By Nokwanda Mamba

MANZINI: King Mswati’s Government has stopped a proposed protest march against Gender Based Violence(GBV) organized by the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland(TUCOSWA)amid escalating cases of killing of women and children across the country.

Mswati’s brother Major General Prince Simelane, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development banned all protests in towns and cities amid protests in demand for democratic reforms.

In a letter addressed to the TUCOSWA Leadership on Thursday, Lungile Dlamini, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Municipal Council of Manzini said the march was blocked by the National Commissioner of Police William Dlamini in the interest of national security. 

“As stipulated in the Public Order Act-2017, the National Commissioner has the mandate to prohibit the gathering or march if it has reasons to believe that the march and/or gathering will endanger the maintenance of public order, public safety and more so compromise national security.In this regard, Council does not accede to your application dated 11th July 2022 and, in particular the proposed march and gathering is not given permission to proceed",reads the letter in part.

A questionnaire was sent to Mathokoza Tfwala, the Manzini Manicipality Public Relations Officer(PRO), however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report. 

Reached for comments, Bheki Mamba, the TUCOSWA President condemned the Government’s attitude particularly towards workers rights. 

“We strongly condemn this attitude by Government as it infringes on the rights of workers enshrined in our own legislative framework and international labour conventions.Clearly this indicates that Swaziland is now a police state with no regard of the rule of law. We are mobilizing for a defiance campaign that is on the cards,”said the TUCOSWA President.

Efforts to reach Mswati’s brother Minister Prince Simelane proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

Cebile Dlamini, the Secretary General of the Swaziland Rural Women Assembly(SRWA)said this was clear that this Government did not prioritize the people. 

"This shows that this Government doesn't care about the people.We have seen how reports of Gender Based Violence cases  are on the rise these days,but this Government is not taking them seriously.This march was just for raising awareness but we are being denied the right to assembly and association. We surely need a democratic Government that will prioritise our needs,”she said.

A questionnaire was sent to Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Police Spokesperson, however, he had not responded responded at the time of this report.

Eswatini is in the midst of a political crisis, civilians are escalating calls for democratic reforms.