By Wendy Magagula

MBABANE: Sikelela Dlamini, the Secretary General of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers(SNAT) said frustrated low salaried civil servants are assaulted by security forces every-time they demand better working conditions from government.

Speaking during the current affairs programme on the Swaziland News audio channel where the issue of a financially struggling soldier who allegedly killed himself was discussed at length with other unionists, Dlamini said even teachers were frustrated due to low wages.

Mduduzi Tfwala(35) of Mahlanya, a member of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force(EUDF)allegedly shot and killed himself with a service rifle at Ludzidzini Palace on Friday morning, insiders within the Royal Guard Unit told this publication that he had earlier complained of financial challenges.

Sikelela Dlamini, the SNAT Secretary General said the solution to the challenges faced by civil servants including members of the security forces could be solved by introducing a government owned by the people. He said as the situation stands, government normally unleashes security officers to assault workers for demanding better wages.

“Even if you can express yourself that the salary you are receiving is no longer sustaining your life, you are assaulted or arrested”,said the SNAT Secretary General.

Speaking during the same programme, Wander Mkhonza, the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland(ATUSWA) said workers should unite and present their grievances to government regarding their financial situation and should the government refuse to listen, it must be overthrown.

“Workers must unite and form a strong alliance, present their grievances to the government regarding their current financial situation and if the government fails to address the problems, it must be overthrown because we expect any government to listen to  workers” ,he said.

Pius Vilakati, the Spokesperson of the the Communist Party of Swaziland(CPS) said workers and general members of the public will continue to suffer as long as the Tinkhundla government was still in power.

“As long  as the country is ruled through the Tinkhundla system, the situation will be worse, Swaziland is among the top five developing countries in the world with high cases of suicides. Now even the King’s children are grabbing businesses from the people.Workers must unite and fight, but police and soldiers must remember that they are also civil servants who are being exploited”,said the CPS Spokesperson.