MBABANE: King Mswati allegedly forced businesses in eSwatini to close as part of showing respect for his Incwala ritual ceremony.
Police were deployed in various towns including the capital city, Mbabane to make sure businesses observe the Incwala day, few defiant businesses were forced to close.
Johannes Manikela, the Chairman of the Federation of the Swazi Business Community(FESBC) said the Incwala holiday was harming businesses and the economy.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Wednesday, the FESBC Chairman said they had hoped Government would consider their plight since their businesses were heavily hit by the COVID-19 and the recent political unrest.
“We thought Government would be considerate this time around since the holiday happened during the festive holidays which is the busiest time of the year. We are also still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent political unrest”said the FESBC Chairman.
Police Spokesperson, Phindile Vilakati had not responded to our questionnaire at the time of compiling this report.
When reached for comments, Lucky Lukhele the Spokesperson of the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) called for the unity of all progressive forces in order to oust the current regime.
“We call for the unity of all progressive forces in order to liberate Swazis from the yoke of this regime. In a democratic Swaziland there shall be no ritual and birthday holidays\", said the SSN Spokesperson.
Mduduzi Gina, the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) strongly condemned the closure of the businesses during the Incwala holiday since it directly affected the workers.
“This is very unfortunate more especially because this was the worst year, businesses were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political unrest , leaving some workers idle at home with no income”, said the TUCOSWA Secretary General.
King Mswati