SDC Proclaims Successful November 17th March in Mbabane!

Press Release

The Swaziland chapter of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) announces the highly successful march for democracy held on the 17^th of November 2010 in Mbabane.

Part of the 5 000 strong crowd descend on Mbabane bus terminus amidst pouring rain & heavy police escort!

The march was a sequel to the Global Week of Action on Swaziland (GWoAS) programme which commenced in September 2010.

The marchers gather for speeches on the edge of the Mbabane bus terminus...

We wish to heartily thank our civil society partners such the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions, the Swaziland Federation of Labour (SFL), Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), and others for  the decisive part they played in ensuring that thousands of their members joined the march between 900hrs and 1400hrs in the streets of Swaziland’s capital despite the unrelenting rain.

Marchers make their steady way past Swazi Plaza, up Dr Sishayi Road...

We take this opportunity to also extend our gratitude first to our twin-sister the South Africa chapter of the SDC for ensuring that the world knew about the march.

SUDF Treasurer, Jabu Shiba addresses marchers on Gwamile Street...

We equally wish to salute the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), UNISON, Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA), the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), CUAfrica, DAMTP (http://www.strike2012.org) in the UK, POPCRU, and others, for their continually encouraging messages of solidarity and support.

SNUS President Max Dlamini addressses the gathering as the downpour intensifies ...

We would like to assure you that your support is valued and is not in vain.

Of course these guys were there as always...

The third instalment of the GWoAS series coincides with the opening of schools in January 2010, where we plan to march for two days.  We will announce the relevant details in due course.

Marchers on their way back to the Coronation Park to mark end of march...

For more information please contact:

Ms Mary Pais Da Silva (SDC Convener)

mpsdasilva@gmail.com

(009268) 7603 0076

Dr Sikelela Dlamini (SDC Recorder)

sikamd@gmail.com

(009268) 7617 1151

November Protest March on Wednesday the 17th!!!

November Protest March Goes Ahead!!!

Press Release

The Swaziland chapter of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign (SDC) hereby announces as follows:

1. That the protest march takes place in Mbabane on Wednesday the 17th of November 2010, starting at 800hrs;

2. That the protest march will be preceded by an open debate on the evident collapse of the Swazi economy, on Tuesday 16th November, at the Swaziland Catholic Centre (Caritas) in Manzini, starting at 1700hrs;

3. The SDC notes the difficulty regarding international participation in this and future marches given the hostile political climate inside Swaziland and welcome whatever gesture of solidarity from our international solidarity partners;

4. We urge Swazis to join the march in their numbers given the ongoing condemnable ‘operation Murambatsvina‘-style evictions/demolitions at KaShali and Nhlangano,  which are a disturbing reminder that the Tinkhundla regime knows no bounds regarding violation of basic human rights in the name of King Mswati III and;

5. That this is a march not to be missed as it also affords every suffering Swazi citizen the opportunity to express their  strong protest against Tinkhundla’s unilateral Fiscal Adjustment Roadmap which will result in mass retrenchments and untold poverty levels while ensuring that the monarchy and top government officials remain unaffected.

*SEE YOU ALL IN THE STREETS OF MBABANE THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. AMANDLA!!!

For more information please contact:

 

Ms Mary Pais Da Silva (SDC Convener)

mpsdasilva@gmail.com

(009268) 7603 0076/7602 4007

Dr Sikelela Dlamini (SDC Recorder)

sikamd@gmail.com

(009268) 7617 1151