May 21 SD 2007

In May 2005, Paul Boateng was appointed the UK High Commissioner to Swaziland, as well as South Africa. In Feb 2006, he caused a stir as he called for the unbanning of political parties when presenting his credentials at Lozitha Royal Palace in Swaziland. Two weeks ago he spoke of multi-party elections; he understands democratic principles and is a rare politician for speaking out so clearly on this matter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Boateng
Feb 17, 2006 Unban political parties says UK
May 10, 2007 British call for parties by 2008
May 14, 2007 Constitution implementation needs to move rapidly

Currently in Swaziland there is concern about housing for police officers. Earlier this month a single officer allegedly raped his house mate's teenage daughter. Single and married officers share accommodations and it seems male and female officers are also sharing their quarters. Clearly there is a problem and the government will no doubt set up a commission or inquiry but the situation is plain to all. To keep a tight grip of control on the people of Swaziland, the government increases the number of police but is unconcerned over the basis needs of these individuals. At the same time, police are not able to organize and form a union in Swaziland and recently two members have been fired from the police service for doing so!

May 4 Cop rapes housemate’s daughter
May 18 Police to probe female cop who shared with male
May 8 Cop union angered by continuous victimisation
May 21 Unions march to PM on ‘victimised’ cops

To follow current events in Swaziland see LATEST NEWS

May7 SD 2007

It's a pleasure to receive feedback from these newsletters. After April's issue a question was asked about the use of the phrase "eradicate affluence" and here's a reply:

...at a recent Make Poverty History meeting the organizer mentioned a fund raising event at Western University. The young folks there were talking about the concept of "Make Affluence History" which seems an interesting twist of ideas....

...in the context of Swaziland, the king has since the early 1990s made public statements about how he would "eradicate poverty in Swaziland this year". He is a fool and a huge part of all the social, health, & education issues in Sd; yet owns millions of dollars worth of cars, palaces.....

The phrase was used to provoke thought and discussion. Thanks for your comments.



Yesterday the Prime Minister returned to Sd after seeking funds from Europe. How long will Europe continue to aid and abet Mswati's exclusively narrow government?

May 7 PM meets with European stakeholders over economy

May 5 Poverty drives residents to eat rubbish

May 4 PUDEMO to march to Cabinet

May 2 Corruption high in SD

May 2 Country has high tax rates



To follow current events in Swaziland see LATEST NEWS