The founding document of the SDC stated in bold terms the following assertion, “The eyes of ordinary Swazi people and the world, are focused on this historic and watershed initiative, the Swaziland Democracy Campaign. The reason being that the crime of tinkhundla oppression in Swaziland has persisted for too long. Almost everywhere people are convinced that this initiative marks a decisive moment, the beginning of the end of tinkhundla system. In that regard, everyone further recognise that the people in whose name this decisive struggle is waged, will always be at the centre of the process that will result in the final defeat of oppression and the crime of royal supremacy in Swaziland.”
Born of the organic struggles of the Swazi people and their genuine allies all over the world, the Swaziland Democracy Campaign is an initiative seeking to amplify the voices of the suffering and struggling people of Swaziland. It is the direct extension of the Swazi people’s struggles into the global arena and only acts in their interests and under their political guidance.
The people of Swaziland live under conditions of extreme political repression. Political activity is banned and the most basic of rights are denied. Arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, beatings, torture, disappearances and even murders, are part of the fabric of the repressive methods of the regime. In an attempt to justify their rule, traditional Swazi culture has been stolen by the Royal Elite from the people, and is used to instill fear and submission. Terrifying levels of unemployment, poverty and hunger are present everywhere and are compounded by alarming rates of HIV and diseases associated with poverty.
Since 1973, the Swazi Monarchy has the dubious honour of maintaining the longest state of emergency anywhere on the continent. It has literally turned the country into an open-air prison controlled by a series of draconian laws. Every sphere of life in society has become militarised. The notorious Suppression of Terrorism Act is but the latest indication that repression is to be extended. Despite these conditions, within Swaziland there are many people of courage and dignity who are prepared to make common cause in their communities, their workplaces, their schools and colleges, and in their places of worship. They are prepared to unite and challenge the repression and the wastefulness of the royal elite. They are prepared to make sacrifices for the country they love, and it is to these brave and honourable people that we must reach out to. We believe there must be no ambiguity about our moral duty to support those who are oppressed to resist and struggle for liberation, justice and democracy.
What you can do to support the cause?
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ER
* Organise worker meetings to highlight the Swaziland struggle within your country
*Download the document and distribute through out your networks
Swaziland_Split_SDC_Document_Sept_2010.pdf
Swaziland_Open_Letter_070910.jpg
