The people of Swaziland are waging a struggle for democracy and against the absolute monarchy. The Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) is playing a leading role in the struggle of the Swazi people for justice and freedom.

While we in South Africa have won our democratic freedoms, our neighbours in Swaziland live under feudal oppression. In 1973 a decree banned all political parties and opposition. Freedom of speech and association is outlawed. Trade unions rights are threatened and restricted. The freedom of the press is virtually non-existent. Electronic media is controlled by the state.

The struggle in Swaziland is led by the national liberation movement, PUDEMO, and the SFTU within the Swaziland Democratic Alliance (SDA), comprising thirteen progressive organisations. In 1996 the SDA held mass rallies and marches throughout the country. 1997 has been declared the year of liberation.

The SFTU tabled a list of 27 demands focusing on trade union rights and democratic freedoms. The King and Government of Swaziland have made no meaningful attempt to address these demands. On the contrary they have responded by refusing to meet with the SFTU, by harassing and arresting its leaders.

As a sop to massive internal pressure, a constitutional review commission was set up. However, it consists of appointed individuals, 80% of whom support the absolute monarchy, rather than elected delegates. There is no meaningful representation of PUDEMO or the SFTU or any of the other SDA organisations. The proceedings of commission remain secret.

COSATU supports the demands of the SFTU, and of the SDA, of which the following are the core:

• immediate repeal of all legislation preventing the free exercise of trade union rights;
• new legislation to normalise the operation of trade unions in line with ILO conventions;
• immediate repeal of the 1973 decree outlawing democracy and opposition parties;
• a transparent and representative National Convention to agree constitutional reform and to lead the process of democratic transformation.

COSATU supported the recent general strike by the SFTU in support of these demands. COSATU also called for the release of the SFTU leadership who had been unlawfully detained.

On 3 March 1997 COSATU and the OTM of Mozambique staged a blockade of Swaziland, completely closing the Swazi borders

COSATU calls upon its members and supporters to continue to express their support for the struggle of the people of Swaziland.

Pledge your solidarity by printing and signing the letter attached to this web site and by faxing it to the Swazi government.