ACAESWA to appeal to minister, pursue legal action

MANZINI – After ACAESWA was given the ‘boot’ by the Arts Council, a meeting was held to discuss a way forward for the association.

The Association of Christian Artists of Eswatini (ACAESWA) has decided to write a letter to the Minister and subsequently take the matter to court following a meeting held at Manzini Caritors on Saturday.

ACAESWA President Mzwakhe Myeni said they had tried to reach out to the Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Council of Arts and Culture, Stanley Dlamini. They wanted to hold a meeting, but have not received any response after Dlamini announced that he was rebranding and dissolving ACAESWA. “We have written letters to the CEO multiple times pleading for a meeting, but he has not responded; therefore, we must write to the minister and, if necessary, take the matter to court. The issue will then proceed to court as there has been no response or opportunity for dialogue,” Myeni stated during the meeting.

Myeni added that ACAESWA was shocked by the statement made by Dlamini without any prior consultation.

He further remarked that Dlamini is overstepping and using his power unnecessarily. “He never informed us about anything; we also heard everything from the media that there is conflict within ACAESWA, but there is no such issue. The CEO is overstepping and using his power; therefore, we will write to the Minister and, if we are not heard, the matter will go to court to determine if the CEO acted lawfully in attempting to dissolve the association,” said Myeni. Myeni also stated that Dlamini did not follow the necessary procedures before deciding to rebrand ACAESWA. He said ACAESWA cannot simply be closed; relevant authorities must be involved, and ACAESWA must first settle its debts. “In our view, no one can touch ACAESWA; it will continue from generation to generation. The association cannot just be closed, and relevant authorities must be involved. The CEO cannot just release such a statement,” said Myeni.

He further added that ACAESWA has significant debts to pay, which he doubts the Arts and Culture Council will be able to settle. He also said there is no recognition agreement with Arts and Culture, adding that the association could continue to operate without being recognised by the council.

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