Sunday, June 11, 2006

June11 Sd2006

King Mswati III left for the UN about 2 weeks ago carrying with him millions of emalengini for the week extravaganza. Last September, when he also visited the UN in New York City, he was reported to have withdrawn E19 million - about $4 million Canadian dollars for that week of pleasure. His trips cost his subjects dearly.

The daily news out of Swaziland is tragic:

May 31 - Swaziland has only 92000 workers out of a population of 1.1 million.
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/SD+has+only+92000+workers?token=abebf7cd5155a52ccc092e332522f791

June 6 - The Swazi Observer (the King's paper) reported King brings good news from the UN summit. Mswati asked the Global Fund for more financial assistance!
E125 ($25 Can) per month.
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/69+percent+live+below+poverty+line?token=ad40042ccac9c11193c2aaadc927ef8f

June 10 - Mswati left the country for a visit to Thailand and Taiwan. He'll be joined by 30 dancers (female) in Taiwan. Government will spend close to E500 000 on air tickets, accommodation and allowances for Eswatini Cultural Dance group. Mswati's allowance wasn't mentioned.

With money planned for a new international airport, a new parliament building and more palaces for the future wives one wonders how the Global Fund can tolerate the requests of this corrupted king. The photo of Mswati greeting Kofi Annan (sorry I'm unable to attach it) seems to depict a stern expression on the latter's face. Perhaps it is with disgust that hands are shaken at the UN.

Swazi activist Bongani Masuku has written an extremely comprehensive paper on globalization and the urgent transformation which is necessary within the Swazi economy.
http://amadlandawonye.wikispaces.com/Global+economy%2C+apartheid+plan%2C+and+Swazi+economy%2C+Masuku?token=bfe5272bb932ea7a0fdf621c78b2235e
Also see SAK - South Africa Kontact of Denmark
If you wish to subscribe to their newsletter send a note to
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/SAK-Swazinewsletter
See also the newly established photo archive.

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