King sends liqoqo to meet unions
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has dispatched the Liqoqo Advisory Council to engage in talks with the trade union movement.
This is with a view to finding a solution to the proposed protest action planned for next week.
Liqoqo yesterday afternoon met with the Labour Coordinating Council (LCC) in a closed meeting at the Royal Swazi Sun’s Convention Centre at Ezulwini.
The LCC is a body that incorporates almost all the worker representative organisations in the country. The main players in the council are the Swaziland Federation of Trade Union, the Swaziland Federation of Labour and the Swaziland National Association of Teachers.
The LCC has called for protest marches on April 12, 13 and 14. The marches are set to be staged in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano.
The meeting between the Prince Logcogco led Liqoqo and the LCC took place a few hours after the Prime Minister, Sibusiso Dlamini, had issued a statement stressing that the proposed marches would be illegal and, therefore, no one should participate in them. Sources revealed that the Liqoqo told the LCC that the meeting had been convened on the express instruction of the King.
The sources said the King’s advisory council said that the purpose of yesterday’s meeting was to hear their concerns and grievances and thereafter take them, as presented, to the King.
"The King, as the father of the nation, cannot sit back while his children are murmuring in discontent," the source said.
Sources said the LCC gave a detailed background of the concerns that they have been trying to address with government over the years.
Demands
The sources said that Liqoqo was given an outline which culminates in the six demands that were presented in the form of a petition to the Prime Minister’s office last month.
The sources said upon hearing the full account, the King’s advisory council said that it was going to report back to the King and it would await guidance from him on the next step.
The sources said that it is highly likely that there will be more meetings in the coming days between the two bodies. When called the Secretary General of the Swaziland Federation of Labour, Vincent Ncongwane, confirmed that they met with Liqoqo but he declined to reveal any details on the content of the discussion.
Ncongwane said comment at this stage might jeopardise the talks.
The King’s Private Secretary, Sihle Dlamini, last night, also said he was aware of the meeting.
"I can confirm that His Majesty the King sent the Liqoqo Advisory Council to meet with the workers’ representatives but I am not in a position to say anything on the deliberations themselves," Dlamini said.
March illegal, ‘no-work-no pay’ rule will apply – PM
MBABANE – Government has ruled that the protest action being planned by the country’s workers for next week will be illegal.
Government’s position on the matter was outlined by the Prime Minister, Sibusiso Dlamini, during a press conference at the Cabinet offices yesterday.
The three-day protest is being planned by the Labour Coordinating Council (LCC), and it is slated for April 12, 13 and 14.
The LCC comprises the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), the Swaziland Federation of Labour and the Swaziland National Association of Teachers. This effectively means that all workers in the country have been called to participate in the protest action as other big worker organisations like NAPSAWU and the Swaziland Nurses Association fall under the SFTU.
In an interview with this publication on Sunday, the Secretary General of the LCC, Muzi Mhlanga said they had numerous concerns which they felt government was not addressing or taking too long to address.
He listed among their concerns the issue of Circular No.1of 2010, which they want withdrawn.
He said they would also be taking to the streets because they want government tendering process to be reviewed. Mhlanga said another reason for the protest march is the alleged shortage of drugs at government health institutions. He also included the SEC’s E55 maintenance charge as another reason why they will be protesting next week.
Mhlanga said they also want a review of the taxation system and they want an additional judge to be appointed to the Industrial Court.
Mhlanga said the protest action would be staged in Mbabane, Manzini and Nhlangano. The Prime Minister, flanked by five Cabinet ministers, yesterday said that government does not expect ‘any individual to participate in any such proposed protest action’.
He said government had reached this conclusion after looking into the proposed protest action and found that procedure had not been followed.
"Government has now learned that the formations in question have not complied with the procedures and notices prescribed by the relevant legislation. This then renders the protest action illegal," Dlamini said.
"Government accordingly strongly warns those organising, and intending to participate in the protest action to refrain from doing so and continue with their normal day to day business," the Prime Minister said.
The head of government further requested the private sector, and ordered the public sector, to implement the ‘no work no pay’ principle to any people who might absent themselves from work on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
"Government wishes, therefore, to emphasise that any such unlawful action will not be allowed and will be viewed as representing a threat to the law abiding members of our society and will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country," he said.
...PM is expressing his opinion - unions
MBABANE – The Labour Coordinating Council says the Prime Minister’s statement is largely an opinion as he does not quote any laws they are violating or producing a court order that they are seeking to disregard.
The LCC said this in a statement that was issued last night and signed by Muzi Mhlanga of SNAT, Vincent Ncongwane of SFL and Mduduzi Gina of the SFTU.
"Labour followed the procedures laid out in Section 40 of the Industrial Relations Act 2000 when we engaged in action in September 2010, November 2010 and March 2011. In that process the relevant notices were served to the relevant parties," the statement said.
The LCC said that while it is true that they are talking to the Minister of Labour about some of the issues in the petition, those talks are hampered because some of the grievances are under different ministries. The statement goes on to state that the workers are prepared to forfeit their pay for the days they will be on the streets.
"The no-work-no-pay is the only legal thing that the Prime Minister has quoted. Our members know about that, so it is nothing new to them," the statement said.
"The protest action set to commence from April 12, 2011 to April 14, 2011, will take place Your Excellency unless the demands we have put on the table are met," the statement said in conclusion.
These are the LCC’s demands:
1. Withdrawal of Circular No.12. Provision of drugs in hospitals and clinics3. Tender Board restructuring4. Taxation – improvements on the non- taxation of terminal benefits5. Additional judge in the Industrial Court6. Failure to bring Tibiyo Taka Ngwane and Tisuka Taka Ngwane within Government sources of income.
‘Issues could be resolved through dialogue’
MBABANE – The Prime Minister has said the petition delivered to his office a few weeks ago is being addressed.
About 8 000 workers took to the streets of Mbabane on March 18 to deliver a petition to Cabinet.
The demands in the petition are; Withdrawal of Circular No.1, provision of drugs in hospitals and clinics, Tender Board restructuring, taxation (improvements on the non-taxation of terminal benefits), additional judge in the Industrial Court and the issue of Tibiyo TakaNgwane and Tisuka Taka Ngwane being brought within government sources of income.
Yesterday Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini said government is committed to engaging constructively with workers in social dialogue.
"In this context, a petition was received approximately two weeks ago, the contents of which have been attended to by the relevant ministers, whose ministries have proceeded with discussions with the unions on each of the issues and we are confident that satisfactory progress can be made.
"This process should be allowed to run its course with no necessity for protest action," the Prime Minister said.
He said it has always been an integral part of Swazi culture and tradition to resolve any differences in a peaceful and productive manner and in conformity with the prevailing legislation and agreed procedures.
Comments
Mr Prime Minister the country is burning you like it or you dont like it Swaziland of the 1960s, 1980s will never be the same in 2011. If you resist change, change will change you. Justice delayed is justice denied. Mr Prime Minister you can mobilise your Police force we are also mobilising countries and organisations to boycott your Government. How are you going to travel to South Africa on the roads? You must just use the plane now. How will your Cabinet and MPs travel to South Africa, I will see. We just want to make sure that yourself, Cabinet and MPs just stay within Swaziland. How will your Cabinet and MPs take their kids to school in South Africa? We will see what will happen. On one hand you destroy Swaziland and take your Kids to study in South Africa. All the Kids of those Cabinet Ministers and MPs must go back and study in Swaziland so that they can enjoy the destruction you have caused. Lutfo and Ntuthuko must apologise to the nation for the insult. Mr Prime Minister POLITICAL PARTIES WILL OPERATE in Swaziland soon. All Swazis must UNITE AND WE HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT TO GAIN AN EVERLASTING PEACE. The youth and unemployed must rise and fight for their rights. How can the Dlaminis and their supporters enjoy the CAKE alone. Sifiso Simelane, Manzini
Apr 8, 2011, 4:34 AM, Sifiso Simelane (Sifiso@gmail.com)
It is surprising to hear his Excellency the PM is saying a protest is illegal. I am baffled by the fact that he is the same guy that broke the law by overriding a court ruling which led to the crisis of rule of law in this country. Today he is saying it is illegal without even quoting a clause or a section of a piece of legislation. HE is too general in his address and he has let down those that appointed him not once but on numerous times. He has made sure this country falls on its knees with his arrogance and selfishness! All he is interested in is making sure he retires with all perks of being an ex-PM! One wonders what is it that elders see in this dictator.
Apr 8, 2011, 7:21 AM, Mmeli (mneligamedze@gmail.com)
Times have changed Mr. PM, Swazis are now open minded, you better get used to that. No work no pay won’t help you anymore we are used to that. phambili guys ningapheli emandla.
Apr 8, 2011, 8:22 AM, musa
There is nothing that was ever legal in your eyes Nkhosi, kungako nje nawe you are in that position illegally, the Constitution wasn’t followed to the letter when you were appointed, so we learn from you that lakagogo you can do anything illegal, anyways we don’t need your permission to call for your head, if you can just do emaswati a big favour and resign from your current position with your whole lot, peace will prevail in this Country, under your Leadership we are always in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, I`m sure naye Lomudze uyatisola why he brought you back, to make matters worse nyalo ke kunema Circular and discounts on land which you don’t deserve, hamba khaya
Apr 8, 2011, 8:34 AM, Hamba kaya
If only leaders in Africa could learn that political dialogue is very important in the operation of each and every country. We can discuss about the economy, health, and crime, but if we do not work on the system to work for that government we are not serious. Holding into power is outdated. The funny thing is that those who are in power are gaining. The Tinkhundla System has enriched thousands of the Royal members, this is true. If anyone would deny such a truth, that one is selfish and gaining from the system. To the King, here are my words of advice, "Your majesty, Tinkhundla has failed your reign. When you came into power you said you wanted to do as your father did, but the truth is, that is not real, the times are different." The dangerous force on 12 April is external, the people which the government has put into exile because it threatened to kill them, now it looks like they are angry and fed up. How I wish there could be no blood shed on this day.
Apr 8, 2011, 9:26 AM, Phesheya Kunene (phesheya.kunene@yahoo.com)
Wena Waphakathi, you have an ENEMY OF THE STATE right under your nose, why is Sibusiso issuing threats when you have sent a delegation to try and RESOLVE this impasse, Sibusiso wants you to be seen as a FAILURE, when everything has been said and done you are the one to blame, Silo Sikhulu on the day of the UPRISING call Sive sakho esibayeni and announce the removal of BARNEY`s CABINET and you will never hear of any UPRISING, Bayethe wena Waphakathi
Apr 8, 2011, 9:43 AM, Anti-Dictatorship
Is there anyone who can bring sanity to this PM, Nthuthuko, Lutfo etc? Everything they said about this UPRISING leaves a lot about their thinking capacity, which school of thought did they go to, all they have done kubhebhetela umlilo nje, can you tell those hooligan Rebels in Libya kutsi hey you are not following any law by dethroning Gaddaffi, coup de tat doesn’t need any law nine bakaNgwane, yekelani lobulima, nilingise Inkhosi at least yena uyazama weNkhosi but its too late, umlilo sewuvele uyashisa.
Apr 8, 2011, 11:21 AM, Against uprising
I suppose the King is growing and starting to see things himself instead of depending on Sbusiso, Lutfo nabo Ntuthuko. The only thing that will save SD is cabinet and the whole parliament to be disbanded. These people have taken a lot of tax payer's money. That's why they even go public to declare themselves millionaires. So King Mswati must just stop all these lucrative pays to them and get all money hidden by them outside the country. Other countries must help us restrict movement of all of them outside SD. Barnabas failed long time ago. But because he thought he was untouchable, he just carried on with his arrogance. Phambili ngemzabalazo phambili. Free SD now.
Apr 8, 2011, 2:13 PM, TG
Mr PM please do this honourable thing, stop threatening Swazis who wish to express their unhappiness about the current situation. The King has opened a dialogue but you opt for violence, thats typical of African Leaders. My advice would be for you and your 'honourable' team to 'RESIGN' because you have failed us.
Apr 8, 2011, 2:13 PM, Mbokodvo Dlamini (maphalalaoi@yahoo.com)
If sitawuyekela bo Sibusiso, Lutfo, Nthuthuko badwvangute nje, emavukelambuso atalitsatsa lelive, borrowing from the wise words of Vavi that "if we let this corrupt Government take us anywhere, we will find ourselves calling someone President Hellen Zille"
Apr 8, 2011, 2:13 PM, Hynd
What has Swaziland come to? Believe me what is happening is a proganda; the Malema dubuligwala slogan should apply; the government is treating the public to make them deter their interest in the upcoming strike. The government must hand over a mandate or an agenda on how these issues are addressed rather than intimidating the people. This sucks you know.
Apr 8, 2011, 2:48 PM, thamie nxumalo (210541594@ukzn.ac.za)
PM I am very depressed ngawe Dlamini. Even the police guys you are deploying can not see kutsi uyawachaphata maye nabo, ningachashatwa ngulenye indvodza nje? 1st thing nje kwanani akani siti ngalutfo, bese utsi kini saaaa. Police guys be wise before you judge. PM what comes around goes around!
Apr 8, 2011, 2:53 PM, sdudla (cheezeboysd@yahoo.com)
The Premier is now at a point of sensitivity, the starting point must be to stop manipulating the Media for its controlled or run by public funds. Where is the balanced reporting in such an issue of National concern? This govt is intentionally planting uncalled for fear among civilians yet it claims to be serving the very citizenry. Armed or no arms the people shall pave their future and no govt shall decide for them but they shall do such for themselves. The burning fact is that, there has been no war or political turmoil in this country ever since "independence" but today this govt can not effectively provide basic services to its populace. That alone is adequate material that this country is improperly governed, period. Decline of SACU receipts is just made a baseless scapegoat. Its apt time for revival of the country's administration!
Apr 8, 2011, 4:28 PM, Sticks (sticksnkambule@yahoo.com)
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