COSATU supports Justice for Swaziland march and encourages workers to participate

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) declares support for the march organised by the Justice for Swaziland Campaign, to be held in Tshwane on Thursday, 5 December.

The march is organised by a network of progressive organisations, who are involved in the struggle for democracy in Swaziland. The demands outlined by the organisers include the unbanning of political parties, end to arbitrary arrests of political and worker activists, credible investigations into murder of activists and for a free and democratic electoral system to usher in a new dispensation in the country.

This is in line with Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other important international conventions, treaties and protocols based on universal human rights and democratic norms. COSATU notes that only eSwatini bans political parties and criminalises political activity as a result of the absolute monarchy rule. Lesotho is an example of a democratic system co-existing with a monarchy in harmony. The Federation calls on the world to stand firm in demanding an end to the absolute power of one family to the exclusion of a whole nation.

Towards this end, COSATU supports the following demands:

· The unbanning of political parties to allow for a free and transparent multiparty democratic system.

· Credible and independent investigation into the brutal murder of Human Rights Advocate, Thulani Maseko and other political activists who died at the hands of the Mswati regime.

· Unconditional release of all political prisoners and the return of all exiles.

· Right of all workers to collective bargaining, freedom to organise and associate with unions of their choice in accordance with conventions 87 and 98 of the International Labour Organisation.

COSATU calls for intensified international solidarity with the oppressed and struggling people of Swaziland, the working class in particular, towards a democratic, just and inclusive society.

Protesters will gather at the Union Buildings, 628 Stanza Bopape Street, from 9 am and march to the Swaziland High Commission, 715 Government Avenue, Tshwane.

Issued by COSATU

Bongani Masuku (COSATU International Secretary)
Cell: 079 499 6419
Email: [email protected]

Or

Zanele Sabela(COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: [email protected]