Times Of Swaziland: YEAR 2021 HISTORIC – PRO-CHANGE ORGANISATIONS

YEAR 2021 HISTORIC – PRO-CHANGE ORGANISATIONS
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BY NTOMBI MHLONGO on 28/12/2021 08:47:00


MBABANE – The year 2021 has been hailed as a historic moment in the
country’s political sphere.
This is an assertion that was made by some of the country’s pro-change
organisations in their end-of-year press statements, which they issued on
different days since last Thursday. Worth noting was that, in most of the
statements, the organisations lamented how it was still a long road ahead in
their quest to achieve political change.
In its statement, the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) stated that its formation
was a milestone in the struggle for freedom and democratisation of the country.
“This pro-democracy movement has been able to coalesce towards unity of
purpose and unity in our diversity is the cherry on top. While we should
acknowledge that the MSF was born out of a crisis, it is important that the
crisis gave the pro-democratic forces an opportunity to decisively command the
way forward towards democratisation in our lifetime. As we celebrate the
Christmas holidays, we should remember that there is a huge task that lies
ahead,” reads part of the statement. The organisation advised its members to
not just enjoy the Christmas holidays but remember the two incarcerated Members
of Parliament (MPs) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube and those in exile,
including former MP Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane.
Struggle
“We shall not rest until the struggle is won, and our people are free of all
forms of oppression,” said the organisation. Also issuing a statement was Sive
Siyinqaba through its acting Chairman, Matoni Ngomuyayona Gamedze. The
organisation noted that the festive season took place under a cloud of
uncertainty where the country’s political framework was undergoing serious
strain having experienced the worst calamity since independence, where civilians
were killed. The organisation stated that not even the heavy rains showering the
country daily, would wash away the stains and stigma.
“Our hope is that the international justice system is processing the matter.
For us, at Sive Siyinqaba, the celebratory mood is subdued, since the mourning
period is not over yet. Too many lives were lost. Nevertheless, we wish the
peace-loving emaSwati, particularly those who are not oblivious to the events of
the recent past, a Merry Christmas,” it was mentioned in the statement. Not to
be left out, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) also issued a
statement through its Secretary General (sg) Wandile Dludlu.
PUDEMO said the year 2021 had been a historic period that earned a well-deserved
space in the history books of the Eswatini nation, particularly with regard to
the people’s struggle. It also highlighted how the year marked 38 years since
the organisation was formed. “PUDEMO finds it morally and ethically correct to
take this time to salute the dozens of unarmed people who were mercilessly
killed. May their souls rest in peace. Your memory lives on in our hearts and we
promise you that we will do everything possible to keep your ultimate surrender
alive for many years to come,” reads part of the statement.  The organisation
also expressed appreciation to a team of lawyers it said volunteered their time
and expertise to represent over 700 people who were arrested during the
political unrest.
Valuable
It highlighted that the lawyers taught the organisation a valuable lesson that
serving fellow brothers and sisters was possible if one was willing to do so.
“As PUDEMO, we also want to categorically state it in black and white that no
public donations were requested to cover the legal fees for the lawyers and none
have been received from any individual. The lawyers provided their services free
of charge. PUDEMO cannot downplay the contribution of every person to the
liberation of the people of Swaziland (Eswatini),” it stated.
Also, the organisation said it appreciated the role played by the two
incarcerated MPs and that of former MP Simelane. “We also salute the work done
by Nkilongo MP and other progressive MPs in raising pertinent issues in
Parliament. You have inspired many people and for that as PUDEMO we acknowledge
your role in the struggle. PUDEMO salutes the youth of this beautiful country
for driving the calls for democracy from all the four corners of the country.”
It also appreciated other organisations such as the Trade Union Congress of
Swaziland (TUCOSWA), Political Party Assembly (PPA) and progressive NGOs for the
role they have played.
Pledge
“We have worked with all those who want change and pledge to join hands with
all those who want to see meaningful democracy in Swaziland (Eswatini). The
phase we are in now demands superior organisational machinery beyond slogans.
This is not the time for cheap politics and claiming easy victory. The time to
campaign will come. Let us join our hands in fighting the elephant in the room.
This period requires strategic planning and execution of the liberation
project,” PUDEMO said.
The organisation reminded its fellow parties that their role was to sensitise
and empower the people on the grassroots to organise and reclaim the right to
choose how they wished to be governed. It called upon the people to prepare for
decisive action in the year 2022 and expect bigger and tougher challenges.