TUCOSWA’S ‘HANDS OFF STICKS’ CAMPAIGN

MBABANE – The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) is calling upon the government to unconditionally withdraw the criminal charge against Sticks Nkambule.

In a statement yesterday, TUCOSWA Acting Secretary General Winile Mlotsa said they were of the view that the charge against Nkambule, who is Secretary General (SG) of the Swaziland Transport, Communications and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU), was politically motivated and could not be put to an individual in this instance.

Engage

She stated that they would soon engage in the ‘Hands off Sticks’ campaign in solidarity with Nkambule. Mlotsa said her federation would soon announce the programme and the details of the campaign. “Our members are invited to get ready for action to defend one of our own,” said Mlotsa. Nkambule was reportedly wanted by the police for alleged contempt of court.

On Wednesday, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) published a notice on their official social media pages seeking public assistance in locating Nkambule. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that police were looking for Nkambule, following that investigators attempted to find him, but in vain. Vilakati said a warrant of arrest had been issued againt Nkambule.
When sought for comment by this publication on Wednesday, Nkambule said police had his mobile phone number, hence they should call him if they wanted him.

In the statement issued yesterday, Mlotsa highlighted that on or about December 29, 2022, they learnt of armed police officers who allegedly invaded the village homestead of Nkambule, without announcing the intentions of their invasion. She alleged that the mission of the police officers was solely to victimise Nkambule’s family, specifically his parents and members of the community. She said despite this, the police at all material times, were aware of his direct contact details. The police were alleged to have pounced and questioned every relative of Nkambule, purporting to be searching for him. “This is victimisation and intimidation in its highest level, which requires strong condemnation,” she said.

Essence

Mlotsa added that Nkambule, in essence, was being sought for arrest for communicating a resolution of the members of his union to embark on a stay-away from work to improve terms and conditions of their employment, which were being eroded by the political tension resulting from the arrest of Members of Parliament (MPs) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. Mlotsa added that it was common knowledge that the public transport sector was the most affected during such resolutions. “This then result in the workers not being remunerated,” Mlotsa added. The also alleged that the isolation of Nkambule from the collective leadership of SWATCAWU was a calculated move to personally victimise him. She said the federation viewed the assault on Nkambule as an attack on the entire trade union movement.

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