Times Of Swaziland: PUDEMO'S MAXWELL REQUESTS 1 MONTH LEAVE OF ABSENCE

PUDEMO'S MAXWELL REQUESTS 1 MONTH LEAVE OF ABSENCE
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Sabelo Majola on 12/03/2025 08:43:00


MBABANE – PUDEMO Deputy Secretary Maxwell Dlamini has requested a one-month
leave of absence from the political party.
The proscribed People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) has issued a
statement, through its Secretary General, Penuel Malinga, regarding Dlamini’s
leave of absence. Malinga said PUDEMO is steadfast in its commitment to liberate
the people and establish a constitutional multiparty democracy. Malinga
explained that guided by their founding document, the People’s Manifesto,
which emphasises discipline, accountability and collective responsibility, they
strive to uphold their revolutionary principles and maintain unity in pursuit of
their objectives.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our movement remains free from actions that
could undermine our mission. In light of recent events, we would like to
formally announce that Comrade Maxwell Dlamini, our Deputy Secretary General
(DSG), has requested a one-month leave of absence, effective immediately,” he
said. Malinga clarified that this decision was made due to concerns surrounding
Dlamini’s public pronouncement that is misaligned with PUDEMO’s official
position on the Tinkhundla electoral system.
Malinga said it is fitting to bring this matter to the upcoming National
Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which serves as the highest decision-making
body between their congresses.
He mentioned that the NEC would thoroughly investigate any potential
reputational damage caused by Dlamini’s conduct to PUDEMO.  “PUDEMO
recognises the circumstances that have brought us to this point and is currently
in the process of resolving the matter. We will keep our members and the public
informed as the situation progresses. He will not be carrying out his duties
during this time while his matter is being addressed.”
Our sister publication, the Times SUNDAY, reported that the long-standing
debate, spanning over two decades, on political parties’ participation in
elections under the Tinkhundla System of Government has been reignited. Making
it interesting, as contained in the article, was that it had been reignited by a
member of the NEC of PUDEMO, Dlamini. PUDEMO has for years stuck to what can be
termed a consistent and uncompromising stance that it will not participate in
the Tinkhundla parliamentary elections. This saw him clash in opinion with
members of the party, while others came out in full support of his opinion.