Swaziland « Royalty in the News

Swazi King Cheered at Zuma Inauguration

King Mswati III of Swaziland received loud cheers and applause during his arrival to Saturday’s inauguration of South Africa’s new president, Jacob Zuma.

: File

The overwhelming support for Africa’s last absolute monarch came when it was rumored he was not welcomed to the ceremony.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions had backed the Swaziland Solidarity Network to ban the King.

On Friday, The Congress released a statement explaining why they did not want Mswati to come.

“The Presidential inauguration will be a celebration of democracy” the Congress said. “The culmination of a long process in which first the rank-and-file of the African National Congress and then the people of South Africa have democratically selected a president and government of their choice.

“King Mswati on the other hand has been elected by nobody. He inherited his position of absolute power and has used it to deny his people any democratic rights…Opposition parties remain banned, trade union rights are curtailed and any opposition demonstrations are ruthlessly suppressed.

“The presence of this despot at the inauguration will be an insult to all the people of Africa. It will give him credibility and democratic credentials which he does not deserve… He should be treated as a pariah.”

The spokesperson for the Swaziland Solidarity Network, Lucky Lukhele, said:

“He has never spent R100million on his personal birthday and another R50million on 20 luxury Mercedes Benz S600 with plasma screens and fridges inside, while his own people go hungry.”

Despite all the efforts, the King did show up and was greeted warmly.

King Mswati is without controversy. He and his 13 wives and many children, live lavishly while the majority of Swazis live in intense poverty. Swaziland’s HIV rate is one of the world’s highest.

Activists Blame Swazi King for Failing to Stop AIDS Increase

A recent report says 42 percent of pregnant women in Swaziland are infected with the HIV virus. king-mswati

That is a 3 percent increase from last year.

Activists are pointing the finger at Swaziland’s absolute monarch, King Mswati III, for doing little to prevent the increase by promoting safe sex and HIV testing. They also say he sends the wrong message by having 13 wives.

“The nation, especially polygamous men, look up to the monarch,” said Sphiwe Hlophe, who runs a support group called Swaziland Positive Living.

The tiny kingdom located in southern Africa, has the highest AIDS rate in the world, and life expectancy is only at 37 years.

What little Swaziland does do is promote male circumcision, which can reduced HIV chances by 60 percent. But there are fears that this might backfire by making men more complacent and more likely to have unprotected sexual intercourse.

Swaziland also has made strides in preventing the transmission of HIV from mother to child. In 2003, only 5 percent of women infected with HIV got drugs to protect their unborn babies. This increased to 67 percent in 2007, according to a report prepared by UNICEF, the World Health Organization, UNAIDS and the U.N. Population Fund.

Bishop: Swazi Monarchy Driving People To Despair

A Catholic Bishop has criticized Swaziland’s King Mswati III, saying the King’s tactics is driving people to despair. CORRECTION Swaziland Birthday

The Church is worried that the monarchy has increasingly marginalized the people, especially since 2005 when it adopted a constitution that ignored the wishes of “a significant portion of the Swazi people,” according to Bishop Louis Ncamiso Ndlovu.

“We believe that being marginalized is what led some people to adopt crude and violent methods so as to force change in the country. This is really a cry for attention and recognition,” the bishop said in a statement.

“The recent bombings are thus a manifestation of the failure by the ruling elite to engage in serious and honest dialogue with the citizenry.” But he was quick to add that the church condemned all forms of violence.

Bishop Ndlovu also criticized the enactment of an anti-terrorism law which is being used by the monarchy to crack down on opponents.

“In the prevailing political and social climate, the Roman Catholic Church invites all concerned, especially on the side of government and the ruling elite, to real and serious dialogue,” the bishop added.

The Kingdom of Swaziland, with over a million people. The previous sovereign, King Sobhuza II, who reigned for almost 61 years, scrapped the constitution in 1973 and banned political parties.

Mswati, one of the world’s last absolute monarchs, continued with the political crackdowns when he ascended to the throne in 1986. He banned opposition parties and trade unions have been vocal in their demands for greater democracy and limits on the king’s power.

Mswati, his thirteen wives and numerous children live a life of opulence while the majority of Swaziland live in poverty. HIV rates are among the world’s highest, and unemployment rates are in the double digits.

Swaziland Palace Bombers Killed In Attempt

A bomb meant for one of the palaces of Swaziland’s King Mswati III went off prematurely, killing the two plotters in the attack.

The bombing attempt is the most extreme form yet of political opposition against King Mswati, one of the world’s last absolute monarchs. captcpsnqi12190908125750photo00photodefault-512x3231

The two men were planning to place the bomb under a bridge near one of Mswati’s palaces outside of the capital of Mbabane.

Police say a third man from neighboring South Africa, and another Swazi who were also involved in attempted attack on Saturday night, were arrested and will be tried for treason in the country.

While many Swazis claim to respect their king, some blame King Mswati – who has been in power since 1986 – for plunging the country into poverty and failing to tackle an AIDS epidemic.

He, his thirteen wives and many children live a lavish lifestyle while there is 40% unemployment in the tiny southern African kingdom.

Earlier this month, dual celebrations marking the King’s 40th birthday, and Swaziland’s 40th independence saw protests, which have been increasing recently – demanding more democratic and social reform.

Last week right before parliamentary elections, several union leaders were detained due to them spreading protest against the King.

Political parties are banned in Swaziland, and although the elections were for 55 parliamentary seats, the King is free to choose 10 deputies.

Swaziland Celebrates 40-40 Amid Contempt

It was a double celebration for Swaziland this weekend. The southern African kingdom commemorated “40-40″: 40 years of independence, and King Mswati III’s 40th birthday.

The King celebrated in splendor with pomp and circumstance – and amid much dissatisfaction. CORRECTION Swaziland Birthday

Arriving at the Somhlolo national soccer stadium in traditional dress standing in an open-top black car waving to the crowd, Mswati waved to the thousands of cheering subjects, many of them waving flags.

“We all trust him,” said a young man with a front-row seat, in traditional dress.

“He’s a good man. He believes in his country. He loves everybody. We are all like the royal family.”

But not everyone agrees with this. Despite the good reasons to celebrate national pride, there is much to be unhappy about in Swaziland. 40 percent of the Swazi people are HIV positive. Nearly two-thirds live in poverty, while Mswati, his 13 wives, and numerous children live in luxury.

Before the “40-40″ got under way, some of the Queens went to Europe and the Middle East for a shopping spree which included new cars.

While the King celebrated his birthday and his kingdom’s independence, there were protests against the pricey celebratory ceremonies.

The official budget is $2.5m but some estimates claim the real cost could be five times that.

Critics say that it is money that could have been better spent elsewhere – on education, on health, and on saving lives.

At the same time, there are protests against the monarchy itself – Africa’s last absolute.

For two days this week trade unions and civic groups – a total of 1,500 of them -took to the streets in protest calling for change and for multi-party democracy.

“We condemn this party with the contempt it deserves,” said Swazi Trade Union leader Jan Sithole, as he marched in the capital.

Swaziland King Protest “People feel so strongly because this is a plundering of the country’s resources in the height of grinding poverty for most of the Swazi masses.

“People feel their money is being wasted, with arrogance.”

“The king spends our money and is not answerable to anyone!” complained Mario Masuku, the head of an outlawed political party and a familiar figure of Swazi discontent.

The rowdiest of the demonstrators flung rocks, looted goods from sidewalk vendors and even set off a few small explosions. Others made impromptu placards with torn up cardboard. “Down with 40-40!” read one, while another demanded, “Democracy now!” A few protesters chanted things meant to make rich people feel guilty: “My mother was a kitchen girl. My father was a garden boy. That’s why I’m a Socialist.”

Despite the anger and the protests, many Swazis are proud of their king and shrug off his extravagance.

“He’s the king, he should do whatever he wants to do with the money. He is in charge of everything in the country,” said Phumlile Dlamini, 18, a student in last week’s Reed Dance.

Percy Simelane, the government’s spokesman, was quoted by Agence France-Presse last week as saying: “Poverty has been with us for many years. We cannot then sit by the roadside and weep just because the country is faced with poverty. We have made great strides as a country that gives us pleasure in celebrating 40 years of independence and the king’s birthday.”

But some Swazis, such as Tengetile Hlope from the rural part of Swaziland, are not convinced.

“I feel like I am just celebrating 40 years of poverty and hunger in this country.”

Thousands Of Topless Virgins Dance To Be King’s 14th Wife

A record number of bare-breasted young virgins attended a traditional reed dance to vie for the chance to be King Mswati III of Swaziland’s 14th wife. swaziland_wideweb__470x2780

It is estimated that as many as 70,000 maidens showed up. The event took place at Ludzidzini palace outside the capital Mbabane.

“Being chosen by the king would be a bonus for me. I would like occupy one of the royal palaces one day,” one dancer named Hlongwa said shyly.

“I came here to dance. I wish the king would have chosen me because it’s nice at the king’s place. The wives live a nice life,” added Tenene Dlamini, 16, in a traditional brown skirt.

“Everything is done for them. They don’t work. They earn.”

Walking through the dense crowds in a leopard skin loin cloth, Sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch observed the women, one of whom could be his next wife.

The bare-breasted virgins – led by the king’s own daughters – sang and chanted traditional songs before thousands of spectators and tourists who gathered at a sports field outside the palace.

Groups of girls, some clad in sarongs bearing the face of Africa’s last absolute monarch, took turns in dancing to traditional rhythms while some of the queens and other royals joined in.

Critics say Mswati sets a bad example by encouraging polygamy and teenage sex in a country where about 40 percent of adults live with HIV. At the same time, nearly two thirds of his people live in poverty while the King and his many wives live in luxury.

But this year’s Reed Dance – on Swaziland’s calendar since 1999 – took a more serious tone this year. It’s mission was to draw attention to AIDS and encourage abstinence among young women.

Some of the dancers were not there to become Mswati’s 14th wife. Those women were simply there to prove their virginity and show their admiration for the King.

story_mswati_afp_gi1 “I respect the king and I respect my culture,” said Nontobeko Sdidlamini, 16, carrying a shield made of animal skin and wearing an orange bracelet which read “Sex Can Wait”.

Seeking to be a royal wife or not, the massive attendance was pleasing to the organizers.

“This year’s record attendance is an indication that our children have more understanding of what our culture is about,” said event co-ordinator Irene Ngwane.

This year’s ceremony precedes a controversial “40-40″ celebration to mark the impoverished kingdom’s 40 years of independence from Britain as well as the king’s birthday.

But not all Swazis are looking forward to the celebrations.

Political groups seeking democratic reforms have become more active in a country where the opposition has been effectively banned since 1973 by royal decree.

Prior to the “40-40″ celebrations, unprecedented demonstrations occured when some of the King’s wives went on a massive shopping spree, in which they bought designer clothes and luxury cars.

During the reed festivities, one of the king’s wives drove up in a fancy BMW. Policemen told people to look the other way.

Royal Shopping Spree Sparks Outrage In Swaziland

Women’s rights activists in Swaziland have staged a protest over the extravagance of the Swazi royal family. The demonstration was sparked when 8 of King Mswati III’s 13 wives took a chartered plane to Europe and the Middle East to go shopping. king-mswati

The women reportedly handed a petition in to the finance ministry, arguing that the money could have been better spent.

They claimed, “We can’t afford a shopping trip when a quarter of the nation lives on food aid.”

But royal sources defended the actions of the queens, explaining they are preparing for a major celebration called 40-40, in which the King’s birthday and the country’s independence will be celebrated.

According to Britain’s The Daily Telegraph, one source said, “The queens have to look radiant and that is why they have to go and buy quality for the big day. They were being spoiled.”

The rally took place in the capital of Mbabane, and was organized by the Women’s Coalition of Swaziland, whose spokesman Ntombi Nkosi gave her thoughts on the spree.

“Those given the money do not even contribute a cent to the money they are looting,” she said.

Siphiwe Hlophe, of Swaziland Positive Living, a co-organiser of the march, added, “We are against the idea of public funds being used in a questionable way by people who are not employed and do not bring any revenue to the country’s coffers.”

Protests are rare in this traditional country. Jim Gama, the governor of the Swazi royal capital Ludzidzini, condemned the women’s march as “un-Swazi”.

“I have never heard of women marching,” he said. “All I know is that a woman has to seek permission from her husband to register her disagreement with whatever was happening in society but not for her to march. That is un-Swazi.”

Swaziland is a landlocked country in southern Africa, and has the last absolute monarchy on that continent. It is also one of the poorest countries in the world, having been in a state of emergency since 1973, and more than 40% of the population is believed to be infected with HIV.

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