EX-EFFSWA SG’S COMMENTS ON ARSON ATTACKS CAUSE STIR

MBABANE – Former EFF Swaziland Secretary General Ncamiso Ngcamphalala’s comments on the ongoing arson attacks have caused a social media stir.

The former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Swaziland Secretary General, Ngcamphalala, when questioned on his Facebook post wherein he condemned the ongoing arson attacks on private, public and individual properties across the country, said; “I cannot keep quiet when the country moves from better to worse.” Ngcamphala, who has since taken a backseat in the leadership of the organisation, said the ongoing burning of properties, at the time emaSwati were looking forward for a better country, was uncalled for.  He likened the act of burning properties to barbarism.  Ngcamphalala stated that he was speaking in his capacity as a liSwati, who had a right to freedom of expression, which was enshrined in the Constitution.

He said the burning of properties had resulted in the international community not taking them seriously as the struggle required order and discipline.  He said in the absence of order and discipline in the ongoing struggle, the burning of properties was tantamount to crime. He said guerilla warfare did not require the burning of properties, especially when there was a chance to engage in a meaningful dialogue. “People do not have respect for freedom of expression, which is why they come hard on those who differ in opinion. This is because everyone wants to be a leader. They do not care about what other people say but want to have the final say. How can we achieve democracy if we fail to respect other people’s rights to freedom of expression? Does this mean we want a country where the right to freedom of expression will not be respected?” asked Ngcamphalala.

He further asked why people would burn one’s property just because he took a picture with the King. It should be noted that taking a picture with the King was listed as one of the reasons Madlangempisi MP Sibusiso ‘Scorpion’ Nxumalo’s house was set alight by unknown arsonists. “I heard that some people were attacked for applying for the recently advertised police jobs. Then you ask yourself, how those who attack the aspiring police officers expect them to live without jobs. To be part of the struggle does not mean you do not need a job. All this is happening because the leaders are selfish and they do not want other people to make means to survive yet, they already have means to survive,” he said.

“We have seen people attacking journalists and you ask yourself, where the leaders are when all these things happen,” he added. He said, the root cause of the unruly behaviour among those who actively participated in the struggle could be lack of education and training. He said training of people could remove the mentality that those who differed in opinion should be attacked and have their properties burnt. Ngcamphalala also observed that at times, it was difficult to instil order and discipline because some people involved in the struggle disregarded education. Instead, he said people followed those who came with money and wanted to take over the struggle.  

“I felt duty-bound to talk about this before it is too late. I foresee a situation where it will be too late to educate and train those involved in the struggle. By that time, worse will be happening in the country and I do not want to be counted among those who remained silent when the country is heading for danger,” he said. It should be noted that the people behind the burning of structures remain unknown; however, there are claims that they form part of underground forces who want to speed up change in the country.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: