Swaziland – 19 August 2016

Civil platform urges multiparty democracy

An umbrella platform of civil groups is calling on Swaziland’s king to re-introduce multiparty democracy in the Southern African kingdom of about 1.2 million people.

The call by the Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SASPN) comes barely two weeks before a heads of state summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) where King Mswati III will assume chairmanship of the regional organization.

The SASPN is an umbrella group of NGOs, social movements, trade unions, and other civil groups coming from the 15 SADC states.

AA.com

---

 

Drought-hit Swaziland imposes four-day water cuts

Drought-stricken Swaziland on Thursday said it would begin sever water rationing in the capital Mbabane after levels in the main dam supplying the city fell to a critical low.

Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC) said the restrictions would begin on Friday and probably last until the arrival of summer rains expected around October.

Under the measure, there will be no mains water for four days a week. Residents will collect water from mobile tanks instead.

“This is because of the dire drought situation which has decreased water levels at the Hawane Dam,” said SWSC spokesperson Nomahlubi Matiwane.

News24