In defence of the workers www.times.co.sz/Letters-to-the-Editor/22915.html
Sir, We have been watching the recent developments with regards to the man-made crisis engulfing the Swaziland economy. Most important are the proposed interventions aimed at rescuing the economy. At the centre of this crisis we are witnessing the Tinkhundla regime exhibiting the highest standards of dishonesty and double standards in that: - When faced with a self-orchestrated crisis, it runs to seek foreign intervention but when the international community points out a political crisis, the regime screams ‘sovereignty and interference’ and further raises ‘sipakatane’ on possible or perceived intervention. - It unashamedly shifts the blame on the crisis to the poor, underpaid and struggling workers in the civil service. Now the regime is seeking approval from the IMF to punish the workers for the sins of the regime. As PUDEMO and the people of Swaziland, we feel if the IMF is genuine and serious about assisting in rescuing the collapsed economy, it should have asked the regime the following questions: 1. How is the regime hoping to close the leaks that cause a loss of over E40 million a month through corruption as reported by the Finance Minister? 2. Was it the decision of the poor workers to embark on the expensive and non-profitable projects such as the Sikhuphe Airport? Unashamedly, the regime is currently planning on another very expensive project, the so called ‘Royal Science and Technology Park.’ Is it the decision of the workers to spend wildly like there is no tomorrow on expensive national ceremonies, celebrations, huge globe trotting delegations, etc – all this in the name of propaganda and buying the people’s ‘loyalty’ to the regime. 3. What are the possibilities of the existence of private accounts in foreign banking institutions owned by the high and mighty of this country? How were these resources acquired? If so we believe these must be repatriated back to where they belong (the public purse) to address the national deficit created by the royal Tinkhundla regime? 4. How many ‘ghost’ employees are in the payroll of the taxpayer through corrupt means? 5. If the multi-billion emalangeni Tibiyo TakaNgwane empire is honestly held in trust for the people by the King, is it not the right time that it pumps money into the public purse to address the deficit and save the poor workers from retrenchments and non-adjustments of their salaries for an indefinite period? The workers of Swaziland must outrightly reject this heartless proposal through the regime’s Fiscal Adjustment Roadmap. Now is the time for the workers to unite and stand together to protect themselves from this failed and decayed Tinkhundla regime. A regime characterised by misgovernance, corruption, mismanagement, dangerous propaganda, heartlessness, greed, selfishness, etc. This is a regime that is totally irredeemable, unsustainable and not worth keeping if the people of Swaziland hope to ever enjoy sustainable development and democracy! Zakhele Mabuza Head of Publicity -- NEW!!!! SSN FORUM IS ON FACEBOOK!!!! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Swaziland Solidarity Network Forum Google Group. Visit the group home page at http://groups-beta.google.com/group/sa-swaziland-solidarity-eom-forum for more options, pages and files. To post to the group, send email to [email protected] or reply to this message. To unsubscribe, send email to [email protected]
