SWAYOCO PRESIDENT CALLS ON ANC YOUTH LEAGUE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST ESWATINI GOVERNMENT
Sakhile Awviva Nxumalo, President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Youth League, the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), has called on the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in KwaZulu-Natal to advocate for stronger action against Eswatini’s government. Speaking at the ANCYL KwaZulu-Natal Provincial rally on Saturday, Nxumalo urged the Youth League to leverage its influence to push for decisive measures, similar to its stance on Israel.
“We know that the Youth League of ANC can push their mother body to take decisive action against the Eswatini Government, like they have done against Israel,” Nxumalo told Swaziland News following the rally. “It’s time the Eswatini Embassy is abolished in South Africa for the atrocities they have committed against human rights defenders. KwaZulu-Natal is a province that has taken care of our comrades who are in exile.”
Nxumalo’s remarks underscore the growing frustration within Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement over the lack of concrete regional action to address human rights abuses in the kingdom. Eswatini remains under the absolute rule of King Mswati III, where political parties are banned, and activists, journalists, and human rights defenders face imprisonment, torture, or assassination for advocating for reforms.
KwaZulu-Natal has historically played a significant role in supporting pro-democracy activists from Eswatini, many of whom have sought refuge in the province after fleeing persecution. Nxumalo’s appeal to the ANCYL reflects the pro-democracy movement’s hope that South Africa, as a regional powerhouse, can exert meaningful pressure on the Eswatini government to implement democratic reforms.
The call for action comes as tensions in Eswatini continue to escalate, with growing demands for the abolition of the Tinkhundla system of governance and the establishment of a democratic state. For Nxumalo and SWAYOCO, South Africa’s support is crucial in amplifying their cause and holding the monarchy accountable for its ongoing human rights violations.
As the pro-democracy movement in Eswatini gains momentum, regional solidarity, particularly from organizations like the ANC Youth League, remains a vital component of their struggle. Whether these calls will translate into tangible action by the ANC or the South African government remains to be seen. For now, Nxumalo’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnected nature of struggles for justice and democracy across the region.
