Eswatini Today

14/10/2022

Egypt 2023 here we come! The Zambia u20 booked their place at the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON after beating Angola 3-2 on post-match penalties. - FAZ

12/10/2022

ZAMBIA AND ANGOLA TO CLASH IN COSAFA SEMIS

Zambia will face Angola in the semifinals of the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON Egypt 2023 | COSAFA Qualifier on Friday 14 October at Somhlolo stadium in Eswatini.

Zambia topped Group A with nine points while Angola booked their spot in the last four after finishing as the group best runners-up with six points.

The other semifinal will see Group B winners Mozambique entertaining their Group C counterparts South Africa in a lunchtime kick-off.

The finalists will qualify for the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON Egypt 2023.

SEMI-FINALS

Friday 14 October, 2022

12h00 Mozambique Vs South Africa | Somhlolo Stadium

15h30 Zambia Vs Angola | Somhlolo Stadium

10/10/2022

ESWATINI 2022-COSAFA UNDER 20 YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP

The TotalEnergies AFCON U20 Egypt 2023 | COSAFA Qualifier has lit up the Kingdom of Eswatini running from October 6th-16th.

This is the latest instalment of the vital regional tournament that has been a breeding ground for so much Southern African soccer talent down the years.

Major sponsors of the tournament, Inyatsi Construction Pty Ltd is celebrating the partnership as it toasts its own 40 year anniversary of its existence.

The competition will also function as a zonal qualifier for the Under-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt from February 14-March 6, with the two finalists this year set to advance to the continental showpiece.

Mozambique will be looking to retain the title they won in 2020, as fans get to see a new batch of young stars from the Southern African region.

Inyatsi Group, a multi-sectoral company with 4,100 employees and a $345million turn-over, and like the COSAFA Tournament, has a regional presence.

Inyatsi Group is celebrating 40 years of existence and excellency and has partnered with COSAFA in hosting this tournament.

Group Chairperson Michelo Shakantu expressed excitement at joining forces with COSAFA and help promote and identify talent, and hopefully help send an Under 20 team to Egypt AFCON 2023 and to the World Cup.

The 12 countries that will participate in the tournament are namely, Eswatini (host), Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Malawi, Comoros, Angola, South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia. Some of these countries are where Inyatsi Construction has a footprint.

22/09/2022

Incarcerated MPs Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, Mthandeni Dube and other prisoners were reportedly assaulted by warders this morning at Matsapha Correctional Services. The reason for the said assault is yet to be established as they are still to brief their lawyer, Ben J Simelane, who confirmed the incident. He said his clients (the two MPs) informed him this morning and he was yet to meet them to establish what really transpired. His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) was contacted on this matter and is yet to respond…
More updates to follow…

22/09/2022

End Violence Now

LOCAL NEWS: In commemoration of the World Day of Peace, the Council of Swaziland Churches Head of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Department noted that what was currently happening in Eswatini was unfortunate as it was now LiSwati against LiSwati. The commemoration was marked by the lighting of candles and signing of the Peace Charter.

RAINY WEATHER: A 32-year-old male driver of this Isuzu Bakkie lost control of it while driving towards Malagwane. The car landed in this position about 100 metres away from the Highway. More in our publication…

22/09/2022

NOT DETERRED: The bombing of PUDEMO President, Mlungisi Makhanya’s home has garnered reactions from various sectors, including government. We bring you interviews of the people who were first to arrive at the scene and government’s stance on the incident on pages 2 and 3.

NOT TRUE: Government has not sought the assistance of the UK Government in extraditing former MP Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane, who has been labelled a fugitive of the law. Minister of Foreign Affairs shares her side on the whole debacle regarding Simelane on pages 2 and 3.

WHY THE REJECTION: Minister of ICT Princess Sikhanyiso has given a detailed account of why she rejected the recommendation of ex-ETVA CEO Kenneth Maziya to head the institution. We have the full report on pages 4 and 5.

ELDERLY PAY: It’s good news for the elderly and those with a disability as the DPM’s office has announced the dates on when these two groups would receive their grants. Pages 4 and 5 have a table of the dates.
. . AND LOTS MORE: Bullying in schools has taken another twist; there is now what is known as ‘Political Bullying’. SWAGAA unpacks on what is meant about this. We bring you a step-by-step guide of the new and exciting payment method at Pick n Pay being done by the retailer and MTN. Also, the Taiwanese Embassy has given assurance that no Swatis were injured or suffered material loss during the earthquake in that country. All this and more in our publication.

BUSINESS: An opportunity has presented itself for contractors for the construction of a water ways access road. Find out more about the multimillion tender, in today’s Business section.

FARMING: Surely stock theft is a challenge for farmers? What if there are ways you could prevent it from happening? Read our Farming section for ideas on how to prevent stock theft and learn why you ought to insure your livestock. Looking to buy a farm or maybe tractors? We have 4 farms, 6 tractors and 9 implements for sale.

HEALTH: The dangers of ignoring a persistent cough is that it could be life-threatening. There is usually a high chance that it is Tuberculosis. In our lead today, we look at Lung disease in depth and how it can be treated.

ENTERTAINMENT: A local computer scientist has received a donation of over E100 000 for his coding school from another country, read more about it in our lead story. Also, find out who's leading in votes so far among the Miss Eswatini finalists. See more in today's edition.

SPORTS: Less than two weeks before the start of the 2022/23 season, two teams have petitioned the Premier League of Eswatini, making a huge demand. The full report about the petition is on the back page.

22/09/2022

STAND-OFF: While TUCOSWA insists that their members will be at home today, government on the other hand says everything should operate as normal. SNAT, public transport operators react to this stand-off on pages 2 and 3.

NEW OFFER: Civil servants met with government regarding CoLA talks and nothing fruitful has come out of it. Instead, government’s offer has left the public workers infuriated. Pages 2 and 3 has the full details.

BETHEL COURT OWNERSHIP: Who owns Bethel Court? The PAC posed this question during the appearance of the DPM’s office and Ministry of Health PS Zwane had a response for the committee in pages 4 and 5.

WANTED DEAD: PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya is adamant that whoever planted the explosive at his residence wanted him dead. He shares his opinion on what explosive could have been used during the incident.
. . AND LOTS MORE: The rioting pupils at Siphumelele Community School have added a new demand to their initial ones; democracy. The school’s administration has called an urgent parents’ meeting. The torrential rains affected a court case in Pigg’s Peak and caused the collapse of a wall in the same area. We give you a prediction of how this summer will be like. Also, people who want to take ID cards, passports or birth certificates will be inconvenienced for a while as the Ministry of Home Affairs has experienced a blackout in its network.

BUSINESS: One of the challenges hindering the success of the petroleum industry is the stagnant nature of its policies. Find out what the industry is doing to maximise trade in today’s Business section.

MOTORING: The rains have arrived and regardless of your driving experience, driving in heavy rain can be challenging. To help you prepare, read our Motoring section for tips on how to drive safely should you get caught driving in a major downpour.
This week we have 21 trucks and 37 vehicles to browse through should you be looking to give a pre-loved vehicle a new home.

ENTERTAINMENT: A local rapper has been featured in a South African Hip Hop magazine, find out who in our lead story. Also read about a local author who has penned a fictional book and its content. All this and more in today's edition.

SPORTS: As the country prepares to host the COSAFA Under-20 Youth Championship next from October 6, there are new developments that leave the country's football authorities in a dilemma. The full report about the cause of the catch-22 situation is on the back page.

22/09/2022

ITS A NORMAL DAY

The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) insists that today and tomorrow are days set out for a countrywide mass protest to address socio-economic issues by workers.

However, government on the other hand insists that all workers are expected to be at work as the two dates are normal working days. What will happen?

Still on issues involving government and its employees, government has rejected a 7.7 per cent cost of living adjustment (CoLA) made by the public sector unions. Find out why in today’s publication.

In our backpage we have further coverage of the disarray that is currently being faced by the Premier League of Eswatini regarding the relegation of some teams.

It's Thankful Thursday, be grateful for the little things and remember to always be kind.

22/09/2022

[Fake News Alert]: The Nation is advised that this statement circulating on social media is fake.

22/09/2022

01/07/2022

Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini has declared Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini a terrorist.

01/07/2022

Eswatini government slams news site, declares journalist 'terrorist' amid 'winter revolution'

Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini has declared Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini a terrorist.Through articles written by Dlamini, the online publication has urged people to protest against the king.Dlamini says he will press on for freedom, despite being declared a terrorist.The Eswatini government has declared activist and journalist Zweli Martin Dlamini a terrorist and hit out at his online publication, Swaziland News.

The country is experiencing a so-called "winter revolution" that has seen two police officers killed and a European Union (EU) project disrupted. The EU-funded Water Harvesting, Small and Medium Earth Dams Project is being implemented by Inyatsi Construction, which allegedly has links with King Mswati.

01/07/2022

01/07/2022

The joint memorial service of the late police officers; Constable Zinhle Mavuso who was shot dead in Manzini on Saturday morning and Constable Sibusiso Matsebula, who was gunned down in Matsapha on Sunday evening, is underway. Both officers were shot dead by unknown people while in the line of duty. Police officer 'Chocolate' recited a poem for his colleagues. More in tomorrow’s publication.

01/07/2022

Inyatsi condemn arson attacks

Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings has suspended its operations for at least a week following arson attacks on its sites, which the company views as terrorism attacks. More updates will follow in tomorrow’s publication as the press conference is ongoing. The reasons cited for the suspended operations by the company CEO, Derick Shiba, was safety of Inyatsi workers and equipment.
UPDATE:
In a bid to catch the arsonists who set on fire its heavy machinery and equipment, Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings has put up E0.5m to anyone who will assist them with information that will lead to the successful prosecution of the attackers. In its last three arson attacks, the construction company suffered damages amounting to E65m.

29/06/2022

Police and troops deployed in Eswatini's major cities on Wednesday on the anniversary of the start of pro-democracy protests in the kingdom.

MBABANE, ESWATINI —

Security forces patrolled throughout the night in the capital Mbabane and the city of Manzini 40 kilometres (25 miles) away as helicopters flew constantly overhead, local residents said.

Many stores were shuttered and the streets were virtually empty, while public transport was at a standstill, AFP reporters saw.

Witnesses said some streets in outlying districts had been barricaded and they had seen burning tires, after campaign groups called for a commemoration of the anniversary.

Demonstrations in the southern African monarchy broke out on June 29, 2021, led by young people clamouring for democratic reform.

Eight people died in clashes with the security forces, initiating protests over the following months that have since become sporadic.

According to the authorities, 37 people have died, while Human Rights Watch (HRW) puts the toll at 46.

Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, is Africa's last absolute monarchy.

King Mswati III, who ascended to the throne in 1986 at the age of 18, appoints ministers and controls parliament under a convoluted electoral system. Political parties have been banned for nearly half a century.

15/05/2022

USA FINGERED IN ESWATINI UNREST

Newspaper Exposes Foreign Ploy to 'dismantle' the Monarch

…and fingers the US, reports the Eswatini financial Times: lesson for Zambia

15.05.22 Mbabane

With Zambia increasingly rejecting the establishment of a military office in Lusaka under the combatant arm known as Africom from the United States , there seems to be a ploy in next door Swaziland now officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini.

A new influential news outlet called The Eswatini Financial Times (EFT) has the expose below that has ostensibly laid bare a US scheme to ´destabilise´ the last absolute monarch on the continent.

What could Zambia learn from the article below regarding who is allowed in the country in form of either business of politics?
………..

Pro-Democracy funding bill in excess of E134 million

About E134 million is reported to have been pumped into the pro democracy movement in their call for freedom in the country since 2020. A classifi ed report in the Eswatini Financial Times’ possession reveals that a series of meetings in countries such as South Africa, Rwanda and Mauritius have been convened in the last quarter, where funders have pledged resources to draw expertise from countries such as Egypt, Serbia, Argentina and France to oversee the implementation of a planned Eswatini Winter Revolution (EWR).

The planned Eswatini Winter Revolution is detailed in the classifi ed report as a fi nal push to depose the Monarch and render the government dysfunctional and weaken the security sector, by taking over police stations and burning them down.

The classified report details that some of the funds have already been used to procure assets such as secret cameras that have been deployed across the country for intelligence gathering purposes, whilst safe houses have already been rented and human rights doctors have already been placed on standby in preparation of the planned Eswatini Winter Revolution.

The classified report reveals that dialogue is not a consideration and preparations are at an advanced stage for what has been termed a ‘violent confrontation’ which the funders and backers of the Eswatini Winter Revolution have endorsed, going so far as to rope in technical experts including former Arab spring leaders.

The so-called Eswatini Winter Revolution plan has attracted resources from formidable and high-level funders, mentioned in the classified report. Amongst the funders revealed in the classified report are the following institutions who have apparently committed the following resources so far:

1. The United States of America’s National Democratic Institute (NDI) which reportedly contributed 8million United States dollars (approximately E121 million) since 2020.

2. Action Aid South Africa, which reportedly contributed both material and financial support totaling E2.3 million, which went to cover capacity building and training, provision of accommodation and food to exiled pro democracy activists.

3. The United States of America’s Secretary of State office, which reportedly contributed US$450 000 planned Eswatini Winter Revolution, other actors who are interested in participating in the dialogue that has been announced by His Majesty King Mswati III are being side-lined, denied resources and the classified report reveals that they are also being actively shunned by these funders for not getting on board with the plan.

According to the classified report, anyone in support of the dialogue or in support of a peaceful approach to resolving the political impasse becomes a target as they are threatened, isolated, intimidated or victimized through arson attacks.

A selected group of journalists whose names are in the classified report have received training on how to remove a government using social media and some have been deployed in existing media houses, whilst others are freelance journalists.

The classified report further details that amounts ranging from between E20 000 and E50 000 have been disbursed in hard cash to these journalists to publish propaganda against the Monarch, his family and the leadership of eSwatini government. Names of business actors who are clandestinely funding some of these operations and who have also encouraged arson and destruction of property of entities regarded as supportive of the Monarchy, are also revealed in the classified report. In a written response to this publication’s probe on the funding of this planned Eswatini Winter Revolution, the United States of America Ambassador to Eswatini Jeanne Maloney refuted claims that her government is sponsoring proreform demonstrators in the Kingdom, emphasizing that “It is in no one’s interest to see facilities and services disrupted by political unrest.”

The US Embassy in Eswatini has flatly rejected the story claiming that it is not real in a long statement posted on their page but the Eswatini community is not backing down.

Source: Eswatini Financial Times 6th May 2022.

06/05/2022

eSwatini court refuses to recognise LGBTQ group

A handful of protesters hold a pro-democracy demonstration at a terminus for collective minibus taxis in eSwatini’s commercial hub Manzini, as police look on. Activist groups have called for nationwide protests against King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch.

A court in eSwatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy where homos*xuality is still banned, has rejected a bid by the country's leading LGBTQ rights group for official recognition, the group said Saturday.

The judges "continually state that the organisation wants to sell s*x to the public. This is nowhere found in the mandate and vision of the organisation," said Sisanda Mavimbela, executive director of Eswatini Gender Minorities, which aims to protect, promote and advance LGBTQ rights.

The country's high court in the capital Mbabane ruled Friday that the real purpose of the NGO, which fights for access to care for LGBTQ people, is to spread information about same-s*x s*xual practices, and condemned the publicity of such issues.

"What is in the sanctity of the home should not be shouted out on the mountain top," said judge Mumcy Dlamini.

10/04/2022

Zweli Martin ZWEMART, Pushing Rogue Journalism, Inciting Violence

OPINION | Melusi Hlatjwako:

We have published the misinformation incompetently promoted by Zweli Martin “Zwemart” Dlamini via his online publication “Swaziland News”.

We have also covered the personal challenges that decidedly make Zwemart not a real journalist.

For the risk of appearing focused on him, we are therefore happy that it wasn’t us who had to publicly call Zwemart out for actively inciting terrorism and lawlessness in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

However, if the Kingdom of Eswatini successfully continues to fight against this terrorism, the collateral damage enables him to sell more clicks for his online publication, and most importantly, it enables him to asking for donations in the name of “fighting for the people of Eswatini through journalism”.

The economic motives of Zwemart’s campaign against peace in the Kingdom of Eswatini are clear in how he encourages others to conduct terrorism for financial gain:

We need to do whatever we need to do, and if comrades lose their jobs as a result, we are here to help.

For example, if you were being paid 5,000 Emalangeni, we are going to pay 10,000 Emalangeni for two years, we have money. — Zweli Martin Dlamini

Zwemart has been doing this for a while, and according to the news24.com article, he has only been getting away with it because very few people report the dangerous posts by flagging them.

Dlamini was not reported by other users and essentially got a free pass for using social media to incite violence.

The post did not get flagged even though his Facebook Live speech demonstrably led to the targeting of a specific individual whose property got ‘burnt by democratic ground forces’ at Dlamini’s direct instigation.

Yet, as this happens, unlike the 6 January 2021 insurrectionists in the United States, Dlamini will not face charges. His right to free speech will be touted as absolute even if it demonstrably infringes upon the rights of others, and even endangers lives because he enjoys immunity through the ‘democracy-activist-privilege’. — Melusi Hlatshwako, News24.

Either way, Zwemart is becoming alert to the fact that his behavior is very unlawful and can be prosecuted under the South African law. Perhaps this is why he issued a statement on the 1st of March to withdraw some of his statements.

It remains to be seen how the law will deal with Swaziland News and it’s leader, Zweli Martin “Zwemart” Dlamini, because what he did is illegal in South Africa.

You can read the full article from news24.com here:
OPINION | Melusi Hlatjwako: Language bypass — how social media fails to prevent violence | News24

Most recently, Zwemart has been called out by News24 for inciting the most recent spate of terror attacks in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The News24 editorial article highlights that Zwemart gets away with making terrorism statements on social media because he uses Siswati, which the social media artificial intelligence cannot detect yet.

Excerpts translated from his speech where he incited arson and destruction of property or any life trying to protect that property read;

Let us fight the King. My fellow Swati’s let us identify and destroy their properties. We are doing this to show that this country is not ready for dialogue. This nation must burn. We don’t care if our homes are destroyed. — Zweli Martin Dlamini.

It seems that Zwemart finds it easy to call for the destruction of people’s homes because he does not reside in the country, and does not care as much about his family in Eswatini.

The Oxford Language dictionary simply defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”

Zwemart has been heavily invested in promoting the violence that has been happening in the Kingdom of Eswatini since June 2021.

He has also been intimidating anyone who may wish to express support for the current government of Eswatini.

Zwemart also promotes the idea that terrorism should be carried out for ultimately economic gains. One might extrapolate that Zwemart sees a win-win situation in promoting terrorism in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

If the terrorism persists until the country is destroyed, he and his cronies can buy back the failing economy with their funds donated by people who want to see the Kingdom of Eswatini fall.

10/04/2022

WHY BOTH POLICE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ESWATINI ARE LOOKING FOR ZWELI MARTIN DLAMINI

"He incited murder, mob justice and arson attacks"

Below is his full address that escalated sabotage acts and murder.

Zweli Martin Dlamini Live Facebook Feed Translation (02/02/2022)

Greetings my fellow Swatis. My name is Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor of Swaziland News and I have something to share with you today.

Our country is in a deep crisis as the June 2021 massacre has shown us. As this crisis deepens, it is important to remember that it is Mswati’s regime that rejected the people’s petitions, provoked and killed some of our people which fuelled the political unrest. In the hopes of diffusing the situation, the elitist regime has now come up with a misleading strategy that involves setting up a dialogue in hopes of giving the people a sense of calm. The regime is in fact secretly preparing for war. In truth and secret, the regime is training soldiers and police who will come back to kill us.

My people, the reality is that the King has never been open to dialogue. He is only manipulating the situation to hold on to power. In his private meetings, the King describes us as crazy rebels who must be beaten and arrested if we do not bend to his will.

The King has a coterie of blind loyalists whom he sends to harass and torture people in unthinkable and shocking ways. Our people are being electrocuted. We never thought we were going to get to this low point as a nation. My fellow Swatis, let us remember that we are more than a million in this country. On the other hand, the police and all those who support Mswati are just a tiny fraction, so my people we need to act.

Remember this, we must fix our problems from wherever we are. I have said this before, this urgent matter does not call for outside help, we must do it ourselves. I wish I was not a journalist so that I could lead the revolution from the frontline.

My people, before any peace talks can happen, we must show the government who we really are and what we are capable of. For the longest time, our people have been on the receiving end of the government’s reckless misuse and abuse of power. This is the time to turn the tables. It is only after our people have demonstrated their power and retaliated that the government will listen in earnest. Up to this point, we have been content with making statements, holding press conferences in condemning a deaf regime. But today we say enough is enough as the the King is abusing, torturing, and killing our people.

My people, let us open our eyes and see. We hold the power to change our fortunes. As I have said before, this urgent matter does not call for outside help, we must do it ourselves. Even the smallest coin will go a long way in realising our freedom.

Because of the nature of my job, I will speak in parables. I know you Swatis will understand what I mean. I am happy to let you know that I have been speaking to one leader who is part of our underground movement. He tells me that operations are already underway in advancing our push for freedom.

My fellow Swatis, making statements on Facebook is not effective. We need action.
Let us fight so that we can leave a legacy for those who will follow in our footsteps. Let us fight the King who does not understand the language of written statements. Condemnations do not threaten his hold on power. To the police and all those who continue to support this regime, be reminded that what the regime is doing will cost you. We live with these people who shoot us, you all know them hence we need to act. We just need five Emalangeni to make them feel that the regime is also costing them. My fellow Swatis, let us identify and destroy their properties (shops etc). We are doing this to show that this country is not ready for a dialogue. This nation must burn so that it rises from the ashes.

Let us think and act big. Don’t leave home and get killed for burning a tyre. Do something big, that will be a constant pain to the regime. It is better to die for something big like exposing those who are terrorising, abusing, and killing our people. We are dealing with a person who does not listen, who has convinced himself that the country is his. When these protests begin, wherever you are, do not wait for someone to tell you what to do. You know exactly what to do.

We don’t care if our homes get destroyed in the process, we will rebuild. We have already sacrificed a lot, our brothers and sisters are in jail because of our dreams. The time has come to lose everything in order to rebuild the nation. If some things must stop, so be it. Let us stop talking and start to act.

For example, there is a mechanic in Riverstone who needs to be dealt with for his involvement with the police. We understand that he uses his car to transport them. We are tracing the car and I have been informed that the boys now know who he is. We need to deal with him. Enough with the diplomacy. We have lost a lot of our people. We also have dreams. We can’t die or get old without owning property because of one man. This country needs to be fixed; people need scholarships to study. People need jobs, to be paid a decent wage. Diplomacy has become our greatest obstacle. We should stop burning tyres and go big.

We need to do whatever we need to, and if comrades lose their jobs as a result, we are here to help. For example, if you were being paid 5000 Emalangeni, we are prepared to give you 10 000 Emalangeni for two years, we have money for that. We need the country to burn if that is the only way to be heard. I am willing and ready to lose everything for the struggle. In a situation like this, you need to be prepared for anything and everything. You might lose your ear, or your home might be destroyed, but let me assure you, whatever you lose will compensated through the reconstruction fund.

The time for diplomacy has come to an end. We need to act, especially the youth. The elders might guide us, but we are ready to do it all. When the United Nations gets here, we need to have retaliated, it needs to be an eye for an eye kind of situation. The score should be equal, not one sided. We need to retaliate my people.

I will leave it here. I can't say much because of the nature of my job but should duty call, I’m willing to give up this chair to go and lead the armies as I am also a man of action.

The time for statements is over, the time of action is now. We are fighting for democracy. We need our freedom. I'll leave the rest to our leaders.

I just needed to assure you that we are here, and our comrades will keep us posted on what they are doing. This is our land, let us fight for it.