MBABANE: Mlungisi Makhanya, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) says the proposed national shutdown on the 13th December 2022 is aimed at increasing pressure on Mswati’s Government to release the incarcerated Members of Parliament(MPs) Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube and unban political parties.
The PUDEMO President said they also demanded the release of freedom fighters Ncamiso Mabuyakhulu and Philani Sihlongonyane who were arrested on allegations that they killed police officers.
Makhanya was responding to a statement issued by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Themba Masuku during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon,where he stated that those who were planning the shutdown had ulterior motives to see Swazis suffering.
“Yes,we have motives and amongst the motives we have,is to put maximum pressure to ensure the unconditional release of the arrested Members of Parliament, of comrade Mabuyakhulu, of comrade Sihlongonyane, of comrade Sgwili, of comrade Thandokuhle and many other political prisoners. Yes, we have motives and our motives are to put maximum pressure to ensure the unconditional safe return of all political and economic exiles. Yes, we have motives and our motives are to put maximum pressure to ensure, the unbanning of political parties, decriminalization of PUDEMO and the opening-up of the political space, including allowing free media and ensuring an independent judiciary in our country,”said the PUDEMO President.
PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya.