MBABANE:Lucky Dlamini, the Coordinator of the Swaziland Unemployed People’s Movement(SUPMO) says, destroying dagga will push more emaSwati deeper into poverty.
Reacting to media reports suggesting that, the police invaded Sikhunyane-Nyakeni in the Hhohho region this week and destroyed dagga, Dlamini urged the Government to regulate dagga farming.
“SUPMO condemns this exercise being carried out by the Royal Eswatini Police because it throws hundreds thousands emaSwati in to the pit of poverty. Our organization has called on the government to regulate Marijuana in the country to create the much needed jobs, and open new opportunities in the economy. This Marijuana informal economy has been the pillar of our economy in Eswatini, and to legalize it can create billions industry through manufacturing many products like medicine, and skin care products etc. The unemployed youths and people general at the SUPMO'S 4th Annual National Unemployed People’s Assembly resolved that the Government must legalize Marijuana in Eswatini,” he said.
The SUPMO Coordinator said, as an organization for unemployed people, they believe there must be a comprehensive research conducted by the Ministry of Economic Planning to ascertain the economic benefits of legalizing the Marijuana to create new industries, for jobs creation.
“It’s time the Government listen to the people on how we must rescue our 63% people who are living under the poverty line,” said the SUPMO Coordinator.
Police destroying dagga fields.