MAKHUBU, MASEKO RELEASE A GREAT DAY FOR SD - MAKILA

MBABANE – Makila James, the United States (US) ambassador to Swaziland, has described the release of Bheki Makhubu and Thulani Maseko from prison as a great day for Swaziland.

Makhubu, The Nation Magazine editor, and Maseko, a Human Rights Lawyer, were released on Tuesday after spending over a year in prison. During the trial, James was one of the foreign delegates who went to court to hear the matter.
Even before the sentence, James spoke strongly against it as a threat to freedom of speech and expression.

Yesterday, during the USA’s 239 years of Indepence commemoration, the ambassador did not hide her joy when she spoke about the two.
“Just as Americans fight for change, Swazis also have used the media and peaceful protests to make their views heard. 

“We are so pleased that The Nation Magazine editor Bheki Makhubu and Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko were released this week and are here with us today,” said James, much to the applause of the delegates in attendence.
She said they too deserved to enjoy protection and safety just like others seeking to build a more inclusive society.

James also made note of the recently registered Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA).
“We applaud the Swazi Government’s recent registration of TUCOSWA labour federation and look forward to seeing that workers’ rights are fully recognised and respected,” she said.

The ambassador said she hoped the registration of the federations was the first step in what would be a path towards more meaningful engagement and greater inclusion and equality.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: