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Thursday 28 March 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 820 – 29 March 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 820 – 29 March 2024

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.

 

Senate president calls for GBV indaba

By Phephile Motau, eSwatini Observer, 27 March 2024

SOURCE 

Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini has called for an indaba on gender-based violence (GBV) and the escalating suicides.

The senate president asked the Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini if he did not think an intense dialogue needed to be held in the country, starting from chiefdoms, saying in communities, wife-beaters are well known and people just take it as a normal thing.  He said the talks should happen in communities, churches and armed forces, since people from these sectors also perpetrate GBV. The senate president also raised her concern on the number of suicides, saying it was also now common for people to drink poisonous substances when they felt angry and also kill others.

“We need an indaba to talk about this as mental health has become a challenge,” she said. The senate president said a lot of attention had been given to empowering the girl child since they were left behind in many things.  She said the women ended up getting too empowered as they are even taught how to carry themselves when they get married. “What we do not hear is who talks to the people who marry us,” she said. The senate president said the result was that women became wiser and earned more than men. On the other hand, she said, men are not taught how to carry themselves and they ended up oppressing the women, until they hit them. She said the boy child had been left behind and boys were found on streets and beer halls. She said the country should focus on the family, as there was no liguma or lisango and people were easily influenced by what they saw on television.

Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini


Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya said GBV should be stopped in the country as not only were women victims, but men were also killed in murders orchestrated by women. He said men should not be ashamed to report if they suffer abuse. The PM said the issue of the girl child versus the boy child was extremely important and he was passionate about it. He said it was not enough for one sector to work on this issue, but every sector and every unit needed to rise against GBV. He made an example of his engagement with one of the UN agencies in 2003. The premier said he told the person in charge that they could be misleading the country by focusing on the girl child. 

The PM said there was an instance of boys who marked their belts on how many virgins they had had sex with.  “It was a trophy for them for sleeping with young girls, who had not yet experienced men. I said it does not matter how much you empower a girl, unless you work on the man, who is the perpetrator,” the premier said. He said government needs to stop chasing the symptoms and not getting to the root cause of problems.  “May I ask the whole nation and government not to wipe the water, but rush to close the tap which is the source,” he said. He said the matter of empowering the family was part of his passion. He related that on Sunday night, a man came to tell him about being abused by his wife for a long time.

“I said I was happy that he had the spirit of God because one of two things could have happened, he could have killed the wife or committed suicide. These issues are real and we should work on them,” the PM said.

 

Recently delivered drugs expired, alleged looting of millions intensify within Ministry of Health

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 23 March, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Part of the recently delivered drugs as announced by the Chairperson of the Cabinet Health Crisis Select Committee Commerce Minister Mancoba Khumalo long expired but Government is highly expected to pay millions to the supplier.

This disclosure comes amid intensifying corruption within the Ministry of Health, billions have been looted allegedly by SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff and other suppliers through the manipulation of the procurement processes and bribing of senior Government officials.

A questionnaire was sent to Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo,however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

The investigation unit of this Swaziland News, through sources, managed to ‘tour’ the Central Medical Stores this week and took pictures of the recently delivered drugs, a large percentage was discovered to have expired.

Responding to this Swaziland News earlier, Mayibongwe Masangwane, the Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) confirmed that, public hospitals were still facing shortage of drugs.

The latest investigation by this publication at the Central Medical Stores (CMS) was conducted amid reports suggesting that, Government failed to purchase contraceptives.

“You will recall that, Government recently announced that medication is now available but, I can assure you that there are no contraceptives”, said the Secretary General of the Nurses Union.

Kareem Ashraff told this publication that, he will speak after the court cases.

On another note, a report by Funduzi Forensic Services concluded that, over R1.1billion was paid to companies linked to SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff and other suppliers.

 

China slams eSwatini PM for visiting Taiwan

By Wang Qingyun, China Daily, 23 March 2024

SOURCE 

China slammed Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Dlamini’s visit to the Taiwan region, urging the African country to “mend its ways as soon as possible”.

Dlamini reportedly arrived in Taiwan on Monday [18 March 2024]. He met with the region’s outgoing head Tsai Ing-wen, among other people, visited companies and attended an event pitching for investment in his country.

Voicing firm opposition to the visit, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday it is a serious violation of the one-China principle and China’s sovereignty.

Lin also told a regular news conference that Eswatini, as well as its people have “hardly benefited” from its “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan region over the past 56 years.

“The Taiwan authorities squander the taxpayers’ money to support some bigwigs in Eswatini to maintain the so-called diplomatic ties,” he said. “This kind of relationship is of no value to people in both Taiwan and Eswatini.”

Eswatini is one of the only 12 countries in the world that have maintained “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan.

The latest country to sever ties with Taiwan is Nauru, which announced it would cut “diplomatic relations” with the region following the latter’s elections held in January.

After the elections, more than 180 countries and organizations reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle.

These facts show that one China is where global opinion trends, Lin said, adding that Eswatini’s “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan is against the trend, and will not last.

The spokesman called on “certain persons in power in Eswatini” to see squarely the prevailing consensus, and stop “being self-deceptive”.

Also, the people in Eswatini will see clearly the truth about “Taiwan independence”, and recognize the perils of Taiwan’s “dollar diplomacy”, Lin added.

See also

eSwatini PM’s Taiwan visit a grave provocation to one-China principle and China's sovereignty: Chinese FM

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202403/1309350.shtml

 

eSwatini wants enough water, food, power by 2030

By Nokuzola Thwala, eSwatini Observer, 23 March 2024

SOURCE 

Eswatini aims to have adequate water, food and energy for all people by the year 2030, which is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Director of Water Affairs Makhosini Khoza, who is also Global Water Organisation Director said SDGs encouraged all countries to provide at least all basic needs for its people.

In a two-day consultation workshop held at Sibanesami Hotel, Khoza said there were three water concepts that Eswatini needed to adopt which included water adaptation and purification, disaster readiness and food security for all.

The workshop was a collaboration between Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the ministry of tourism and environmental affairs. The theme was ‘Strengthening the national designated authority’s institution and technical capacity to mobilise gender responsive climate finance for Eswatini’.

He said the aim was to develop three water concept notes to access climate finance and address the impact of climate change on water resources and management.

He said in November, they narrowed down three concept notes which they were now developing to ensure funding from the climate fund.

Khoza added that one concept note that they were developing further for fund mobilisation was the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) one, which touched on ensuring that WASH initiatives existed in the country.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22223

 

State Intelligence fails to prove Nosisi Construction was paid millions by Chinese Government to fund political unrest, court orders Nedbank to unfreeze bank accounts

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 24 March, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The eSwatini Government propaganda suggesting that, the Chinese Government deposited millions into the bank account of Nosisi Construction backfired in court after the Intelligence Unit failed to prove the allegations.

This comes amid the Government and Taiwan continued propaganda to accuse China of plotting and funding a political unrest to influence regime-change in eSwatini.

The Directors of Nosisi Investments recently told this Swaziland News that, they received part of the R10million fencing loans on behalf of their clients being Tindvuna TeTiNkhundla, the loans were approved by Government through the Treasury Department.

But the State Intelligence Unit, without conducting an investigation, rushed to obtain a court order alleging that the monies came from China to fund a political unrest.

Nosisi Directors subsequently filed court papers proving that, the money was paid by Government, it could not be ascertained how the State Intelligence concluded that the monies were from China without a proper investigation.

On Wednesday, the court reversed a previous interim order freezing Nosisi bank accounts.

“The interim court order that was issued by this Honorable Court on the 11th March 2024 restraining the 1st and 2nd Applicant from transacting in Nedbank account number 11990147541 is hereby discharged. That Nedbank Eswatini Limited (the second Applicant) is ordered and directed to unfreeze the bank accounts of the Applicants forthwith”, reads the court order in part.

 

Wildlife conservation, traditional medicine collide in eSwatini

By Nokukhanya Musi, Voice of America, 21 March 2024

SOURCE 

MANZINI: Traditional medicine, or “muti,” is an important part of Eswatini's culture. However, an increasing demand for muti has placed some of the southern African kingdom’s animal species at risk of extinction. That’s something conservationists and molecular biologists want to change.

Molecular biologist Zamekile Bhembe, who works for the USAID-funded EWild Laboratory at the University of Eswatini, is fighting poachers and trying to get them convicted for their crimes.

She said poaching for traditional medicinal purposes is a leading cause of biodiversity decline, and she wants stronger regulations to protect wildlife.

“Every time you see biodiversity declines, there will be some sort of poaching involved,” she said. “As a country, we cannot deny that we are using these resources as our traditional medicine. It’s just that we need a way of regulating.”

For generations, the people of Eswatini have held traditional beliefs and values close to their hearts. This is reflected in the fact that more than 80% of the population still consults traditional healers, or “witchdoctors,” for advice and healing.

These healers use a wide range of plant and animal species to create traditional medicine, drawing on knowledge passed down through generations. However, excessive hunting has endangered the local populations of pangolins, crocodiles, vultures and owls, leading to calls for more sustainable practices.

Makhanya Makhanya, president of the Witchdoctors Association, is a widely renowned traditional healing practitioner in his own right. He said the role of traditional healers needs to be protected.

Such healers, he said, have served Eswatini for generations, providing healing and support to those in need. But he said current laws do not reflect the reality of their work. He wants to see regulations that recognize the traditional healers’ role in society and allow them to continue their work.

Patrick Maduna, a South African citizen, said he travels from neighboring South Africa to Eswatini to seek traditional medicinal solutions. His preference for traditional healing shows the complex relationship between modern and traditional medicine in Eswatini.

“I came all the way from South Africa to Swaziland for traditional attention,” he said. “I have been using the same traditional doctor since 2006, I have been coming to the same place. For me to come and get traditional attention, for me, it’s like therapy. I have never, ever gone to the hospital.”

Maduna said if there were laws in Eswatini to limit the poaching of animals for traditional medicine, he believes the so-called witchdoctors would comply with the rules.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Friday 22 March 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 819 – 22 March 2024

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 819 – 22 March 2024

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.

 

Cops stop beginning of year service for 40 churches

By Sithembile Hlatshwayo, Times of eSwatini, 18 March 2024

SOURCE

MOTSHANE: Christians from close to 40 churches around Nduma Royal Kraal were prevented from attending a church service to mark the beginning of the year.

This follows information gathered by the police that there was a move by members of political formations to hijack the gathering. Information gathered from reliable sources was that there was allegedly no court order to stop the prayer service. At around 9am, two police officers manned the junction towards the royal kraal, where they stopped all vehicles and questioned those on board about where they were headed. This reporter was also stopped and a press card was demanded before being released to proceed to the royal kraal. Upon arrival at the royal kraal, there were two police vans and bantfwabenkhosi bakaShongwe and organisers of the church service, who gathered outside the royal kraal.

Princess Salaphi was seated on the stoep of one of the rondavels in the royal kraal, following what was happening. At around 10am, more Christians had parked their cars next to the road after being stopped by the police. They gathered in groups pondering on their next move. Among those who were stopped from proceeding to the royal kraal were those who were carrying equipment such as a tent and musical instruments. Mbabane Police Station Commander Sabelo Dlamini and Hhohho Regional Commissioner Simangele Motsa, in the company of over 20 police officers, were also present. Some police officers stood at the entrance of the royal kraal next to the main road, stopping the Christians from entering. Other police officers parked outside the royal kraal where they were observing the situation. 

The turn of events came after a postponement of the same service last week as an announcement for the Buganu Ceremony had been made and the events could not coincide. Speaking on behalf of bantfwabenkhosi baseNduma, Mike Shongwe said they were shocked by the turn of events. Shongwe said the police had told them that they had received information to the effect that a PUDEMO rally would be held, hence they were present to ensure that it did not go ahead. Despite having explained that it was not a rally, but a church service to mark the beginning of the year, the police heard none of it. He said the necessary steps were taken to hold the service, including reporting to ndabazabantu (King’s liaison officer) as is the case where there is no chief. “Ndabazabantu made the announcement which has been running for almost a week,” Shongwe said.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/144389-cops-stop-beginning-of-year-service-for-40-churches.html

See also

PUDEMO condemns Mswati’s regime for stopping Motjane prayer amid suspicion members of the political organization attended

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6228

 

Man breaks into Lozitha Palace through the window to steal and eat Mswati’s food, King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane says matter handled by the police

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 17 March, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A battalion of soldiers and the police were deployed at Lozitha Palace last week after a man intruded the Royal Residence to steal and eat King Mswati’s food.

Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa, has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line, the country is also facing a high unemployment rate.

A questionnaire was sent to Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Police Spokesperson, however, she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments, Percy Simelane, the King’s Spokesperson said, he had no official record of the incident but confirmed that, there was a talk within the royal circles suggesting that the incident happened.

“Officially, we have no record of the incident. All we have is unconfirmed vine talk, which was doing circles  a few days ago. It appears to be a police case which, logically, we may not interrogate and discuss in public at the moment because it borders on security”, said the King’s Spokesperson when responding to this Swaziland News on Sunday afternoon.

But a royal guard who works closely with the King told this publication on Saturday that, they started to suspect there was an intruder within the Palace after noticing that, food previously left  “yesterday” was missing.

“We discovered that the young man was staying within the Palace for almost two (2) weeks without being noticed. There are vacate houses inside the Palace with a TV, beautiful beds and furniture and because the Palace is too big, the man managed to break a widow to stay inside one of the houses. We discovered that, at night he would go to the kitchen to take food and eat inside the room.”

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6214

 

eSwatini moves to revise century-old colonial law to legalize medical cannabis

Voice of America, 19 March 2024, 19 March 2024

SOURCE 

FILE - Industrial cannabis crop grown in a field in Malawi, April 8, 2022.


MANZINI: Eswatini is joining many of its African neighbors in legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, revising a colonial drug law dating back a century.

Eswatini’s government, led by King Mswati III, has introduced legislation that would legalize cannabis, joining other African nations that now encourage the development for medical purposes.

Government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo believes that legalizing cannabis will help limit the black market, increase tax revenue and empower Eswatini farmers.

“The legislation will also provide measures to guard against increasing the black market. This has robbed government taxes, Eswatini, an opportunity to grow their economy and robbed even the farmers themselves who have been trying to make a living using this cannabis. We look forward to the unbanning of the cannabis plant as an opportunity to develop the country, our economy and to empower Eswatini themselves.”

U.S.-based company Profile Solutions is the only authorized cannabis grower in the small Southern African country.

Eswatini is working toward changing provisions of a 1922 statute enacted by the British, who ruled the nation formerly known as Swaziland from 1903 until 1968.

Dr. Thys Louren is an occupational medical practitioner from South Africa who works for Occupational Health Eswatini. He argues that legalizing cannabis could have major benefits for health care, society and the economy, His position aligns with the Eswatini government’s on the issue.

“I stand here urging for the transformative change of Eswatini’s health care landscape toward a healthier and more sustainable Eswatini. It is not just a medical decision but a holistic solution for our patients, community and economy.”

E. Nathi Dlamini from Business Eswatini sees medical cannabis as an avenue Eswatini can use to capitalize on the global cannabis market to create jobs and spur economic growth — encouraged by the government’s support for the industry.

“Many countries are well ahead in this regard in terms of developing industries to support investment, create jobs which by the way, we desperately need. As Business Eswatini, we are very thankful that from the highest authority of the land now, we are beginning to be one-minded on this.”

The cannabis trade has given many people in a small economy with few job opportunities a substantial income for decades, and a few local merchants are not fearful that this could be undermined by the new bill.

Cannabis merchant Maqhawe Tsabedze says he has earned a living from the illegal trade for the last 20 years to put his children through school.

“The decriminalization of cannabis will help a lot and will perhaps stop police from raiding and confiscating our products, which we make a living from selling. Rain or sunshine, we make sure we put bread on the table so that our children do not go to bed on empty stomachs. Since there are no jobs, we make a living from selling cannabis on the streets.”

The bill needs to win three-fourths approval in the House of Assembly and Senate to become law.

SWALIMO Urges CAF to investigate Ingwenyama Cup Sponsorship

The Swati Newsweek 21 March, 2024

SOURCE 

The Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) has raised concerns over the alleged misallocation of funds by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Fund (SMVAF), urging the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate the matter. In a letter dated March 21st, addressed to CAF and obtained by our publication, SWALIMO accuses SMVAF of diverting funds earmarked for compensating victims of road accidents to sponsor the Ingwenyama Cup, a tournament encompassing both soccer and traditional sporting activities.

SWALIMO’s Secretary General, Paul Ramza Matimela, highlighted that since SMVAF began supporting the Ingwenyama Cup, disbursements for accident victims have become sporadic, prompting outcry among those affected. The movement contends that this diversion of funds contradicts SMVAF’s primary mandate and represents a neglect of its responsibility to aid accident victims.

Furthermore, SWALIMO alleges widespread grievances regarding SMVAF's failure to adequately compensate road accident victims while simultaneously fulfilling sponsorship commitments to the Ingwenyama Cup. In light of these accusations, SWALIMO implores CAF to conduct a thorough investigation and consider repercussions for the participation of Ingwenyama Cup Champions in African games.

 

No more free condoms in some hospitals and public places, unplanned pregnancy to escalate as Government struggles to provide contraceptives

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 15 March, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Eswatini might soon face an escalation of unplanned pregnancy, new infections of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and an increase of vulnerable children as rampant and/or uncontrollable corruption and looting of public funds within the Ministry of Health has resulted to Government struggling to provide free condoms and affordable contraceptives.

Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy and this include a device or medication.

Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa is facing a health crisis and/or shortage of drugs triggered by rampant corruption within the Ministry of Health and the entire public administration.

A report compiled by Funduzi Forensic Services uncovered how over R1billion meant to purchase drugs was allegedly looted by SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff and other suppliers.

The country has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line and this means, a majority of the population cannot afford to buy condoms for protective sex.

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=6202

 

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Friday 15 March 2024

Swaziland Newsletter No. 818 – 15 March 2024

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 818 – 15 March 2024

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge.

 

Girl sexually harassed in class, cops investigate

By Joseph Zulu, eSwatini News, 9 March 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Sexual harassment is now happening during class time.

In a disturbing incident that shocked a community in the northern Hhohho, a female pupil was allegedly subjected to sexual harassment during class time at a high school near Pigg’s Peak. The incident, which occurred approximately a week ago, has left the community angry and demanding justice. They are complaining that the alleged perpetrators of the incident are roaming freely.

According to reports obtained by Eswatini News, the female pupil, *Dela, was allegedly fondled by her male colleagues, *Juba and *Joko. It is said the alleged sexual harassment happened in full view of other pupils. The class teacher is said to have been away at the time of the incident, but was informed later. It was said to have all started when Juba grabbed Dela and forced her to sit onto Joko’s lap. Despite her residences, Juba is said to have forced Dela, who is said to be a teenager to sit on the lap of Joko. After Dela had allegedly been thrown onto Joko’s lap, Joko is said to have held her tightly, ensuring that she could not escape.

While Joko held her, it is alleged that both male pupils then proceeded to fondle her. It is alleged that Dela had her breasts, buttocks and even private parts fondled. After the embarrassing incident, Dela is said to have reported what had transpired to one of the teachers, hoping that this would result in the punishment of the two boys but this did not happen. Instead, the teacher is alleged to have said the school’s authorities needed to be informed about it.

Upon being informed about the incident, the school’s authorities reportedly advised that the alleged assault was a criminal matter relating to the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act. The school is then said to have advised that the matter should be reported to the police because it was now beyond their authority to act on it.
An enquiry into the matter is said to have been lodged at the Pigg’s Peak Police Station by officers under the anti-domestic violence unit.

News of the incident quickly spread beyond the confines of the school, reaching concerned parents around the community where the school is situated. It is alleged that some of the parents expressed dismay and sought answers, demanding to know if any action had been taken against the two male pupils, who allegedly fondled the teenager.

In response to growing public outrage, police officers visited the school last Wednesday to follow up on the incident and gather further information.

The presence of the police, according to some of the parents is said to have calmed down some of the angry parents.

Despite the fact that the affected pupils are reportedly at least 18 years of age, it was gathered that the police had indicated that they would also engage the parents because the incident happened within the school setting.

*Not real name to protect complainant from victimisation.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/144273-girl-sexually-harassed-in-class-cops-investigate.html

See also

Teachers in love affairs with pupils to be fired

http://www.times.co.sz/news/144274-teachers-in-love-affairs-with-pupils-to-be-fired.html

 

Heatwave leaves over 1 000 people hungry, 70 cattle dead

By Mthunzi Mdluli, Times of eSwatini, 11 March 2024

SOURCE 

LUBULI: The sweltering heatwave caused the death of about 70 cattle and scorched vast acres of crops and vegetation at Lubuli, leaving over 1 000 in dire need of food.

Lubuli is in the Lubombo Region. Distraught residents said they were experiencing one of the worst drought spells, which has turned lush vegetation into arid fields of brown shrivelled crops, in the region known for poverty and hunger. Lubuli residents believe they were targeted by the dreaded El Niño, which is a climate phenomenon causing dry weather conditions, when rains are extremely scarce. National authorities have said the drought will worsen the ailing food security by drastically reducing the country’s maize harvest, and potentially increasing the need to import more food. Residents took the Times of Eswatini on a field trip, where this reporter was shown carcasses cows and dried up rivers and dams. Some boreholes can no longer produce groundwater. Lubuli lies in the Lowveld Region, where on some days, temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius.

Horrified farmers said their crops started drying up between December 2023 and January this year. They said the situation worsened last month, when the area did not receive a drop of rainfall. The farmers said due to insufficient rainfall and extreme temperatures, it was impossible for them to get any harvest from crops this year. Some of the farmers lamented having spent their savings growing crops this season. Ntuthwakazi Bucopho Bonginkosi Mabaso said Lubuli had been perched in dry weather conditions since September 2023, but the worst was witnessed in October, when the soil lost moisture, resulting in crops waning. He said the entire Lubuli Constituency, comprising of Bhadlane, Sinyamantulwa, Ntuthwakazi, KaMngometulu, Ngonini, Mconcwane, among others, were affected.

Mabaso said some farmers resolved to plant afresh, with the hope of rains falling towards the end of 2023. “Kushe konkhe emasini (everything was scorched in the fields). We will not harvest anything this season. Even in 2014, this area was not spared from El Niño since crops, livestock and rivers dried up.  I presume that farmers will only harvest one or two per cent of what they initially expected,” said Mabaso. Those likely to reap anything, he said, were those who had planted crops much earlier, in October last year. Mabaso said when the heatwave started, he had assumed that it would be a temporary condition, not knowing that El Niño had struck the whole area. He said: “When some of the rivers and boreholes dried up, we thought it was the work of the proverbial snake haunting the area (kunenyoka kulendzawo). The majority of farmers who planted their fields in December will harvest nothing, since the moisture had long dried up.”

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/144300-heatwave-leaves-over-1-000-people-hungry-70-cattle-dead.html

Cyclone Filipo impact felt in Lubombo

By Wonderboy Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 14 March 2024

SOURCE



THE eastern part of the Lubombo region experienced torrential rains in the early hours of yesterday [Wednesday 13 March 2024] as the effects of tropical Cyclone Fillipo which dominated in Mozambique overlapped to Eswatini.

Many parts of the Lubombo region, in general, received significant amounts of rainfall between Tuesday night and yesterday.

The heavy rains were accompanied with strong winds, which left a trail of destruction in some parts of the region. As a result of the cyclone, some places and essential centres were inaccessible due to overflowing rivers and streams. Some of the areas which were affected included Ka-Langa, Sitsatsaweni, Makhewu and  Lomahasha.

Some members of the public took caution and stayed home after government issued a warning on the cyclone impact. The overflowing streams and members of the public having opted to stay away saw Siteki town deserted as some shops were also closed. Siteki Bus Rank was almost empty as more than 80 per cent of public transport vehicles were not available. Secretary General of Lubombo Kombi and Mid-bus Association, Cromwell Shongwe said some public transport operators opted to park their vehicles due to the unstable weather conditions. Shongwe said most routes; especially gravel ones, were inaccessible.

Almost all public transport vehicles that service rural communities were not on the road for the better part of the day. Shongwe said this was also because some people had opted to stay home. These included pupils, who commute to school on a daily basis. Most schools had advised pupils to stay at home.

Meanwhile, Lugongolweni Indvuna Yenkhundla Jabulani Mamba said there had been minimum damage caused by the heavy rainfall and strong winds under the inkhundla. Mamba said two homesteads around Makhewu had their stick and mud houses destroyed by the rains.

Moreover, Mamba said some areas under the inkhundla were inaccessible due to overflowing streams and footbridges.

"We currently have a challenge at Sitsatsaweni whereby residents are unable to cross the Manzamnyama stream which usually overflows during rainy days," said Mamba.

He also reported that most parts of the constituency were without electricity for the better part of the day after some  poles were destroyed  by the strong winds.

Similar situations were faced at Maphungwane, Tikhuba and Mambane communities under Matsanjeni North Inkhundla. The inkhundla experienced an electricity blackout since the early hours of yesterday. A resident of Maphungwane, Sabelo Matsenjwa said they also experienced networks blackout as a result of the unavailability of electricity.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=22179

 

eSwatini Queen ‘forces’ young girls to attend traditional alcohol drinking ceremony in violation of children protection laws, King’s Spokesperson says regulations only prevent them from drinking

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 11 March, 2024

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Eswatini Queen Ntombi Tfwala allegedly violated international and the country’s laws protecting children by exposing young girls to a traditional alcohol drinking ceremony held at Hlane Royal Residence last weekend.

The Buganu Ceremony is an annual event hosted by King Mswati and his Mother Ntombi Tfwala where thousands of women come together to drink alcohol and socialize with men.

Efforts to reach Dumsani Mnisi,the Director of Save the Children eSwatini proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

Responding to this publication when asked to share a comment, Sibongile Mazibuko, a former Deputy Headteacher and President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress(NNLC)said, the country “has the Child Protection Act” that protects children from being exposed to harmful environments including buganu drinking spree.

The NNLC President alleged that, the Buganu ceremony “is sometimes” marred by acts not meant to be witnessed by minor children.

“It happened during the last event in the same place where the nearby primary school kids were forced to pick up condoms from the venue, that’s why we’re disappointed to see young children seating and slumbering behind the Queen Mother at a ceremony that lasted for very long hours since they were even deprived resting hours, we condemn such action”, said the NNLC President.

But King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane, when asked by this Swaziland News to clarify why the children next to Indlovukazi were taken to the alcohol drinking ceremony, held a different view on the subject matter. He said to the best of his knowledge, children were only prohibited from drinking alcohol.

“We are aware of a regulation militating against sale of alcohol to children under the age of 18 years. This regulation ideally cuts them out of drinking. We are not aware of any piece of regulation that explicitly says their parents should not take them along when they are going to participate in traditional ceremonies that involves drinking alcoholic beverages. We will continue to believe that normal thinking Swati parents are conscious of keeping their children out of harm during festivals such as this one and in family households where everybody drinks”, said the King’s Spokesperson.

 

Give blood, give now, give often

World Health Organization, 13 March 2024

SOURCE 

Blood transfusion saved my life, so I know how important it is to donate blood” - Mphikeleli Mlotsa.

In 2023 during school break, Mphikeleli Mlotsa, a Form 4 student at Nyetane High School was involved in a grisly car accident that almost cost him his life. The accident occurred at a time when the Blood Transfusion Service was experiencing a blood shortage topped by inadequate people to donate blood as school-going children were on break, yet the blood bank targets them during blood drives. Thanks to the blood donation of well-wishers, Mlotsa was able to receive blood that played a huge role in his recovery and months later inspired him to donate blood during a blood drive at his school organized by the Ministry of Health.

“I needed a lot of blood since I had excessive bleeding during the accident and without a blood transfusion I was going to die.”

The blood shortages experienced in 2023 hurt Eswatini’s healthcare system, increasing morbidity and mortality rates due to delayed medical interventions. Blood shortages caused interruptions of services leading to failure in supporting maternal and neonatal cases, renal cases, cancer network cases, trauma/ road traffic accident cases, and management of chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and orthopedic surgical campaigns which were being conducted at the time. To mitigate the effects of the blood shortage in the country, the World Health Organization Eswatini (WHO) stepped in to support the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service (ENBTS) organize and conduct regional blood drives in high volumes within 14 days targeting Lubombo and Northern Hhohho Regions. From the campaign, the Blood Transfusion Service was able to collect 1054 units out of the targeted 2000 units limit they had set. 

I am grateful that I eventually got the blood, and I would like to encourage school-going children to donate blood because you never know what may happen tomorrow, one day it may save your parent, your relative, or even yourself. It always feels good to help someone in need, especially when saving a life, hence I will continue to donate blood even when I am an adult,-  Mphikeleli Mlotsa. 

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/eswatini/news/give-blood-give-now-give-often

 

eSwatini denies reports kingdom faces shortage of men

BBC, 11 March 2024

SOURCE 

The kingdom of Eswatini has been forced to deny reports it was offering citizenship to men from other southern African countries because of a shortage at home.

A faked viral letter, pretending to be from King Mswati III, expressed concern over the “scarcity of men” in Eswatini.

The faked letter also claimed the king would help willing men from southern Africa to marry wives and get free houses in the kingdom.

“The public is notified that this circulating notice is fake,” the Eswatini government said in a short statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

It is not clear who authored the fake letter which had excited plenty of social media users in the region.

Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, has a population of about 1.2 million people.

 

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