SWALIMO RESPONDS TO MINISTER NGCAMPHALALA’S ALLEGATIONS FOLLOWING ARSON ATTACK
The Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) has rejected claims linking it to the recent petrol-bombing of Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala’s house in Sigwe. The minister had suggested that the incident was influenced by calls for a “June 29 repeat,” a statement made by SWALIMO President Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane during a prayer service in Manzini.
Reacting to the allegations, SWALIMO’s Secretary General, Dr. Siphetfo Dlamini, described the minister’s remarks as baseless and an attempt to scapegoat the movement. “It is unfortunate that the minister chose to associate SWALIMO with the bad luck that befell him. Violence in the country has been ongoing before the prayer service, and there is no way an innocent statement could be construed to have instigated violence,” Dlamini said.
During the prayer service at the SNAT Centre, Simelane had urged members and other political organizations to emulate the spirit of June 29 but clarified that his intention was to inspire peaceful protests, not violence. “June 29 was not about the burning of shops and looting but about Swazis standing in unison to demand liberation,” Simelane said. He emphasized that participants in protests must avoid giving security forces an excuse to harm them by engaging in destructive activities.
SWALIMO reiterated its stance as a peaceful political organization committed to non-violence. “It is our members who are victims of violence. SWALIMO condemns these acts of violence. The president is on record condemning any kind of violence except to engage in peaceful protests,” Dlamini stated.
The Secretary General also addressed fears that SWALIMO could be declared a proscribed entity, following concerns over its alleged connection to arson attacks. The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) has already been labeled a proscribed organization under Eswatini’s Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008. Dlamini dismissed the possibility of proscription as irrelevant, asserting SWALIMO’s resilience. “Being proscribed will not mean the movement will cease to exist. It will be something on paper while we defiantly exist. No one can wish SWALIMO away. SWALIMO is here and is here until there is freedom and democracy in Swaziland,” he said.
Simelane’s earlier remarks about reigniting the spirit of June 29 have sparked controversy, with some interpreting his call as an incitement to violence. However, SWALIMO maintains that the statement was misconstrued. “There is nothing to withdraw except to emphasize to emaSwati that, because of the blood of our brothers and sisters, let us rekindle the June spirit by being involved in peaceful protests,” Dlamini clarified.
Efforts to reach Minister Ngcamphalala for a response to SWALIMO’s assertions were unsuccessful. His phone remained unanswered, and an SMS sent to him received no reply by the time of reporting.
The recent accusations and subsequent clarification from SWALIMO reflect the heightened tensions in Eswatini’s volatile political climate. While the government continues to crack down on dissent, SWALIMO’s commitment to peaceful resistance underscores the challenges and risks faced by pro-democracy movements. As the country grapples with its political unrest, SWALIMO’s response serves as a reaffirmation of its resolve to fight for freedom and democracy through non-violent means.
