Latest News

	LATEST NEWS
Somali Solidarity Campaign Launch 11 November 2011 On the 28th October 2011, ACTION Support Centre launched the Somali Solidarity Campaign. The launch is the beginning of our intention to raise awareness on the challenges faced by Somali’s. Also importantly, we are raising funds for the proposed Wajir Peace University, based in North Eastern Kenya, which will be contributing towards peaceful transformation in the region. Read more... Statement of the Embassy of Cuba in South Africa on the UN vote on Resolution condemning the US blockade against Cuba 26 October 2011 For the twentieth time the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the resolution "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba" thus completing a cycle of consecutive annual condemnation of the U.S. blockade on Cuba imposed since almost half a century. Read more... International Representatives Denied Visits to Swazi Detainees, Treated Like Criminals and Spied Upon! Students Attacked Again! 26 August 2011 Yesterday, a 21 strong representative group drawn from the Development Community, Human and Civil Rights Organisations, and Peace and Democracy Campaigners were denied the right to visit political detainees and prisoners being held by the Swazi regime. The regional delegation comprising representatives from Swaziland, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique and from respected organisations such as the ACTION Support Centre, PROPAZ, Forum Mulher, SCCCO, Soweto Concerned Residence, Swaziland Democracy Campaign, Swaziland United Democratic Front, YIDEZ, and the Zimbabwe Peace Project numbers 21 representatives Read more... Luanda Final SADC Summit Communique 18 August 2011 Communique of the 31st SADC Heads of State and Government Summit (PDF for download) Read more... In the Wake of the Bail-Out Scandal: Swazi Regime Dismisses Basic Rights under Law with Impunity 12 August 2011 Earlier today, Justice Thomas Masuku, the outspoken Swazi judge who is fighting his dismissal for refusing to comply with the irregular judicial practices of the Swazi regime came back to the High Court in Swaziland, to hear the response to preliminary applications he had submitted. The applications were intended to ensure that his upcoming ‘disciplinary’ hearing was fair and legitimate. The SDC has not been surprised at the outcome. The requests have all been denied. Read more... A message of Comfort to Dekha and Mzee’s Family 14 July 2011 ACTION Support Centre (ASC) received with sadness the news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of people close to us, Abdinur, Dekha’s husband and Mzee Jackson and left our beloved Dekha Ibrahim hospitalized. We extend our deepest condolences to family and friends of Dekha and Mzee. Read more... Swazi Regime Starts to Unravel: The Democratic Movement Gathers Pace! The Revolution Will Not Be Imported! 27 June 2011 Once again the Trade Union Movement has taken the lead in pushing forward the democratic agenda in Swaziland. The protests that have unfolded this week, starting on June 22 led by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers, and joined by the Swaziland Federation of Labour and the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (soon to be merged into a single federation) have shown the crucial role of organised labour in challenging the regime. Despite ruthless waves of repression over the last period, both in terms of draconian legislation and through the brutal activities of a bloated security apparatus, Swaziland comrades have refused to bow their heads. Workers, students, social movement activists and those from faith based organisations have maintained their organisational cohesion. Read more... SPT-Zimbabwe Update No.3. June 2011: Beyond Livingstone 24 June 2011 The excitement over the resolutions of the SADC Troika meeting in Livingstone, Zambia, at the end of March 2011, was largely focused on the stronger stance taken by the organ over the abuses of the Mugabe regime, and more particularly the continued obstacles placed by the latter over the implementation of the GPA. In effect however, the Livingstone resolutions brought into effect the major strength of the SADC mediation, which has been to lock the Mugabe regime into structures of accountability. Whatever the weaknesses of the GPA, and there are many, it has forced Zanu PF into closer accountability for its behavior at different levels including cabinet, parliament, JOMIC, the constitutional reform process, SADC, the AU and its relations with the West. Read more.,. Internship Opportunity 22 June 2011 Are you interested in an opportunity to learn on the job while making a difference to the world around you? The ACTION Support Centre is now open for applications for the position of Intern. ACTION is a global network of conflict transformation practitioners, with the Support Centre serving as the regional base for ACTION in Africa. Read more... Building a Pyramid or Chasing a Mirage? Some Modest Reflections on the Mass Uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia and the Lessons for Swaziland. Press Release 29 March 2011 No Shortcuts, or Techno Fix to Social Change. As the crisis in Swaziland deepens, so do opportunities for social change. It is perhaps an appropriate time to look at where we are today, and how we can best absorb some of the lessons from those parts of the world that have undergone profound social upheavals to inform our struggles. Read more... Swaziland Democracy Campaign One Year On: The Corrupt Kingdom Looks Shakier Than Ever! Time to Escalate Democratic Mass Action! Press Release 24 February 2011 The Birth of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign At exactly this time last year, more than 200 people gathered in a municipal building in Joburg to launch the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC). What was remarkable about the gathering was that almost half of those present where from Swaziland itself. This was a reflection of the changes taking place in Swaziland, and the new confidence that is growing amongst the Swazi people to stand up and demand an end to the wasteful despotic rule of King Mswati III. Read more... Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) prepares for a year of decisive action for democracy in Swaziland Press Release 27 January 2011 A recent meeting of the SDC Co-ordinating Committee took place to take forward the programme adopted by the October 2010 joint meeting of the Swaziland and South African SDC chapters and civil society organisations from both countries. We reflected on the activities since the launch of the campaign in 2010 and confirmed that within a year tangible progress was recorded in both areas of focus; co-ordination of internal mass action and co-ordination of global solidarity activities. Read more... Time to boost solidarity for Swaziland's liberation Press Release 24 January 2010 The dire situation in Swaziland is quickly intensifying for both the liberation movement and the country's people as a whole. The pro-democracy opposition of organizations that make up the liberation movement is facing tighter repression, as its cause becomes more vocal inside the tiny nation and stimulates more active solidarity internationally. Read more... SOWETO DECLARATION Press Release 30 November 2010 We the participants attending the Action Support Centre Anti-Xenophobia Community Indaba held in Soweto on 30 November 2010 commit to develop an integrated strategy for (re) integration of non-nationals into the South African community. Are deeply concerned about the economic, social and political environment existing within the continent and the slow pace at which the SADC and AU state parties are making efforts to resolve these issues. Read more... *SDC Embraces Civil Society Calls for Smart Sanctions against Tinkhundla!* Press Release 22 July 2010 Following the call on Saturday 17th July 2010 by fifty-three (53) participants representing at least 16 different civil society organizations in an open discussion hosted by the Swaziland Chapter of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC-SD), at the Tum’s George Hotel in Manzini, for the instant imposition of smart sanctions on the Tinkhundla regime, the SDC-SD obliged... Read more... SDC honours Mandela and the greatness of what he stands for on his day! Press Releasse 16 July 2010 The Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) joins the millions of global compatriots, activists, democrats and internationalists who have responded to the call to dedicate 67 minutes to the memory of a living legend, the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa and champion of our liberation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Read more... King Mswati III Trail of Disaster in Swaziland Press Release 30 June 2010 Following strict orders to strangle all democracy activists and boosted by the recent demands by the illegally appointed Prime minister of Swaziland, Barnabas Dlamini to make arrests on the recent bombings that have shocked Swaziland, the Swazi police have intensified their raids on homes of PUDEMO leaders. Over the past weekend the raids were taken into the deep rural poverty stricken Hluti-Lavumisa area, the home area of PUDEMO Deputy President Skhumbuzo Phakathi. A number of homes were raided in the area. Read more... Swazi Regime Launches Bitter Attack on Democracy Activists Press Release 30 June 2010 Over the last 24 hours, the police in Swaziland have launched a reign of repression on democracy activists and their communities. Using old and discredited legislation in the form of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and under direct orders of the so-called Minister of Justice, the police have smashed their way into the homes of democracy activists and wreaked havoc amongst all those within their path. Read more... 2010 Smokescreen Covers Actions of Swazi Dictatorship Press Release 18 June 2010 The worsening political situation in Swaziland is becoming increasingly dangerous for democratic forces. While everyone is concentrating on the 2010 FIFA world cup in South Africa, the Swazi regime has taken advantage of a distracted media to intensify repression. Confirmed reports from inside Swaziland state that in the immediate period, more and more activists are ‘disappearing’ in a new wave of repression launched by the King Mswati III’s regime. Read more... PM orders return of non-bailable law Press Release 10 June 2010 The Swaziland Chapter of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) notes with shock the Prime Minister’s latest call to parliament to consider bringing back the non-bailable law as a matter of urgency in response to a spate of highly suspicious recent bombings of state buildings and individuals’ houses. Read More... The desperate Swazi Regime employs Apartheid Tactics-bombs activists homes Press Release 10 June 2010 This week we were alerted to the callous act of the Swazi Regime, not the first one and not the last one given the levels of desperation from the ruling elite. This act and many others are reminiscent of the apartheid S.A. tactics, and Swaziland has learned and continues to implement the teaching of their “friendly “apartheid South Africa. Comrade Alex Langwenya’s house was bombed. Read More... ILO: Questions That Need Answers: Put the Swazi Ruling Elite in the Dock! Press Release 10 June 2010 This week the Justice Minister of Swaziland will be attending the International Labour Conference in Geneva in relation to a critical report on the undermining of human and trade union rights in that impoverished country. We have no doubt that the Minister will utilise all the acumen at his disposal to paint the picture of a peaceful idyllic Swaziland more in keeping with the wishes of the royal elite. Read More... SDC calls for Commonwealth parliamentarians to expose tinkhundla MPs Press Release 30 April 2010 The Swaziland Democracy Campaign notes that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) branches of National Parliament, KZN, Gauteng and Limpopo together with the Swaziland branch are holding a session in South Africa to deliberate on matters related to the governance systems in these countries, particularly in the branches listed herein. Read more... Intensifying Our Struggle for Democracy in Swaziland, The significance of the 12th April and banning of the constitution and political parties by king Sobhuza in 1973 Press Release 07 April 2010 In 1973, as the rest of Africa was liberating itself from the yoke of colonialism, and as the South African apartheid regime was beginning to be tested by the new wave of struggle by independent trade unions and popular protest, the then King of Swaziland, bucked the trend and sent Swaziland backwards into history. Read More... The Land Mines Obama Won't Touch Op Ed Many people are troubled that Barack Obama flew to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize so soon after escalating the war in Afghanistan. He is now more than doubling the number of troops there when George W. Bush left office. Read more... Obama’s Cynical Action Was Uncalled For 09 December 2009 In the final paragraphs of a Reflection entitled “The Bells Are Tolling For the Dollar,” published two months ago, on October 9, I mentioned the climate change problem brought on humanity by imperialist capitalism. Read more...

International Representatives Denied Visits to Swazi Detainees, Treated Like Criminals and Spied Upon! Students Attacked Again!
26 August 2011

Yesterday, a 21 strong representative group drawn from the Development Community, Human and Civil Rights Organisations, and Peace and Democracy Campaigners were denied the right to visit political detainees and prisoners being held by the Swazi regime.

The regional delegation comprising representatives from Swaziland, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique and from respected organisations such as the ACTION Support Centre, PROPAZ, Forum Mulher, SCCCO, Soweto Concerned Residence, Swaziland Democracy Campaign, Swaziland United Democratic Front, YIDEZ, and the Zimbabwe Peace Project numbers 21 representatives

Luanda Final SADC Summit Communique
18 August 2011

Communique of the 31st SADC Heads of State and Government Summit (PDF for download)

In the Wake of the Bail-Out Scandal: Swazi Regime Dismisses Basic Rights under Law with Impunity
12 August 2011

Earlier today, Justice Thomas Masuku, the outspoken Swazi judge who is fighting his dismissal for refusing to comply with the irregular judicial practices of the Swazi regime came back to the High Court in Swaziland, to hear the response to preliminary applications he had submitted. The applications were intended to ensure that his upcoming ‘disciplinary’ hearing was fair and legitimate. The SDC has not been surprised at the outcome. The requests have all been denied.

A message of Comfort to Dekha and Mzee’s Family
14 July 2011

ACTION Support Centre (ASC) received with sadness the news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of people close to us, Abdinur, Dekha’s husband and Mzee Jackson and left our beloved Dekha Ibrahim hospitalized. We extend our deepest condolences to family and friends of Dekha and Mzee.

Swazi Regime Starts to Unravel: The Democratic Movement Gathers Pace! The Revolution Will Not Be Imported!
27 June 2011

Once again the Trade Union Movement has taken the lead in pushing forward the democratic agenda in Swaziland. The protests that have unfolded this week, starting on June 22 led by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers, and joined by the Swaziland Federation of Labour and the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (soon to be merged into a single federation) have shown the crucial role of organised labour in challenging the regime.

Despite ruthless waves of repression over the last period, both in terms of draconian legislation and through the brutal activities of a bloated security apparatus, Swaziland comrades have refused to bow their heads. Workers, students, social movement activists and those from faith based organisations have maintained their organisational cohesion.

SPT-Zimbabwe Update No.3. June 2011: Beyond Livingstone
24 June 2011

The excitement over the resolutions of the SADC Troika meeting in Livingstone, Zambia, at the end of March 2011, was largely focused on the stronger stance taken by the organ over the abuses of the Mugabe regime, and more particularly the continued obstacles placed by the latter over the implementation of the GPA. In effect however, the Livingstone resolutions brought into effect the major strength of the SADC mediation, which has been to lock the Mugabe regime into structures of accountability. Whatever the weaknesses of the GPA, and there are many, it has forced Zanu PF into closer accountability for its behavior at different levels including cabinet, parliament, JOMIC, the constitutional reform process, SADC, the AU and its relations with the West.

Internship Opportunity
22 June 2011

Are you interested in an opportunity to learn on the job while making a difference to the world around you? The ACTION Support Centre is now open for applications for the position of Intern. ACTION is a global network of conflict transformation practitioners, with the Support Centre serving as the regional base for ACTION in Africa.

Building a Pyramid or Chasing a Mirage? Some Modest Reflections on the Mass Uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia and the Lessons for Swaziland.
Press Release 29 March 2011

No Shortcuts, or Techno Fix to Social Change.
As the crisis in Swaziland deepens, so do opportunities for social change. It is perhaps an appropriate time to look at where we are today, and how we can best absorb some of the lessons from those parts of the world that have undergone profound social upheavals to inform our struggles.
Read more...

Swaziland Democracy Campaign One Year On: The Corrupt Kingdom Looks Shakier Than Ever! Time to Escalate Democratic Mass Action!
Press Release 24 February 2011

The Birth of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign
At exactly this time last year, more than 200 people gathered in a municipal building in Joburg to launch the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC). What was remarkable about the gathering was that almost half of those present where from Swaziland itself. This was a reflection of the changes taking place in Swaziland, and the new confidence that is growing amongst the Swazi people to stand up and demand an end to the wasteful despotic rule of King Mswati III.
Read more...

Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) prepares for a year of decisive action for democracy in Swaziland
Press Release 27 January 2011

A recent meeting of the SDC Co-ordinating Committee took place to take forward the programme adopted by the October 2010 joint meeting of the Swaziland and South African SDC chapters and civil society organisations from both countries. We reflected on the activities since the launch of the campaign in 2010 and confirmed that within a year tangible progress was recorded in both areas of focus; co-ordination of internal mass action and co-ordination of global solidarity activities.
Read more...

Time to boost solidarity for Swaziland's liberation
Press Release 24 January 2010

The dire situation in Swaziland is quickly intensifying for both the liberation movement and the country's people as a whole. The pro-democracy opposition of organizations that make up the liberation movement is facing tighter repression, as its cause becomes more vocal inside the tiny nation and stimulates more active solidarity internationally.
Read more...

SOWETO DECLARATION
Press Release 30 November 2010

We the participants attending the Action Support Centre Anti-Xenophobia Community Indaba held in Soweto on 30 November 2010 commit to develop an integrated strategy for (re) integration of non-nationals into the South African community. Are deeply concerned about the economic, social and political environment existing within the continent and the slow pace at which the SADC and AU state parties are making efforts to resolve these issues.
Read more...

SDC Embraces Civil Society Calls for Smart Sanctions against Tinkhundla!
Press Release 22 July 2010

Following the call on Saturday 17th July 2010 by fifty-three (53) participants representing at least 16 different civil society organizations in an open discussion hosted by the Swaziland Chapter of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC-SD), at the Tum’s George Hotel in Manzini, for the instant imposition of smart sanctions on the Tinkhundla regime, the SDC-SD obliged...
Read more...

SDC honours Mandela and the greatness of what he stands for on his day!
Press Releasse 16 July 2010

The Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) joins the millions of global compatriots, activists, democrats and internationalists who have responded to the call to dedicate 67 minutes to the memory of a living legend, the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa and champion of our liberation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Read more...

King Mswati III Trail of Disaster in Swaziland
Press Release 30 June 2010

Following strict orders to strangle all democracy activists and boosted by the recent demands by the illegally appointed Prime minister of Swaziland, Barnabas Dlamini to make arrests on the recent bombings that have shocked Swaziland, the Swazi police have intensified their raids on homes of PUDEMO leaders. Over the past weekend the raids were taken into the deep rural poverty stricken Hluti-Lavumisa area, the home area of PUDEMO Deputy President Skhumbuzo Phakathi. A number of homes were raided in the area.
Read more...

Swazi Regime Launches Bitter Attack on Democracy Activists
Press Release 30 June 2010

Over the last 24 hours, the police in Swaziland have launched a reign of repression on democracy activists and their communities. Using old and discredited legislation in the form of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and under direct orders of the so-called Minister of Justice, the police have smashed their way into the homes of democracy activists and wreaked havoc amongst all those within their path.
Read more...

2010 Smokescreen Covers Actions of Swazi Dictatorship
Press Release 18 June 2010

The worsening political situation in Swaziland is becoming increasingly dangerous for democratic forces. While everyone is concentrating on the 2010 FIFA world cup in South Africa, the Swazi regime has taken advantage of a distracted media to intensify repression. Confirmed reports from inside Swaziland state that in the immediate period, more and more activists are ‘disappearing’ in a new wave of repression launched by the King Mswati III’s regime.
Read more...

PM orders return of non-bailable law
Press Release 10 June 2010

The Swaziland Chapter of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) notes with shock the Prime Minister’s latest call to parliament to consider bringing back the non-bailable law as a matter of urgency in response to a spate of highly suspicious recent bombings of state buildings and individuals’ houses.
Read More...

The desperate Swazi Regime employs Apartheid Tactics-bombs activists homes
Press Release 10 June 2010

This week we were alerted to the callous act of the Swazi Regime, not the first one and not the last one given the levels of desperation from the ruling elite. This act and many others are reminiscent of the apartheid S.A. tactics, and Swaziland has learned and continues to implement the teaching of their “friendly “apartheid South Africa. Comrade Alex Langwenya’s house was bombed.
Read More...

ILO: Questions That Need Answers: Put the Swazi Ruling Elite in the Dock!
Press Release 10 June 2010

This week the Justice Minister of Swaziland will be attending the International Labour Conference in Geneva in relation to a critical report on the undermining of human and trade union rights in that impoverished country. We have no doubt that the Minister will utilise all the acumen at his disposal to paint the picture of a peaceful idyllic Swaziland more in keeping with the wishes of the royal elite.
Read More...

SDC calls for Commonwealth parliamentarians to expose tinkhundla MPs
Press Release 30 April 2010

The Swaziland Democracy Campaign notes that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) branches of National Parliament, KZN, Gauteng and Limpopo together with the Swaziland branch are holding a session in South Africa to deliberate on matters related to the governance systems in these countries, particularly in the branches listed herein.
Read more...

Intensifying Our Struggle for Democracy in Swaziland, The significance of the 12th April and banning of the constitution and political parties by king Sobhuza in 1973
Press Release 07 April 2010

In 1973, as the rest of Africa was liberating itself from the yoke of colonialism, and as the South African apartheid regime was beginning to be tested by the new wave of struggle by independent trade unions and popular protest, the then King of Swaziland, bucked the trend and sent Swaziland backwards into history.
Read More...

The Land Mines Obama Won't Touch
Op Ed

Many people are troubled that Barack Obama flew to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize so soon after escalating the war in Afghanistan. He is now more than doubling the number of troops there when George W. Bush left office.
Read more...

Obama’s Cynical Action Was Uncalled For
09 December 2009

In the final paragraphs of a Reflection entitled “The Bells Are Tolling For the Dollar,” published two months ago, on October 9, I mentioned the climate change problem brought on humanity by imperialist capitalism.
Read more...

Internship Opportunity 22 June 2011

Internship Opportunity
22 June 2011