LABOR MOVEMENTS UNDER SIEGE: THE PERSECUTION OF UNIONS IN ESWATINI
In Eswatini, labor unions have become a vital force in the fight for justice and democracy. Workers’ movements, united by demands for fair wages, safe working conditions, and political reforms, have grown into powerful voices of resistance. However, this advocacy has come at a steep cost. The monarchy, wary of the influence of organized labor, has intensified its persecution of unions and their leaders. By August 2022, the government’s crackdown on labor movements reached alarming levels, further exposing the regime’s intolerance for dissent.
One of the primary targets of this repression has been the Swaziland Transport, Communication, and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU). This union, which represents workers in the critical transport and communication sectors, has consistently pushed for better working conditions and accountability from employers and the state. SWATCAWU’s leadership, particularly its general secretary, Sticks Nkambule, has faced relentless harassment, threats, and intimidation from the government.
Nkambule, a vocal critic of Eswatini’s governance, has been a thorn in the monarchy’s side. His demands for transparency and reforms have resonated not only with workers but also with the broader pro-democracy movement. As a result, the state has labeled him and other union leaders as agitators, using trumped-up charges and arrest warrants to stifle their activism. By August 2022, Nkambule was forced into hiding after a series of threats and attempts to arrest him under laws like the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA).
SWATCAWU is not alone in this struggle. Other unions, including those representing teachers, healthcare workers, and civil servants, have also faced persecution. These unions have organized strikes and demonstrations, highlighting issues such as underfunded public services, delayed salaries, and unsafe working conditions. The government’s response has been predictably harsh, with security forces often deployed to disperse protests violently. Leaders of these unions have been detained, interrogated, and, in some cases, subjected to torture.
The persecution of labor movements in Eswatini is not just about silencing economic grievances—it is about suppressing political dissent. Unions have become a powerful platform for advocating broader reforms, including the democratization of the country’s political system. The government, recognizing the potential of labor movements to galvanize public support, has sought to neutralize them through fear and intimidation.
This repression has far-reaching consequences for the people of Eswatini. By targeting unions, the government is undermining workers’ ability to negotiate for fair wages and safe working conditions. It is also weakening one of the few remaining platforms for collective action and resistance. The result is a society where workers are left vulnerable to exploitation, and ordinary citizens have fewer avenues to challenge injustice.
The international community has a crucial role to play in addressing the persecution of labor movements in Eswatini. Organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and global trade union federations have condemned the government’s actions, calling for the protection of union leaders and the right to organize. However, these calls must be accompanied by concrete actions, such as sanctions against individuals responsible for the repression and support for exiled activists.
Despite the challenges, the resilience of Eswatini’s labor movements remains unshaken. Union leaders and members continue to advocate for their rights, often at great personal risk. Their courage is a testament to the power of collective action and the unyielding desire for justice. As an activist, I stand in solidarity with Eswatini’s workers and unions, recognizing that their struggle is a critical part of the broader fight for democracy.
The persecution of labor movements is a stark reminder of the lengths to which the monarchy will go to maintain its grip on power. However, history has shown that the strength of organized labor can be a formidable force for change. The voices of Eswatini’s workers will not be silenced, and their demands for justice, dignity, and freedom will not be ignored. Together, we will continue to fight for a future where every worker is valued, and every citizen has the right to speak, organize, and live without fear.
