The international media have been giving wide coverage to recent events in Swaziland. These include a march women made against a shopping trip eight of King Mswati III’s 13 wives made that was estimated to have cost E28 million (about 4 million US dollars).
For readers of this blog who do not have easy access to the international media, here is one report from Inter Press Services, published in the Mail and Guardian, South Africa, today (29 August 2008) that gives a good round up of the story so far.
Hard on the heels of the signing of the gender protocol at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state summit, Swazi women have challenged King Mswati III on the monarchy's lavish lifestyle in the face of abject poverty and disease.
The protocol calls for 50% representation of women in all levels of government by 2015 and urges member states to put in place legislative measures guaranteeing gender-sensitive political and policy structures.
The protocol also calls for gender-specific approaches to treatment and prevention of HIV/Aids, which the more than 1 000 demonstrators, mainly women and people living with HIV/Aids, demanded in petitions to the Minister of Finance, Majozi Sithole, and Prime Minister Themba Dlamini.
The march was triggered by a recent trip to the Middle East by eight of King Mswati's 13 wives who left the country with their children, bodyguards, aides and maids by private jet for an undisclosed mission on August 15.
The government remained mum on both the nature of this controversial trip and the source of its funding, but there is a widespread speculation that the Emakhosikati (the king's wives) were on a shopping spree in Dubai ahead of the double celebration on September 6 of the king's 40th birthday and four decades of Swaziland's independence
On the same day the Emakhosikati left, a separate private plane took King Mswati and Inkhosikati LaDube to the SADC summit in Johannesburg. After the summit, the king himself flew to the Middle East. He only returned to the country on August 27, a day after his other wives.
Neglect of women's rights
Women's rights groups led by Swaziland Positive Living for Life (Swapol) called on demonstrators to march to the Ministry of Finance and the prime minister's office wearing black as a sign of mourning.
Criticising the march, Traditional Prime Minister Jim Gama said the protest was against the Swazi culture and an act by disrespectful women who had taken the fight for women a bit too far.
"Even when women are aggrieved, according to our culture, men have to speak on their behalf," said Gama.
It was the first time the country witnessed women challenging the king directly and calling on the government to address the issue of his lavish lifestyle at the expense of the taxpayer.
In the event, few women demonstrators turned up in black. But Swapol director Siphiwe Hlophe said while traditionalists, who include Gama, Prince Jahamnyama and Chief Magudvulela, successfully intimidated many people from wearing black, the large turnout drove the point home.
"As women, we have the right to freedom of expression, life, treatment and care, which is what we are calling for through this march," said Hlophe.
She is not the only one with this opinion.
One of the marchers was Patrick Mngometulu, an HIV-positive volunteer at Imphilo Isachubeka Support Group. "I'm here with my wife and two children because I hope this march is going to touch government's heart," he said. He came all the way from Shiselweni, about 148km from Mbabane. "Besides the fact that we take ARVs [antiretrovirals] on an empty stomach, the tablets are now rationed."
Mngometulu said a number of his peers have stopped taking ARVs because they feel that the rationing of the tablets is a sign that eventually they will run out. As a result, disclosed Mngometulu, about 10 members of the support group have relapsed and are very sick.
Thuli Dlamini (29), who lives at Msunduza in Mbabane, said with the recent 60% hike in bus fares, visiting the Mbabane Government Hospital twice a month has become impossible.
"We used to get 60 tablets to last us the whole month, but now that has been halved because we are told that the ARVs are not enough to give the month's supply," she said.
According to Hlophe, 95% of participants in the march were taking ARVs.
Fed up
"Enough is enough" read some of the protest placards.
The ostentatious lifestyle of the king in contrast to an under-funded health system and the fact that two-thirds of Swaziland's one million people live on food donations is one reason why people from many corners of the kingdom decided to march against King Mswati.
Demonstrators highlighted the plight of the ordinary Swazi who is faced with a deteriorating health and education system, poverty and food insecurity.
The institution of the monarchy takes 5,3% of the $1,3-billion national budget. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is allocated 10,6%, far below the 15% level called for in the Abuja Declaration on health spending.
"While the country is affected by a number of socio-economic challenges, we find it inappropriate for government to finance some activities that are neither priority nor of interest such as the trip that has been undertaken by Emakhosikati to His Majesty the King, children, aides, bodyguards and their maids," Hlophe said, while handing over the petition to chief security officer Patin Nxumalo, who stood in for the prime minister.
Estimating the cost of controversial trip at $4-million, Hlophe said Swaziland continues to occupy the unenviable position of having the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world, with women bearing the brunt of the scourge.
She reminded the head of government that the Constitution compels the government to introduce free primary education next year.
"However, we have not seen any concerted efforts by government to build more classrooms to accommodate the number of children into school, no increase in the uptake of teachers to cater for the increased number of children in schools, and we have no additional budget for school equipment and materials to cater for the high number of children," Hlophe said.
On the other hand, the Minister of Finance, Majozi Sithole, was reminded of the contents of his 2008 budget speech where he highlighted the high prevalence of HIV/Aids -- 26% of the reproductive age group of 15 to 49 is infected with the virus; 69% of the population lives on less than 50 cents a day; and failing health services and poor purchasing and delivery of drugs including ARVs.
"We would be less concerned about this particular trip if it was not funded by the Central Bank, which is money from the taxpayer," said Hlophe. "What is depressing is that it is the same minister who allocated and approved the funds for the trip of the nine wives, their children, bodyguards and relatives who have left the country to various international destinations."
The government was given 24 hours to respond to the concerns raised in the petitions. But if what government press secretary Percy Simelane and Traditional PM Gama said was anything to go by, the country's authorities remained unmoved. Simelane said the government would look at the concerns and, if they were genuine, try to address them.
"If what they are complaining about is reversible, then we can reverse and, if we can't reverse it, government will see what can be done so that it doesn't happen again," said Simelane.
He was quick to point out, though, that sometimes people are misinformed and take to the streets only to discover later that they are fighting for a wrong cause. The government has made no further comment on the issue.
Gama, on the other hand, claimed all these economic and social ills in the country have always been there and were not caused by the recent trip by Emakhosikati. -- IPS
Link http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-08-28-swazi-women-challenge-king-mswati
See also
SWAZIS MARCH AGAINST MONARCHY
Friday, 29 August 2008
KING WANTS GIFTS FROM POOR SWAZIS
Swaziland’s King Mswati III, not content with having a wealth of E1.4 billion (200 million US dollars), and not content with spending about E28 million sending eight of his wives on a shopping trip, and also not content with spending Swazi people’s money on 20 top of the range BMW cars for his birthday party, he now wants ordinary Swazis to give him gifts.
The Swazi Observer reports today (29 August 2008) that the King wants to revive the kwetfula custom in which the nation submits ‘gifts and donations to Royalty as this is the indigenous way of life for the Swazi people’.
The newspaper says, ‘His Majesty said such donations were not bribery to Royalty. He was speaking at Lozitha Palace when receiving gifts and pledges from the business community and individuals for use during the 40/40 double celebration [to mark his 40th birthday and the 40th anniversary of Swaziland’s independence].’
In what is a deeply corrupt kingdom, the King is anxious to dispel concerns that these ‘gifts’ might actually be bribes. The Observer quotes the King, ‘“Even if one was accused of having committed a certain offence, we would treat the offense and donation on different merits.”
‘His Majesty said people should not misinterpret those who donate to Royalty as bribing or campaigning for certain political appointments.
In Swaziland 70 percent of the population earn less than E7 (one US dollar a day) and about 60 per cent of the nearly one million population rely on food aid donated by international agencies. It is reported that one in four people are so hungry they are close to starvation.
Despite this grinding poverty, the King wants his share of the crops.
The Observer reports, ‘The king said from time immemorial, Swazis had adopted a way of life by which a farmer who had harvested from his crops would separate a portion to donate to the King.
‘He thanked various organisations that donated cattle and several gifts to Royalty for use during the 40/40 double celebration.
‘His Majesty said more donations were still welcome,’ adding in siSwazti ‘donations to Royalty would never be stopped’.
The Swazi Observer reports today (29 August 2008) that the King wants to revive the kwetfula custom in which the nation submits ‘gifts and donations to Royalty as this is the indigenous way of life for the Swazi people’.
The newspaper says, ‘His Majesty said such donations were not bribery to Royalty. He was speaking at Lozitha Palace when receiving gifts and pledges from the business community and individuals for use during the 40/40 double celebration [to mark his 40th birthday and the 40th anniversary of Swaziland’s independence].’
In what is a deeply corrupt kingdom, the King is anxious to dispel concerns that these ‘gifts’ might actually be bribes. The Observer quotes the King, ‘“Even if one was accused of having committed a certain offence, we would treat the offense and donation on different merits.”
‘His Majesty said people should not misinterpret those who donate to Royalty as bribing or campaigning for certain political appointments.
In Swaziland 70 percent of the population earn less than E7 (one US dollar a day) and about 60 per cent of the nearly one million population rely on food aid donated by international agencies. It is reported that one in four people are so hungry they are close to starvation.
Despite this grinding poverty, the King wants his share of the crops.
The Observer reports, ‘The king said from time immemorial, Swazis had adopted a way of life by which a farmer who had harvested from his crops would separate a portion to donate to the King.
‘He thanked various organisations that donated cattle and several gifts to Royalty for use during the 40/40 double celebration.
‘His Majesty said more donations were still welcome,’ adding in siSwazti ‘donations to Royalty would never be stopped’.
US FIRM BATS FOR SWAZI KING
My post earlier this month (August 2008) about how Swaziland's King Mswati III had hired a public relations (PR) firm in London to improve his image in the international community prompted a reader to point out this recent article in a US magazine.
It seems that King Mswati III has also been paying a PR lobbyist E140,000 (20,000 US dollars) a month in the United States to work for him. The PR firm told the magazine the king was ‘real green behind the ears’. The PR firm told the king to stop holding the annual Reed Dance because important people in the United States didn’t like the idea of 40,000 maidens dancing with bare breasts because there was a ‘sexual undertone’ to it.
Here are the opening paragraphs to the article by James Kirchick. It is called Despots and the lobbyists who love them and it appeared in the New Republic on 13 August 2008. To read the full article click here.
Joe Szlavik remembers the moment when he began to suspect that his work on behalf of the Kingdom of Swaziland was an enormous waste of time. It was 2006, and Szlavik--a lobbyist who had represented foreign governments ranging from Burundi to Gabon to Uganda, as well as the late Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan--was helping Swaziland, a tiny, landlocked monarchy sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique, navigate the tricky waters of Washington politics. Swaziland's King Mswati III (“a great guy, one-on-one,” says Szlavik, but “real green behind the ears”) and his foreign minister (“crusty, old guard, and incompetent”) were in town, and the lobbyist met them at the stately Willard InterContinental Hotel. Szlavik, whose firm was pulling in $20,000 per month from its Swaziland account, had some difficult news to deliver about a certain Swazi custom. “You have this reed dance, with these virgins,” he explained to me recently. Szlavik's message to his client was simple. “Listen to me,” he implored the king. “You got to stop this.”
The reed dance, or umhlanga in the Swati language, is probably Swaziland's best-known tradition. Every August or September, thousands of girls congregate at Ludzidzini, the King’s royal residence, for an eight-day festival of music, dancing, and singing, officially in honor of the king's mother. On the seventh day, the young women--all topless--don skirts made of freshly cut reeds and perform personally for the king, who may decide to choose one of them as a bride.
The reed dance had recently been a source of domestic political embarrassment for Mswati. In 2001, troubled by his country’s high HIV rate (at least one-third of the population is believed to be infected), Mswati had issued a decree that no girl below the age of 18 would be allowed to have sex for five years. Then, in 2004, at the annual reed dance, Mswati chose a twelfth wife. The problem: She was 16 (and a former Miss Teen Swaziland finalist to boot), meaning that the king was now technically in violation of his own law.
Soon enough, the sex ban was lifted. The reed dance, however, continued--and, back in Washington, it was causing Szlavik no end of problems. Earlier, he had brought the king and Swazi ambassador to meet with Chris Smith, a socially conservative Republican representative from New Jersey and then chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa. Smith “understood there was a traditional part to the dance but in light of the gravity of the HIV situation [thought] maybe they could put tradition aside,” Szlavik recalls.
Such arguments were lost on King Mswati. “Look Joe, I understand the whole thing with the West, but we look at breasts like you look at feet,” the monarch told him. It wasn't an unreasonable point. In some rural African cultures, women refraining from wearing tops is about as common as U.S. postal workers wearing shorts in the summer. But try explaining that to a conservative Republican congressman.
“I like breasts personally,” Szlavik, a fast-talking cheerful man of about 40, told the king. “But, you know, there's a sexual undertone to it clearly.”
See also
SWAZILAND KING AND THE PR FIRM
Thursday, 28 August 2008
WHAT IS SWAZILAND CELEBRATING?
What exactly is Swaziland celebrating on 6 September 2008 when it marks 40 years of independence from colonial rule?
That might sound an obvious question, but as far as I can see nobody in Swaziland: not the monarchy, the government, nor the media have told us. To them we are simply celebrating a date.
What achievements are being celebrated? What improvements in the lives of people can we point to and say ‘independence allowed this to happen?’
I ask the questions because recently I have been looking at newspaper reports from the time of independence in 1968. Anyone looking back at that time cannot fail to be impressed by the optimism that was around. Swaziland was a relatively wealthy country (the wealthiest of Britain’s southern African colonies) at the time.
In the report I reproduce below, the New York Times (4 August 1968) looks forward one month to Swaziland’s independence. The New York Times highlights Swaziland’s booming economy and the relatively peaceful nature of the kingdom. It goes on to praise King Sobhuza II for what the paper sees as his modern outlook, while appreciating his attempts to retain the best of Swaziland’s tradition.
How sad then to look at Swaziland in 2008. The economy is shattered. Four people out of ten of the population face starvation. About 70 percent of the population live in abject poverty earning less than one US dollar a day (E7). Meanwhile, Swaziland’s present king, Mswati III, is estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of 200 million US dollars (about E1.4 billion).
And Sobhuza II? After five years of independence he tore up Swaziland’s constitution because people in Swaziland voted for a political party he did not like. Since then Swaziland has been ruled by royal decree. This decree has not been set aside even though Swaziland has had a new constitution since 2005.
So, I ask again. What exactly is Swaziland celebrating on 6 September 2008?
The sound of the bushback drums will roll through the Ezulweni Valley from Sherba’s Breasts, the twin mountain peaks gracing this rich green country, the fires will blaze. Independence will come to Swaziland Sept. 6.
For Britain, the occasion will be one of nostalgia, and historic significance, for, apart from rebel Rhodesia [now Zimbabwe] Swaziland is Britain’s last colonial possession in Africa.
When the Duke of Kent hands over the articles of independence to King Sobhuza II of Swaziland the gesture will signify a farewell to a colonial past.
To the Swazis, once one of Africa’s great warring tribes, Independence Day is an event for which they have waited with considerable patience.
In natural resources and development potential Swaziland has always been on top of the list of Britain’s three ‘sister’ territories in southern Africa, Basutoland and Bechuanaland, being the other two.
Bechuanaland became independent Botswana in September 1966, and a month later, Basutoland became Lesotho. Swaziland is not planning at this time to change its name when it becomes independent.
The last 10 years have brought Swaziland a multimillion dollar timber and pulp industry; a massive iron-ore mining project; a railway link out of the landlocked country to the sea; tarred roads; hydroelectric power and great strides in agriculture.
Swaziland has the only set of traffic lights among the three ‘sister’ territories.
Since 1965, Swaziland’s exports have almost tripled – from 16.8 million US dollars to more than 45 million US dollars. In the first four months of 1968, Swaziland’s exports to Britain were more than the entire budget figure for Lesotho.
King Sobhuza, a man with a desire for the development of his people, who now must weld their traditions and respect for the monarch with the demands of a modern, multi-racial, constitutional society nominated two whites to the senate and four others to the lower house in the general elections last year.
The Swaziland whites number about 8,000 out of a total population of some 300,000.
‘Take what is good from the white man and drop what is bad. Take what is good from your own traditions and drop what is bad. On this foundation build your future.’
This is the philosophy of Sobhuza. Ngwenyama or King of Swaziland and one of the last of Africa’s select band of monarchs.
HOW MUCH DOES SWAZI KING KNOW?
Twice in one week the Times of Swaziland has said that King Mswati III is ignorant of all the problems in his kingdom because his government isn't telling him.
Today (28 August 2008), The Times in an editorial comment lists a catalogue of problems in Swaziland ranging from poverty to poor schooling through crumbling (if existent at all) health services to a week economy.
The Times blames the outgoing Prime Minister Themba Dlamini for painting a rosy picture of Swaziland to the King.
On Monday (25 August 2008) in another editorial comment the Times blamed the Swazi Cabinet for keeping information from the King about the inappropriateness of spending so lavishly on the forthcoming 40/40 celebrations, which will celebrate the King's 40th birthday.
The Times blames the Government for not defending the King when he subsequently gets blamed in the international community for being out of touch with his subjects.
I don't know what game the Times is playing. I know that in Swaziland censorship and self-censorship is rife in the media, but to say that King Mswati III is incapable of knowing what's going on in his own kingdom because his ministers aren't telling him is wide of the mark.
Even the Swazi newspapers have been reporting on the abject poverty in Swaziland and the 70 percent of the population who earn less than one US dollar a day at a time when the King has an estimated wealth of 200 million US dollars.
The newspapers have been full of complaints about the cost of the 40/40 celebrations and the outrage that eight of the King's wives went on a shopping trip to the Middle East in a chartered aircraft. To add insult to this, people at the Matsapha Airport in Swaziland were forcibly removed when the wives returned from shopping (presumably so they couldn't see all the luxuries the Queens had brought back).
For the Times to suggest that King Mswati III doesn't know any of this because his ministers haven't told him is to insult the intelligence of the King.
He does know. What is more, if the Times insists that the King doesn't know, why doesn't it tell us what would be different if he did. Would the poor be any less poor? Education any better? The health service not crumbling.
I very much doubt it.
The Times also needs to be careful about insulting the intelligence of its readers. The Times' website has many readers' comments attached to today's editorial.
One reader writes that the Times' editor does not write sense.
Another says, 'The media should stop protecting the king by pretending he is being misled by the people around him. He is an adult now and is aware of what is going on.'
Another reader writes, 'If Mswati is mislead that only shows how stupid and gullible he is.'
And so the comments go on.
Let's stop pretending that the problem is that the King doesn't know what is going on. Let's admit that the system that lets the wealth and power remain in a tiny number of hands is rotten. Once we recognise that we can have a grown-up debate about what to do to save Swaziland.
Today (28 August 2008), The Times in an editorial comment lists a catalogue of problems in Swaziland ranging from poverty to poor schooling through crumbling (if existent at all) health services to a week economy.
The Times blames the outgoing Prime Minister Themba Dlamini for painting a rosy picture of Swaziland to the King.
On Monday (25 August 2008) in another editorial comment the Times blamed the Swazi Cabinet for keeping information from the King about the inappropriateness of spending so lavishly on the forthcoming 40/40 celebrations, which will celebrate the King's 40th birthday.
The Times blames the Government for not defending the King when he subsequently gets blamed in the international community for being out of touch with his subjects.
I don't know what game the Times is playing. I know that in Swaziland censorship and self-censorship is rife in the media, but to say that King Mswati III is incapable of knowing what's going on in his own kingdom because his ministers aren't telling him is wide of the mark.
Even the Swazi newspapers have been reporting on the abject poverty in Swaziland and the 70 percent of the population who earn less than one US dollar a day at a time when the King has an estimated wealth of 200 million US dollars.
The newspapers have been full of complaints about the cost of the 40/40 celebrations and the outrage that eight of the King's wives went on a shopping trip to the Middle East in a chartered aircraft. To add insult to this, people at the Matsapha Airport in Swaziland were forcibly removed when the wives returned from shopping (presumably so they couldn't see all the luxuries the Queens had brought back).
For the Times to suggest that King Mswati III doesn't know any of this because his ministers haven't told him is to insult the intelligence of the King.
He does know. What is more, if the Times insists that the King doesn't know, why doesn't it tell us what would be different if he did. Would the poor be any less poor? Education any better? The health service not crumbling.
I very much doubt it.
The Times also needs to be careful about insulting the intelligence of its readers. The Times' website has many readers' comments attached to today's editorial.
One reader writes that the Times' editor does not write sense.
Another says, 'The media should stop protecting the king by pretending he is being misled by the people around him. He is an adult now and is aware of what is going on.'
Another reader writes, 'If Mswati is mislead that only shows how stupid and gullible he is.'
And so the comments go on.
Let's stop pretending that the problem is that the King doesn't know what is going on. Let's admit that the system that lets the wealth and power remain in a tiny number of hands is rotten. Once we recognise that we can have a grown-up debate about what to do to save Swaziland.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
ANGER AT SWAZILAND KING’S WEALTH
Congratulations to the Times of Swaziland for having the courage to tell the Swazi people about the extreme wealth held by their King, Mswati III.
The Times reported the findings of a survey by US-based Forbes into the wealth of the world’s monarchs. Forbes found that King Mswati had a net worth of 200 million US dollars (about E1.4 billion).
Forbes publishes its list of richest royals each year in August. Last year, as I have written previously, the Times, along with the rest of the Swazi media, ignored the news, even though it was published across the world.
According to the Forbes’ report, the amount of King Mswati’s wealth has remained unchanged since last year.
There appears to be a new spirit of openness at the Times. You may not see much of it in the newspaper itself, but it is clearly there on its website. When you consider how restrained the media are in Swaziland when it comes to criticising the monarchy, the fact that the Times has allowed readers to leave comments on its website about the king’s wealth is nothing less than extraordinary.
The report appeared on Monday (25 August 2008) and when I visited the website today (27 August 2008) here are some of the comments I found. It seems to me they express a real anger from readers about the behaviour of King Mswati III.
King Mswati is actually broke. The money he spends belongs to the Swaziland Government which he owns. He has invested most if not all of his money in projects like Millennium Projects, Smart Partnership, Paying a deposit on a plane, Educating his wives and children and also buying beautiful art pieces from Christies Auctions. King Mswati is not yet a failure, but he definitely has not been a success.
ITS HIGH TIME SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS FOOL OF A KING, HOW CAN HE HAVE SO MUCH WEALTH WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IS SUFFERING IN THAT GODFORSAKEN COUNTRY, WE NEED TO DETHROWN HIM IN SEND HIS ASS PACKING TO THE NEAREST JAIL, THE BLOODY IDIOT.
This is not your king. He is the king of his immediate family and the many hang-oners.
THIS KING OF THEIRS SHOULD BE JAILED FOR THEFT. WHERE IS HE EMPLOYED? HE IS RICH BECAUSE OF HIS DAILY CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES OF STEALING MONEY FROM THE NATIONS COFFERS.
How I wish some of that wealth was used to develop our way underdeveloped country or build a new tertiary institution.
I could comment but they'll [presumably, the Times] just remove my comment like they did last one! Pathetic!
It so sad to see that our King is one the richest monarchs in the world while his people are suffering. Swaziland suffers from a lack of basic services such as free health care, education yet our king is estimated to be worth R1.4billion. What a terrible thing greed can do to a nation...It amazes me that the government is spending millions of emalengeni on a short lived event such as 40/40 yet they cannot pay our doctors, nurses, teachers the salaries they deserve. The government hospital is in a terrible state, yet new BMWs are being bought for Lord knows what... What a lot R1.4billion could do to help our nation... Just a thought...
NOTHING CHANGES IN SWAZILAND
It is uncanny how similar the build up to Swaziland’s independence in 1968 was to the present preparations for the celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary.
In 1968, Swaziland wanted to put on a good impression for the international community – and to get good media coverage.
Not much has changed. In 1968 the Times of Swaziland reported (22 March 1968) that up to 100 foreign journalists were to be invited to the ceremony in September that year. Someone (perhaps as a joke) had suggested the members of the Press should be expected to pay their own way into the many events that were planned for five days of celebrations. Let them pay for their own meals and drinks, it was suggested.
The Times – a bit po-faced if you ask me – thought this was a very bad idea. In an editorial it moaned, ‘It would be a mistake to underestimate the importance of the visiting press corps or to dismiss the valuable contribution they could make in presenting a fine picture of Swaziland to their readers in other countries.’
Not much has changed as we approach the 40th anniversary, leaders in Swaziland are still hoping for a ‘good press’, the only problem for them now is that there are so many obvious human rights abuses (just look at the ban on political parties at the election as an example) for them to hide.
The Swazi King, Mswati III has also scored a couple of ‘own goals’ this time around. Allowing eight (or nine depending on which paper you read) of his wives to go on a spending spree ahead of the celebrations has led to a massive street protest in the kingdom and bad media publicity across the world.
A separate decision to allow the Swazi Government to buy 20 top of the range BMW cars for the birthday bash has exposed the King once again as someone who is irresponsible with money.
It hasn’t helped that last week it was revealed that for the second year running that King Mswati has a net worth of 200 million US dollars (about E1.4 billion).
Now, we await the party itself. Today’s Times of Swaziland (27 August 2008) reports that students at the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) have protested about the cost of the celebration, preferring the money to be spent on their scholarships.
Independence in 1968 was also planned as one big party, the Times reported at the time. There would be three days of festivities, followed by a day of ‘national prayer’ and then the actual independence ceremony. Among the festivities was an international soccer competition, a tennis contest, children displaying gymnastic skills and traditional Swazi dancing.
Beacons were to be lit across the kingdom, although the po-faced Times did warn that the beacons might cause unwanted fires because the grass was very dry.
Just as in 2008, the celebrations were organised for the people and not by the people. The Times in an editorial (21 June 1968) asked why the ‘ordinary man’ (no gender equity in those days) was not more involved in planning activities to mark independence.
It said, ‘While it is essential to coordinate festivities at a high and official level, there seems to be no reason why chiefs and societies should not press on with their own celebrations.
‘And there is no reason why individuals should not enjoy parties and get-togethers to toast the great day.
‘We feel that the ordinary man has been asked to do very little so far towards the preparations for independence celebrations.
‘“Independence belongs to you” is a theme and a slogan that should be adopted by us all as we look forward to the great times that are now only a few weeks ahead.’
So why did ‘ordinary men’ boycott the preparations for celebration? I suspect enough of them knew that ‘independence’ offered them very little. And this is how it turned out to be.
I know why today nobody outside of official circles is making preparations for the 40th anniversary. When four in ten of the population, according to a recent United Nations Development Programme report, are facing starvation, and when seven out of ten are so poor they earn less than one US dollar (E7) a day, while at the same time King Mswati III is reported to have a net worth of 200 million US dollars (E1.4 billion) and when the kingdom has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world, there is very little to celebrate.
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
ELECTION SILENCE FROM SWAZI MEDIA
The Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Organisations has issued a press release about the shortcomings of the election held in Swaziland last Saturday (23 August 2008) but it says that it has been completely ignored by the Swazi media.
I’ll leave it to you to work out why ....
Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organisations Press Statement
For Immediate Release 25 August 2008.
Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organisations is completely unsurprised at the latest election fiascos. Going by the reports in the press, there are many instances of poorly trained and ill prepared officers following badly thought out instructions, guided by incompetent rules and overseen by people who are obviously completely out of their depth.
The Coalition took its legal case on the unconstitutionality of the Elections and Boundaries Commission on three main fronts. That the EBC is not independent, that it is made up of public servants and that it does not have the relevant experience and demonstrable competence. Last weekend has demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that the experience and competence necessary to run an election is just not there.
These botch-ups are not accidents, they are completely foreseeable, and a direct result of the incompetent, politically compromised, EBC being pressured to act too soon by forces from outside. Why would any independent and competent authority allow the country less than a week for nominations and rush, completely unprepared into a primary election process?
We have seen them choose to ignore sections of the 1992 Elections Order and allow candidates to attempt to bribe voters with gifts. We have seen them act outside the Order to introduce the idea of a Voters Registration Card and to ignore many of the stipulations regarding identity and for new rules to be introduced. Worst of all we have seen a system of registration introduced that allows voters from outside an inkhundla to be registered there. This leads to widespread, legalised abuses, where a candidate can persuade, bribe or bully voters to register in the candidate’s inkhundla whether or not they actually live there. This leads to the nonsensical situation of the candidates choosing the voters, not the other way around.
In light of the poor quality of their preparatory work, their utter disregard for the rights in the Constitution and their obvious lack of both independence, and the appearance of independence, The coalition previously called on the Elections and Boundaries Commissioners to resign. It repeats that call now. Under this system and with these Commissioners, elections cannot be free, fair or credible. In God’s name GO.
The Coalition is not optimistic of the Commissioners showing even the least shred of decency and so we call upon the normal people of Swaziland to support our case. If you know of any examples of elections mis-management, behaviour or administration please contact our office. People of Swaziland, your votes are being stolen from under your nose. If you want them to count for something call 505 5911.
For more information please contact Musa Hlophe
+268 604 8988
+268 505 5911
NIGHTMARE HOLIDAY IN SWAZILAND
Swaziland Tourist Authority has started an international media campaign to sell the joys of the kingdom abroad.
The Swazi Observer reported (19 August 2008) that journalists from the United Kingdom and South Africa would visit Swaziland in September.
I hope they have a better time than one tourist who visited Swaziland.
The Times newspaper in the UK once ran a competition in which it asked readers to write about the worst holiday they had ever had.
One reader, Moira Rowan, wrote about Swaziland. Anyone who has enjoyed the Swazi concept of ‘customer service’ will instantly recognise Rowan’s story. And is there a woman alive in Swaziland who hasn’t had marriage proposed to her by a builder?
Rowan’s account did not win the competition – I shudder to think what the poor soul who did win had to endure.
A few years ago, I went on holiday to Swaziland. I arranged that the hotel would pick me up from Manzini airport and paid for a transfer. Problems started in Cape Town. The small aircraft to Swaziland had no luggage loading facility, so we lined up on the runway and indicated our bags, which were marked with a white chalk cross.
Among the passengers was a family of four from the USA who had 24 bags between them and they could not identify their luggage easily, which held up the flight. Once ready, another passenger decided he wanted to get off. The hostess tried to calm him down by pushing him into his seat, a fight broke out and the fed up captain stopped the plane at the end of the runway and evicted the passenger.
We arrived 90 minutes late at Manzini: there was no transfer. I phoned the hotel, they seemed stunned that I had arrived. I was left for three hours at the airport: every half an hour I would phone the hotel and ask what was happening. As they were about to close the airport, the hotel said I should get a taxi and they would pay.
I noted that there seemed to be little left of the hotel - I was then told by the taxi driver that it had been destroyed by a fire. He said there was one wing left, so I went inside and they said I could stay in this one room.
I was the only paying guest, the rest of the guests were builders. The following morning I woke with the building vibrating. I formed a truce that they would not start work till I was up.
The promise of tours did not exist, but the foreman felt sorry for me and told his driver to take me out when I wanted. I met some interesting locals, and members of the Royal family.
The foreman also proposed to me, but I decided that this holiday was a disaster and returned home early - Moira Rowan, Wimbledon, London
Times (London) 30 June 2006
Sunday, 24 August 2008
SWAZI KING 'SCREWBALL'
Mampara of the week King Mswati III
Published:Aug 24, 2008
Sunday Times, South Africa
Royal Swazi screwball
Even though he has the hormones of a randy teenager, Africa’s lastremaining absolute monarch, King Mswati III of Swaziland, turns 40this year.
Many of his subjects in the poverty-stricken kingdom are not going tobe lucky enough to live to that age.
Nevertheless, ahead of the celebrations, eight of his 13 wives, theirchildren and an entourage to match, went on an international shoppingexpedition, in a chartered jet, so that the queens might look“radiant” for the big day.
When women in Swaziland marched in protest against this waste ofmoney, they were told their actions were “unSwazi”.In recognition of his failing to put his people before his libido, we declare the randy king a right royal Mampara.
Link: http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Insight/Article.aspx?id=828748
Published:Aug 24, 2008
Sunday Times, South Africa
Royal Swazi screwball
Even though he has the hormones of a randy teenager, Africa’s lastremaining absolute monarch, King Mswati III of Swaziland, turns 40this year.
Many of his subjects in the poverty-stricken kingdom are not going tobe lucky enough to live to that age.
Nevertheless, ahead of the celebrations, eight of his 13 wives, theirchildren and an entourage to match, went on an international shoppingexpedition, in a chartered jet, so that the queens might look“radiant” for the big day.
When women in Swaziland marched in protest against this waste ofmoney, they were told their actions were “unSwazi”.In recognition of his failing to put his people before his libido, we declare the randy king a right royal Mampara.
Link: http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Insight/Article.aspx?id=828748
Saturday, 23 August 2008
SWAZIS MARCH AGAINST MONARCHY
SWAZILAND: "We are dying, they are flying!"
22 Aug 2008 15:40:00 GMT
Source: IRIN
MBABANE, 22 August 2008 (IRIN) - Several hundred Swazis, including people living with HIV, marched on 21 August to highlight the need for government to prioritise funding to alleviate the humanitarian crises in the country.
The protestors had been spurred by reports that eight of King Mswati's 13 wives had taken a trip to the Middle East and Asia. The King's Office at Lozitha Palace, 30km east of the capital, Mbabane, would not reveal the nature of their trip, but the Swazi media noted that the wives were taking advantage of school holidays to travel with their children.
"This is the first time commoners have risen up to say, 'Enough! The country's resources must not just be used by royalty. What about the masses?' said Amanda Dlamini, one of the marchers.
"King Mswati declared AIDS a national emergency, and said if nothing is done there will be no Swaziland. But we are dying, and they [the royal family] are flying."
Two-thirds of Swaziland's people live in chronic poverty, according to the UN Development Programme, and 26 percent of adults are HIV-positive, giving Swaziland the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world.
After the worst ever harvest in 2007, production improved in 2008 but is still below the national requirement, while the global food and fuel crisis has further contributed to the chronic food insecurity affecting more than 20 percent of the population.
"I was dismayed when I learnt that not only had the wives travelled, but their bodyguards, maids and children were flown, too," said protest organiser Siphiwe Hlope, Director of Swazis for Positive Living (SWAPOL), an AIDS support organisation founded by HIV-positive women.
"There are many problems that are engulfing the country and, as we speak, there is a shortage of not only antiretroviral drugs but other drugs in our hospitals. The elderly do not get their pensions, but public funds are used for the queens' travel," said Hlope.
The first-ever march to protest royal activities drew blistering attacks from royal and government officials. Government spokesperson Percy Simelane and traditional Prime Minister Jim Gama condemned the marchers' plan to wear black as an affront to traditional mourning customs.
"Women do not take to the streets! Do they have permission from their husbands to do this?" Gama said to reporters.
Without revealing how the queens' trips were financed, King Mswati's older brother, Prince Jahmnyama Dlamini, said, "People always think that the royalty uses taxpayers' money at all times; the royal family has its own properties and [is wealthy]."
The march moved through the streets of downtown Mbabane at a slow pace to accommodate marchers who were HIV-positive, while some women lay down on the pavement to demonstrate the effects of starvation.
Jan Sithole, Secretary-General of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), was detained and questioned by police while the march was taking place and could not participate.
Sithole said a major workers' demonstration was planned for 3 September, three days before King Mswati's 40th birthday celebration, which has been declared a national holiday and will be marked by publicly financed celebrations.
The daily Times of Swaziland newspaper commented on 22 August: "How the king wants to move this country forward, either through power-sharing or absolute control, will determine if the monarchy has another 40 years to celebrate."
Link http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/417a3cefed96a18d8aee4564402d5a21.htm
22 Aug 2008 15:40:00 GMT
Source: IRIN
MBABANE, 22 August 2008 (IRIN) - Several hundred Swazis, including people living with HIV, marched on 21 August to highlight the need for government to prioritise funding to alleviate the humanitarian crises in the country.
The protestors had been spurred by reports that eight of King Mswati's 13 wives had taken a trip to the Middle East and Asia. The King's Office at Lozitha Palace, 30km east of the capital, Mbabane, would not reveal the nature of their trip, but the Swazi media noted that the wives were taking advantage of school holidays to travel with their children.
"This is the first time commoners have risen up to say, 'Enough! The country's resources must not just be used by royalty. What about the masses?' said Amanda Dlamini, one of the marchers.
"King Mswati declared AIDS a national emergency, and said if nothing is done there will be no Swaziland. But we are dying, and they [the royal family] are flying."
Two-thirds of Swaziland's people live in chronic poverty, according to the UN Development Programme, and 26 percent of adults are HIV-positive, giving Swaziland the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world.
After the worst ever harvest in 2007, production improved in 2008 but is still below the national requirement, while the global food and fuel crisis has further contributed to the chronic food insecurity affecting more than 20 percent of the population.
"I was dismayed when I learnt that not only had the wives travelled, but their bodyguards, maids and children were flown, too," said protest organiser Siphiwe Hlope, Director of Swazis for Positive Living (SWAPOL), an AIDS support organisation founded by HIV-positive women.
"There are many problems that are engulfing the country and, as we speak, there is a shortage of not only antiretroviral drugs but other drugs in our hospitals. The elderly do not get their pensions, but public funds are used for the queens' travel," said Hlope.
The first-ever march to protest royal activities drew blistering attacks from royal and government officials. Government spokesperson Percy Simelane and traditional Prime Minister Jim Gama condemned the marchers' plan to wear black as an affront to traditional mourning customs.
"Women do not take to the streets! Do they have permission from their husbands to do this?" Gama said to reporters.
Without revealing how the queens' trips were financed, King Mswati's older brother, Prince Jahmnyama Dlamini, said, "People always think that the royalty uses taxpayers' money at all times; the royal family has its own properties and [is wealthy]."
The march moved through the streets of downtown Mbabane at a slow pace to accommodate marchers who were HIV-positive, while some women lay down on the pavement to demonstrate the effects of starvation.
Jan Sithole, Secretary-General of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), was detained and questioned by police while the march was taking place and could not participate.
Sithole said a major workers' demonstration was planned for 3 September, three days before King Mswati's 40th birthday celebration, which has been declared a national holiday and will be marked by publicly financed celebrations.
The daily Times of Swaziland newspaper commented on 22 August: "How the king wants to move this country forward, either through power-sharing or absolute control, will determine if the monarchy has another 40 years to celebrate."
Link http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/417a3cefed96a18d8aee4564402d5a21.htm
SWAZI UNION LEADER ARRESTED
Swaziland: Country's Police Arrest Trade Union Leader
The Namibian (Windhoek)
22 August 2008
The last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa has again showed its contempt for democratic opposition and dissent by instructing Swazi police to arrest Jan Sithole, the general secretary of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU).
The Brussels-based International Federation of Trade Union (IFTU) has condemned the arrest and has called for his immediate release.
"The ITUC strongly protests against the arrest of Jan Sithole, secretary general of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), by the Swazi authorities," it said on its online news.
According to the information received by the ITUC, Sithole has been subjected to intense harassment following a recent march organized by trade unions and other civil society groups against the participation of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and King Mswati III of Swaziland in a meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In a letter sent to the authorities, the ITUC urged Prime Minister Dlamini to ensure the immediate release of Jan Sithole and guarantee that no charges are made against him.
The ITUC called on the government of Swaziland to respect ILO Convention 87 on freedom of association and the right to organise, which Swaziland has ratified and is therefore obliged to respect.
"Once again, Swaziland's rulers have demonstrated their authoritarian nature by this illegitimate and unacceptable harassment and arrest of a trade union leader in violation of fundamental rights enshrined in international law," said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.
Link http://allafrica.com/stories/200808220557.html
SSN PRESS RELEASE ON THE- ARREST OF JAN SITHOLE/
NOTICE OF PROTESTS
23 August 2008
The Swaziland Solidarity Network Network [SSN] condemns in strongest terms the arrest of general secretary of Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), Jan Sithole. These tactics of harassment, detention and torture are evidence of a tyrant regime – displayed by all similar regimes throughout the history of mankind. Just like many of those undemocratic regimes, the REGIME OF SWAZILAND WILL FALL. No unjust government can continue its rule forever.
The whites of South Africa thought they could suppress and oppressive its people forever – they failed – so will Mswati and his cronies. Recently the regime spokesperson lied when he said that Sobhuza and Mswati were allies of the ANC – they were puppets paid and bought by the apartheid regime and they actively suppressed ANC operatives allowing the apartheid regime a free hand. We in SSN will not forget this betrayal of Mswati. Moreover we will forget the poverty and suffering of the majority of Swazis in the hands of royal family that steals taxpayers money.
It is in this light that Comrade Jan Sithole is arrested and harassed. Comrade Jan stands and fights for everything that is just and democratic, while the regime is unjust and undemocratic. Therefore, they will do anything in their power to weaken and oppress the forces of Goodness and Justice. They will fail! Their arrest only strengthen the democratic forces. Their harassment only makes us all more determined to support the democratic forces of Swaziland.
We condemn SADC's appointment of undemocratic Mswati as chair of the troika. It is indicative of the lack of leadership in Southern Africa. However the days of Mswati's comfort in SADC meetings is coming to end. We will do everything in our power to assist the democratic forces of Swaziland led by PUDEMO, to expose the undemocratic regime.
The Swazi regime is getting ready to waste tax payers money on the 40/40 celebrations – this is the Kings Birthday and Swazi pseudo-independence Day. We condemn such extravagance while the people are hungry and dying of AIDS.
As SSN we will protest against this 40/40 celebrations on Sept 6 and the sham elections on Sept. 19, 2008. We condemn the undemocratic royal "rubber stamp" elections under the conditions of banned political parties and free speech. We condemn such elections under harassment and arrest of our comrades. We condemn such elections that results in a puppet government while Mswati still holds dictatorial powers over the legislature, judiciary, and executive.
Details of Protest:
1. Protest 1: Against the King Birthday/ Independence Celebration 40\40
Date: 6 Sept. 2008
Venue: Swazi Embassy, cnr 715 Government Avenue and Blackwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
Time: 10am to 1pm
2. Protest 2: Against the sham elections
Date: 19 Sept 2008
Venue: Swazi Embassy, cnr 715 Government Avenue and Blackwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
We want to congratulate PUDEMO on its extra-ordinary congress in Nelspruit, South Africa, because it is banned on its own home soil. We are confident that they will develop a program to bring down the arrogance Mswati and his cronies. The DAYS OF MSWATI ARE NUMBERED!
For more information contact
Lucky Lukhele- SSN spokesperson
Cell: 072 502 4141
The Namibian (Windhoek)
22 August 2008
The last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa has again showed its contempt for democratic opposition and dissent by instructing Swazi police to arrest Jan Sithole, the general secretary of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU).
The Brussels-based International Federation of Trade Union (IFTU) has condemned the arrest and has called for his immediate release.
"The ITUC strongly protests against the arrest of Jan Sithole, secretary general of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), by the Swazi authorities," it said on its online news.
According to the information received by the ITUC, Sithole has been subjected to intense harassment following a recent march organized by trade unions and other civil society groups against the participation of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and King Mswati III of Swaziland in a meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In a letter sent to the authorities, the ITUC urged Prime Minister Dlamini to ensure the immediate release of Jan Sithole and guarantee that no charges are made against him.
The ITUC called on the government of Swaziland to respect ILO Convention 87 on freedom of association and the right to organise, which Swaziland has ratified and is therefore obliged to respect.
"Once again, Swaziland's rulers have demonstrated their authoritarian nature by this illegitimate and unacceptable harassment and arrest of a trade union leader in violation of fundamental rights enshrined in international law," said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.
Link http://allafrica.com/stories/200808220557.html
SSN PRESS RELEASE ON THE- ARREST OF JAN SITHOLE/
NOTICE OF PROTESTS
23 August 2008
The Swaziland Solidarity Network Network [SSN] condemns in strongest terms the arrest of general secretary of Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), Jan Sithole. These tactics of harassment, detention and torture are evidence of a tyrant regime – displayed by all similar regimes throughout the history of mankind. Just like many of those undemocratic regimes, the REGIME OF SWAZILAND WILL FALL. No unjust government can continue its rule forever.
The whites of South Africa thought they could suppress and oppressive its people forever – they failed – so will Mswati and his cronies. Recently the regime spokesperson lied when he said that Sobhuza and Mswati were allies of the ANC – they were puppets paid and bought by the apartheid regime and they actively suppressed ANC operatives allowing the apartheid regime a free hand. We in SSN will not forget this betrayal of Mswati. Moreover we will forget the poverty and suffering of the majority of Swazis in the hands of royal family that steals taxpayers money.
It is in this light that Comrade Jan Sithole is arrested and harassed. Comrade Jan stands and fights for everything that is just and democratic, while the regime is unjust and undemocratic. Therefore, they will do anything in their power to weaken and oppress the forces of Goodness and Justice. They will fail! Their arrest only strengthen the democratic forces. Their harassment only makes us all more determined to support the democratic forces of Swaziland.
We condemn SADC's appointment of undemocratic Mswati as chair of the troika. It is indicative of the lack of leadership in Southern Africa. However the days of Mswati's comfort in SADC meetings is coming to end. We will do everything in our power to assist the democratic forces of Swaziland led by PUDEMO, to expose the undemocratic regime.
The Swazi regime is getting ready to waste tax payers money on the 40/40 celebrations – this is the Kings Birthday and Swazi pseudo-independence Day. We condemn such extravagance while the people are hungry and dying of AIDS.
As SSN we will protest against this 40/40 celebrations on Sept 6 and the sham elections on Sept. 19, 2008. We condemn the undemocratic royal "rubber stamp" elections under the conditions of banned political parties and free speech. We condemn such elections under harassment and arrest of our comrades. We condemn such elections that results in a puppet government while Mswati still holds dictatorial powers over the legislature, judiciary, and executive.
Details of Protest:
1. Protest 1: Against the King Birthday/ Independence Celebration 40\40
Date: 6 Sept. 2008
Venue: Swazi Embassy, cnr 715 Government Avenue and Blackwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
Time: 10am to 1pm
2. Protest 2: Against the sham elections
Date: 19 Sept 2008
Venue: Swazi Embassy, cnr 715 Government Avenue and Blackwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
We want to congratulate PUDEMO on its extra-ordinary congress in Nelspruit, South Africa, because it is banned on its own home soil. We are confident that they will develop a program to bring down the arrogance Mswati and his cronies. The DAYS OF MSWATI ARE NUMBERED!
For more information contact
Lucky Lukhele- SSN spokesperson
Cell: 072 502 4141
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