Bheki Makhubu
A powerful clique of young political activists has emerged in Swaziland, challenging the country’s authoritarian system and threatening to disrupt King MswatiIII’s rule.
A group of MPs in the Swazi House of Assembly recently almost proposed a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini whose government has had a bumpy ride since taking office last November.
The MP who proposed the motion, Marwick Khumalo, represents Swaziland’s traditional capital Lobamba, and is the son of one of King Sobhuza’s most loyal servants.
While he professes loyalty to King Mswati III, he is advocating for a change of guard in the king’s advisers, saying the older generation that advises and runs the government is out of touch with the world today.
Khumalo is also a leader of a so-called cultural group, Sibahle Sinje (We are as good as we are), formed in 1996 to put pressure on the king.
The group professes to have no political agenda, and that its intention is to protect all things Swazi.
Sibahle Sinje has a strong presence in Parliament after many of its members stood in the last elections.
While they do not have a majority, the group’s members are outspoken.
The organisation has been allowed to hold public rallies and meetings without interference from the police.
Dlamini has declared war on Sibahle Sinje, labelling Khumalo and the group his sworn enemies.
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