8 September 2008
Mbabane — Some of the largest demonstrations in Swaziland's history, this time against growing poverty, took the shine off twin celebrations to mark King Mswati's 40th birthday and 40 years of the kingdom's independence.
At least 10,000 pro-democracy activists crowded the usually quiet streets of Manzini, the country's central commercial hub, on 3 September, before reassembling in the capital, Mbabane, the following day.
No mention was made of the march by government leaders during festivities on Saturday to mark the so-called "40-40" celebrations, but security forces were on high alert.
"We are elated by the historic outpouring of ordinary people to say to the royal government, 'Enough!'," said Andrew Simelane, a member of the umbrella Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU).
The march in Mbabane was marred by the detonation of two small explosive devices: the first, planted in a trash bin in a shopping mall, did no damage, and the second, inside an empty bus, blew a hole in the vehicle. No one claimed responsibility, and march organisers were furious that the blasts might distract from their humanitarian message.
"The people of Swaziland are suffering enough. We don't need bombings; we need to focus on how the nation's resources are being lost to corruption and privilege and not being spent on the people," said Vincent Ncongwane, Secretary-General of the Swaziland Federation of Labour, another worker's body participating in the marches.
The cost
Two-thirds of Swaziland's people live in chronic poverty, according to the UN Development Programme, and nearly 40 percent are HIV-positive, giving Swaziland the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world. A majority of the population - 600,000 out of less than one million people - depend on food aid from international donor organisations.
Two weeks ago, 1,000 HIV-positive women, spurred by reports that eight of King Mswati's 13 wives had taken a trip to the Middle East and Asia, led a protest march in Mbabane.
The labour unions have demanded a public accounting of the money spent on the "40-40" event. Marchers in Mbabane were also angry that on the evening of the march, on 3 September, an elaborate party was held at Mswati's Lozitha Palace on the occasion of his eldest daughter's 21st birthday.
"The Americans this week scaled down a big political party for John McCain [the Republican presidential nominee] because of a humanitarian crisis [the impact of Hurricane Gustav]. A government must show its sensitivity toward the people's plight," said Cynthia Hlatshwako, who works as a secretary in Mbabane.
Although Swaziland's state-run television did not broadcast coverage of the demonstrations, some members of the Swazi press are showing new boldness. Local newspapers widely reprinted a recent list published by Forbes magazine, in which King Mswati was named one of the 15 richest royals in the world.
Political commentator Vusi Sibisi compared the current situation in Swaziland to that of France prior to the French Revolution. Swaziland's gross domestic product has seen a two-decade decline, while many other Southern African nations have been experiencing sustained GDP growth.
SFTU Secretary-General Jan Sithole has announced a week of mass action from 15 to 19 September.
[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]
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why the world is so quiet about what is happening in swaziland,our parents money is wasted on buying cars,taking wives,only the Dlaminis have priviledges to resources,gone are the the days of dictatoship,we want democrasy in swaziland,we will do everything to get out of this madness,if we dont see it the ones coming will live better than us.
News today 18 September refer to mass arrests of democracy activists in Swaziland.
Mswati's days are counted anyway. With the advent of Tsvangirai in Swaziland and the imminent coming to power of Zuma in SA, Mswati is reaaly cornered. If he wishes to retain his kingdom, he would better heed the writings on the wall. He can survive by allowing a democratic parliament while retaining a ceremonial role. Otherwise, he will lose his kingdom.
SFTU and pro-democracy groups will have to forge a broader alliance with forces in SA, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana in order to ensure a maximum impact… [Read Full Text]
Let the poeple speak.We are really rired of the dictatorship of king Mswati.He is running the country like his own farm.He is abusing resources and powers in the name of culture.he is appointing his buddies into all the influential positions in the country hence no delivery to the poeple since they are only pleasing one man(Mswati their friend).
We want a government for the poeple(Democracy).We do not want the sham elections which are taking place. we want Multiparty democracy.
Let me commend the leaders of the Unions and Banned political parties for their stand in fighting for democracy in Swaziland… [Read Full Text]