PROPOSED MARCH: STAY AWAY FROM STREETS - PM

MBABANE – Prime Minister (PM) Cleopas Sipho Dlamini says all emaSwati are expected to stay away from the streets as this has led to violence and intimidation.

Dlamini was speaking during a press conference held at the Cabinet Offices yesterday. He said government had been made aware that there was a proposed protest action slated for today. The march has been organised by the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) and has called upon all who wish to take part in it to join them. The march, according to TUCOSWA, will be hosted in six of the major towns in the country. Organisations such as SNAT and NAPSAWU have called upon their members to join the march. The march is expected to be followed by the delivery of petitions to various government departments, touching on various social and political issues.

Purpose

“One wonders what the purpose of the march is given that His Majesty has already committed to a dialogue,” said the PM during the press conference. He said the nation would recall that government suspended the physical delivery of petitions to tinkhundla centres and, more recently, the issuance of permits for protest actions in towns. He said government was not against the delivery of petitions per se but the fact that these actions had resulted in the blockade of streets, looting, destruction of property and the closing of business by force. He said this unacceptable level of violence and intimidation had infringed on the rights of ordinary people who were not part of the protest actions and also placed their lives in a precarious position.

The PM said government’s role was to protect the rights and lives of all emaSwati and residents of Eswatini. He said as government, they had an obligation to protect both the bystanders and the protestors, but to also maintain law and order. He said, therefore, the banning of petitions was a necessary step as these activities had turned violent to the detriment of everyone. The PM also reminded the nation that the Constitution was still effective and operative in the Kingdom; therefore, it will neither be suspended nor set aside even as the dialogue process begins. He said should there be any amendments; these would be done in full compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.

“We urge emaSwati to remain calm and united as we prepare for the dialogue,” said Dlamini. He urged all emaSwati to heed the call to dialogue.  He said government shouted; “BAYETHE WENA WAPHAKATHI!!” to His Majesty King Mswati III for showing astute leadership in spearheading moves for emaSwati to dialogue, which was what the people have been calling for. “His Majesty has continued to pave the way for Eswatini to achieve sustained peace and prosperity,” said the PM. He said emaSwati were cognisant and appreciative of the importance of the Incwala Ceremony. Therefore, it is expected that other national activities will be put on hold in respect of this sacred period for all emaSwati.

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