SWAZI LIVES MATTER CONVENER SLAMS PM’S MAY DAY STATEMENT AS MISLEADING
Qhawekazi Khumalo, Convener of the Swazi Lives Matter Global Solidarity Movement, has labeled Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s recent statement regarding workers’ rights as misleading and disconnected from the reality faced by Eswatini’s labor force. The statement, released after the PM was forced to flee a hostile May Day event at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground, claimed the government celebrates workers’ contributions and is committed to their interests.
Khumalo criticized the statement for painting an untrue picture of the government’s relationship with workers. “Firstly, while the government recognizes itself as representing the workers, it’s important to recognize the inherent conflict of interest. A government, especially one that identifies itself as ‘His Majesty’s Government,’ prioritizes the interests of the monarchy and ruling elite over those of the workers,” she said in a statement shared with Swaziland News on Thursday.
The May Day event turned chaotic when angry workers, frustrated by the government’s perceived neglect of labor issues, disrupted the PM’s speech, forcing him to leave the venue for his safety. This incident highlighted the deep dissatisfaction among Eswatini’s workers, many of whom feel abandoned by the very government that claims to represent them.
Khumalo noted that the government’s public statements about valuing workers are often at odds with the conditions they endure. “Despite assurances from the Prime Minister, there are enormous discrepancies between promises and actions on the ground. Workers still face challenges such as insufficient wages, inadequate labor protections, and limited avenues for recourse against exploitation,” she said.
She also pointed out the government’s failure to address systemic issues that contribute to workers’ struggles, including the lack of a minimum wage that meets basic living standards and poor enforcement of labor protections. The challenges faced by workers are further compounded by limited representation and advocacy for their rights in a system that prioritizes the interests of the ruling elite.
Khumalo questioned the PM’s call for collaboration between workers and the government, arguing that genuine partnership requires mutual respect, transparency, and accountability—qualities she said are absent in Eswatini’s governance. “The suggestion that workers should collaborate with the government to build the country overlooks systemic issues and power imbalances. Workers should rightly question whether the government truly serves their interests or prioritizes its own agenda,” she remarked.
The Convener emphasized that trade unions play a crucial role in political governance and advocacy for workers’ rights, and their efforts must not be undermined by government narratives that seek to deflect from systemic failures. “The link of trade unions with political governance is a fundamental aspect of society,” Khumalo added.
The Swazi Lives Matter Global Solidarity Movement continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of Eswatini’s workers, calling for systemic reforms to address exploitation and ensure fair treatment for all. Khumalo’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among labor groups and pro-democracy movements over the government’s failure to address pressing labor issues and its reliance on rhetoric instead of meaningful action.
As tensions between the government and workers escalate, the May Day incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within Eswatini’s society. For many workers, the Prime Minister’s statement rings hollow, offering words without solutions. The fight for workers’ rights in Eswatini remains a critical part of the broader struggle for justice and equality in the kingdom.
