Swaziland – 24 April 2015

Incessant Sick Notes Caused Shongwe’s Dismissal – PM
By Musa Simelane
MBABANE – Incessant sick notes, not consulting with Cabinet and the neglect of official duties contributed to the dismissal of Sibusiso Shongwe as minister.
This was what Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini made Members of Parliament (MPs) to understand during the delivery of his ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday.
He said Shongwe effectively divorced himself from his responsibilities and chose to remain isolated from the shared collective responsibility of Cabinet, as defined by the Constitution. “Supported generally by sick notes of short period validity, he was predominantly absent from formal Cabinet meetings.
Times of Swaziland

The ticking time bomb of Swaziland
By Terry Bell
April 19, 2015 — Terry Bell Writes, posted at Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal with permission — The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), campaigning groups and labour-supporting members of the European parliament this month launched protests about the continued harassment and jailing of trade unionists and democracy campaigners in Swaziland. ITUC general secretary Sharan Burrow has noted that, in Swaziland, “Violations against the fundamental rights of workers have become systemic.”
But apart from a few verbal sallies from non-governmental groups, there has been silence from South Africa. And this should be deeply worrying to those who are concerned about deepening democracy on the continent and in ensuring that a wealthy, often corrupt — if not entirely melanin deficient — elite do not continue to dominate.
LINKS- International Journal of Socialist Renewal

SACJF slams judges arrest in Swaziland By Swazi Media Commentary
By Charles Laiton
AN association of Southern Africa’s top judges has reacted angrily to the recent arrest of Swaziland’s four judges and called on the country’s leadership to respect the principle of separation of power between the Judiciary and Executive.
In a statement, the Southern African Chief Justice Forum (SACJF), which encompasses chief justices from all East and Southern African countries, also appealed to the Swazi legal system to ensure the matter was handled in accordance with the principles of natural justice and fairness.
“The SACJF also encourages the authorities in Swaziland to ensure that the Chief Justice and the other judges are accorded all their rights including the right to be represented by counsel of their choice,” said the statement signed by SACJF chairperson Justice Peter Shivute of Namibia.
Newsday

Political Activist Dragged Out Of Court
By Mbongiseni Ndzimandze
MBABANE – Political activist Wandile Dludlu yesterday clashed with police officers at the High Court.
The confrontation between Dludlu, who is coordinator of the Swaziland United Democratic Front and the law enforcers started after they spotted him taking pictures using a cellphone.
He alleged that one of the senior polices officers threatened to assault him in the event he did not delete the pictures.
They told him that only journalists were allowed to take pictures within the High Court.
Times of Swaziland

Swaziland’s Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi missing in action?
By Mongi Chief Zulu
The Lesotho born Chief Justice’s whereabouts have been surrounded by mystery since Wednesday afternoon, after he left his body guards stranded at the Oshoeck border gate while he crossed over to South Africa with his family.
Ramodibedi allegedly fled amidst a promptly royal summons from Ludzidzini residence.
He reportedly received the message while at the border gate but proceeded with his trip.
Government Spokesperson, Percy Simelane has confirmed that Ramodibedi has skipped the country and they don’t know where he is.
Mail and Guardian