Response to forcible seizure of freedom
In Swaziland intimidation and coercion by the state are a frightening reality.
Following the recent display of force by the Swazi government when it cracked down on protestors on April 12, 2012 – the commemoration of the ban on political activity by the monarchy in 1973 – the Swaziland Economic Justice Network (SEJUN) would like to express its disappointment at the blatant abuse of power and taxpayers’ resources by the country’s leadership.
We are concerned that, at a time when government should be listening to the people who foot the bill on matters relating to the revival of the country’s economy, the leadership is however content with its perpetual forcible seizure of freedom from an otherwise helpless citizenry.
In Swaziland intimidation and coercion by the state are a frightening reality. On the eve of the planned protest against authoritarian rule, government put the frighteners on with its unabashed public display of armoury. This was hot on the heels of the ludicrous clamp down on organised labour, the previous week.
In a fiery of petulance and imperiousness, the country’s leadership further outlawed any organised activity, and in the process replicating the political catastrophe of 39 years ago.
Insecurity and fear pervade the country, a reality that has further exacerbated the state of poverty in the kingdom. When workers are barred from organising, their well-being and that of their dependents become subject to the vicissitudes of government and greedy employers. When people’s voices are excluded from decision-making, corruption filters through with dire consequences for the economy and with the poor masses always on the receiving end. This is a massive problem, and one that marginalised Swazis can’t overcome in isolation. The world has got to take a position in order to extricate the suffering masses from the everyday hardships they are confronted with. If anyone cares enough about eradicating hunger and poverty in Swaziland, we urge them to support the current calls for democratisation.
A new Swaziland is possible!
Bong’nkhosi Ntshangase
SEJUN Convener
Contact: [email protected]