MBABANE: Jeremy Liang,the Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan is avoiding questions from this publication as investors from his country invade Gege, grab land from residents and demolish houses.
The Ambassador failed to respond to a message when asked by this Swaziland News about the ongoing evictions at Gege involving investors from his country, particularly one John Fan,the Director of Nhlangano FTM Garments.
“Good afternoon Your Excellency Taiwan Ambassador.What is your view about the investors from your country-Taiwan who are grabbing land from Gege residents and demolishing houses”, reads a message sent by this journalist to the Taiwan Ambassador.
Worth-noting,the Taiwan Ambassador previously told this journalist to contact the government even on matters that require a direct response from his Embassy.
“Contact the Government”, said the evasive Taiwan Ambassador.
On another note, eSwatini political parties that include the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) visited the affected families at Mbondzela,one of the areas were the evictions are taking place,hundreds are homeless after being forced out of their homes.
Civil society groups and political parties condemned the demolishing of houses belonging to the poor residents.
Lioness Sibandze,the Secretary General of the Swaziland People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) also condemned the forceful eviction of the Mbondzela-Gege families, whose homes were ruthlessly demolished.
“These actions,carried out by Taiwanese foreigners, serve as stark evidence of a three-pronged battle:The Royal Family:Their influence remains a formidable obstacle.The Tinkhundla System: A complex web of governance that perpetuates inequality.Neo-Colonialism (Capitalism):A force that exploits land and resources.We urgently call upon eMaSwati to rise up and reclaim what rightfully belongs to them, their land”, said the SPLM Secretary General.
Other businesspeople implicated in the demolitions include Tito Dlamini and Sandile Simelane, it is alleged that, the area was secretly incorporated into Farm 19 and 22 with an alleged intention to evict the residents, some who have been in the area with their ancestors for over one hundred(100) years.
When Taiwan established diplomatic ties with eSwatini,the residents were enticed with rice with other minor projects while establishing textile factories but,it seems the Taiwanese are beginning to exercise more power over eSwatini citizens, grabbing their land.
The Taiwanese who are also evicting the residents at Gege allegedly own Farm 22.
One of the demolished houses.