Calls for justice for slain Eswatini human rights defender 3 February, 2023On 3 February, South African unions from the Congress of South African Trade Unions and civil society organizations campaigning for democratic reforms picketed at the Eswatini Embassy in Johannesburg to call for justice and for an independent investigation following the assassination of Thulani Maseko, a human rights and social justice lawyer.
Eswatini police disperse workers petitioning for living wage17 March, 2022Over 5,000 workers from 15 factories in the textile and garment sector braved the rains to present a petition on living wages to the department of labour in Nhlangano on 15 March. However, the police dispersed the workers while denying permission for other marches planned for Manzini and Matsapha to take place.
Swaziland union federation dealt another blow7 March, 2013The Industrial Court in Swaziland ruled against the legitimacy of the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (Tucoswa), giving advantage to the repressive Swazi regime to undermine calls from labour for democracy ahead of national elections.
Unions struggle for democracy in Swaziland11 September, 2012Despite violent repression by the Swaziland government, unions together with student bodies and civil society pushed on with calls for multiparty democratic elections during the Global Week of Action on Swaziland, 3 to 7 September.
IndustriALL 3rd Congress calls for an end to violence in Eswatini30 September, 2021For over three decades, the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has violated human and trade union rights. However, there are increasing calls against this impunity, and for democratic reforms to be implemented.
Suppression of democracy campaign activities in Swaziland9 September, 2013Police prevented a Global Inquiry Panel headed up by former South African Minister and labour leader, Jay Naidoo from taking place after having detained Naidoo for questioning the day before.
Swaziland bans trade unions17 October, 2014Swazi Minister of Labour and Social Security, Winnie Magagula, has announced a Cabinet resolution deciding that, pending legal reforms, all federations should stop operating immediately. All trade union and employer federations will be effectively banned, a clear violation of ILO Convention 87, ratified by Swaziland, guaranteeing freedom of association for workers and employers.
Patience running out on promised reforms in Swaziland 16 June, 2014As Swaziland’s labour rights came under scrutiny at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, outraged worker representatives held up printed demands for the release of a jailed labour lawyer and the registration of Swazi Labour Federations.
US withdraws Swaziland’s preferential trade status3 July, 2014The failure of the Swaziland government to uphold the rule of law and respect worker and human rights has resulted in the loss of preferential trade status with the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Convictions confound Swazi reform hopes 24 July, 2014The conviction in Swaziland of a journalist and a human rights lawyer with ties to the labour movement does not bode well for the country’s reinstatement to a preferential trade deal with the USA.
