The Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions last week said while it welcomed international solidarity in its struggle to bring an end to the violations, countries like Zimbabwe scuttled such efforts.
The organization heaped praise on South Africa, the region’s most powerful economy, for calling King Mswati III to task for the deteriorating situation.
“We were disappointed by some SADC governments, led by Zimbabwe, for supporting the continued violation of human and trade union rights in our country. We salute South Africa who, after having been correctly briefed, withdrew at the last minute from supporting the continuation of the repression of the people of Swaziland. SADC governments must desist from the tendency of trying to maintain Swaziland as a cultural museum,” SFTU said in a statement.
The International Labour Conference recently expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in resolving matters raised last year, and observed that there were no time frames set by the government to deal with the areas of concern to workers – especially the amendment and/or repealing of oppressive laws in Swaziland.
“The current crisis in Swaziland is a man-made disaster resulting from a political system underpinned by tyranny, greed, corruption, brutality and selfishness. Workers know that employers and the economy stand to benefit from a democratic dispensation in Swaziland,” it said.
Post published in: Africa News