MBABANE: Colani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students(SNUS) says culture would continue to exist under the coming democratic Government but clarified that emahiya with the oppressor’s picture would be no more.
Addressing students at the Eswatini Medical Rescue College, the Students Union President urged young people not to attend Mswati’s Lusekwane and Umhlanga cultural activities among others.
“Once we take over this country, we will preserve our culture. But under the current Tinkhundla system of governance I plead with you not to attend Sibaya, Lusekwane and Umhlanga. Under a democratic Government, we will attend a transparent culture without evil activities, that is the culture that we want. Even though we will attend cultural activities under a democratic Government, we won’t wear emahiya with the face of the man that we hate,” said the Students Union President.
Reached for comments, Ludzidzini Palace Governor Lusendvo Fakudze said the matter was above him.
“Ngete ngayiphendvula lena mntfwanami ayingangami, icondzene nalona lokhulumile(meaning: I can’t comment, this matter is far above my jurisdiction, the person who uttered these sentiments can comment”, said the Governor.
King Mswati captured the culture of Swazis and has been using it to advance his political interests.
Young girls and members of the regiments were ordered to compose songs that discouraged the establishment of political parties in eSwatini while promoting Mswati.
One of the songs that was meant to promote political discrimination was titled “Asiwafuni emaphathi, Ngwenyama singacedzana sodvwa(meaning: We don’t want political parties Your Majesty, we could fight among ourselves)”.
But eSwatini imports almost 100% of its food and the country’s economy relies heavily on South Africa, a democratic country ruled by political parties.
Students Union President Colani Maseko.