3 September 2008
South African’s have learnt with great shock of the decision of the South African Football Association to send the developmental team to play Swaziland in two friendly games for the 4th and 6th September 2008.
The purposes of the friendly games we are told according to the SAFA statement are to “form part of Swaziland's 40th Independence celebrations”. This celebration also marks the 40th birthday of King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarchy. Swaziland is to spend more than R 100 million for these celebrations in a country where more than half the population lives on foreign food aid and almost 40% of the population is confronted with the reality of HIV/AIDS without government support and supply of medication.
After independence from Britain in 1968, the then King Sobhuza II banned political parties and activities in a unilateral declaration of the state of emergency through the 12 April 1973 Royal Decree which abrogated all the executive, judicial and legislative powers unto himself making him an absolute monarchy. To date Swaziland is still ruled through this draconian legislation and no political activity is allowed.
Hundreds of Swazi citizens continue to live in exile, some of them in South Africa, just to safeguard their lives. In the midst of all this suppression of political and human rights, the Royal family continues to squander the people’s wealth in international shopping excursions.
This conduct is very irresponsible and exhibits the narrow understanding of democracy from SAFA House. The people of Swaziland continue to be subjected to the most inhumane Tinkundla system and our football leaders tells us that there is independence in Swaziland.
For many years now, thousands of South Africans have been engaged in Solidarity activities led by the alliance under the banner of the Swaziland Solidarity Network in support of the struggle of the Swazi people and will continue to do so.
Our Football Federation has let us down. It is however never late for them to acknowledge that they have erred. We hereby call on SAFA to immediately withdraw the team from Swaziland.
We are further perturbed by the news that various South African artists have agreed to perform at the so called independence celebrations. Our artist should not allow themselves to be manipulated, in pursuit of profit, to give legitimacy to undemocratic regimes of this world.
We call on South Africans to join efforts in solidarity with the plight of the Swazi people.
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802