Oct29 Sd2006

This week there was a shuffle, a Cabinet shuffle.
But if they scuffle a bunch of rotten apples what can we expect to happen?
The entire lot must be tossed away....

Constance Simelane was named Deputy Prime Minister on Thursday Oct 26. She is the infamous Minister of Education known for her utter lack of knowledge. The following article exhibits her ignorance and leads one to belief the Swazi government will soon implode upon itself.

'Save Yourselves For Marriage; Otherwise...'
Swazi Times Nov 26, 2005

" Education Minister Constance Simelane has warned pupils to desist from practising premarital sex, saying such results in crooked penises. Simelane said such penises served no intrinsic purpose after marriage. The minister was addressing pupils, parents, and teachers of KaLanga, outside Siteki, before officially opening KaLanga High School yesterday. Simelane said she did not preach condom usage to pupils because there were no sizes to fit them. Instead, she said, pupils should abstain until they get married. 'Condoms were never meant to be used by pupils, which explains why there are no sizes made to fit them,' she added. 'If you (pupils) persist on indulging in premarital sex, there is a great risk that your penis will shrink and get crooked, ' she said. She said some of the people who had shrunk penises started practising sex prematurely, and were now paying for their actions. The minister said she learnt the theory from experts in human biology. On the same wave-length, Simelane said illicit sex resulted in female organs membranes sustaining injuries, resulting in paralysis of the genitals."


At that time, a Canadian volunteer at an Aids organization in Manzini wrote:

I wonder how Swaziland can move forward with leadership like this...

No, this is not a joke...Okay fine, you have to laugh because it is absolutely absurd. I would like to know which human biology experts she consulted... Did I mention cabinet is appointed by the King?



Also see
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/PM+s+cocktail+%28Comment%29

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Reshuffle+a+shocking+joke+-+SNAT

Oct22 Sd2006

In the majority of the world a scholarship is a gift of money or a financial award for scholarly achievement but that's not the case in Mswati's kingdom. His government gives with one hand and then comes around to the back door with two hands! Accessible education, for all ages, is necessary.

Oct 19 Repay scholarships, graduands reminded

The king often speaks of Swazi culture which he holds so dear. He will not embrace change for it is the old ways which he prefers. The discussion about respect for culture will sound of hypocrisy when Chief Bantu Holomisa of South Africa meets with the king this week.

Oct 21 Holomisa to meet king over Mzikayise burial


For more information about Swaziland see

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/

Oct15 Sd2006

Although the Commonwealth refers to Swaziland as a "unique democracy", take a look at what the people are saying!


Constitution does not allow political parties
BY INNOCENT MAPHALALA
Swazi Times Oct 12, 2006

MBABANE – Under the new constitutional dispensation, political parties are neither allowed to register nor take part in national elections.

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Constitution+does+not+allow+political+parties


Govt given seven - day ultimatum
BY NIMROD MABUZA
Swazi Times Oct 10, 2006

MBABANE – The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) has given government seven days to action a list of 11 concerns it has submitted and failure to do so, the organisation will peacefully approach the king.

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Govt+given+seven+day+ultimatum


NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL ASSEMBLY OCT 9, 2006
Re: Urgent Petition on issues of governance

Believing that those that govern do so on the basis of the genuine will and the mandate of the governed;

Aware that silence in the face of oppression, exploitation, servitude and corruption, makes the silent party equally guilty in the same manner as the perpetrator of injustice;

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/NCA+Petition+Oct+9%2C+2006

Oct8 Sd2006

This week king Mswati made the Swazi news a couple of times. He was paid a visit by two former Presidents of Southern Africa and no doubt they were telling him things must change!

Oct 5 Ex-Presidents meet king privately

It seems Mswati did not attend the funeral of Deputy Prime Minister Albert Shabangu but his official mouthpiece was there. The king's message was that Shabangu had not been "bewitched". Swaziland is a land of superstition and myth as this self-serving royal master gives the orders.

Oct 7 King speaks on DPM’s death

Yesterday the University of Swaziland held it's graduation ceremony. A honourary degree was conferred upon Mr Donald McKinnon, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Swazi establishment believes this man needs recognition for helping them retain the power and wealth of Swaziland. Mr McKinnon is the fellow who talks as "right" as Mr Blair and Mr Bush! Yes, he thinks Swaziland is a unique democracy and in his corrupted mind, culture means poverty.

About this "honour" Bongani Masuku of Swaziland Solidarity Network writes:

Poor Swazi regime trying to massage and seek extended favours from their master whose duty is to protect the rotten child of the family, wonder for how long!!!!

McKinnon was absent from the ceremony but the king showed up and gave a talk about too many grads and not enough jobs. When we read his comments we think "Can anyone be so stupid?", but this is the leader Swaziland is currently stuck with. It can only get better when less selfish people have power in their nation.

Oct 8 King raises concern over

Oct 8 King shows up early for Uniswa’s Grammy’s

It is interesting to note that the king who is always talking of Swazi culture wouldn't wear traditional attire to such a ceremony. Oh, but yes, the emperor has new clothes.

Oct1 Sd2006

This week king Mswati was in the southern region of Swaziland attending yet one more Reed Dance. Seems he is forever wanting another girl as the kingdom falls deeper and deeper into crisis; hospitals are without medicines, grandmothers and little girls are being raped, workers are continually striking and students are delivering petitions to the government. The corruption and royal oppression have continued for far too long.

Oct 1 Chief Pharmacist paying company that does not exist
Oct 1 Corruption is rife at Health
Sept 30 Teacher accused of molesting 13 pupils
Sept 30 What happened to that E60 million?
Sept 30 Chief (25) wanted for raping a grandmother (56)
Sept 29 More than 200 deliver petition
Sept 28 Ngwane Teachers College closed
Sept 27 SFTU to join nurses in march
Sept 27 SCOT closes down
Sept 26 Three hundred students deliver petition to acting PS
Sept 26 When government can’t afford chalk ( Comment )
Sept 26 Lecturers engage in strike at Ngwane College
Sept 25 Drug shortage hits RFM hard
Sept 24 Youths march to protest over police brutality


As Swazi newspapers are weak examples of journalism, it is rare to find an article which looks critically at any topic. Letters to the editor are often too true to print and PUDEMO members are at risk to sign their own names. Read "Change is coming" by anonymous. Write to the editor as well.

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Change+is+coming

Signe Hermann is a researcher from Denmark who spent time in Swaziland earlier this year. She will be heading to Canada in a few months and has plans to work with Swazi-Solidarity while doing graduate work in Moncton. Signe has written an essay entitled "On Swaziland, HIV/AIDS and epidemiology" which is linked below.

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/On+Swaziland%2C+HIV-AIDS+and+epidemiology