MBABANE:Paul Matimela, the Secretary General of the Swaziland Liberation Movement(SWALIMO) has taken a ‘special leave’ from the struggle for democracy, his political organization confirmed through a press statement released on Tuesday evening.
This comes after the resignation of Spokesperson Thantaza Silolo who followed other SWALIMO leaders that include Lubombo District Chairperson Mzwakhe Myeni, Chairperson Busi Mayisela, Secretary General Dr Siphetfo Dlamini, lawyer Sydney Maseko, Secretary General Futhie Msibi, former Mbabane Mayor Sikhatsi Dlamini and many others.
SWALIMO Acting Spokesperson Ingiphile Dlamini said Matimela requested an extended leave of absence.
But before announcing his resignation formally, Spokesperson Thantaza Silolo first asked for a leave of absence, he later came back to officially announce that he was dumping the struggle for democracy.
SWALIMO is led by Mduduzi Magawugawu Simelane, some of the resigned leaders of the organization participated in the recent Tinkhundla undemocratic elections and lost.
Matimela was abducted by the State police on the 29th June 2024, members of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) have been living under torture and arrests for years but continued with the struggle for democracy.
Other PUDEMO leaders and members that include Sipho Jele were allegedly killed by the police merely for wearing t-shirts belonging to their political organization.
SWALIMO Secretary General Paul Matimela.