PUDEMO PRESIDENT ACCUSES KING MSWATI OF USING LAND AND SCHOLARSHIPS TO OPPRESS DISSENT
Mlungisi Makhanya, President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), has accused King Mswati III of wielding absolute power to evict citizens and deny scholarships and jobs to those who oppose his rule. Speaking during an interview on Ligwalagwala FM, a South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio station, Makhanya criticized the monarch for leveraging state resources to suppress dissent and silence pro-democracy voices.
“In Eswatini, the King holds the rights to land and can evict emaSwati anytime. He also deprives scholarships and jobs to those who oppose him,” Makhanya stated, highlighting the systemic control the monarchy exercises over key aspects of citizens’ lives.
Makhanya also criticized the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for its inaction, accusing some regional Heads of State of failing to hold King Mswati accountable because they allegedly receive financial support from him. “We will escalate the pressure on SADC to implement the resolution of the organization calling for a dialogue in Eswatini,” he said, reaffirming PUDEMO’s commitment to pursuing regional and international advocacy for democratic reforms.
Gratitude for Regional Support
During the interview, Makhanya expressed gratitude to South African organizations such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, and the South African Communist Party (SACP) for their unwavering support for Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement. “Their solidarity continues to inspire us and strengthen our resolve to fight for freedom and democracy,” Makhanya said.
Repressive Governance in Eswatini
Eswatini remains one of the few absolute monarchies in the world, where King Mswati exercises unchecked power over governance and the lives of citizens. Political parties are banned from participating in elections, and human rights defenders, journalists, and pro-democracy activists frequently face harassment, arrest, and even assassination for demanding reforms.
Recently, Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were convicted on politically motivated terrorism charges and sentenced to life imprisonment by royal-linked Judge Mumcy Dlamini. Their conviction has been widely condemned as an attack on democracy, as the MPs’ only “crime” was advocating for democratic reforms.
The Role of Land and Resources in Suppression
Makhanya’s comments draw attention to the monarchy’s control over Eswatini’s land, education, and employment systems, which are often used as tools of repression. The King’s authority over land allows him to displace citizens at will, while access to scholarships and government jobs is reportedly contingent on loyalty to the monarchy. Critics argue that this creates a culture of fear and dependency, stifling dissent and entrenching inequality.
The Path Forward
PUDEMO and other pro-democracy organizations are intensifying their calls for dialogue and reform. By engaging with regional bodies like SADC, they aim to pressure the monarchy to implement meaningful changes. However, progress remains slow, as regional leaders have been reluctant to take decisive action against Mswati’s regime.
As Eswatini’s pro-democracy movement continues its struggle, voices like Makhanya’s remain critical in keeping the fight for justice and equality alive. The challenge now lies in building greater international support to hold the monarchy accountable and pave the way for a democratic Eswatini.
For the people of Eswatini, the journey toward democracy is fraught with danger, but their resilience and determination offer hope that change is not only possible but inevitable. The spotlight remains on King Mswati’s actions and the global community’s response to the ongoing oppression in the kingdom.
