Swaziland – 26 June 2014

Mswati Should Be Ashamed of Himself for Stealing Swazi Gold
The Swaziland Solidarity Network [SSN] has been receiving information on illegal mining operations in Swaziland for quite some time now. The Dvokolwako diamond mine, for example, is reportedly being covertly mined by the king and his relatives. This is why the recent report by the Business Report on the illegal mining operations of the king’s American friend, Jacob the Jeweller” Arabo only confirm what has so far been a well told rumor. allAfrica.com

‘Expose U.S. When We Abuse State Resources,’ Says SA Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa As Regional Media Faces Renewed Threats
In today’s Swazi Observer, a daily newspaper in Swaziland, several reports from the region highlight the difficulties of being a journalist. A Somali journalist died in Mogadishu on Saturday after a bomb blast believed to be attached to his car was remotely detonated, according to witnesses and police as reported by South African Press Association (SAPA). The editor of a state-run newspaper in Zimbabwe faces life in prison if found guilty of charges of “attempting to commit an act of insurgency, banditry, sabotage, and terrorism” and “subverting the constitutional government”, also reported by SAPA. On a more positive note, South Africa’s deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the media to continue criticising the government while also calling for fair and balanced coverage. Ramaphosa said it was even necessary for the media to annoy public representatives. allAfrica.com

3 SWAZIS BANNED FOR FIVE YEARS FROM SA
Three Swazis have been banned from South Africa for five years after overstaying in that country.
The banishment is part of the hard line approach which the South African Government adopted a month ago against foreigners who exceed the number of days given to them to stay in that country.
Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Home Affairs Anthony Masilela confirmed the matter and said it was an unfortunate situation because the citizens were wrong by exceeding the days they had been given. Times of Swaziland