By Musa Mdluli

BOKSBURG:Penuel Malinga, the Secretary General of the Eswatini’s main and largest political party, the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) addressed the Central Executive Committee Meeting of Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The ongoing event was attended by over seven hundred(700) delegates and, PUDEMO being the main and largest political party, was invited as the representative of the eSwatini struggle at international level.

“It is my privilege to bring warm, fraternal greetings from the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the premier liberation movement in Swaziland. On behalf of PUDEMO’s leadership, we express profound gratitude to POPCRU for its unwavering commitment to international solidarity and for keeping the spirit of global unity alive, especially for those of us fighting oppression in Swaziland.The long-standing relationship between PUDEMO and the ANC-led Alliance has been an enduring source of strength and inspiration. This bond is rooted in shared ideals and a mutual commitment to liberation and human dignity. Similarly, POPCRU’s solidarity with PUDEMO aligns with these principles of progressive internationalism and collective struggle. We ask that POPCRU further this tradition of solidarity by standing with us in our fight against oppression in Swaziland. Together, our shared values and commitment to freedom create a united front that the regime cannot easily ignore”, he said.

Malinga further invited POPCRU and the ANC lead alliance to join PUDEMO in the upcoming 2025 campaign, “which will include the revival of the Global Week of Action”, and the re-establishment of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC). 

“These initiatives aim to spotlight Swaziland on the global stage, exposing the regime’s atrocities and rallying international support for our cause. Moreover, we urge POPCRU to help us advocate for targeted sanctions against the Swazi royal family and government officials. King Mswati III’s lavish lifestyle, sustained through public funds, is a slap in the face of his suffering people. The construction of palaces, the acquisition of luxury cars, and other extravagances come at the expense of essential services like healthcare and education. Sanctions that restrict the export of luxury goods to Swaziland and freeze royal family assets would strike a blow to the regime and free up resources for social development. Swaziland relies on external military support to maintain its oppressive apparatus. Every protest organized by PUDEMO and its allies is met with state-sponsored violence, with weapons supplied by democratic nations used against our people. We call on governments worldwide to halt all arms sales to Swaziland, thus dismantling the regime’s ability to suppress its citizens violently”, said the PUDEMO Secretary General.

On another note, Malinga thanked the police officers for responding quickly after the poisoning of PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya who has been facing consistent attacks from State agents and the entire eSwatini undemocratic regime.