Only democracy can save Swaziland public sector

Trade unionists attending a workshop as part of a CUPE/South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) project joined with others in Johannesburg on November 18 in a picket to support the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC).

The day before, those marching inside Swaziland to protest the Tinkhundla regime and the economic crisis it has created were attacked by police. The country’s reigning monarch, King Mswati III, has grown rich in a country where 25 per cent of the population has HIV/AIDS – the highest rate in the world, according to the Peoples United Democratic Movement of Swaziland (PUDEMO). He reportedly owns 40 per cent of Swazi mines and more than half of the sugar companies that produce syrup for Coca-Cola in Southern Africa.

Despite that wealth, revenues to the country have declined to the point where the regime has asked for loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and commercial banks, which have all refused. The IMF cited gross mismanagement and disproportionate spending, stating that the average person survives on eight rand per day while each of the 612 members of the royal family lives on about 33,000 rand per day.

The government’s response to the economic crisis has been to threaten the layoff of about 10,000 public sector workers – one-third of the country’s public service – leading to a significant loss of services and loss of income for about 40,000 people supported by those workers.

SAMWU members and other picketers presented a list of demands to the Swazi consul in South Africa, including an end to political repression, solutions to the economic crisis that do not take away jobs and services, and a movement toward democratic government.

• Watch the video: Swaziland Democracy Campaign

FROM
http://cupe.ca/global-justice/democracy-save-swaziland-public-sector

CUPE calls for constitutional and democratic order in Swaziland

Sep 6, 2010 10:21 AM

The following is a letter written by Paul Moist, CUPE national president, to Barnabas Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland, demanding a return to constitutional and democratic order, as well as an end to violations and abuses of human and workers’ rights.

September 6, 2010

Dear Prime Minister,

On the occasion of Swaziland’s National Day, a day that should normally be one of celebration for all the people of Swaziland, I write to you on behalf of the Canadian Union of Public Employees to express our deep concern about the continuing suppression of democracy and freedom of expression in your country.

Swaziland is a signatory to the African Union’s Charter on Human and People’s Right, International Labour Organisation Conventions, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines on Democratic Elections, as well as signatory to other bilateral and multilateral mechanisms for the promotion of democracy and human rights. However, what we currently witness in Swaziland is a culture of gross infringement, violations and abuses of the human and workers’ rights it has pledged to respect, protect and promote.

This letter is therefore sent with serious concerns about the prevailing democratic situation in Swaziland that has seen a constitutional reform process shutting out progressive voices and interests groups, and criminalizing dissent. We wish to point out that the 2003 constitutional reform process, undertaken under the state of emergency, has closed out trade unions and progressive civil society groups and has further consolidated powers in the Monarchy, thereby eliminating effective checks and balances for good governance.

We note that since 1973 Swaziland has been placed under a state of emergency, which has banned all political parties and ended the right of workers and citizens to assemble freely save with prior police authorization, which is seldom granted. Further, we note with serious concern the existence of legislation permitting 60 days detention without trial; legislation which has been serially abused by security agents to hound people holding contrary views into jail.

Today, all over the world, persons of good conscience and friends of Swaziland, including trade unions, Church organizations, women’s organizations, students’ and youth organizations, civil society organizations, political movements, rural communities and cultural organizations, are staging international protest actions as a mark of solidarity with the struggle of the people of Swaziland, and to make the following demands:

• The abrogation of the over 37 year old Public State Emergency and the removal of all laws that prohibit political assembly
• A quick return to multi-party democracy and a democratic popular participatory constitutional reform process through a convocation of a democratically elected National Constitutional Assembly
• The true promotion and realization of a fairer distribution of national wealth through pro-poor and pro-people policies, programmes and public expenditures
• Full respect for and implementation of ILO Conventions, to be done in full consultation and participation of trade union organizations
• An independent and free media and judiciary, as well as the unconditional release of all political prisoners and return of all political exiles

These demands represent the irreducible minimum of the various demands pursued by the workers and people of Swaziland. We add that we will continue this campaign until change comes to Swaziland and its people.

Yours truly,

Paul Moist, CUPE National President

From

http://cupe.ca/global-justice/calls-constitutional-democratic

Associated Press reporters turned back at border on eve of Swazi pro-democracy protests

Organizers arrested on eve of Swazi pro-democracy protests;
AP reporters turned back at border

By The Associated Press

MBABANE, Swaziland — Police say they detained democracy activists on the eve of protests in Swaziland, sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarchy.

Police spokeswoman Wendy Hleta said authorities wanted to question non-Swazis at a meeting about the protests because "we felt that they had no right to interfere."

They detained Swazis before determining who was non-Swazi. Hleta says all were later released.

Sisonke Msimang of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa says two members of the group were among some 50 detained. Msimang says Swazi authorities are "more and more repressive."

Two Associated Press journalists from South Africa were stopped at the border Monday and told they would not be allowed into Swaziland to cover illegal protests.

What Independence? Sept 6, 2010

Today the police arrested organisers at a preparatory meeting for tomorrow’s protest action.

Over 40 were detained including:

1. Musa Hlophe – Swaziland Coalition of the Concerned Civic Society.

2. Muzi Masuku – OSISA Country Manager

3. Vincent Ncongwane _ Secretary General of Swaziland Federation of Labour

4. Sikelela Dlamini - Swaziland Democracy Campeign

5. Phumelela Dlamini – Swaziland Democracy Campaign

6. Mary da Silva – Swazxiland Democracy Campaign

7. Mpandlana Shongwe – Swaziland Democracy Campaign

8. Wandile Dludlu – SWAYOCO President.

9. Zanele - Deputy Secretary International Affairs COSATU

10. George Mahlangu – COSATU

11. NUMSA National President

12. Ntokozo Mbele – SDC South Africa Chapter

13. Steve - SDC South Africa and International Relations Officer Municipal Workers Union.

14. Sikhumbuzo Phakathi – CCEPPWU/Deputy President of PUDEMO

15. Muzi Mhlanga – General Secretary Swaziland National Association of Teachers.

16. Sibusiso Lushaba – General Secretary Swaziland National Association of Nurses

To follow this week of Global Action for Democracy in Swaziland see http://pudemonews.blogspot.com/

Amnesty International Urgent Appeal

Amnesty International USA has made an "Urgent Appeal" concerning the "current wave of repression" in Swaziland.

They are asking the general public to write to Swaziland's PM, Police Commissioner and copy to the Swazi representative in the USA.

The appeal is copied below but can also be found at
www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa15510.pdf

Amnesty International's mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.

UANetwork Office AIUSA 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003
T. 202.544.0200
F. 202.675.8566
E. uan@aiusa.org amnestyusa.org/urgent/
12 July 2010


UA 155/10 Risk of torture/ Ill-treatment
SWAZILAND Political activists, human rights defenders and trade unionists

Political activists, human rights defenders and trade unionists in Swaziland are at risk of harassment, ill-treatment and arrest, as the authorities use draconian counter-terror legislation to investigate a spate of government-targeted petrol bombings.

Amnesty International has been in contact with more than a dozen activists in Swaziland who have been harassed, threatened, ill treated or detained by the Swaziland police since June 2010, under the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA). Activists have had homes and offices searched, been searched themselves at roadblocks; they have had documents and other materials seized and have been under intense surveillance. Amnesty International is not naming the activists for fear of increasing their risk.

Some of the house searches of individuals, including those accused of being members of, or sympathetic to, banned political organizations, have been conducted without search warrants and in the early morning hours by armed police. Some were denied the right to make calls during the prolonged search operations. Some were later taken to police stations for interrogation about their political activities. Testimony and other information received by Amnesty International indicate that several political activists have been subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment during interrogation. In one case, the victim was allegedly beaten with batons and subjected to suffocation torture. He was released without charge, but remains at risk of further ill-treatment.

Two political activists have also told Amnesty International that armed police recently came to their homes searching for them. Neither were present when the police arrived and do not know when the police may return. Both men have been unlawfully detained and allegedly tortured by the police in the past. Amnesty International is concerned that these men, and several others, may be at risk of ill-treatment again if they are arrested and interrogated by the police in the coming weeks.

High profile human rights defenders and trade unionists have also had their homes searched by armed police, usually under warrants authorizing them to search for evidence of terrorist activities.


BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In August 2008, the Suppression of Terrorism Act was signed into law in Swaziland. The implementation of the law has led to arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment of detainees and the charging of political activists under provisions of law that are vague, sweeping and
fail to meet international standards. The law has had an intimidating and silencing effect on political activists calling for democratic reforms and human rights defenders campaigning to address the country’s dire humanitarian situation. In November 2008, the government declared four political organizations, including the longstanding political organizations People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) to be terrorist “entities” under the provisions of the law.

Many of the circumstances regarding the recent spate of petrol bombings remain unclear. However, it appears that they have been largely targeted against government institutions. There are no reports of loss of life or injury but some damage to property has been caused. In June, two men were arrested and charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act in connection with the incidents.

Among those directly affected by the current wave of repression are officials and members of trade unions, human rights defenders working with non-governmental organizations, leaders of new political coalitions including the Swaziland United Democratic Front and Swaziland Democracy Campaign, and members or suspected members of PUDEMO and SWAYOCO. Amnesty International has confirmed information on incidents involving more than a dozen individuals but many other incidents have been reported on which it is seeking confirmation. Some of the political activists have gone into hiding out of fear of detention and ill-treatment.

In late 2005 –early 2006, following a similar spate of petrol bombing in Swaziland, 16 individuals were arrested and charged with treason and other offenses. They were released on bail in March 2006 and have yet to be brought to trial. Allegations of suffocation torture, beatings and other ill-treatment emerged at magistrates court hearings. The High Court, when granting bail, ordered the government to investigate these allegations. While the Prime Minister established a commission of inquiry in October 2006, the results have never been made public.

The searches and interrogations of high profile human rights defenders and trade unionists appear deliberately intended to intimidate and undermine their lawful organizing and advocacy work and are evidence of the indiscriminate use and effect of the STA.



RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible:
■ Appeal to the government to ensure that official investigations into the recent spate of bombings in Swaziland are conducted in
full compliance with the country’s obligations under international human rights law and in particular regarding the absolute
prohibition against torture;
■ Express your concern that police, during investigations into the bombing incidents, have undertaken prolonged searches at the
homes of a large number of alleged members of political organizations and some civil society activists, sometimes without
warrants and followed by interrogations involving alleged threats, ill-treatment and torture in several cases at police stations;
■ Note that while all governments have a clear duty to protect their population from deliberate violent attack, all governments,
including Swaziland’s, must adhere to their obligations under international human rights law in responding to incidents or threats
of violent attacks.

APPEALS TO:
Prime Minister
Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini
P.O. Box 395,
Mbabane,
SWAZILAND
Fax: 011 268 404 3943
Salutation: Dear Prime Minister

Commissioner of Police
Mr. Isaac Magagula
The Royal Swaziland Police Service,
P.O. Box 49,
Mbabane H100
SWAZILAND
Fax: 011 268 404 4545
Salutation: Dear Commissioner

COPIES TO:
Ambassador Ephraim Mandlenkosi M Hlophe
Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland
1712 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington DC 20009
Phone: 202 234 5002
Fax: 1 202 234 8254
Email: info@swazilandembassyus.com

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.
Check with the AIUSA Urgent Action office if sending appeals after 31 July 2010.

Sample letter to Canadian High Comissioner

Adèle Dion
High Commissioner

As the world focuses on football in South Africa, the neighboring Kingdom of Swaziland appears to be moving to a state of civil war!

Recently political activist Sipho Jele was killed in prison in early May - government has still not provided the autopsy report. Political activist Alex Langwenya's home was bombed this past week and last week many political activists were being rounded up.

Now activist Zonke Dlamini has been arrested, taken to Court on Sunday June 13 and sent to the Sidvwashini Correctional - "Sipho Jele who was also...accepted at the Sidvwashini Correctional on Sunday [May 2] and was later reported to have died after allegedly hanging himself" by using a blanket in a wash room where there are no rafters. These type of "suicides" were common during the apartheid era and still occur in the absolute monarchy of Swaziland.

We fear for Zonke's life!

And therefore request that you immediately contact your Swazi counterpart to convey our concern about Zonke's unusual imprisonment. If he should happen to "commit suicide" the country, I fear, will explode as workers, students, unions and ordinary citizens have been pushed to a very dangerous precipice.

Canada and the Commonwealth are overlooking this catastrophe but it will not be enough to report the deaths after the fact.


Sincerely,
Edna Hepry
Saint John, NB, Canada



The following is from the Times of Swaziland: http://www.times.co.sz/?month=6&day=14&year=2010


SWAYOCO member arrested
By MBONGISENI NDZIMANDZE on June 14,2010

MBABANE- A member of the proscribed Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) has been arrested in connection with the bombing of houses belonging to Police PRO Vusi Masuku and Mtsambama MP Bheki Mkhonta.

Zonke Thokozani Tradewell Dlamini, 37, of Ekwendzeni under Chief Makhosikhosi yesterday appeared before High Court Judge Nkululeko Hlophe who remanded him back to custody until Friday.

He was arrested on Friday by Nhlangano police in conjunction with officers from Lukhozi Serious Crimes Unit.

The matter which was heard in the morning yesterday was attended by a contingent of police officers and the public gallery was empty. The accused had to spend more than an hour in a police vehicle while waiting for the arrival of the judge.

Dlamini was handcuffed when he arrived at the High Court and was escorted by plain-clothed police officers.

The handcuffs were removed when he was about to enter the courtroom where the case was heard.

When he arrived at the High Court, he was driven in a kombi with private registration numbers, but was later put into a white police van where he spent more than an hour before being taken to court.

The accused has since been slapped with two counts of contravening the Terrorism Act No: 3 of 2008.

When his right of legal representation was explained to him Dlamini first told the court that he would conduct his own defence, but after the charge sheet was read to him changed his mind saying what was written was too technical. "My lord, for today, I will conduct my own defence, but I will seek the services of an attorney during the commencement of the trial as what has been read to me is too technical to understand," he said. Appearing for the crown in this matter was Phumlani Dlamini. Interpreting was Registrar of the High Court Mpendulo Simelane.

Our member denied right of legal representation - Wandile

MBABANE - President of the proscribed Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) Wandile Dludlu alleges that their member was denied his right of legal representation by the police.
He said ever since his arrest on Friday, Zonke Tradewell Dlamini was interrogated by the police and they further refused their attorney to see him. He said the police when asked further denied that the accused person had been arrested while knowing very well that he was in custody.
"We cannot disown him now as we believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Our members were not even aware that he was due to appear before court today (Sunday). Dlamini has been deprived his constitutional right of legal representation by the police and we believe this is uncalled for," he said.
Dludlu said they were not supporting the recent bombings but believed that a person was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Deputy Police PRO Assistant Superintendent Wendy Hleta said in their Nhlangano records, they did not have anyone by the name of the suspect.
"I would presume these people went to the wrong station," she said.


Suspect cannot move bail application

MBABANE- The suspect in the two bombing incidents in the Shiselweni region was yesterday told that he could not move a bail application.

The judge told him that it would be impossible for him to move a bail application today (Sunday), as bail applications at the High Court are presented in writing. He said after the application has been written, the prosecution is then given time to go through it and the court then looks at the merits and demerits of that application.


Prison authorities refusing to accept suspects - prosecutor
MBABANE – Correctional Services authorities are said to be refusing to accept suspects on Sundays.
This was disclosed by Prosecutor Phumlani Dlamini who was appearing for the state in the matter of Zonke Tradewell Dlamini who is alleged to have petrol bombed two houses in the Shiselweni region.
Dlamini told Justice Nkululeko Hlophe who was presiding over the matter that prison authorities were refusing to accept suspects who are brought in this manner, especially on Sundays.
"I apply that this court issues an order directing the Commissioner of Correctional Services to allow the accused person to be kept at Sidvwashini Correctional facility pending his committal," he said.
Judge Hlophe then issued an Order to the effect that the commissioner should accept or take into custody at the correctional facility the accused person who is on remand pending his committal.
The late Sipho Jele who was also a member of the proscribed entity was accepted at the Sidvwashini Correctional on Sunday and was later reported to have died after allegedly hanging himself.

Murdered for wearing a t-shirt!

On May 1 Sipho Jele wore a People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) t-shirt to the workers' gathering in Manzini, Swaziland and he was arrested for doing so.

Two days later, police went to Sipho's home to notify his family that he had "committed suicide"!

In other words, wearing a t-shirt of a banned organisation means "suicide" in Swaziland; this tactic was commonly used by the apartheid government during the liberation struggle in South Africa.

The police then tried to rush the family to have a funeral so that an autopsy would not be performed but the family withstood the pressure. Next they were threatened that Sipho could not be buried in the country since he was a political activist!

A court order was sought and it was settled that the burial could go ahead but on Sunday May 16th between 400 - 500 police officers showed up at to the funeral and disrupted the proceedings.

One week later, the body or Sipho was eventually laid to rest.

We do not have a Swazi representative in Canada but should not remain silent.

Below is a link to the website of Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) based in London - it has an email letter which is forwarded to the Swazi High Commissioner of the UK.

Thanks for adding your voice.

See
Email the Swaziland High Commission
or

http://www.actsa.org/page-1223-Swaziland.html

For more detailed information on this recent tragedy see:
Sipho Jele

Political activist Sipho Jele killed for wearing a t-shirt in Swaziland

The note below is a sample of a letter you can send to Canadian politicians who are part of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting this weekend in Swaziland. The note is addressed to three Canadians who are attending but it can be copied to all other members as well; addresses are below.

************************************************

Ms Casey, Mr Hickes and Mr Preston

As a Canadian who has today learned that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is currently meeting in Swaziland, I am shocked that Canada and the Commonwealth overlook the lack of democracy and human rights abuses in that country. I am appalled that Canada and the Commonwealth continue to be complacent in dealing with an absolute monarch and its "unique democracy".

On recent example of the "unique democracy" in Swaziland occurred this week; it is in new reports that a political activist was murdered in prison and then a scenario was made to look as if he killed himself. Sipho Jele was a political activist who was beat and tortured by police while in jail in early 2006 and became partially deaf because he had damage to one of his ears. Now he was been tortured to death for having worn a People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) t-shirt to the workers' May 1st celebration - in Swaziland political parties are banned. This is what democracy looks like in Swaziland - it looks like blood!

Friday's May 6th Times of Swaziland has reported the the PM requested an inquest into the death of Sipho Jele but this is simply window dressing and hoping to cover up an "embarrassing" situation while foreign diplomats are present. There is a long list of "royal police" killings and the inquests never lead to a perpetrator. Inquests are as fake as the democracy in that country!

Why does Canada continually overlook the lack of democracy in Swaziland? In this case, our "Commonwealth" ignores our "Commonpoverty"

It seems Commonwealth documents, such as the 1991 Harare Declaration, are not worth the paper they are written on because governments are not held accountable. I often wonder why Zimbabwe it pointed out as a rogue nation while the Kingdom of Swaziland is ignored. Can you please explain this?

Can you explain these double standard and why the basic principles of democracy are not upheld?

Can you explain the hypocrisy of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who decide to meet in such an undemocratic country?

As a Canadian I as requesting that you research the recent murder of Sipho Jele and make the Swazi regime accountable. Everything I have mentioned in this note is public information which can be found through the Swazi newspapers online (www.times.co.sz).

Additionally, the PUDEMO website (www.pudemo.org) can provide more that two decades of material on the lack of democracy in Swaziland.

Sincerely,
Name
City & country
*********************************************
To: kmcasey@gov.pe.ca, speaker@leg.gov.mb.ca, prestj@parl.gc.ca

Cc: sna@parliament.go.ke, cpa@parliament.uk, shafieapdal@heritage.gov.my, root@bidhan.wn.nic.in, kashmalatariq@hotmail.com, ljiyane@parliament.gov.za, jobndugai@hotmail.com, daysnweeks@realnet.co.sz, sada@yahoo.com, ancm@cm.refer.org, speakernwfp@yahoo.com, sangshod@citechco.net, john.pandazopoulos@parliament.vic.gov.au, michael.polley@parliament.tas.gov.au, pro@aph.gov.au, alun.cairns@wales.gov.uk, met@gibraltar.gov.gi, keith_flax@hotmail.com, h.ramkarran@cameronandshepherd.com, unchoudhary@gmail.com, assamlegislative@sify.com, celsus.talifilu@parliament.gov.sb, tetauat@gmail.com, legislative.premier@mail.gov.nu, chee.chongyu@sabah.gov.my, maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, rkiandee@parlimen.gov.my

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

35years-enough is enough

Yesterday marked the 35th anniversary of Sobhuza's notorious April 12 Proclamation of 1973. Perhaps many subscriber to this forum know the history in fine detail but i had to do some digging to come to a better understanding. If any are interested, below i've posted a bit of the information i was able to find in academic journals and textbooks.

VIVA PUDEMO!

The Swaziland Progressive Party (SPP), under the leadership of John Nquku, was founded in 1960. It’s manifesto had four points: democratic enfranchisement for all persons irrespective of race, colour, or creed, opposition to the incorporation of Swaziland by South Africa; adoption of the United Nations declaration of human rights; and complete integration to eliminate racial discrimination. Due to questions about Nquku's leadership that party splintered and eventually another party, the Ngwane National Libratory Congress (NNLC) was formed in 1963. Around this same time two other but much less significant parties also were born - the Swaziland Democratic Party (SDP) and the Mbandzeni National Convention (MNC).

Seeing the British would go ahead with the June 1964 elections, Van Wyk de Vries, one of Sobhuza’s legal advisors and a “prominent member of the South African Broederbond" encouraged him to hold a referendum and then form his own party. The Imbokodvo* National Movement (INM) was formed one month before the election. INM won 85.45 percent of the vote and NNLC was the only party to gain any support – 12.3 percent. The MDC and SDP now aligned themselves with INM as did the white settlers United Swaziland Association (USA). The king's party again won all twenty-four seats in the April 1967 election but the NNLC had won 20 percent of the popular vote - that would change in five years.

In the 1972 election, the NNLC won three of the twenty-four seats in Parliament. Dr. Ambrose Zwane, Thomas Ngwenya and Mageja Masilela had gained all three seats from the eastern constituencies of Mphumalanga – the same region which had experienced the huge labour strikes of May 1963. One eighth of the seats did not pose an immediate political danger but Sobhuza would not tolerate these members. This was significant because the three had been elected in the “constituencies containing large numbers of sugar plantation workers who were disgruntled with the government over their working conditions”. Additionally, “the NNLC had enjoyed significant popular support among non Swazi Africans”.

Before the drastic action of April 12, 1973 three attempts were made to limit the NNLC opposition. First, Ngwenya was ordered deported on the grounds that he was not a Swazi citizen. Secondly, the Assembly Standing Order was amended so that a Private Member’s Motion “would lapse for the duration of the meeting if there were no quorum when it was either moved or put to the vote”. Thirdly, INM members left the chamber “when NNLC Members rose to introduce a motion”.

Ngwenya was not deported as he challenged the order in High Court and was successful. Immediately an Immigration Amendment Act was introduced to Parliament and passed; so once again Ngwenya was ordered deported. He then challenged this in the Swaziland Appeals Court and won. Sobhuza would not be out-maneuvered by the courts. Parliament passed a motion that the Constitution was “unworkable” and the king was called upon to resolve the crisis. With assistance from Pretoria, on April 12, 1973 Sobhuza declared: the constitution had “failed”; it was the cause of “growing unrest”; it had permitted “undesirable political practices”; there was “no constitutional way” to amend the Constitution; and a new constitution needed to be “created by ourselves for ourselves in complete liberty.” A State-of-Emergency was declared and Sobhuza “assumed supreme power”. The Attorney General then read the decrees that included “Political parties [including his own INM] were prohibited and political meeting, processions and demonstrations disallowed without prior consent of the Commissioner of Police. The King-in-Council was given the power to detain a person without trial for a period of sixty days, which period could be repeated as often as deemed necessary in the public interest. This situation would be reviewed in six months’ time.”

April 12, 2008 is the thirty-fifth anniversary of these decrees; they have never been repealed. Vieceli explains the Swazi people refer to this as the “King’s Coup.”

*Imbokodvo = grindstone


Information compiled by T. Debly of UNBSJ, Canada

Another Swazi blood bath!

COSATU is the Congress of South African Trade Unions and today they have sent this press release out concerning Swaziland.
Mar 17 COSATU condemns Swazi police brutality

Briefly, textile workers in Swaziland have been on strike since Mar 3 so the "royal police" and army have been called in. The Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organisation has reported today that Royal Swazi Police use teargas, baton rounds (rubber bullets) and live ammunition on unarmed and unprotected women who are legally striking for the right to the lowest standard of living that can be called decent.
Mar 17 SCCCO Statement on Police and Army at textile strike

Also see SWAZI POLICE SHOOT IN THE BACK

For Canadians:
Please write to Canadian Foreign Affairs asking that they:

1) immediately contact the Swazi government to request that police and army refrain from this bloody frenzy!

2) request that a Canadian mission be immediately dispatched to Swaziland to evaluate the conditions in this "unique democracy".

Mr Maxime Bernier
Minister of Foreign Affairs
BerniM@parl.gc.ca

Canadian High Commission in Pretoria
Ms Ruth Archibald
High Commissioner to South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho
pret@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Mr Vincent Charron
High Commission Swaziland Desk
Vincent.Charron@international.gc.ca


If you are able to write one note copied to these 3 addresses I would appreciate it very much. If you know others who are concerned about human rights and workers' rights, kindly forward to them. Thanks.

Mar 3 SD 2008

Discontent in Swaziland grows daily yet the government fails to address the fundamental issues: food shortages, inadequate health care, high rates of unemployment, political repression and the list grows. Since 2007 police have been struggling to form a union which will have strength to negotiate collectively and now the army is following suit.
Feb 26 Over 600 000 needed food aid late last year
Feb 26 Govt hospitals are a health hazard
Feb 20 Aggrieved soldiers form secret union

When the Prime Minister isn't busy flying all over the world to talk of Swaziland's "unique democracy" or chowing down the country's wealth, he can be found praying with the police. This fellow who talks of "preserving our Swazi culture" seems to use God and religion as long as it keeps him and the sycophants in power. If the police were truly allowed to "excel in their duties in order to fight crime in the country" they would be heading straight to the royal palaces!
Feb 24 PM prays with the police

In the past two weeks there have been at least three cases of petrol bombing incidents at the parliament and a police station. The authorities behave as if more oppression will change the situation and fail to realize they can not simply blow out a fire! The king's newspaper, the Swazi Observer writes of "terrorists" which sounds too much like Bush rhetoric. In 2005, Brussels based International Crisis Group wrote a report entitled Swaziland: The Clock is Ticking. In April of 2006 Laurie Goering of the Chicago Tribune wrote "Swazi frustration isn't hard to understand."
Mar 3 Nhlangano police station petrol bombed
Feb 24 Parliament ‘bombed’ — again

Feb 17 Petrol bombers left note for authorities
Feb 16 Parly marquee petrol bombed before opening session
April 19, 2006 Observers see trouble ahead in Swaziland

A recent documentary about Swaziland was released on dvd in January and features several activist from the People's United Democratic Movement (Pudemo) and Swaziland Youth Congress (Swayoco). Without the King contrasts royal life of a 'princess of the palace' with daily life in Moneni. This is a realistic look at the huge disparities in Swaziland - huge disparities created and perpetuated by the royal elites. To watch a 2 minutes preview click youtube.com/without the king

This documentary will be shown in Saint John on Wednesday March 5 at the public library at Market Square. It is an 80 minutes presentation which will be shown at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Thanks to Mackenzie for finding another site which focuses on Swaziland. The blogger is Richard Rooney an Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Swaziland. It seems even academics know the power of and take advantage of alternative media.

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com


To follow current events in Swaziland see LATEST NEWS

Dec 31 SD 2007

Alan Booth called the period from 1973 to 1983 The Royalists Decade. His book, Swaziland: Tradition and Change in a Southern African Kingdom, was published in 1983 and little did he know of the students who were beginning to united for democratic change on Dlamini's farm. Would he label 1983-2008 The Path of Resistance? 2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Peoples' United Democratic Movement of Swaziland.

While the aristocracy drags its feet on sharing power, people of the nation see the need for change. The abuse of public funds has reached a tipping point but the Royalist still think they are "the chosen ones", "the descendants of the sun".

Perhaps one Royalist, the Prime Minister Dlamini, was only trying to be "modern" when he spoke of not leaving women out of the formula. He also says implementing the constitution is a "challenge". The constitution took effect almost two years ago in Feb 2006, but now the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNDP and the European Union will be the official excuse for delay.


Dec 30 E500,000 ($100,000)—just for decorations at king’s birthday
Dec 31 ‘Don’t leave women out of general elections’
Dec 31 PM says implementing constitution a challenge
Dec 24 SCCCO: Busy Doing Nothing-Swaziland in 2007


Finally, one last point before the year flips. Twenty-five years ago, on Jan 1, 1983 the Internet was born. It's now part of our daily routine and is a useful tool for researching, organizing, educating and even mobilizing. Don't doubt its potential!
All the best for 2008!


To follow current events in Swaziland see LATEST NEWS

Dec 24 SD 2007

Sd - Busy doing Nothing

Below is the end of year report from the Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organizations - SCCCO. It does not paint a rosy picture because one does not exist. Instead, it portrays a brutal, retrogressive and archaic manner of ruling "subjects".

In 1906, Rosa Luxemburg's argued "...the complete unity of the trade-union and the social democratic movements, which is absolutely necessary for the coming mass struggles... is actually here...". She was referring to Germany but a parallel situation in Swaziland currently exists. Things change when progressive political movements, in tandem with civil society and trade unions are united. Rosa Luxemburg, 1906, The Mass Strike

Busy Doing Nothing – Swaziland in 2007

2007 was the first full calendar year of the new Constitution. What has changed in Swaziland as a result? Very little. It is becoming apparent to Civil Society that the Constitution is being used as little more than a fig-leaf to cover the international shame of 33 years of rule by decree. What we now have is a piece of paper that is not being promoted or even defended by the government. The rights and duties that are enshrined in it are not being protected or enforced. This year has seen defenceless suspects killed by the police, public meetings broken up or prevented from happening, union members harassed, property taken without due court processes, newspaper editors intimidated, journalists threatened by government. The people of Swaziland are in the dark about the constitution and their rights and the government seems more than happy to keep them that way.

The kingdom continues to wear two faces, the one it shows to the outside world, a happy, peaceful, united democratic nation. The other face is the reality of an internally riven, politically bankrupt, corrupt and profoundly anti-democratic system that is underperforming economically. Rather than investing the public coffers in relation to areas of greatest need and with the potential for greatest results it squanders them on economically unproductive projects that do little more than stroke, already inflated, egos.

It is the year that many comparative international studies have started to peek behind the veil and show that Swaziland consistently is one of the worst performers in terms of human rights, political participation, civil rights, governance, corruption and use of natural resources. (World Bank, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Open Society, New Economics Forum, Amnesty International, US MCA) yet these studies are regularly pooh-poohed by our leaders. These are not high flown legalistic issues. Good governance directly affects the country’s ability to develop its economy, society and environment and to access the international aid that might just help us out of our multiple and interlinked crises.

We were already aware that Swaziland has the shame of the highest HIV prevalence, lowest life expectancy on earth and with equally appalling infant mortality rates. This year saw the publication of the Whiteside report that put these into a completely different context. The report shows that the deaths that arise as a result of HIV/AIDS are now at a level that is equivalent to generally accepted definitions of emergency requiring massive international action as is seen in cases of natural disaster, famine and civil war. We were shocked to find out that Swaziland now has more OVCs per head of population than Darfur. The slow and silent nature of the orphans’ parents’ deaths does not make the emergency any less real, just less newsworthy.

A constitution is more than a piece of paper; it defines the political culture of a country. Enacting it and upholding it are not matters of luck or chance but require energy, skill, resources, practice and passion. We do not see any of these necessary qualities being used at present. Rather we bear witness to the masterly arts of planned and practiced inactivity, prevarication and procrastination. The necessary structures to defend democracy and freedom – Commissions on Human Rights and Public Administration and the Elections and Boundaries Commission are nowhere close to being set up. The Royal Swazi Police Force is not trained in the implications of policing under a Bill of Rights. Women remain in law, and practice, second class citizens to such an extent that the governor of Ludzidzini is able to say with confidence, and in public, that they do not have the right to make decisions on their own lives and should be equated with children, subservient to their husbands as head of the household. As for the rights of children… we’ll not even start with that one. Most disturbing of all was the discovery of over one hundred foetuses in a dam near Matsapha. The causes, implications and effects of that particular nightmare are still being worked out. The human tragedies that lie behind these headlines shame us all.

The constitution defines emaSwati as citizens, not subjects. The difference is profound, if enacted. Citizens cede their power to politicians and then call them to account for their stewardship. Subjects do as they are told. The transition from subject to citizen does not happen overnight. It requires a fundamental shift in thinking that must be developed and the people must be educated in. Again, there is masterly inaction on behalf of the government on this. We hold deep reservations about the ability of the Tinkhundla system to support an internationally recognisable democracy, and to promote proper citizenship, especially in relation to elections.

The candidates put forward by the Tinkhundla system are not those with the most to offer, the highest energy, the best minds, the vision of a successful, prosperous and happy nation and the will and skills to bring these about through inspiring, leading and listening. Its candidates do not reflect the wealth and wisdom of this great country. The offerings to the people of this corrupt, petty, and self-serving system are, in the main, the loyal, the blind, the mediocre and the second rate. We need better than that and we deserve better leaders. The Tinkhundla do not serve emaSwati, they can only serve a small section of us. Prince David had the arrogance to call the people of Swaziland stupid for electing the current set of MPs. Let us remember that he was the chair of the Constitutional Drafting Committee that enshrined the system of their selection. As Democrats, we contend that the people can not be stupid – they are certainly not as stupid as the system that rejects what every African country has accepted as right, proper and normal – multi-party politics. We in civil society will be rolling out as large a programme of civic and voter education as we can gather resources for in time for the expected elections in 2008.

The rule of law debate and the tensions between the ‘traditional’ and ‘democratic’ systems of governance continue to go on. We welcome the final burial of Mizkayise Ntshangase in accordance to the court orders. But we continue to note that there are factions amongst the traditionalists who still felt that they could publicly state that the orders would be defied. We of course, are delighted at the belated insistence of the Prime Minister and the Governor of Ludzizini that the court orders must be followed and the actions of the Police to ensure that this happened. We fervently hope that this remains the rule and not the exception.

All in all, 2007 has not been a good year for Swaziland, the terrible effects of HIV/AIDS, drought, poverty, unemployment, corruption and poor governance continue to unnecessarily kill far too many people and to sap the ability of the country to perform. Our ‘unique’ system and style of governance wastes time, effort, resources and energy that could be better spent on really tackling the issues rather than paying court to labadzala. We say to the democrats in government, reach out, respect diversity of opinion and pluralism, embrace civil society and work with us in partnership. The present system has failed and can only continue to do so. Talk to us, we are listening. Stop being busy doing nothing and wasting your time defending the indefensible. Let us roll up our sleeves and work together to improve the lives and conditions of all of the Swazi people, not just the few.

May you all have a happy and prosperous New Year.

Bishop M B Mabuza

Chairperson SCCCO