LETTER TO THE EDITOR, TIMES OF SWAZILAND
Sir,
In 2001, about 36 women and children were killed and their bodies were found in a decomposed state in various parts of the country, including Eagle’s Nest farm, Macetjeni and other places. On that same year the suspect was arrested. However, his trial is still ongoing and has been subject to several adjournments.
Almost a decade later, the families of the victims are still grieving for their loved ones and their remains have not been buried yet because the case is still pending.
An analysis on the victims of the alleged serial killer reveals that most of them were bread winners who were looking for greener pastures or jobs to provide for their families.
Some were unemployed graduates from poor families with huge responsibilities and some were single parents with a number of children, and some were school leavers who were under pressure from their families to secure employment and some were in abusive relationship and unemployed and that is a worse situation to be as a woman.
Exploitation
These women were all vulnerable to economic exploitation, gender based violence and any other abusive prospects for a better life. Further, the reports on the killings stated that the women were raped and gravely tortured before they were murdered.
Ironically, the background of the victims (women) is similar in that they were all vulnerable, looking for a job or better life. That is evidenced by that he did not randomly pick his prey but he was very strategic and he knew how to entice the target group.
The case under review raises some critical issues:
1. Trial of Gender Based Violence Cases in particular those involving women. It would seem that such cases have a tendency of being dragged in court with no trial at all or series of postponements and in some cases the alleged perpetrators are reinstated at work without trials.
2. The protection of women in Swaziland in general is a cause for concern. How can a small country like Swaziland have about 36 women killed whilst the world watches in deafening silence.
3. The direct co-relation between GBV and unemployment or poverty. Research shows that poor socio- economic status result in women being more vulnerable to exploitation and any form of abuse.
Swaziland ratified the Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and is also a party to the African and SADC protocols on women‘s rights.
The constitution of Swaziland provides for equality of all persons before and under the spheres of law. However, the manner in which this case has been handled leaves a lot to be desired.
THEREFORE: we call upon the Ministry of Justice and the Courts of Swaziland to a speedy trial and closure of the case to allow the victims and the affected parties to put an end to the trauma and begin the healing process.
Hleli Luhlanga
http://www.times.co.sz/index.php?news=14458
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Student Leader Wants Swazi Universities Opened After Indefinite Closure
VOANEWS.COM
An executive member of the student body at the University of Swaziland is calling for the reopening of all universities and colleges after the government indefinitely closed all tertiary institutions following student class boycotts and demonstrations.
Sam Keliso Nxumala said the government has flouted the constitution by failing to provide free basic education as stipulated in the recent constitution.
“We want government to provide free quality education for primary pupil because there is a constitutional clause that says government after three years of the constitution, every primary pupil who goes to primary school shall be provided free education. Now, that clause was never implemented… they went to court and the court said government must provide free education at primary school,” he said.
Swazi media reported that some students rioted during the protest which led to the destruction of properties on some campuses.
The students rejected the government’s latest initiative to cut back on scholarships because it said the recent economic meltdown has adversely affected funding.
Nxumalo said allowances given to students have not seen any increase in the last 12 years.
“The students are saying they want their personal allowance to be increased because about 12 years if not more it hasn’t been increased,” Nxumalo said.
King Mswati III has been criticized for what is often described as excessive spending, including a recent government-funded shopping spree to the Middle East by his wives, and the purchase of 11 luxury cars to transport guests.
Nxumalo said the government cannot justify its lack of funds claim.
“The reason why the students decided on these kinds of demands is because indications are that government has got money, but it is spending it in the wrong areas. There has been a lot of expenditure that doesn’t benefit anyone except for the rulers. There has been a lot of awarding of money particularly to politicians. Recently they had their salaries, I think, tripled,” Nxumalo said.
Officials of the government were not immediately available for comments despite repeated attempts.
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/southern/Student-Leader-Wants-Swazi-Universities-Opened-After-Indefinite-Closure-84526992.html
An executive member of the student body at the University of Swaziland is calling for the reopening of all universities and colleges after the government indefinitely closed all tertiary institutions following student class boycotts and demonstrations.
Sam Keliso Nxumala said the government has flouted the constitution by failing to provide free basic education as stipulated in the recent constitution.
“We want government to provide free quality education for primary pupil because there is a constitutional clause that says government after three years of the constitution, every primary pupil who goes to primary school shall be provided free education. Now, that clause was never implemented… they went to court and the court said government must provide free education at primary school,” he said.
Swazi media reported that some students rioted during the protest which led to the destruction of properties on some campuses.
The students rejected the government’s latest initiative to cut back on scholarships because it said the recent economic meltdown has adversely affected funding.
Nxumalo said allowances given to students have not seen any increase in the last 12 years.
“The students are saying they want their personal allowance to be increased because about 12 years if not more it hasn’t been increased,” Nxumalo said.
King Mswati III has been criticized for what is often described as excessive spending, including a recent government-funded shopping spree to the Middle East by his wives, and the purchase of 11 luxury cars to transport guests.
Nxumalo said the government cannot justify its lack of funds claim.
“The reason why the students decided on these kinds of demands is because indications are that government has got money, but it is spending it in the wrong areas. There has been a lot of expenditure that doesn’t benefit anyone except for the rulers. There has been a lot of awarding of money particularly to politicians. Recently they had their salaries, I think, tripled,” Nxumalo said.
Officials of the government were not immediately available for comments despite repeated attempts.
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/southern/Student-Leader-Wants-Swazi-Universities-Opened-After-Indefinite-Closure-84526992.html
The Nation Magazine warns Swaziland acting Chief Justice Michael “Makhulu Baas” Ramodibedi!!!
“When Acting Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi stood before his peers and the country as a whole at the official opening of the High Court last month, and went into an unprecedented show of beating his breast, Tarzan-style, calling himself a “Makhulu Baas”, I almost wept. I am not sure whether I almost wept for the man himself or the levels to which our Judiciary has sunk.
“… Ramodibedi’s choice of words was very interesting (at the opening of the High Court). He calls himself a ‘Makhulu Baas’, a word he dug up from the cesspit of apartheid South Africa. He now comes to this country to use it against us. What does this mean in real teams?
“… If one was to indulge Justice Ramodibedi in such despicable use of language, perhaps one would advise him that in Swaziland, the is only one “Makhulu Baas”. We all know who he is….What is most disturbing about Justice Ramodibedi’s behavior is that he was exerting his authority mainly on his colleagues, the Judges of the High Court.
“… Justice Ramodibrdi must not misinterpret the silence of his remarks, or think that in getting his way he has beaten the judges of the High Court into line. For I say again – and I beg the good judge to know and understand this saying – awulali Ngwane, kulala emehlo! It’s important, Your Worship! It is very important!
BY BHEKI MAKHUBU, EDITOR OF THE NATION MAGAZINE WRITING IN THIS MONTH’S EDITION OF THE NATION (February 2010).
“… Ramodibedi’s choice of words was very interesting (at the opening of the High Court). He calls himself a ‘Makhulu Baas’, a word he dug up from the cesspit of apartheid South Africa. He now comes to this country to use it against us. What does this mean in real teams?
“… If one was to indulge Justice Ramodibedi in such despicable use of language, perhaps one would advise him that in Swaziland, the is only one “Makhulu Baas”. We all know who he is….What is most disturbing about Justice Ramodibedi’s behavior is that he was exerting his authority mainly on his colleagues, the Judges of the High Court.
“… Justice Ramodibrdi must not misinterpret the silence of his remarks, or think that in getting his way he has beaten the judges of the High Court into line. For I say again – and I beg the good judge to know and understand this saying – awulali Ngwane, kulala emehlo! It’s important, Your Worship! It is very important!
BY BHEKI MAKHUBU, EDITOR OF THE NATION MAGAZINE WRITING IN THIS MONTH’S EDITION OF THE NATION (February 2010).
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
WE INTRODUCE THE BLOGS
Swazi Media Commentary
This Blog contains information and commentary about human rights in Swaziland. It concentrates on freedoms and the ethical issues of journalism practitioners in print, radio and television. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Swaziland.
About the author of the Blog (Richard Rooney)
Associate Professor, Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Swaziland, 2005-2008. Rooney was a newspaper and magazine journalist in England for 15 years. His journalism has appeared in more than 60 different publications. He taught in universities in England and Papua New Guinea before going to Swaziland in February 2005. He has a Ph.D in Communication and has published academic research articles in journals and books across the world. swazimedia@yahoo.com
See the Blog at
www.swazimedia.blogspot.com
THE SWAZILAND NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS
About the Blog:
This blog is for all students in tertiary institutions in Swaziland and those in the diaspora. It is a progressive student organistion that seeks to unite all students across the different tertiary institution to bargain with government collectively, as well as to assist in creating a platform for students to discuss the issues that affect them and be able to give voice on national politics from a student perspective.
See the Blog at
www.swastudents-snus.blogspot.com
LIBAMBE LINGASHONI
About the Blog:
Monthly journal of the People's Movement. OUR VISION: “ONE WORLD, ONE PEOPLE.” We see a new Swaziland where all human beings shall be equal before the law. We see a prosperous society which shall be part of the civilized communities of the world where we rightfully take our positions as master of our destiny, and by that time we shall call ourselves free people. When all is said but not done we shall sit down and talk to our souls.
See the Blog at
PUDEMO
About PUDEMO:
The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) is a political movement committed to the creation, protection and promotion of a constitutional multi-party democracy, a transparent and accountable government, an environment conducive to the economic growth and empowerment and the development of a culturally vibrant and tolerant society, based on maximum participation and the respect of the will of the people.
See the website at
www.pudemo.org
SWAZILAND ELECTIONS 2008
About the Blog:
Information and commentary about the Swaziland elections 2008. The author here again is Richard Rooney.
See the Blog at
www.swazielections.blogspot.com
PHANSI NGAMSWATI
About the Blog:
I am a king and don't care for my subjects.
See the blog at
S1ka MEDIA
About this Blog:
In this blog the chief author and host, Sikelela Dlamini, carefully identifies, reflects on, explores, interrogates, and unpacks some uncomfortable socio-political topics/issues confronting contemporary Swaziland, his native country. Contributions are welcome which do not violate the terms of usage laid down by WordPress. Contributions/comments are moderated daily for appropriateness of content.
See the blog at
www.s1kamd.wordpress.com
STANLEY TALKS
About this Blog:
This blog is a commentary on a variety of issues such as media, business, tourism, social , personal development, observations and experiences etc. It also includes my work published elsewhere......... feel free to send your feedback to stanleytalks@gmail.com.
See the blog at
www.stanleytalks.blogspot.com
TINCHAPHELI
About the Blog:
This blog is dedicated to the people, young and old, who fight opression in Swaziland and the world over.
See the Blog at
www.swazirevolution.blogspot.com
SWAZILAND SOLIDARITY NETWORK FORUM
About the Forum:
This is a discussion forum where members' e-mails to the group address go to all the other members of the group. You can also upload and download files and make and edit pages at this group site.
See the Forum at
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/sa-swaziland-solidarity-eom-forum?pli=1
TIMES OF SWAZILAND
This is a newspaper in Swaziland.
See their website at
www.times.co.sz
THE SWAZI OBSERVER
This is also a newspaper in Swaziland.
See their website at
www.observer.org.sz
NB:
Please inform us on any blogs we have left out.
Thank You!!!
This Blog contains information and commentary about human rights in Swaziland. It concentrates on freedoms and the ethical issues of journalism practitioners in print, radio and television. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Swaziland.
About the author of the Blog (Richard Rooney)
Associate Professor, Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Swaziland, 2005-2008. Rooney was a newspaper and magazine journalist in England for 15 years. His journalism has appeared in more than 60 different publications. He taught in universities in England and Papua New Guinea before going to Swaziland in February 2005. He has a Ph.D in Communication and has published academic research articles in journals and books across the world. swazimedia@yahoo.com
See the Blog at
www.swazimedia.blogspot.com
THE SWAZILAND NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS
About the Blog:
This blog is for all students in tertiary institutions in Swaziland and those in the diaspora. It is a progressive student organistion that seeks to unite all students across the different tertiary institution to bargain with government collectively, as well as to assist in creating a platform for students to discuss the issues that affect them and be able to give voice on national politics from a student perspective.
See the Blog at
www.swastudents-snus.blogspot.com
LIBAMBE LINGASHONI
About the Blog:
Monthly journal of the People's Movement. OUR VISION: “ONE WORLD, ONE PEOPLE.” We see a new Swaziland where all human beings shall be equal before the law. We see a prosperous society which shall be part of the civilized communities of the world where we rightfully take our positions as master of our destiny, and by that time we shall call ourselves free people. When all is said but not done we shall sit down and talk to our souls.
See the Blog at
PUDEMO
About PUDEMO:
The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) is a political movement committed to the creation, protection and promotion of a constitutional multi-party democracy, a transparent and accountable government, an environment conducive to the economic growth and empowerment and the development of a culturally vibrant and tolerant society, based on maximum participation and the respect of the will of the people.
See the website at
www.pudemo.org
SWAZILAND ELECTIONS 2008
About the Blog:
Information and commentary about the Swaziland elections 2008. The author here again is Richard Rooney.
See the Blog at
www.swazielections.blogspot.com
PHANSI NGAMSWATI
About the Blog:
I am a king and don't care for my subjects.
See the blog at
S1ka MEDIA
About this Blog:
In this blog the chief author and host, Sikelela Dlamini, carefully identifies, reflects on, explores, interrogates, and unpacks some uncomfortable socio-political topics/issues confronting contemporary Swaziland, his native country. Contributions are welcome which do not violate the terms of usage laid down by WordPress. Contributions/comments are moderated daily for appropriateness of content.
See the blog at
www.s1kamd.wordpress.com
STANLEY TALKS
About this Blog:
This blog is a commentary on a variety of issues such as media, business, tourism, social , personal development, observations and experiences etc. It also includes my work published elsewhere......... feel free to send your feedback to stanleytalks@gmail.com.
See the blog at
www.stanleytalks.blogspot.com
TINCHAPHELI
About the Blog:
This blog is dedicated to the people, young and old, who fight opression in Swaziland and the world over.
See the Blog at
www.swazirevolution.blogspot.com
SWAZILAND SOLIDARITY NETWORK FORUM
About the Forum:
This is a discussion forum where members' e-mails to the group address go to all the other members of the group. You can also upload and download files and make and edit pages at this group site.
See the Forum at
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/sa-swaziland-solidarity-eom-forum?pli=1
TIMES OF SWAZILAND
This is a newspaper in Swaziland.
See their website at
www.times.co.sz
THE SWAZI OBSERVER
This is also a newspaper in Swaziland.
See their website at
www.observer.org.sz
NB:
Please inform us on any blogs we have left out.
Thank You!!!
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