Tuesday, 27 July 2021
Cebelihle Mbuyisa is a subeditor and writer from eSwatini. He reports on land reform, public schooling, immigration and other human rights concerns.
As the regime meets demands for democracy with violence, activists and ordinary people affirm a resolute commitment to continuing resistance, even as they are murdered and injured.
Sparked by the death of Thabani Nkomonye, protests in eSwatini quickly escalated to encompass the bigger issue of the lack of democracy when it comes to elected government.
Even as eSwatini’s Parliament shows some life, with lively debates that have led to the withdrawal of some of the regime’s bills, it remains an undemocratic institution under the king’s absolute control.
Because pregnancies can only be terminated legally in extreme instances such as rape, many women find other ways. And many do not survive the process.
A licence to restart work at an iron ore opencast mine has been issued despite complaints of poor working conditions and dust and water pollution affecting the surrounding areas.
An act passed to recover the proceeds of organised crime may now be used by eSwatini’s authorities to score points for a cannabis law that many think will benefit a powerful few.
When South Africa sealed its borders because of the lockdown, the 11 entry points it shares with eSwatini were closed too. But those who make their living in SA are eager to return.
For the better part of June and July, the eSwatini government has ignored protests by parents and teachers and reopened schools, despite poor levels of readiness in many institutions.
Companies and the government have been evicting small-scale farmers off the land they have lived on and worked for years. Many have lost homes – and more are on the line.
Wandile Sihlobo’s words about his passion for agricultural development in rural areas ring hollow at a close reading of his new book. It is a bidding for Big Agriculture and its supposed land reform answers.
There was a time when family and neighbours were falling fast, the need for graves outpacing the available space. But antiretrovirals have improved and the stigma of HIV has lessened.
A company closing, its employees let go by ‘the bearer of bad news’. Sucker punched, one man has yet to tell his mother.