SDC honours Mandela and the greatness of what he stands for on his day!
Press Release 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.

While we know, even from Madiba’s own admissions, that it was the ordinary people of South Africa, the militant masses; freedom fighters in the trenches, workers in the streets and cadres in the underground that defeated apartheid, It was due to the outstanding leadership and vision of Nelson Mandela and that gallant giant of our revolution, Oliver Reginald Tambo as part of a collective that massively contributed to this noble effort.

It is such greatness of vision and inspiration that is necessary to propel the world into action in support of the Swazi people’s struggle today. Without the world demonstrating that same resoluteness, clarity of purpose and absolute dedication, the people of Swaziland will perish in the hands of a ruthless monarchy, which savage on their suffering.

We call on the South African government to do more to advance the ideals for which Madiba was imprisoned in Robben Island. It must do more to honour the sacrifices of the thousands of South Africans who refused to accept that oppression must be a part of their daily experiences.

As we all dedicate 67 minutes to the great cause of our own destiny learning from the years of sacrifice from Madiba and all the people of South Africa, may we not forget that on our doorstep, the people of Swaziland are facing an ever greater challenge. Today, several of them have had to flee their homes into exile or displaced within Swaziland itself, as the royal security forces hunt down anyone who dare raise a voice about the terrifying levels of oppression in that country and the resultant socio-economic crisis in the midst of royal opulence and arrogant display of wealth and power by the ruling tinkhundla minority regime.

It is to these ordinary men and women that owe our humanity and responsibility to sacrifice in the world of today.  Our humanity is incomplete without their liberation and our freedom has no meaning without the freedom of others. In the name of Madiba and our hard won freedom, may we all renew our vows to fight against oppression wherever it happens and to advance the frontiers of freedom whenever we are called upon.

In your name Tata, we rededicate all our energies and strength to fight side-by-side with the struggling people of Swaziland until their freedom is won. Only then, can we rejoice in the knowledge that your vision has become reality, not only in our country, but throughout the global territory occupied by humanity.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” Nelson Mandela

For more information please contact:

Ntokozo Mbhele on 072 370 0974 Ntoko@publicservices.co.za or Philani Ndebele on 076 942 3565 philani@asc.org.za