Sept 6 SD

Today marks the 41st anniversary of Swaziland's Independence.

As early as 1922 King Sobhuza II travelled to Britain to claim that Swazi lands had been illegally taken. In January of 1923, Sobhuza II and his advisers (including Pixley kaI Seme, co-founder of the ANC and ANC President 1930-1936) met King George V and the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Their pleas were rejected.

Sobhuza II then tried a different route in 1924 when he undertook a legal case that challenged the legitimacy of the concessions granted during his grandfather's reign. Sobhuza II vs. Miller (1924-1926) proved unsuccessful as was the appeal to the Privy Council of London in April 1926.

It would not be until well after World War II that Swaziland would eventually become independent and Sobhuza II would then outwit his foreign rivals.

Britain had begun losing her colonies in the 1950s as their "Gold Coast" became Ghana. With that event a rippling effect would soon follow and by 1960 British Prime Minister Macmillan spoke of the "winds of change" sweeping Africa. That year Swaziland and Britain began talks and negotiations of how the "new" Swaziland would operate.

The Constitution of a new, independent and free Swaziland only lasted a few years after Independence Day of Sept 6, 1968. On April 12th, 1973 Sobhuza II infamous "Decrees" closed parliament, banned political parties, nullified the Constitution and he assumed "supreme authority".

So for many in Swaziland, this day of Independence is perhaps a meaningless day. When we ask how this nominal "independence" truly benefits the people we wonder what this day actually symbolizes. Is it real?

With Independence, Ghana for example allowed for free education with free textbooks. In Swaziland, 41 years after Independence, this is still not the case.

One of the major questions around the time of decolonization was which path these "new countries" would choose - socialist or capitalist. Claude Ake, a Nigerian writer asked the same thing in 1969 but reminded the reader there is also a third way - fascism.



Recent news articles from Swaziland:

COSATU blockade is on today Sept 4, 2009

Mswati raids treasury for wives’ R50m (5-6million) spree Aug 23, 2009
'SA taxpayers footing Swazi shopping spree' Aug 22, 2009
Govt spends E63m ($9million) on cars in three months Aug 18, 2009
Ministers’ monthly salaries now E40 000 ($4500) Aug 17, 2009
'I am not bitter’, says Mario Masuku Aug 16, 2009
Mugabe’s govt requests loan from SD Aug 15, 2009
Truck-Stop Girls Aug 18, 2009
Japan’s E20m for Swazi health Aug 6, 2009
Third case of swine flu confirmed in SD Aug 4, 2009

For more news on Swaziland see:

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/CURRENT+NEWS

Info Compiled by T Debly

June21SD09

Swazi Update

Since our last newsletter at the end of March, the Swazi regime continues to intensify its oppression in the nation. While it wants to fire any civil servant with political opinions, imprison all who criticize or oppose the elite ruling class, and ignores the needs of the nation, the draconian fist continues to pound.

The health crisis, education crisis, and economic crisis all stem from the fundamental political crisis in the country. Nothing can or will be resolved as the king behaves like a cornered rat who viciously attacks his "subjects". Negotiations with the people can be the only viable path. And Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth (like SD) should be saying so.

The question of Swaziland needing a "second independence" is at hand. The colonial independence of 1968 simply allowed another elite, an indigenous one, to rule and exploit the people; but there comes a time when people will say, "No, our self-preservation is more important than a palace. We refuse to be anyone's 'subject'. We want democracy and the people shall govern."


Here are some recent news items from Swaziland which highlight the general atmosphere in the country:

No more funerals! June 21, 2009
‘SAPPI to close down’ June 21, 2009
Obama gives SD 90 days June 20, 2009
US expands human trafficking watchlist and includes Swazland June 17, 2009
Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko arrested June 4, 2009
Politically aligned civil servants in for a shock June 2, 2009


If you are so inclined, write to Foreign Affairs and ask what our government representative in Pretoria is saying to Swaziland. Specifically mention the arrest of human rights lawyers Thulani Maseko and the continued incarceration of Mario Masuku, political activists and President of the People's United Democratic Movement, PUDEMO. Send an email to Claus Spoerel - the political officer for Swaziland. claus.spoerel@international.gc.ca

Our American friends can try this email and let me know what reply they receive.

First Lady Michelle Obama : info@messages.whitehouse.gov

For more information on Swaziland see:

http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/CURRENT+NEWS

Mar 30 SD 09

Here are a few of the main headlines from Swaziland over this past month. Do you notice a pattern with finances?

8.7% raise for ministers Mar 2, 2009
E10 million for Defence minister Mar 3, 2009
Close to E20m was spent on 40-40 transport Mar 7, 2009
Over E100 million for Royal Residences Mar 7, 2009
Obama’s E300m ‘gift’ to Swaziland Mar 9, 2009
Taiwanese Embassy not an ATM- ‘Ambassador’ Mar 10, 2009
Political activist Civil servants in trouble Mar 10, 2009
King should have jet, says Bhutana Mar 17, 2009

Since Nov 15, political activist, Mario Masuku has been held in prison. Today, the note below came in from Swaziland. It would be greatly appreciated if you would write to the Prime Minister of Swaziland voicing your concerns over Mario's health and the lack of freedom in the country. A copy of your letter can also be sent to our Minister of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa (postage unnecessary). Thanks if you're able to do this.

Fraternal Greetings from President Masuku

I visited Cde Mario at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison yesterday March 29th and he requested me to pass his comradely greetings to all of you and to thank you for the untiring support and commitment to the struggle for democracy and a better life for all in Swaziland. Despite his ailing health, Cde Masuku is very determined and strong.

His condition requires that he must be seen by a medical specialist at least once a week but this is not the case. His diet is not monitored and he is not provided snacks between meals to deal with his medical condition.* He has constant blackouts as a result. He only sees a doctor once in a while. He has tooth problems and has requested to be seen by a dentist to no avail. He will not apply for bail because he is aware that the state uses bail to keep comrades in perpetual bondage outside prison.

"They will give me bail at an exorbitant fee with difficult conditions such as taking my passport and to report at the police station twice a week. They will not take the case to trial for many years making me a prisoner in the street. Let them try me and I'll prove my innocence in court. I haven't committed any offence but I have spoken for the rights of my people" Masuku said.

Masuku has made a call for Talks about Talks with the state. He has called upon the Government, SADC, AU and UN to support this process.

He also expressed concern about the prime Minister's statement that members of political organisations will be dismissed from public sector employment. Masuku called upon trade unions in Swaziland and the world to come to the support of the affected comrades. "This is an infringement of the freedom of association as a basic human right enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Rights" Masuku said.

by J.R.

*Mario suffers from diabetics and doctors have advised against going long periods without eating at least some small amount of food.

Prime Minister of Swaziland

Mr Barnabus Sibusiso Dlamini

P.O. BOX 395

Mbabane

Swaziland

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr Lawrence Cannon

House of Commons

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A6

Feb 25 Sd 2009

Since the last update in Sept 2008, Swaziland has continued on its downward spiral.
Here's a brief summary:

The elections of September 2008 were a farce and the Commonwealth's report indicates so. Page 32 of the 54 page document states: We cannot therefore conclude that the entire process was credible.

http://www.thecommonwealth.org/document/184655/2008_swaziland_elections.htm

In October the King's government tried to stop the Southern African Social Forum three days before it was to begin in Manzini. Social movements and NGOs were quick to point out not even Mugabe had tried this when the forum took place in Zimbabwe! Mswati's true colors became apparent to all. The Swazi organizers took the issue to High Court, won and the event went ahead as scheduled on Oct 16.

Oct 14 Government bans Southern African Social Forum


The King summoned the nation to the traditional royal area the very same day. People began arriving as early at 7am and sat in the hot sun until the king strolled in at 4 in the afternoon. Many of these people had left their homes at 3 or 4am so they would be there in the morning. The temperature was around 35 celcius that day and people were made to sit in the sun without shade, food or water. All waiting for the king's announcement.


Many suspected the king was drunk for his words were slurred and the speech rambled from topic to topic. He angrily told the nation those who oppose the current system need to be "throttled" or "strangled". He warned opposition not only they but their families would be targeted as well.

Oct 17 King declares war


The king then appointed Barnabus Sibusiso Dlamini as Prime Minister. The Constitution says the PM should be chosen by the king from one of the elected Members of Parliament. You won't be surprised to know the king ignored this.


In November the new PM labeled four political organisations "terrorist" and arrested the president of PUDEMO. Mario Masuku has been in prison since the middle of November as government concocts charges. First they said police found material in his home about how to construct weapons. Two days later that charge was dropped and police said Masuku said something seditious at a funeral in September.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-mario-masuku

But the government never explained why it took them two months to lay charges. What had conspire between September and November? Of course, those in Swaziland will tell you - the king needed an arrogant man to follow his whims and one who would ignore the Rule of Law. This is exactly what Barnabus Dlamini had done when he was the PM from 1998-2003.

While Mario Masuku is locked in prison for speaking against the tyranny of the aristocratic system Swaziland is again making world news. Once more it has the notorious distinction of having the highest HIV rates in the world.

HIV rate among women in Swaziland at 42% Feb 20, 2009


See LATEST NEWS for more news.

Sept 1 SD 2008

The situation is Swaziland is rapidly reaching a monumental crisis as the king refuses to listen to reason. The public is outraged over the blatant arrogance and disregard which is shown by the aristocracy. It seems the royalty can never satisfy their lust for extravagance nor loosen their fist-tight grip on absolute power.

The upcoming 40/40 celebration of Sept 6 has been criticised for months. An overflowing amount of cash has been directed to this one day event which has received the scorn of civic organisations, public health employees, banned political parties, unions, and educators. This superficial ceremonial spectacle of "independence" would be laughable if it were not so destructive. It might be comical if it were not criminal.

While the general populace suffers from a lack of food, lack of employment, inadequate health care, no political rights, etc., the "big spenders" are living the high life. That is their inalienable right. They follow a creed which allows for elitism and discrimination. Incapable of understanding the notion of equal rights, their wealth, they argue, is God given and surely their God knows best!

But the Swazi people collectively are far greater than the Dlamini aristocracy and it is those people who are now marching through the streets in protest.

On Aug 16, after the local papers published a report about nine of the king's wives (as well as their children, servants and bodyguards) who all went on a holiday shopping spree to the Middle East and Thailand, over 1000 women of Swaziland reacted.

University students marched a few days later. They are furious about the 40/40 spending while scholarships are awarded yet later student are told "the funds are dry."

Unions are united and have called for a general strike on Sept 3-4. The powerful Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), in solidarity with Swazi unions and the Swazi people, has said they will prevent goods from exiting or entering Swaziland for the entire week leading up to Saturday, Sept 6.

Since Dr Gabriel Mkhumane, Deputy President of PUDEMO, was killed in April 2008, many PUDEMO leaders and members have been targeted. Harassment, detention, midnight interrogations and physical attacks against political activists have dramatically increased. Now, more than anytime during its 25 year history, are hundreds of PUDEMO members at risk of the intensified state brutality. It is under these grave conditions that PUDEMO has declared it will, in self-defense, protect its members.

And finally, the Sept 19 election is still scheduled to go forward although the primary nominations were a "fiasco." This king Mswati III is not willing to share one iota of power.


Aug 30 Pigging it at 40/40 secretariat
Aug 30 SFTU, SNACS unite
Aug 29 SSN PRESS RELEASE
Aug 28 ‘SD’s healthcare on brink of collapse’
Aug 27 SSN CONDEMNS ARREST OF PUDEMO NATIONAL ORGANIZER
Aug 27 UNISWA students protest against 40-40
Aug 27 More BMWs for Mswati's Birthday Bash
Aug 25 His Majesty is 2nd richest in Africa?
Aug 25 Civic Organisations' Statement on the EBC fiasco
Aug 23 Swazis march against lavish trip
Aug 16 Memorandum to SADC Summit on Zimbabwe and Swaziland


To follow current events in Swaziland see LATEST NEWS

Information compiled by T. Debly

Writing about 40/40

In Sept of this year Swaziland will host a "40/40" celebration. It is to mark the 40th birth year of the king, as well as the 40th year of "independence" from England.

These celebrations are being condemned by the people of Swaziland but the army grows as does the brutality.

Below, please read a sample letter to the Canadian High Commissioner for Swaziland who is based in Pretoria, South Africa. If you are so inclined write a note yourself.

Send to pret@international.gc.ca, pret@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Notes can also be copied to the Minister of Foreign Affairs David Emerson. Emerson.D@parl.gc.ca


****************************
Sample Letter

High Commissioner Archibald

I am a citizen of Canada and am very much concerned with deplorable state of affairs in Swaziland. I understand Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency, financially assists civic organizations and and grateful for that.

I am writing today to express my grave concern that members of the banned political party, the Peoples' United Democratic Movement of Swaziland, PUDEMO, are being targeted by the government before the grand 40/40 celebrations are to begin. This is a clear violation of the Declaration of Human Rights and Commonwealth countries must not enable these acts through appeasement and silence.

As you and Consulate staff have visited Swaziland, you will know the level of poverty which grips that country. You will also be aware of the seven or eight royal palaces and the lavish style of those governing. It is unreasonable and contemptible for the citizens of Swaziland to have to live under such a corrupted system.

In my opinion, Swaziland is not independent and rather than 40 years of so-called independence, the country experiences only 5 years of independence from 1968 to 1973. When the king closed parliament, banned all political parties and imprisoned three democratically elected MPs the country began to move in a retrogressive direction. These celebrations ignore the needs of the people at an outrageous cost; meanwhile, the same government goes abroad, time and time again, to beg "donors assistance." Frankly, this is utter madness!

I am therefore kindly requesting that Canadian representatives abstain from this "celebration." If Canadians are seen as people who believe in a royal type of "unique democracy" we will surely lose much respect from the international community and we will be doing a huge disservice to the people of Swaziland.

It is tragic that the majority of Swazis have neither self-determination nor democratic choice. Most live a subsistent existence and try to cope with the HIV/Aids crisis, a dire health care system (where rats are found in the government Mbabane Hospital), a government that makes promises about OVC education fees but never fulfills them, as well as high levels of unemployment and inflation. But the nation increases its army, buys weapons, and bullets to silence any voice of opposition. PUDEMO has recently reported several examples of police harassment and threats of death if they continue to speak out for the unrepresented people of Swaziland.

If Canada attends this event of Sept 6 we will feel ashamed of our diplomats and our country's hypocrisy. If representative are in the country that day or earlier, (Sept 3-4 union strikes are scheduled), they can witness the brutality of the royal army. I and many others in Canada encourage you to meet with civic organisations, unions leaders, and banned political party members to learn how they are excluded from the exclusive style of democracy in SD.

July 9 SD 2008

Swazi Update-July 9, 2008

When textile workers demanded a 12% wage increase in March of this year they were met with rubber bullets, tear gas and live ammunition! Eventually 10% was agreed upon but that is lower than the inflation rate in Swaziland.

Now bus rates are scheduled to jump by 60% and electricity rates by 10% with an additional 7% added on quarterly. Meanwhile relatives of the boy-king, like Chief Gija of Nkomazi who heads the elections commission, has received a lovely 26% raise.

June 26 Cabinet approves 60% bus fare hike
July 1 SEC wants to increase electricity by 10% today
July 5 Gija gets about 26 percent increase

Some readers in New Brunswick may know the name of Gija for he is the chief that has given permission to local HIV/AIDS agencies to work with the people in Nkomazi near Manzini. He even built a brand new house for the Canadians who travel there to "observe" how desperate the situation really is. It seems he will build for foreign donors but not his own countrymen. Can you guess why?

After meeting Gija in Swaziland one Canadian director said: "He is a modern man and has only one wife." It is a pity when "humanitarian" workers will not scratch below the surface veneer as they look for simplistic solutions. Unfortunately, some people grow like onions - with their heads in the ground.

Read the following article and look for the roots.

If you agree hunger is a central issue in Swaziland, will you go one step more and ask why? June 24 Hunger at the heart of many Swazi issues


To follow current events in Swaziland see LATEST NEWS

All issues of swazisolidarityca newsletters can be found on our blog
at http://swazilandsolidaritycanada.blogspot.com/


Information compiled by T. Debly