By Bongiwe Dlamini

MADONSA: Wandile Dludlu, the Deputy President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) visited affected families at Madonsa on Thursday amid demolition of homes,he was with Sakhile ‘Awviva’ Nxumalo,the President of the Youth League-Swaziland Youth Congress(SWAYOCO).

In a statement sent to this Swaziland News by the Office of the Secretary General Penuel Malinga, the political organization expressed solidarity to the affected families.

“The land in question is the subject of an ongoing dispute between the Moneni Royal Kraal,Lwandle Royal Kraal and the Manzini Municipal Council. The controversy stems from a farm that was once owned by a local family who subscribed to the Moneni Royal Kraal. Years ago, they sold the land to Kobla Quashii, but it remained unused for a long time.Recently, people started building on the land, paying fees to the Nkamane Chiefdom.The farm's location, which stretches between Lwandle and Moneni, with a river running through it, has heightened tensions, especially as the Manzini Municipal Council demands development in the area. Kobla Quashii received a court order after construction began on the disputed land, and the Moneni Royal Kraal reportedly supports the demolitions, having received payment when the farm was sold”, reads the statement in part released by Brian Sangweni, the PUDEMO Spokesperson.

The political organization further noted that,the demolitions were carried out under a questionable court order and, without consultation or awareness from the Eswatini Human Rights Commission.

“PUDEMO strongly condemns these actions and calls for immediate compensation for the affected families, in line with the Human Rights Commission’s recommendation that evictions must be accompanied by compensation.PUDEMO and SWAYOCO stand firmly with the victims of this injustice and will continue to demand accountability and respect for the rights of the affected families”, reads the statement in part.

PUDEMO is eSwatini’s main and largest liberation movement, the organization was formed over forty(40) years ago to advocate for democratic reforms in this tiny Kingdom ruled by King Mswati, an absolute Monarch.