As the world watches Israel destroy the country of Lebanon, newspapers in most countries relay the horrific story as the cover story. But not Swazi papers, they have their own obsession. Today's front page news in the corrupted kingdom focused on the sexual performance of MPs as rated by their wives. The headlines read "Minister sizzles in bed" and "Lutfo 'hot' in bed, says wife". Lutfo is a Member of the Swazi Parliament.
http://www.times.co.sz/058.html#article9
Last week the Prime Minister, Themba Dlamini, felt it was his role to tell the nation that men should "satisfy their wives in bed"! With all the urgent matters in the country one sees a new level of absurdity unfolding.
But who can blame the men and their obsession with sex while their leader, the king, is busy lusting over the "flowers of the nation". Next month, at the Reed Dance, he will choose a new girl who will only become his wife when she becomes pregnant. She'll be wife #14 or 15 and her role is to produce more of the royal clan.
Unfortunately, the majority of Swazi editors and journalist can't seem to differentiate between newsworthy articles and cheap tabloid gossip. They are too often negligent in their role of informing the public and perhaps are quite comfortable with the status quo.
Has sex replaced religion as the "opiate of the people"?
*************************************************
News this week
July 23 A sorry excuse for a school
July 23 Hospital is filthy as it runs dry
July 21 Marchers attack PM’s official
July 19 Some cultural practices may spread HIV - report
July 17 Over E63 million (Can$12 million) spent by Swaziland National Treasury (King's Office)
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Monday, July 10, 2006
Jul10 Sd2006
A garden at Lesibovu
Some years ago World Vision in Swaziland had gone to
Lesibovu with the idea of a community garden and began
a project with 14 local women.The organization spoke to
the chief about a piece of land, built an irrigation system
with sprinklers, put up fencing and provided seeds. Initially
it seemed a successful project but after a short time the
flaws caused the fields to be totally abandoned.
When designing the irrigation system for this garden a
watering trough for cattle was also included; unfortunately,
it was built within 30 feet of the garden. So as the gardens
grew cattle were constantly pressing against the fence to
reach the produce. It was not possible to keep the animals
out and the garden was discontinued since these women
did not have funds to rebuild an appropriate fence.
In Swaziland cattle are not kept in compounds and one
wonders why this fact was not considered in the original
design work. Additionally, the sprinkling system is poorly
conceived as the roots, not leaves, need watering; this
method of irrigation is the most inefficient and wasteful.
Projects like this are not sustainable because local people
have not played an active role in solving their own crises,
they are recipients but rarely consulted for imput. Human
dignity is reduced as individuals are told "what is best". Their
knowledge, wisdom and significant contribution are never
realized.
It is this same group of women at Lesibovu with whom
Mphandlana Shongwe will begin working as we develop
an organization entitled "Sustainable Development Initiative".
Our intention is to plan farming projects which will not
erode in a short time but lead to communities that blossom
with potential. Last week over $1000 was sent from Canada
- if you'd like to contribute please reply.
*******************************************************************
Yesterday's Sunday News indicates that once again "tis the
season for lusting". August usually marks the reed dance
when the "flowers of the nation" (teenaged virgins) dance
before the king and he chooses his annual wife.
July 9 Drunk soldier abducts girl for king
*******************************************************************
Saturday's Swazi News had a surprising story that FW
de Klerk was advising the king of Swaziland. So we ask,
if de Klerk is advising Mswati, who is Mandela advising?
July 8 F.W. de Klerk is king’s advisor
*******************************************************************
News this week
July 8 Swaziland signs deadly agreement with USA
July 7 Minister quizzed on decline of donors
July 7 External forces working against SD’s prosperity
July 7 Jan accused of being a dictator
July 7 Jail MP Titus says DPP
July 6 PUDEMO calls for isolation of Swaziland
July 5 America determined to help SD says Lucke
July 4 Murder & torture at royal residence
PUDEMO’s Mlumati Declaration July 2006
July 3 Mission accomplished - ILO delegation
Some years ago World Vision in Swaziland had gone to
Lesibovu with the idea of a community garden and began
a project with 14 local women.The organization spoke to
the chief about a piece of land, built an irrigation system
with sprinklers, put up fencing and provided seeds. Initially
it seemed a successful project but after a short time the
flaws caused the fields to be totally abandoned.
When designing the irrigation system for this garden a
watering trough for cattle was also included; unfortunately,
it was built within 30 feet of the garden. So as the gardens
grew cattle were constantly pressing against the fence to
reach the produce. It was not possible to keep the animals
out and the garden was discontinued since these women
did not have funds to rebuild an appropriate fence.
In Swaziland cattle are not kept in compounds and one
wonders why this fact was not considered in the original
design work. Additionally, the sprinkling system is poorly
conceived as the roots, not leaves, need watering; this
method of irrigation is the most inefficient and wasteful.
Projects like this are not sustainable because local people
have not played an active role in solving their own crises,
they are recipients but rarely consulted for imput. Human
dignity is reduced as individuals are told "what is best". Their
knowledge, wisdom and significant contribution are never
realized.
It is this same group of women at Lesibovu with whom
Mphandlana Shongwe will begin working as we develop
an organization entitled "Sustainable Development Initiative".
Our intention is to plan farming projects which will not
erode in a short time but lead to communities that blossom
with potential. Last week over $1000 was sent from Canada
- if you'd like to contribute please reply.
*******************************************************************
Yesterday's Sunday News indicates that once again "tis the
season for lusting". August usually marks the reed dance
when the "flowers of the nation" (teenaged virgins) dance
before the king and he chooses his annual wife.
July 9 Drunk soldier abducts girl for king
*******************************************************************
Saturday's Swazi News had a surprising story that FW
de Klerk was advising the king of Swaziland. So we ask,
if de Klerk is advising Mswati, who is Mandela advising?
July 8 F.W. de Klerk is king’s advisor
*******************************************************************
News this week
July 8 Swaziland signs deadly agreement with USA
July 7 Minister quizzed on decline of donors
July 7 External forces working against SD’s prosperity
July 7 Jan accused of being a dictator
July 7 Jail MP Titus says DPP
July 6 PUDEMO calls for isolation of Swaziland
July 5 America determined to help SD says Lucke
July 4 Murder & torture at royal residence
PUDEMO’s Mlumati Declaration July 2006
July 3 Mission accomplished - ILO delegation
Sunday, July 2, 2006
Jul2 Sd2006
As we celebrated Canada Day this weekend, the Peoples
United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) held its annual
conference in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The reasons
for meeting outside Swaziland were noted by IB Dlamini,
Secretary General of PUDEMO:
United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) held its annual
conference in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The reasons
for meeting outside Swaziland were noted by IB Dlamini,
Secretary General of PUDEMO:
Preparing for an annual conference is taxing in terms of
time and resources. It would have been unwise of PUDEMO
to risk all the effort by holding this meeting in Swaziland
where the Royal hit squads marauding as police would
disrupt the conference.
Another factor is that Swaziland is second only after
Zimbabwe to generate exiles. We have quite a sizeable
number of our members who fled Swaziland over the years
because of political persecution. They are in Australia, UK,
RSA and other countries. They need to attend the conference
as well so that they can contribute to the liberation plan as
it is unfolded.
Secretary General Statement:PUDEMO goes to annual conference – 28th June to 2nd July
time and resources. It would have been unwise of PUDEMO
to risk all the effort by holding this meeting in Swaziland
where the Royal hit squads marauding as police would
disrupt the conference.
Another factor is that Swaziland is second only after
Zimbabwe to generate exiles. We have quite a sizeable
number of our members who fled Swaziland over the years
because of political persecution. They are in Australia, UK,
RSA and other countries. They need to attend the conference
as well so that they can contribute to the liberation plan as
it is unfolded.
Secretary General Statement:PUDEMO goes to annual conference – 28th June to 2nd July
Mario Masuku, President of PUDEMO, clearly knows the
hardships of the non-elite of Swaziland as he has promoted
democracy in Swaziland for decades. He was tried for sedition
in 2002 and found innocent - after months of house arrest,
imprisonment and nearly 2 years of awaiting trial.
(See 2002 SEDITION TRIAL )
hardships of the non-elite of Swaziland as he has promoted
democracy in Swaziland for decades. He was tried for sedition
in 2002 and found innocent - after months of house arrest,
imprisonment and nearly 2 years of awaiting trial.
(See 2002 SEDITION TRIAL )
This brief excerpt from the President's address is to be noted
because we in Canada sometimes question the value of our
contributions - we wonder "What can a letter accomplish?".
Our solidarity is felt and our support is acknowledged.
because we in Canada sometimes question the value of our
contributions - we wonder "What can a letter accomplish?".
Our solidarity is felt and our support is acknowledged.
....we take this opportunity to salute the work of our international
friends and structures, key amongst them are the South African
tripartite alliance components, our European counterparts in
Denmark and Netherlands in particular, our newly established
Canadian structure of the Swaziland Solidarity Network and its
main body, the South Africa based Swaziland Solidarity Network
(SSN), our international offices in Australia, and South Africa,
all of them have done us proud. Without their active and
consistent support, we would not be where we are today.
We dare not let down their contributions, but demonstrate
renewed commitment to the cause.
friends and structures, key amongst them are the South African
tripartite alliance components, our European counterparts in
Denmark and Netherlands in particular, our newly established
Canadian structure of the Swaziland Solidarity Network and its
main body, the South Africa based Swaziland Solidarity Network
(SSN), our international offices in Australia, and South Africa,
all of them have done us proud. Without their active and
consistent support, we would not be where we are today.
We dare not let down their contributions, but demonstrate
renewed commitment to the cause.
In sharp contrast to PUDEMO's belief in a more fair distribution
of wealth is the government's belief in elitist absurdities. This
week the Swazi government announced it would spend E200
million ($40 million Can dollars) on new vehicles! The current
government is quite concerned with appearances and believes
new cars or a ‘facelift for the royal residences’ are priorities.
The health system is in crisis (even those money-hounds at
the World Bank have noticed!), orphans (estimated at 70,000
by UNICEF) can not attend schools because of fees, 70% of
the youth are unemployed, etc., but government officials seem
oblivious to the basic needs of the Swazi people.
PUDEMO and the Swaziland Solidarity Network have publishedof wealth is the government's belief in elitist absurdities. This
week the Swazi government announced it would spend E200
million ($40 million Can dollars) on new vehicles! The current
government is quite concerned with appearances and believes
new cars or a ‘facelift for the royal residences’ are priorities.
The health system is in crisis (even those money-hounds at
the World Bank have noticed!), orphans (estimated at 70,000
by UNICEF) can not attend schools because of fees, 70% of
the youth are unemployed, etc., but government officials seem
oblivious to the basic needs of the Swazi people.
documents which do address the needs of the people. They see
a need for a sustainable development so that the majority of the
people will do more than simply "subsist". We at SSN Canada
will begin a pilot project with longtime activist Mpandlana
Shongwe who will act as a co-ordinator for a community garden
project in Lesibovu. One thousand dollars have been collected
to date and if anyone wishes to contribute please reply. Thanks.
News this week
July 1 World Bank tells it all on Govt. hospitalJuly 1 Over 300 graves removed for LUSIP Dam project
June 30 Govt will buy 1000 cars
June 29 Facelift for royal residences
June 29 OVCs fund being misused - Senators
June 28 Britain bans Swazi aircraft
June 26 70% youth unemployed
June 26 Govt’s E200m shopping spree
June 25 Swazi nepotism again
June 24 Mbho Shongwe equates Tinkhundla to Apartheid
Sunday, June 25, 2006
June25 Sd2006
EQUAL RIGHTS AND JUSTICE
There are two English daily newspapers in Swaziland, Swazi
Times and Swazi Observer. The latter, having royal interests,
is not much more than a cheerleader for the monarchy. There
is never any authentic journalism, simply a retelling of
events. The Times is slightly better but seems to prefer
stories of a sensational rather than analytical nature. These
papers continually describe the current situation yet rarely
indicate how this state of being has come to exist.
To look at either paper on-line go to www.swazi.com
Last week newspapers reported that the king had returned
to Swaziland from his two week trip to Taiwan and Thailand.
They also noted he was surprised to learn about the nurses
overtime-pay issue. Nurses in the country have been waiting
for their overtime-payments for more than 3 years! Seems
Mswati doesn't even read his own paper.
What both papers failed to report was that a Danish delegation
which recently visited the Kingdom to assess the country's
political climate has urged the international community
to impose sanctions on Swaziland!
Thankfully African News Dimension covered the story.
www.andnetwork.com
There are two English daily newspapers in Swaziland, Swazi
Times and Swazi Observer. The latter, having royal interests,
is not much more than a cheerleader for the monarchy. There
is never any authentic journalism, simply a retelling of
events. The Times is slightly better but seems to prefer
stories of a sensational rather than analytical nature. These
papers continually describe the current situation yet rarely
indicate how this state of being has come to exist.
To look at either paper on-line go to www.swazi.com
Last week newspapers reported that the king had returned
to Swaziland from his two week trip to Taiwan and Thailand.
They also noted he was surprised to learn about the nurses
overtime-pay issue. Nurses in the country have been waiting
for their overtime-payments for more than 3 years! Seems
Mswati doesn't even read his own paper.
What both papers failed to report was that a Danish delegation
which recently visited the Kingdom to assess the country's
political climate has urged the international community
to impose sanctions on Swaziland!
Thankfully African News Dimension covered the story.
www.andnetwork.com
Please write a letter to Mr Peter MacKay requesting that
Canada and the Commonwealth recognize this crisis in
Swaziland and impose sanctions. Additionally, these
letters could be copied to "Letters to the Editor" of any
local papers. Thanks.
Mr Peter MacKay
Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(postage unnecessary)
Canada and the Commonwealth recognize this crisis in
Swaziland and impose sanctions. Additionally, these
letters could be copied to "Letters to the Editor" of any
local papers. Thanks.
Mr Peter MacKay
Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(postage unnecessary)
Sunday, June 18, 2006
June18 Sd2006
EQUAL RIGHTS AND JUSTICE
June 16 marked the 30th anniversary of the Soweto Students Uprising of 1976.
Mandela and his companions had been imprisoned on Robben Island since 1964
when students marched against the education system of the apartheid state.
The youth wanted to learn English not Afrikaans, they wanted to decide their
future. At that time brilliant young people, like Steve Biko, wrote about
self-consciousness and self-determination. He was murdered yet his words live
on and on.
30 years later, Swazi youth are calling for an inclusive system, self-determination
and a more equitable economic system. The Swaziland Youth Congress
(SWAYOCO) and PUDEMO have for more than 20 years rejected the royal
exclusivity and promoted equal rights and justice.
A few articles from last week
While king Mswati was jet-setting to Thailand and Taiwan his mother was
handing out blankets to health centers. Such is health care in the kingdom!
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Philani+donates+to+13+health+institutions
The Prime Minister wishes to keep the people away - it's security he needs
while consumed by greed. He is afraid to move into his luxurious new place.
Bongani Masuku, secretary-general of SSN, has written an article
analysing the HIV/Aids crisis in Swaziland. His perspective shows the
need for a political as well as humanitarian response.
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/HIV+and+AIDS+crisis+as+a+political+question+in+Swaziland
Mandela and his companions had been imprisoned on Robben Island since 1964
when students marched against the education system of the apartheid state.
The youth wanted to learn English not Afrikaans, they wanted to decide their
future. At that time brilliant young people, like Steve Biko, wrote about
self-consciousness and self-determination. He was murdered yet his words live
on and on.
30 years later, Swazi youth are calling for an inclusive system, self-determination
and a more equitable economic system. The Swaziland Youth Congress
(SWAYOCO) and PUDEMO have for more than 20 years rejected the royal
exclusivity and promoted equal rights and justice.
A few articles from last week
While king Mswati was jet-setting to Thailand and Taiwan his mother was
handing out blankets to health centers. Such is health care in the kingdom!
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Philani+donates+to+13+health+institutions
MORMONS donate toothbrushes.
“Blessed are those who worry about teeth when there is no food”. This verse is
taken from the Book of Hypocrisy, Chapter 1 Verse 1.
taken from the Book of Hypocrisy, Chapter 1 Verse 1.
If Christians are given to such generous acts, please lead me to the atheist!
while consumed by greed. He is afraid to move into his luxurious new place.
Bongani Masuku, secretary-general of SSN, has written an article
analysing the HIV/Aids crisis in Swaziland. His perspective shows the
need for a political as well as humanitarian response.
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/HIV+and+AIDS+crisis+as+a+political+question+in+Swaziland
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!
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!
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/King+brings+good+news+from+UN+Summit?token=85595fa259756ae974668507b1114216
June 6 - The same paper admits 69 percent live below the poverty line of
June 6 - The same paper admits 69 percent live below the poverty line of
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
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
More information can be found at http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/?token=6b53f550163832b259d02277934c9155
Also see SAK - South Africa Kontact of Denmark
If you wish to subscribe to their newsletter send a note to
SAK-Swazinewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
Issues can be read at
Issues can be read at
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/SAK-Swazinewsletter
See also the newly established photo archive.
See also the newly established photo archive.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
May30 Sd2006
Today on CBC's Maritime Noon, Elizabeth May spoke of being in
a "democracy crisis" when we've become so comfortable with the
status quo. Her discussion centered on environmental activism yet
the themes of engagement and effective citizenry are far reaching.
May talked about her work with the federal government and stated one
letter going to Ottawa counts as the "voice of thousands". From her
experience, one letter represented between 5,000 and 10,000 people!
It is important to note that letters need not be elaborate, they can simply
state that you are concerned about an issue. May also said form letters
and e-mail were less effective.
If several of us write to the Minister of Foreign Affairs more attention can
be drawn to the crisis in Swaziland. Please write to
Mr Peter MacKay
Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(postage unnecessary)
************************************************************************************
On April 12, South Africans protested in solidarity with the People's
Mr Peter MacKay
Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(postage unnecessary)
************************************************************************************
On April 12, South Africans protested in solidarity with the People's
United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). They blocked 5 border
crossings and drew more attention to the "special kind of democracy"
in Swaziland. Tonight PUDEMO has announced that more of this type
of action is to occur.
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Opposition+announces+another+border+blockade?token=72e814ee03a7b66fd29ee3accfbb49ac
*************************************************************************************
On Saturday king Mswati left Sd heading for the UN in New York. His
*************************************************************************************
On Saturday king Mswati left Sd heading for the UN in New York. His
companions are his latest fiance, a 17 year old girl he chose last year,
and a newly appointed Minister of Health.
"King Mswati III is scheduled to participate in five roundtable meetings
"King Mswati III is scheduled to participate in five roundtable meetings
and five technical discussions on the summit agenda, with the hope of
sharing experiences in HIV/AIDS prevention work with the other countries
and contributing to the summit's ultimate political declaration.
However, analysts have questioned what King Mswati III is going to
However, analysts have questioned what King Mswati III is going to
present before the rest of the world alleging that he is turning a blind
eye to the seriousness of the pandemic ravishing his nation. The
analysts cited the decrease of the ministry of Health and Social
Welfare budget as evidence that King Mswati III's government still
fails to prioritise on improving better health for its people.
“HIV/AIDS is seriously ravishing Swaziland such that many homes
“HIV/AIDS is seriously ravishing Swaziland such that many homes
are now child headed. Government is doing little if any to assist
these children, some as young as 6 years are forced to look after
their fellow brothers and sisters. What does the King and government
assist these orphans... instead lucrative money is diverted to the
King's birthdays to benefit royalty,” said the analysts."
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