By Mduduzi Hlophe

MBABANE: Southern Star Logistics, a fuel freight company linked to King Mswati has been accused of refusing to raise salaries for its workers.

Speaking to this Swaziland News, Sticks Nkambule, the Acting Secretary of the Swaziland Transport Communication & Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) said they were preparing for a mass industrial action after salary talks with the company hit a snag.

“We had tabled a 10 % demand but the company offered to at least remove overtime allowances for that demand to be met, we couldn’t agree to this since the offer was not made in good faith.We haven’t received any pay rise for the past two years, so we are preparing for a mass action to push for what is better for our members”,he said.

Thabani Gina, the South Star Human Resources Manager did not answer his phone when called by this publication for a comment.

Reached for comments, Sibongile Mazibuko, the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) said this was typical of all the companies  owned by the King. 

“In all the King’s companies, people are retrenched and underpaid, the only solution for these workers is to join the struggle for democracy so that such companies can  be taken back to the people.In a democratic Swaziland they will earn better salaries.”, said the NNLC President.

Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa is ruled by multi-billionaire King Mswati who has business interests in  most of the country’s big companies while 70% of the population lives in poverty.