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Swaziland: COSATU joins protests on Sipho Jele’s death
18th May 2010

Times of Swaziland

MBABANE – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has joined the influx of protests against the death of political activist Sipho Jele.

In a press statement released yesterday, COSATU has called upon the South African and SADC governments to take action against Swaziland regarding Jele’s alleged suicide inside the Sidvwashini correctional institution on May 4.

“We add our voice to the demand for an independent inquest and for the prosecution of all involved in this act of murder,” COSATU’s statement reads in part.

Cosatu also decried the involvement of police during Jele’s funeral over the past weekend.
“We must affirm that Sipho has a right to be buried anywhere in his country. We say hands off the Jele family which has already suffered far too much,” reads the statement.

Jele was arrested on Workers Day for allegedly wearing a T-shirt of the banned People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and reportedly committed suicide four days later while at Sidvwashini prison.

COSATU said it was unacceptable for workers to be barred from associating with organisations of their choice.

“It cannot be acceptable that workers should be arrested on their day, May Day, for wearing clothes of their choice or colours of their choice,” COSATU said.

The organisation said SADC governments have been quiet for a long time in as far as human rights and democracy issues in Swaziland were concerned.

“The greatest crime of all is the deafening silence from all who claim to profess the ideals and practice of democracy even in our own country.

“This is a shame we must refuse to endorse, either through our silence or through our double standards in finding nice ways to stay in our comfort zones while our neighbourhood is on fire,” COSATU said.

The organisation paid tribute to the ‘international trade union movement’ and the ‘world community of progressive patriots’ for demanding justice for Swazi people.
The statement was signed off by COSATU’s Bongani Masuku (International Relations Secretary).

...picket over Jele’s death in south Africa

MBABANE – The controversial death of jailed political activist Sipho Jele will be highlighted through a protest action to be held on Friday in Johann-esburg, South Africa.

The march has been organised by the Swaziland Democracy Campaign and will be held outside the Swazi consulate offices.

There is also another demonstration set to take place in Swaziland in September.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has already pledged its support for the rally which comes just less than a week after Jele’s funeral was called off by his family due to police interference and fear of the unknown.

COSATU, in a press statement by International Relations Secretary Bongani Masuku, said the picket would be used to highlight their concerns.

“We also support the call for a Global Swazi Democracy March to take place inside the country in September. True to the traditions of international solidarity, we all must share the pain and suffering of the people in their own backyard,” COSATU’s said.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs decries COSATU actions

MBABANE – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has decried the COSATU calls and the intended protest actions.

Principal Secretary Clifford Mamba said even though his ministry had not heard of the protest actions, it was however unfortunate that such a decision had been taken without affording an opportunity to the processes initiated by government.

“In any case government has initiated an enquiry (to look into Jele’s death) thus we have to ascertain its results before we make any decisions,” Mamba said. The PS stated that regarding the proposed September protest action in the kingdom, the law would duly take its course.

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