PUDEMO TREASURER GENERAL MEETS ANC NEC MEMBER TO STRENGTHEN SOLIDARITY

Velaphi Mamba, Treasurer General of Eswatini’s main opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), held a meeting with African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) member David Makhura on Monday. The discussion, which centered on strengthening solidarity between the two organizations, took place at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Pretoria.

PUDEMO and the ANC share a long-standing relationship rooted in their common struggle for liberation and social justice. Over the years, the two parties have maintained warm relations, with the ANC often expressing support for Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement led by PUDEMO. Monday’s meeting was a continuation of this collaboration, focusing on ways to deepen ties and advance shared goals.

Mamba emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in confronting the challenges faced by Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement. “The bond between PUDEMO and the ANC has been a source of strength and inspiration for us in our fight against oppression in Eswatini,” he said. “We value the support of our comrades in the ANC as we work toward a democratic future for our country.”

The meeting also addressed the broader role of regional organizations in supporting democratic transitions in Africa. Both PUDEMO and the ANC highlighted the need for collective action in addressing authoritarian regimes and advancing human rights across the continent. The leaders discussed strategies for amplifying Eswatini’s struggle on regional and international platforms, ensuring that the voices of those fighting for freedom are heard.

Solidarity initiatives between PUDEMO and the ANC have included collaborative campaigns, diplomatic efforts, and grassroots mobilization. The two organizations have historically worked together to build a united front against repression, drawing on their shared experiences and commitment to liberation.

David Makhura, a seasoned ANC leader, reiterated his party’s support for Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement. “The ANC remains steadfast in its solidarity with PUDEMO and the people of Eswatini in their fight for justice, equality, and democracy,” Makhura stated. “Our shared history and values bind us together, and we will continue to stand with you in this struggle.”

The meeting also touched on potential collaborative initiatives to address the challenges faced by activists and political leaders in Eswatini. These include capacity-building programs, resource mobilization, and international advocacy aimed at pressuring the Eswatini government to implement democratic reforms.

As PUDEMO continues to advocate for a democratic Eswatini, its relationship with the ANC represents a vital link in the broader struggle for justice and human rights in Southern Africa. The meeting at Birchwood Hotel underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening these ties, ensuring that the fight for freedom remains a shared endeavor.

For PUDEMO, the support of the ANC and other regional allies is crucial in countering the repressive Tinkhundla system. By working together, these organizations aim to create a united front that challenges authoritarianism and promotes democratic governance in Eswatini and beyond.

Monday’s meeting was a testament to the enduring solidarity between PUDEMO and the ANC, offering a glimpse of hope for the pro-democracy movement in Eswatini. As both parties continue to work together, their collaboration serves as a reminder of the power of unity in the fight for liberation. The road to democracy in Eswatini may be long, but with allies like the ANC, PUDEMO’s vision of a free and just nation remains within reach.