It is believed the exams were postponed due to pro-democracy protests planned for Tuesday morning (15 November 2022).

Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, has been rocked by waves of protests since June last year as demonstrators call for major constitutional reforms that will allow them to elect their own leaders.

Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku told a press conference on Monday that the government was not taking lightly threats of mass protest action.

He said protests “have the potential to destroy lives, property and the economy, all of which require utmost protection”.

"There are processes to be followed whenever there are constitutional amendments to be made," Mr Masuku added.

 

Kidnapped 3 SWAYOCO members released

By Nontobeko Dvuba, Swati Newsweek, 16 November 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: Three (3) SWAYOCO MEMBERS were kidnapped by soldiers yesterday morning.

SWAYOCO Secretary General Nkanyezi Nkalivasi Vilakati confirmed the matter through an interview with this publication.

“Indeed our 3 members were abducted by King Mswati’s soldiers around 9:30am at Ludzeludze shopping complex. Sanele Sthole Ludzeludze SWAYOCO branch Chairperson, Mpendulo Sithole Recruitment Secretary and Dlamini Senanelo were both heavily assaulted by soldiers at Boyane Barrack and later released around 1400 hrs they are still here at RFM hospital where the health practitioners are determining the magnitude of the injuries they sustained during torture.

“As Swaziland Youth Congress, we unequivocally condemn the criminal elements dominating EUDF,” Vilakati said.

 

Cops, Army social media warning

eSwatini Observer, 17 November 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) have warned the nation against posting sensitive and misleading information on social media, which perpetrate violence.

The safety and security institutions said some of the information shared on social media was malicious and designed to mislead the nation and sow unrest.

Both the army and police raised concerns about the safety of police and soldiers, who they said were at risk of being attacked as a result of misleading and insensitive information.

National Commissioner of Police (NatCom), William Dlamini, warned the public to be wary of people who perpetuate their agenda of entrenching anarchy in the country using social media.

Dlamini was reacting to reports on Facebook, suggesting that some police officers were aligned with certain activities amid the political tensions experienced in the country.

The police chief noted with concern these malicious circulating reports on social media, particularly Facebook, stating that such information was not only misleading but designed to sow discord thus exposing the implicated officers to risks.

REPS has lost a number of officers in recent times through shootings by unknown people while in their line of duty.

“There are accounts that publish misleading information, aligning police officers with certain activities. This information is not only misleading but aims to sow discord and exposes the implicated officers to risks. The REPS condemns such acts in the strongest possible terms as the information being circulated is untrue and only meant to instigate violence against the officers,” Dlamini stated.

The NatCom further stated that the posts on social media were merely a strategy against police officers perpetrated by those with ulterior motives as the named officers were not part of the detailed battalion on the day in question. This comes after posts were published on social media platforms suggesting that there were undercover police officers and soldiers targeting citizens.

In another post, the identity of a police officer who is alleged to have fired a teargas canister into a bus carrying people during the political unrest last year was revealed.

“We appeal to members of the public to exercise reasoning and refrain from entertaining baseless rumours and instructions that carry a malicious intent towards members of the police service,” he said.

Dlamini said officers were not the enemy but were servants of the public who worked towards fulfilling their constitutional mandate of maintaining law and order while fostering safety and security of the nation.

UEDF Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo cautioned the nation against misusing social media platforms to perpetrate violence against some members of the army.

Khumalo said this was through posting inaccurate information such as the identities of the soldiers presumed to be present during certain operations.

She said it had come to their attention that certain miscreant individuals took advantage of the current situation by misusing social media to perpetrate violence against some members of the UEDF because of personal differences. This she said had been observed on various occasions.

“There is a tendency of spreading untrue identification of the soldiers during a particular operation for reason known to them,” she said.

Khumalo said pictures of their members were posted, untruthfully, associated and aligned with serious accusations, among others, of shooting incidents while the implicated soldiers were not part of that particular day’s operation.

She said one recent incident involved a soldier identified as Dlamini, who as a result had been exposed to danger by the perpetrators.

Khumalo said Dlamini was currently at the training battalion, who on the day like all the others carried on with his duties and there was totally no way he could have then been deployed to the Mbabane operation last Thursday.

“On another note, it is equally imperative and noted with great concernment also to caution Emaswati on those who masquerade as soldiers and deployed by the EUDF on particular operations in full gazetted army gear,” she said.

Khumalo said recently, as reported by one of the local newspapers, certain suspects were nabbed by one law enforcement agency in possession of the stolen army camouflage uniform, which is suspected to have been abused among other gains for illicit practices.

“Having said that, the UEDF strongly condemns such inappropriate deportment which shall result in the law taking its course in criminality of this nature as intense investigations are ongoing,” said Khumalo.

Further, she said it should be noted that it was a criminal offence to be found in possession of the army uniform if one was not a member of the establishment.

Khumalo said the UEDF reassure of its commitment to defend and protect the Kingdom of Eswatini, its people and national sovereignty.

 

SA heavyweights turn down local gigs

By Nombuso Dlamini, Times of eSwatini, 16 November 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: Promoters have raised their concern over the current political tension in Eswatini, which has resulted in some artists turning down event offers.

As the festive season is upon us, most fun lovers are anticipating a serious fun-filled season, but given the current political state, it seems to be a distant dream. Various event promoters have revealed that they have cancelled events they anticipated to host this festive season, because of international artists who are flagged by the political uncertainty in the kingdom. DJ Speedsta, Yung Swiss, Gigi, and Nasty C are among the South African artists who were supposed to come to the kingdom over the festive season, but have allegedly turned down offers because of the security uncertainty in Eswatini.

The kingdom has been going through political tension from June 2021. The immediate alleged cause of the protests was when three pro-democracy Members of Parliament (MPs) advocated for the introduction of a more democratic system. In addition, the death of a university student under mysterious circumstances in May led to suspicions that the police had allegedly killed him. Subsequent protests at that time, which were supported by opposition legislators also led to a state of preexisting tension. The first protests took place on  June 20, when the youth in the Manzini Region went through a village shouting political slogans and calling for the right to a democratically chosen prime minister.  They blocked roads and set tires on fire. Police reacted to these demonstrations by deploying stun grenades and firing live bullets, leading to protesters retaliating by throwing stones and the likes.

The protests spread and escalated into violence on June 25, in most towns such as Msunduza township, near Mbabane, as demonstrators ‘clashed’ with police and stores were looted and torched. As thousands of people delivered petitions to tinkhundla authorities, who are democratically appointed in a ‘devolved’ system, the government stopped them from being delivered, raising controversy from the national teachers union and leading to further tension.

The current situation has raised anxiousness among people, because of the rising arson attacks, shootings and the likes between unknown people and soldiers. This has affected many businesses even the entertainment sector. Promoters have shared that they were worried about the events they were planning, also on how they would go about calling people out of the comfort and safety of their homes to the unknown. The mentioned artists had been approached for shows in the kingdom and they chose not to respond on why they did not take the offers. An artist who chose to remain anonymous through a local event promoter shared that they as artists had various reasons for turning down the offers and why they couldn’t speak up.

“As an artist in South Africa, I’m not really invested in what is happening in other countries, until I am invited.

“We can’t walk blindly into a situation where one could essentially be unsafe and I can’t say ‘hey Eswatini your country isn’t safe’ because I would be boycotted for having an opinion that concerns me,” was a view from one of the artists. For safety reasons, all the interviewed parties won’t be revealed but are known by this publication, to avoid prejudice from the public. Most promoters mentioned how they were not going to risk people’s lives all in the name of fun, but it was something that was seriously affecting their means of income and a business that had been revived after the COVID -19 pandemic.

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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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Swaziland Newsletter No. 751 – 4 November 2022

 

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 751 – 4 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.

Junior police invade PM’s homestead

By Kwanele Sibiya, eSwatini Observer, 4 November 2022

SOURCE

 

The operational support services unit (OSSU) and officers from the criminal investigations department (CID) were called in to attend to a security threat at the prime minister’s private residence yesterday (3 November).

This was after junior police officers paid an impromptu visit to the Prime Minister, Cleopas Dlamini’s homestead at Nhlambeni.

Junior officers from His Majesty’s Correctional Services and Royal Eswatini Police Service were recently stopped in their tracks from marching to Cabinet offices by senior officers who were armed with a court order.

During the march, the junior officers said they wanted to get responses to a petition they had earlier delivered to the prime minister’s office.
Officers from the Eswatini Correctional Services Staff Association (ECOSSA) were not part of the visit to the prime minister’s homestead.

The junior officers said the purpose of their visit to the prime minister’s homestead was to make him appreciate why they were an important stakeholder, which deserved to enjoy benefits of the 2014 salary restructuring exercise.

They said this was in response to comments the premier allegedly made in relation to significance in the country.      
The officers, who drove in their personal vehicles, did not find the prime minister at his home and left without having an audience with him.

Their unannounced visit to the prime minister’s homestead raised a security concern as they spent time at the entrance.                  
This saw officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and OSSU hurriedly arriving to attend to the officers.

Upon arrival, the OSSU and CID officers peacefully reasoned with their colleagues, who after the negotiations left. 

The officers, who spoke on condition that their identities be protected, said the reason they decided to pay the prime minister a visit was to make him understand and appreciate why they were important and the role they played.

They said this was after the prime minister during the debate of his office’s second quarter performance report, enquired about their significance.
“We decided that it would be best to visit him at his home to explain our importance in the country’s security structures.

Our intention was to politely inform the prime minister that we are an essential stakeholder of government, which deserved to benefit from the salary restructuring exercise because we provide security for the country, including his,” they stated.  
The officers said they would schedule another date to visit the prime minister as they did not find him.

Government Spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, said government could not disclose any information to the media at this point, adding they were waiting for a report from the police on what transpired at the prime minister’s homestead. He said after receiving the report they would make an official comment.

Following the incident, junior officers who provided security for the prime minister were said to have been immediately reassigned.

According to reliable sources, senior officers were assigned to the premier’s security detail.  
“The junior officers were removed from their posts effective immediately as they are said to be capable of compromising the prime minister’s safety,” said the source.

They said another reason was that junior officers were currently aggrieved following the non-implementation of the Phase II salary restructuring exercise as per their demand.   
Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) Inspector, Nosipho Mnguni, said she was not at liberty to comment on the issue because it touched on State security. 

See also

Demand for a salary increment: Junior cops invade Police Headquarters, lock gate.

 

Current MPs term of office must be extended pending removal of King Mswati.

Opinion by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 30 October, 2022

SOURCE

 

Parliament and the Judiciary remain the two key institutions that are critical in the democratic transition process.

It should be noted that the process of removing or dethroning King Mswati is at an advanced stage.

But even before that happens, we need to ensure that key institutions like Parliament and the Judiciary are capacitated to pass Bills and ensure the fair administration of justice pending the election of a new democratic Government.

I don’t blame those who are preparing for the undemocratic elections, some of them don’t know what is being planned behind the scenes.

King Mswati will eventually surrender power through a political dialogue or be removed by force.

It’s important that even before we seize power from the dictator, we must formulate a legal framework that will ensure that the pro-democracy Interim Transitional Authority to be dominated by political leaders, works with Parliament to draft a new democratic Constitution or amend the current one to be in line with democratic principles.

Perhaps, others might think this cannot be possible because currently, Parliament is dominated by King Mswati’s loyalists particularly, in Senate.

The truth is, there are operations that will ensure that no Parliamentarian use our Parliament to side with the cruel dictator.

As a result, those appointed MPs and Senators will see for themselves when the time comes that King Mswati’s dictatorship regime is no more, and they will find themselves with no alternative, but to side with the people.

Parliament is a very important institution, it belongs to the people not a cruel dictator, who is Mswati to own a Parliament?

MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube must be released and go straight to Parliament to join other pro-democracy MPs in facilitating Bills that seek to usher us into a new democratic dispensation.

It’s surprising that even in the pro-democracy movement, there are political leaders who still dream of participating in the undemocratic Tinkhundla elections, we won’t allow that nonsense to take place because by so doing that would mean we would spend the next five (5) years in exile while Bacede and Mthandeni languish in jail.

We must not allow King Mswati to dissolve the current Parliament next year without holding a political dialogue.

The current MPs are now experienced, they were in power during the political unrest and are the right candidates to facilitate the transitional process.

Therefore at this time of the revolution, bringing-in new MPs who are yet to taste forty-nine thousand Rands (R49,000.00) salary and power would cost us our freedom or democracy that is now very close.

But apart from the significance of Parliament, we will need an Acting Chief Justice who will ensure the fair administration of justice during the transitional period, Bheki Maphalala must know that his days are numbered in that position.

In conclusion, let me state categorically that it’s very important that all of us understand the process of seizing power from this cruel and oppressive dictator, we cannot seize power and leave a leadership vacuum.

State power must be held temporarily by legitimate institutions like Parliament and the pro-democracy Interim Transitional Council pending the process of holding democratic elections.

That Interim Council will hold Executive powers, present Bills and account to Parliament to ensure a smooth transfer of power from the dictator to the people.

 

 

Late October visit by eSwatini monarch continues Taiwan’s backing of an authoritarian ruler

by Brian Hioe, New Bloom Magazine (Taiwan), 2 November 2022

SOURCE

King Mswati III visited Taiwan last month [October] as part of the first visit to Taiwan by the monarch of Eswatini since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mswati III was a frequent visitor to Taiwan in the past, visiting on 17 other occasions. Mswati’s son also goes to college in Taiwan. His last visit to Taiwan was in June 2018. 

Mswati III met Taiwanese political leaders such as President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu, and others, with a banquet held in his honor. Likewise, Mswati III met with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and held a lecture aimed at attracting Taiwanese investment to Eswatini. 

Likewise, in a similar vein, Mswati III met with representatives of CPC Corporation, Taiwan’s state-run petroleum, oil, and natural gas company, which is operated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Mswati III also met with students from Eswatini currently studying in Taiwan. 

Unfortunately, Mswati III and his regime in Eswatini prove one of the authoritarian regimes backed by the Taiwanese government in return for diplomatic recognition. This is more generally the pattern among many of Taiwan’s remaining allies, who are all smaller than Taiwan in terms of their population and the size of their economy. In 2018, Taiwan’s economy was three times larger than that of all of its diplomatic allies combined, and this is no different with Eswatini, which has a population of 1.5 million compared to Taiwan’s 23 million. 

As a number of its remaining diplomatic allies are run by authoritarian political leaderships, Taiwan has long been accused of “dollar diplomacy”, in backing them in return for recognition–even as Taiwan’s own rhetoric is that these are fellow democracies with whom it shares common values. Although this is a practice that goes back to KMT authoritarian times, the DPP has not substantively broken from the practice. 

Eswatini is a particularly egregious example. Mswati III is one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies. Under his rule, Eswatini is impoverished and has one of the world’s lowest life expectancies. Life expectancy has halved since 2000 due to high rates of HIV. In 2011, Mswati III called for sterilizing and branding individuals with HIV. Perhaps pertaining to his discussions with CPC, Mswati III and his family are accused of significant graft, such as skimming 25% of deals made by the state through mining deals or other trade agreements. 

Political parties were banned in 1973 and the constitution voided, as a result of which Eswatini does not hold free and fair elections. Mswati III had agreed to constitutional changes in the past and there had been protests in the past, such as saw strikes by civil servants critical of the monarchy’s exorbitant spending in 2019, that pushed against his power. But protests in summer 2021 calling for democratic elections were put down by state security forces, with dozens killed. 

Politicians that supported the protests, such as parliamentarians Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, have now been imprisoned for over a year and denied legal representation, while others, such as Hon Gaw’zela, have been forced into exile. There have been no answers or accountability regarding the killings. 

The pro-democracy protests in Eswatini prove reminiscent of Taiwan’s past in that Taiwan also once had authoritarian rulers in the form of the Chiang family and KMT, who were also highly corrupt. It required protest and significant sacrifice to achieve democracy in Taiwan. But despite this, the Tsai administration has continued to back the Mswati regime, donating 637 million NT after the protests for reconstruction efforts–some of which is likely to have been skimmed off by Mswati III and his family. On other occasions, the Taiwanese government had provided medical treatment for Mswati III. 

Nevertheless, such actions on the part of the Tsai administration do not surprise. In 2018, the Tsai administration recognized the election victory of Juan Orlando Hernandez in what international observers called a stolen election. In 2021, Taiwanese diplomatic accounts on Twitter expressed support for the Colombian government after police violence against demonstrators protesting against tax reforms. So, too, then with Mswati III’s dictatorial rule in Eswatini–even if through withdrawing support, Taiwan is in a position to apply pressure for political changes to take place. 

 

1 550 diarrhoea cases in one week

By Mthunzi Mdluli, Times of eSwatini, 4 November 2022

SOURCE

 

MBABANE: At least 1 550 diarrhoea cases were recorded in the country last week only, with Hhohho being the highest of all the regions.

The Ministry of Health Promotion Officer, Calvin Dlamini, speaking on national radio yesterday morning, said the summer season had resulted in an increase in diarrhoeal cases. He stated that most healthcare facilities had infected people, which was so alarming. Dlamini said in last week’s statistics alone, for the four regions,  the Hhohho Region had  the highest diarrhoeal cases of  600, followed by Lubombo (500), Shiselweni  (300) and Manzini recorded at least 150 diarrhoeal cases. He said despite the current recorded cases in a week alone, there was still a concern on the increasing number of  diarrhoeal cases across the country. He said there was a need for quick measures to be taken before the situation got out of hand.

“We are seeing a continuous increase in diarrhoeal cases. Whether you go to a government hospital, clinic or visit any healthcare facility, you will discover that there are patients suffering from diarrhoea,” said Dlamini.  He also indicate that emaSwati were no longer cautious about their health as they used to during the COVID-19 era where they kept on washing their hands in fear of contracting the virus. He said such an increase showed that people were living irresponsibly.

Dlamini further said the ministry had discovered that babies were mostly affected by diarrhoea through contact with their parents or family members. He then pleaded with parents to wash their hands before breastfeeding their babies. “Children, who are not even in a position to crawl, are now suffering from diarrhoea. The reason is that their parents breastfeed them with unclean hands. It is high time that parents never allow anyone to pick their child unless that person has clean hands,” he stated. He then encouraged emaSwati to continue using the sanitiser like they did during the COVID-19 era. He said during that period, few diarrhoea cases were reported in all healthcare facilities.

“The best way for us to fight diarrhoea is through washing of hands regularly with running water or even use a sanitiser. Make sure you do that even if you have been shaking hands with people you know,” he pleaded. Dlamini also said another way of curbing the increasing diarrhoeal cases in the country was by encouraging shebeen owners to build toilets for their customers. Dlamini further encouraged parents to rush their children to hospital immediately they exhibited symptoms.

He said by so doing, they would eliminate the loss of lives. He further advised people to use the oral rehydration solution anytime they experienced diarrhoea symptoms to remain strong. From the last report released by the Ministry of Health two weeks ago (October 17, 2022), Hhohho Region had the highest number of diarrhoea cases recorded with Shiselweni Region recording the lowest cases.

 

eSwatini political unrest: PM says Government will engage Interpol to apprehend perpetrators of violence hiding in other countries

Africa Press, 27 October 2022

SOURCE

 

Eswatini. Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini says Government will now engage the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to try and apprehend perpetrators of violence hiding in other countries, amid the ongoing political unrest.

Eswatini is in the midst of a political crisis after King Mswati allegedly unleashed soldiers and the police to shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms.

Despite consistent demands for justice by international human rights organizations,King Mswati’s Government refused to arrest those who issued and or implemented the order to kill civilians.

This resulted to the establishment of the pro-democracy Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF), an Underground Unit protecting civilians.

The press recently exposed evidence implicating King’s Governor Themba Ginindza who disclosed that,as the State, they were training a squad to bomb political activists and their properties.

Subsequent to the report, the home of Mlungisi Makhanya, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and National Organizer Penuel Malinga was bombed allegedly, by State agents, there were no reported arrests by the police.

“We will now engage INTERPOL to try and bring the perpetrators of violence to book. These people normally skip the country upon finishing their terrorist attacks and have the audacity to announce that it’s them,” said the Prime Minister when speaking in Parliament on Wednesday.

 

Country’s security services have been implored to unite

By Kwanele Sibiya, eSwatini Observer, 29 October 2022

SOURCE

 

The three security services of the country must unite and carry each other’s burden instead of mocking one another’s plight.

His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Hhohho Regional Commissioner Nomahhohho Sibandze said it was time the country’s security services united and supported one another.
Sibandze said if there was a time where the country’s security services needed each other, it was now.  

She was speaking during the memorial service of the slain correctional services officer Mike Menzi Mthethwa held at Ka-Bhudla Assembly of God Church yesterday (28 October).

Mthethwa is the warder who was abducted from his workstation at the Sidvwashini Correctional facility last Thursday.

He was discovered in a forest at Ngwenya with gunshot wounds in the head and chest.
Mthethwa was allegedly disarmed of his service rifle (R4), kidnapped and shot.
A correctional officer was reportedly involved in Mthethwa’s abduction and brutal killing.

Sibandze said they were aware that a majority of people had unanswered questions pertaining to Mthethwa’s death, unfortunately HMCS did not have the answers.

She said all they knew was that he passed on after being kidnapped by one of their own.
Sibandze further appreciated the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) for offering moral support to the Mthethwa family.

Sibandze said death was eminent for everyone and therefore it was important to prepare for same by accepting Jesus as their Lord and personal saviour.

Meanwhile, members of the REPS and UEDF showed up in their numbers to offer moral support and solidarity to the family. 

 

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