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.

As we speak, respected student leader and SRC president of the University of Swaziland, Comrade Pius Vilakati is still unaccounted for since the death in custody last month of activist Sipho Jele. Comrade Pius was forced to abandon his studies, with only one final exam paper left to write after the police literally camped at his parental home, his university residence and outside exam rooms. He was wanted for supposedly seditious statements made at the memorial service of the late Jele. We fear that he has been captured by the police, tortured and we fear for his life. The Swaziland National Union of Student-SNUS which he helps lead is gravely concerned for his well being.

Bheki Dlamini, a current leader of SWAYOCO in the Eastern Lubombo Region disappeared a few days ago. He had been abducted by police, taken to a ‘secret’ place that was not even a police station where he was tortured. He finally reappeared secretly in court on charges of terrorism. He is alleged to be responsible for the recent spate of bombings in the country, a charge that holds no credibility whatsoever. Comrade Bheki is one in a long line of activists who are abducted by police from their places of employment, from buses and taxis are tortured and secretly taken to court without informing families or lawyers. Bheki Dlamini has been unanimously nominated by all the regions of SWAYOCO to be their next president. His illegal arrest and charging with terrorism is intended to frustrate the organisation.

Following the arrest of another 18 SWAYOCO members last week, the organization has been forced to cancel its bi annual congress which was due to take place over this next weekend. Too many members are unaccounted for. Many are regional and branch leaders, some were nominated for election over the weekend. We cannot be sure if all of these comrades are still alive. It is clear the intention of this crackdown is to destabilize democratic forces such as SWAYOCO, PUDEMO and SUDF as this is their year of congresses.

Recently a number of other senior leaders of the liberation forces have been raided. These include the President of PUDEMO Comrade Mario Masuku, Vincent Ncongwane General Secretary of SUDF and the Swaziland Federation of Labour, Ndlavela Dlamini-President of the Ex miners Association, JB Dlamini National Organising Secretary of PUDEMO, Sydney Nyembe former International relations Secretary of SWAYOCO and many others.

In Geneva earlier this month, despite the whitewashing tactics of the Minister of Justice, Swaziland was castigated for continuing to undermine trade union and human rights, and its track record of repression was exposed for all to see. Recent developments indicate that the ruling elite are prepared to ignore such condemnations and are determined to hang on to power at any cost. Now is the time for all good intentioned people to demand that the Swaziland regime stop its repressive activity.

We believe that the South African Government has a special responsibility to pressurize the Royal Elite and to openly condemn its treatment of democratic forces. The behaviour of the Swazi regime is a growing stain on the democratic credentials of the SADC, the AU and all those who claim that our continent is on a democratic path. We are calling on international bodies to put concerted pressure on the regime to stop these raids, illegal arrests and torture. The International Trade Union Congress meeting in Vancouver next week can show leadership here and support the action planned for September 7th.

We call on all of the Trade Unions of the world, Faith Based Organisations, Social and Civil Movements and democrats everywhere to support the call for a Global Day of Action on Swaziland on September 7th this year to give voice to the oppressed people of Swaziland. We are calling for decisive action to pressurize the regime to break from its repressive practices, and to embark on a democratic road to development.

We have reached a point where the world must speak out. Silence is consent! Act now to support Democracy in Swaziland.
For more information contact:
Ntokozo Mbhele on 072 370 0974 Ntokozo@publicservices.co.za  
Or Philani Ndebele on 076 942 3565 philani@asc.org.za