SwaziViral News

28/08/2024

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20/06/2022

UNATHI CRITICIZED FOR BRAGGING ABOUT MEETING INDLOVUKATI

BY STAFF REPORTER

Former Idols South Africa's judge and artist Unathi Mkayi has been criticised by democracy loving Swazis after bragging about her close encounter with the Queen mother on her Facebook account today.

Unathi uploaded a post where she was bragging about getting a rare chance to meet the Queen mother (Indlovukati) and witnessing a ceremony where she (the Queen mother) was leading it for her grandchild, Princess Temaswati.

"I had the privilege and honour of being allowed an audience with her MajestyQueen Mother this weekend. An experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. A moment of beauty, grace,honor, dignity, wrapped in a blanket of tender love and a deep knowledge of who we are as Nguni, Bantu people," reads part of the Facebook post.

This did not go down well in many Swazis who responded to her bragging by criticising her and some went to the extent of hurling all sorts of insults. Many people expressed their dispointment on her statement which was seen as endorsing the monarchy as an honourable institution despite the allegations of the massacring of Swazis during the June/July unrest last year.

"Unathi Africa, now you validated what Emaswati are complaining about and you even cherish the opulence. It is because of human beings like you that other people are suffering," replied one Swazi on the post.

The artist was also accused of being used for public relations purposes by the monarch by other Facebook users.

"I wonder what came to your mind when you got the invite. Anyways, you took a decision...you are being used now(PR)," alleged one Swazi.

Other Facebook users took the chance to remind her that she deserved to be sacked by Idols South Africa while others shared the pictures and names of the people who were killed by state agents during the events of June which have been described as the theatre of deadly episodes by the Eswatini government.

Unathi did not respond to the negative comments and the post was not deleted. This kept on inviting more comments from Swazis who were attacking and criticising her from all angles.

Early this year, South African artist, DJ Tira who was performing in the country was forced to delete a post which showed that he was at Ludzidzini Palace. The artist was attacked for being at Ludzidzini Royal Palace. Worth mentioning is that other Facebook users disputed that he was at Ludzidzini Palace as the picture appeared to have been taken in one of the guest houses in Matsapha.

Political formations and progressives have been calling for the boycotting of events that are associated with the monarch after the dead of Swazis during the political unrest in 2021.

18/06/2022

'MAGAWUGAWU' URGES SWALIMO MEMBERS TO INTENSIFY POLITICAL EDUCATION

By Staff Reporter

SWALIMO President, Mduduzi 'Magawugawu' Simelane has urged SWALIMO members to educate Emaswati about their democratic rights in all the communities in the country while addressing the members during the launch of Hhohho district in Piggs Peak today.

Simelane said this when virtually addressing the over 300 SWALIMO members at Gobolondlo Hall in Piggs Peak. The event that took place under strict police instructions to only last for two hours was a hive of activities as the members were singing and dancing to political songs.

" I know you have been given two hours to wrap everything up at the event, and I urge the organisers to ensure that by the time the police come to disrupt the activities, everyone would be eating or on their way out," said Simelane.

He further urged the members to turn every gathering into a political school in order to expose the Tinkhundla government's shortcomings to the unsuspecting Emaswati in communities.

"Turn funerals, school committee meetings, imiphakatsi gatherings and other events into political schools. Educate the elderly that is forced to run to South Africa in order to get better elderly grants. Educate the unemployed youth about the need for reforms in the country."

A video that was doing rounds on social media showing a SWALIMO member educating kombi operators is in line with the message of movement's president to the members.

He also urged SWALIMO to unite with other political formations in order to confront Members of Parliaments who did not adhere to the demands of the electorate during the petition deliveries that took place in almost all the Tinkhundlas in Eswatini last year.

" Demand the answers of your petitions from the MPs who are quiet in Parliament. Ask them where is the elected Prime Minister you requested. Ask them where is an inquiry on the events surrounding the July/July uprising of last year, " said Simelane.

It was reported in online media outlets that an MP had to prematurely an event he organised in his Inkhundla after a member of SWALIMO confronted him on the politics of the country.

The government on the other hand has blasted political formations for making threats of a repeat of last year's unrest that caused loss of life and damage of property in a press statement that was released by the government's public relations officer, Alpheus Nxumalo.

"The so-called United for the final push by political formations may actually end up being translated a fragmentation for the final collapse of these.formations in the country," reads the opening remarks of the press release.

The government went on to request Emaswati to shy away from events organised to commemorate the June/July victims in the country as they will lead to yet another 'theatre of deadly episodes'.

SWALIMO that was formed less than a year ago has launched branches and districts in different parts of the country. They have been continuing to recruit more members in all the Tinkhundlas in the country.

17/05/2022

A video of soldiers making a student to roll on the ground at the entrance of UNESWA has surfaced. The source of the video remains unknown but it can be confirmed that the incident transpired today.

This happens amid the abduction of the SNUS president Xolani Maseko at the entrance of the University allegedly by the army.

17/05/2022

SNUS PRESIDENT ABDUCTED BY SOLDIERS

The President of SNUS, Xolani Maseko has been abducted by heavily armed soldiers at the Kwaluseni UNESWA gate as he was making his way out of the campus.

SNUS is an acronom for the Swaziland Nation Union of Students, which is representing the interest of students in all the institutes of Higher learning.

Report reaching this publication is that the UNESWA senate issued out a memo alerting staff and students that the University was closing indefinitely and the students are to evacuate the institution by 10:30 AM. As the students were making their way out of the campus, the SNUS president was live on the SNUS page. Two soldiers are seen approaching Maseko and thereafter the live feed ends.

A source who is a student at UNESWA confirmed that Maseko was abducted by the soldiers. "They chased us before grabbing the president," said the source. The student also stated that he was also threatened by soldiers after being seen taking pictures of them while they surrounded the University allegedly to intimidate the students who had staged a protest demanding the postponement of the exams that were set to begin soon.

Sakhile Nxumalo, who is an executive member for SNUS also raised an alarm about the possible abduction of Maseko on the SNUS page.

The whereabout of Maseko and the comment from the army could not be ascertained as more investigations are currently underway.

The army stand accused of playing a hand in the death of Swazis during the civil unrest that was witnessed in June and July. Worth mentioning is that there are video clips showing the army beating, torturing and maiming citizens of the country during and after the unrest.

29/04/2022

THROW BACK TO 2017

LET SWAZIS HAVE A SAY IN APPOINTMENT OF PM - MP
27/07/2017 04:10:00BY SIBONGILE SUKATI
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LOBAMBA – Matsanjeni North Member of Parliament (MP) Phila Buthelezi wishes Swazis had a way in which they could have a say in the appointment of the kingdom’s prime minister.

He said it was high time that someone who cared about the people was appointed so that they could implement what was needed by the people.

MP Buthelezi said there should be a way in which the people could recall a PM, who did not have the people’s interests at heart.
The MP made these statements yesterday during the debate of a motion, which had been directed to the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Lindiwe Dlamini, on the bad state of the roads in the country, particularly on the implementation of projects such as the chemical soil stabilisation (probase), Lukhula-Big Bend road and Pigg’s Peak-Magoga road.

MP Buthelezi said he did not even see the point of bombarding both the Public Works minister and Finance minister Martin Dlamini, on why funds were not released for the roads.
He said the ministers were not allowed to realise their full potential.

“The Finance minister is a very capable man, who was even in charge of the Central Bank of Swaziland and also has capable officers, but they are not allowed to work freely,” said Buthelezi.

He likened ministers to pictures or portraits, that were just hanging on the walls of their ministries.
He said he did not understand why, for example, if an officer at Home Affairs had to undertake a trip, permission was granted by one individual.

“Why aren’t the ministers allowed to realise their potential and at least fail on their own?” he wondered.
He said if the ministers were put in a private corner and allowed to state their case, he was positive that there was a lot they could say.
He submitted that it was a pity that the PM was not in Parliament as he had a lot to say directed to the head of government.

24/02/2022

OSSU DISPERSE MP'S WELLWISHERS

The police fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse political activists from different political parties who had come the High Court to offer the two incarcerated Members of Parliament morale support on Thursday.

What sparked the confrontation between the OSSU and the protesters was the arrival of about five OSSU members who appeared to be ready to fire at protesters who were in high spirit. Sensing danger, some protesters moved away from the crowd and later rejoined them.

Shots were then fired by the police leading to the dispersing of the over 200 political activists. Some seeked for shelter at the Mbabane hospital which is near the High Court while others scattered to different directions.

No injuries and arrests were confirmed as yet as everyone ran into different directions.

Worth mentioning is that the political activists had early on celebrated the birthday of the incarcerated Member of Parliament, Mthandeni Dube. Progressives took turns sending birthday wishes to him.

The state agents in the Kingdom of Eswatini stand accused of killing over 50 civilians during the political unrest. Police brutality has been condemned in the past by various stakeholders that include the United Nations and Human rights groups.

23/02/2022

High Court proceedings

08/02/2022

LUKE COMMISION REFUSES TO TREAT SHOT SWALIMO MEMBERS

By Phindile Groening

The Luke Commision has allegedly turned away SWALIMO members who were beaten by the police for trying to visit incarcerated Member of Parliament, Mthandeni Dube, today.

According to a good samaritan who rushed the SWALIMO Members to the hospital, they were told to look for an alternative health facility after they heard the cause of their injuries. The source did not disclose the actual location of the injured SWALIMO members for their own safety.

"I can disclose that we found them lying on the ground in pain. I can confirm that they have been badly injured," said the source.

When going to press, efforts were being made to get the side of the Luke Commision about the latest development. The names of the beaten SWALIMO members are know but will not be published as they are still fighting for their lives.

04/02/2022

04/02/2022

The releasing of SNUS PRESIDENT XOLANI MASEKO

04/02/2022

NKALIVASI SUMMONED BY POLICE

By Staff Reporter

PUDEMO and former SNUS NEC member, Nkalivasi is the latest political activist who is on the police wanted list for his political activities in the country.

This comes after the police called him and told him to avail himself at one of the police station.

Worth mentioning is that this is not the first time he has had close encounters with the police as he was arrested last year for singing and blowing a whistle while he was near the SNAT building in Manzini. He was with SNUS NEC member Sakhile Nxumalo who managed to flee.

Nkalivasi is not the first political activist to be on the police wanted list as many progressives have been summoned. SWALIMO'S Manzini branch Chairperson Brian Sihlongonyane is also being wanted by the police in connection with his political Facebook posts.

This comes at a time whereby Sakhile Nxumalo was recently abducted by the police and was allegedly tortured by the police before being dumped at RFM hospital.

04/02/2022

BREAKING NEWS

SNUS President Xolani Maseko granted E15 000.00 bail. He is expected to pay E5 000.00 and provide surety for the remaining balance.

Students and progressives are on their way to fetch him at Zakhele prison where he was being kept.

01/02/2022

Sakhile Awuviva Nxumalo assaulted and tortured by the police. He is currently recuperating in one of the hospitals in the country.

01/02/2022

FEARS OVER THE WHEREABOUT OF SAKHILE 'AWUVIVA' NXUMALO

Swaziland National Union of student executive member and PUDEMO member, Sakhile Nxumalo's whereabouts remain unknown after there were reports that he has been abducted by the police around Nazarene today.

This publication is currently conducting an investigation on the whereabout of the youth leader who is critical of the government of Eswatini. He has been on the forefront of many protests calling for political reforms in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Worth mentioning is that this is not the first time he had close encounters with the state agents as he managed to flee when another PUDEMO leader, Mciniseli Nkalivasi was being apprehended in Manzini late last year. He has been receiving threats from many state agents over his political activities in the country.

According to our sources, he was abducted by police officers on board an Isuzu van at or around Nazarene.

Those with information on his whereabouts have been urged to come forward as the police continue cracking the whip on progressives in the country.

Stay tuned for more updates on his whereabouts!

31/01/2022

SNUS PRESIDENT ARRESTED

By Staff Reporter

A battalion of police officers have arrested outspoken Swaziland National Union of Students President Colani Maseko while he was on his way to attend lectures at SANU in the morning for being critical of the King Mswati III and the government of Eswatini.

It is not yet clear on the charges Maseko will be facing as details around his arrest and his whereabouts remain scarce at the moment.

News of his arrest has been spreading like wildfire and students have been urged to assemble at the Manzini Police headquarters in Manzini to ascertain the nature of his arrest.

Worth mentioning is that the students president has been vocal on the calls for the release of incarcerated Members of Parliament, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. Before their arrest, Maseko featured alongside the MPs in their live videos that were being played on Swaziland News where he made it clear that students were calling for the democratic reforms in the country.

Many sources from SNUS and political parties confirmed his arrest and promised to get back to this journalist when they have full details of his arrest. SNUS is yet to issue out a statement on the latest developments.

A reliable source form the police department confirmed that a warrant of arrest has been long issued out for Maseko and the police were waiting for the right time to sn**ch him. The source allege that this comes after previous attempts to arrest him proved to be futile.

15/01/2022

Independent journalist Dima Katso is finally free. She has been granted E2000.00 bail.

15/01/2022

THEMBEKA ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO EXPOSE POLICE OFFICERS

By Staff Reporter

Independent journalist, Thembeka Gamedze has been arrested after trying to expose two police officers who were allegedly soliciting bribes from motorists who were coming from the direction of Solanis at around 2 AM today.

Gamedze, who is popularly known as Dima Katso on social media allege that her only sin was attempting to take pictures of two police officers who had mounted a road block and were allegedly demanding bribes from motorists. After noticing their actions, her journalism instincts kicked in, which prompted her to attempt to take pictures of the whole ordeal. Upon seeing that she was attempting to take pictures, it is alleged that the police officers approached her and told her that she will now be charged for drink and driving. Worth mentioning is that they did not use a breathalyser to determine if she was drunk or not. She was with her partner when the ordeal took place.

Upon reaching the police station, she allege that a police officer banged her head against the wall and accused her of resisting arrest. It is alleged that a police officer whose force number is 7946 assaulted her. The police also attempted to grab her partner's cellphones who was with her at the time of her arrest. They later released the gadgets to her partner. "My only mistake was trying to take pictures of them(police officers) who were taking money from motorists. I could tell that they were.demanding bribes, " said Dima while in her holding cell.

The Amnesty International has since taken over her matter and has instructed lawyer Mhlengi Mabuza to represent her. Mabuza is the same lawyer who is representing the two incarcerated MPs. When going to press, attempts were being made to get her bail. "She will appear in court on Monday and we have been in touch with Amnesty to attempt to speed-up her bail," said her partner.

Dima is the same journalist who has been updating the public on the political unrest in the country and the ongoing case of incarcerated Members of Parliament, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. In one of her Facebook posts, she exposed the fraudulent activities on the bank accounts of MP Dube. Late last year, she complained that she was receiving calls from people posing as journalists, who wanted to know about her place of abode and occupation.

Facebook has been abuzz with news of her arrest spreading like wildfire. Resigned police officer, Cece Shongwe is amongst the first people who posted about her arrest. In her post, she requested those close to Mbabane to check her at the police station. When reached for a comment, SWALIMO Manzini chairperson, Brian Sihlongonyane condemned the arrest of the journalist who is critical of the government. "Dima has been arrested for being critical of the government and the judicial system especially the way they are handling the case of incarcerated MPs Mthandeni Dube and Bacede Mabuza. We strongly condemn the act of the police. They must stop this tendency of intimidating people critical of the system. Tinkhundla system is a failed experiment. We don't want it anymore. Our MPs were arrested for just doing what we sent them to do. We demand their immediate release and the cancellation of the warrant of arrest for Gawzela," said Sihlongonyame.

The arrest of the journalist comes at a time whereby freedom of the press in Eswatini has been on public scrutiny. During the unrest, two journalists were allegedly detained and tortured after they attempted to cover the unrest. The government denied torturing the journalists at the time.

PICTURE: THEMBEKA WHO HAS BEEN ARRESTED(courtesy picture)

06/01/2022

ESWATINI GOVERNMENT NOT READY FOR THE DIALOGUE

Recently, the Multi-Stakeholder Forum(MSF) headed by the industrous Human Rights lawyer Thulani Maseko alongside the Political Parties Assembly (PPA) came forward to present the terms of reference for the much awaited political dialogue in the country. This was a clear indication that the opposition was willing to engage in a dialogue with the current government yet the former is yet to show signs of willingness to engage in any dialogue with the latter.

You will remember that the government was at first reluctant to engage in any dialogue with the opposition amid the political unrests that engulfed the entire country. Calls for political reforms reached climax after the death of a University of Eswatini law student, Thabani Nkomonye, whose dead is still subject to investigation. Instead of succumbing to the demands of the masses, the government unleashed the millitary and the police on the citizens of the country leading to the dead of dozens of Emaswati who were brutally shot in different parts of the country.

After everything has been done, the elephant in the room that should be confronted is whether the government is willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue or not.

For starters, the incarcarated Members of Parliament, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, who were jailed for advocating for the political reforms are said to be ill-treated in prison. Disturbing allegations of their torture in prison have reached the public domain despite the prison officials' continued denial of the allegations. One of the demands by the MSF is the unconditional release of the MPs and withdrawal of the arrest warrant for exiled Siphofaneni MP, Mduduzi Simelane. Judging by the latest developments on the treatment of the MPs, it is clear that the government is not willing to engage with the opposition.

As if that is not enough, government officials have been quoted in various media houses making more threats. One of those is the National commissioner of the police, Ntsintsibala Dlamini who made it clear that those who are still vocal have a week to come forward and explain themselves. So what will happen after that week elapses? Only God knows. It is of public knowledge that Swaziland national Union of Student President, Xolane Maseko is on the police wanted list. SWALIMO's Manzini branch chairperson was recently taken for questioning by the police. Numerous reports suggest that more arrests or questioning of progressives are on the pipeline. Are these signs of a government willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue? You be the judge.

To rub salt into the wound, the police and army have not stopped their atrocious acts of brutalizing the citizens of the country. Numerous acts of brutality against unarmed citizens of the country continue to be witnessed. Pictures of shot citizens since the year began sends shivers down the spine. Two men came forward to tell their stories on how they were shot on their legs as punishment by the police. Such remind one of the June/July unrest whereby many people were shot point blank. Part of the demands tabled by the MSF and PPA is the withdrawal of the state agents on the streets and the exercizing of restraint. It all appears that everything fells on deaf ears.

To add on, the government of His Majesty the King Mswati III is yet to issue out the dates of the dialogue forcing the MSF and PPA to demand the commercement of the dialogue by 1 March, 2022. Had the government been willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue, by now, the date would have been set and the venue would have been long identified. Truth be told, the dialogue will not take place in a vacuum thus the need for the nation to be alerted on the proposed dates right on time.

Again, there is a silver line on the dark clouds. We bank our hopes on the fact that the nitty chats about the dialogue by some government officials are signs that it will indeed take place. With SADC Troika involved and other stakeholders paying close attention on what happens next in the tiny Kingdom of Eswatini, there might be hope. Afterall, this is the last hope for those calling for political reforms as a civil war should be avoided by all means.

Bottom line remains, for the dialogue to take place, there need to be a change of attitude from all parties involved. The government should take the lead by showing that they are willing to engage the opposition as they have the powers that be. If the government is continuing to frustrate the MPs and progressives, make threats, and continue to unleash state agents on the citizens, then the future is in limbo. We are not saying that the government should massage anyone but we are saying, it is time that for the government to show that they are willing to accomodate opposition.

PIC: THE PRIME MINISTER, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND GOVERNMEMT OFFICIALS ASSESSING THE DAMAGES AT CTA.

N.B THIS EDITORIAL WAS COMPILED BY THE SWAZIVIRAL NEWS TEAM!

09/12/2021

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO SPEND CHRISTMAS IN JAIL

By Staff Reporter

The two incarcerated Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede and Mthandeni Dube will be spending the festive season behind bars after their case was postponed to 21 January, 2022.

PICTURE: THE TWO MPs CAPTURED INSIDE COURT(courtesy picture)

This was announced by Judge Mumcy Dlamini, who was presiding over the matter. This is the same judge who denied the MPs bail twice.

The case that has been ongoing for four days was initially scheduled to be concluded today. By yesterday, many people predicted that the case will not be concluded today as the videos of the MPs paraded as evidence in their case were still being played.

When reached for a comments, most political activists expressed their disappointment on the judiciary of the country.

"We only have a kangaroo court in the court. Today, they have proven that beyond measurable doubt," said a political activist.

When going to press, political parties had not released their official statements in reaction to the postponement of the court case of the MPs.

Africa 's last absolute monarch is faced with political unrest as the calls for political reforms have been ongoing since June after the mysterious death of a University of Eswatini law student, Thabani Nkonyane.

02/12/2021

Meet your SWALIMO leaders whom you can contact.

19/11/2021

MAGAWUGAWU LAUNCHES SWALIMO

Exiled and original Member of Parliament of Siphofaneni, Mduduzi Magawugawu Simelane has been revealed as the interim president of the newly formed Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) during the launch of the movement that was broadcasted live on Swaziland News.

This big revelation was made by Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule. Speaking during the launch, the Bishop urged the interim president to remain humble and nurture the newly established movement. "Ngicela uwuphatse Kahle lomsebenti lomkhulu kangaka. Uwuphathise kwelicadza," said the man of the cloth.

The interim president of SWALIMO revealed that this movement will accomodate everyone; including those affiliated to different political groups that are found in the country. He went on to introduce the interim Chairperson of the movement, Busi and the interim Secretary General, Dr Siphetfo Dlamini. When explaining the position of the two incarcerated MPs, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, Simelane made it clear that he did not consult them on the formation of the movement but hoped that they will embrace it and join it as they usually think alike in most situations. "I did not want to stress them out by sending people to talk about this movement but I hope they will understand why I got to this decision," said the charismatic Simelane.

Meanwhile, PUDEMO released a statement congratulating the exiled interim president of SWALIMO for officially launching the movement and further assured him that they are are ready to work as allies with the movement moving forward.

After the launch, Facebook was abuzz with many people declaring that they will be joining the movement and are ready to be card caring members. Some wanted to know where they can buy the merchandise of the movement that were revealed during the launch. One of the models that were used to reveal the merchandise of the movement which include t-shirts, was the wife of the interim president of the movement, La Zwide umkhokheli.

The interim president also assured the nation that more information about the movement will be shared on their website.

Are you happy with the formation of SWALIMO? Share your views!