FREEDOM OF SPEECH NOT UNSWAZI - LAW SOCIETY

MBABANE – Freedom of speech is not ‘unSwazi’.

These were the words of Law Society of Swaziland representative Thabiso Mavuso during his presentation at the World Press Freedom Day celebration earlier this week. Mavuso lamented  the nation’s tendency to call any act that those in power disagreed with ‘unAfrican.’

“Freedom of expression is often deemed unAfrican or unSwazi, but it is a right traceable not only from our Constitution but others internationally. As early as 1942 freedom of opinion and expression through any media was provided for in articles. Furthermore, the United Nations has declared this standard necessary, as it allows for transparency and accountability,” Mavuso said.

Unfortunately, he noted; “Our Constitution has a tendency to give with its right hand and take with the left at the same time.” This was said in reference to the fact that while some laws made room for freedom of speech, others could be used to undermine it.

In spite of this, Mavuso argued that such restrictions must not be used to deny individuals of their right to access and share information. He added that national laws shouldn’t violate international laws and charters, which made provisions for such freedoms.

“This, however, has been the trend in Swaziland. It is odd that our Constitution allows such drastic limitations on the grounds of morality. Indeed, what is moral to one person is not to another,” he said in closing.

In addition to honouring Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko and The Nation Magazine Editor Bheki Makhubu, the event gave journalists a platform to discuss their working challenges. Others shared their criticisms of the state of the local press.

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