YEAR 2021 HISTORIC – PRO-CHANGE ORGANISATIONS

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.  

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