Stefaans Brmmer A late-night visit by Mpumalanga Premier Matthews Phosa has failed, for now, to steer Swaziland’s young monarch towards democracy, but diplomats believe the steady application of `friendly’ pressure from, among others, President Nelson Mandela, will bear fruit. South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Department remained adamant this week it would not `interfere’ in Swaziland’s domestic crisis despite calls from pro-democracy groups. Yet, South Africa clearly walked a tightrope, handing out stern advice while attempting not to come across as meddlesome. Phosa drove secretly to the Ludzidzini royal kraal late last Friday to tell King Mswati III and Queen Mother Nthombi Twala that reform was the only way to deal with the national stayaway, then in its fifth day. It is understood Mswati — who diplomats say is eager for reform, but is hamstrung by the queen mother and other royals who hold much sway — called Phosa’s office last Wednesday, asking for help. Phosa sought advice from Mandela and Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, who gave the go-ahead. A knowledgeable source said it appeared Mswati — who was not threatened with stronger South African action but was told he `cannot avoid democracy’ — was ready to accommodate the striking workers, whose demands included the repeal of a 1973 decree banning party politics. In a sharp about-face on Saturday, Mswati ordered his nation back to work in a hard-line address reminiscent of PW Botha’s `Rubicon’ speech, blaming `foreigners’ for the country’s troubles and threatening opponents with war. Meanwhile, also on Friday, Mandela had told the Swazi delegation at the funeral of Lesotho’s King Moshoeshoe that South Africa would not intervene. Later, probably after the weekend, Mandela phoned Mswati. A diplomat said the message to the king was that he would be supported in attempts to reform. The diplomat said the obvious explanation for Mswati’s about-face was that he did not want to be seen to act under pressure. `He wants to make the announcement himself.’ Other South African initiatives included steady `advice’ by South African High Commissioner Walter Louw, and a pending visit by Mbeki. Perhaps threats won’t be necessary. Swaziland is acutely aware of the dependence of its insular economy on South Africa: more than half of its income is derived from duties payed by the Southern Africa Customs Union, and the distribution of customs takings between the member countries is up for review. South African companies, and multinationals who located to Swaziland during the apartheid sanctions era, may well relocate to South Africa should labour unrest continue.