[WSF-Discuss] SASF_Acting pm flexes his muscles

[CACIM]

*Acting pm flexes his muscles*

Oct 14,2008 00:00 by ARTHUR MORDAUNT
[image: http://www.times.co.sz/../files/Bhekie-Dlamini.jpg]

@ http://www.times.co.sz/index.php?news=2204

*MBABANE – Govern-ment has banned the planned Southern African Social Forum
slated for this week.*

The meeting is scheduled for October 16-18, 2008.

In a statement from the office of the acting head of government, Bheki
Dlamini, government says it would not allow the meeting and should attempts
be made to continue with it, the law will take its course.

Government claimed to have heard about the meeting from reliable sources.

*security*

"From the information available it is the view of the Swaziland Government
that the hosting of the meeting in the country will not be in the national
interest, and will compromise peace, security and stability of the kingdom
of Swaziland. Consequently, the meting cannot be held in the kingdom.
Government wishes to state that in the unlikely event that the meeting goes
ahead despite her position on this matter, the government will be compelled
to apply the law to its fullest extent," government said.

Government stated that it would work with and support local and
international organisations whose objectives are in line with the country's
aspirations and priorities.

The meeting's objective was to discuss socio-economic issues affecting the
country. Regional and international guests were expected at the meeting. It
was being organised by organisations that included the Coordinating Assembly
for Non- Governmental Organisations (CANGO), the Swaziland United Democratic
Front (SUDF) and the country's two labour federations, the Swaziland
Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) and the Swaziland Federation of Labour
(SFL).

This is not the first time government has banned a function. A few months
ago, a march by women groups to protest ritual murders was banned. Recently,
the police banned a memorial service for political activist Craig 'Jack'
Govender.

*...SFTU shocked, COSATU to consult*

*MBABANE – The organisations behind the meeting have reacted with shock to
government's ban of the meeting.*

Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) Secretary General Jan Sithole
said this was shocking, particularly because Swaziland chairs the SADC organ
on peace and security, which promotes such issues of good governance.

He said government's actions only demonstrated its unwillingness to conform
to democratic principles as espoused in the bill of rights.

While admitting his shock, CANGO Director Emmanuel Ndlangamandla said he
could not comment until he hears government's reasons for banning the
meeting.

Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) International Spokesperson
Bongani Masuku said they were yet to consult on government's latest action.

COSATU was one of the international organisations that supported the meeting
*.*
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