The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins its sister federation, TUCOSWA and the mass of the oppressed people of Eswatini in condemning the assassination attempts at PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya. COSATU wishes Cde Makhanya a speedy recovery. 

COSATU has never stood on the sidelines in the continuing struggle of the Swazi people for democracy and freedom from the clutches of the oppressive monarchy. 

COSATU reiterates its unwavering commitment to the struggle for the liberation of Emaswati. This is an internationalist and revolutionary duty of all progressive forces in the world. 

COSATU salutes the heroic legacy of tried and tested legends of the Swazi struggle and commits to continue honouring their legendary contribution. It is their acts of selflessness that inspired COSATU to stand firm in solidarity with the workers and the oppressed people of Swaziland. In this case, we particularly recall the following departed leaders of the Swazi struggle; Mario Masuku, Jan Sithole, Vincent Ncongwane.  

COSATU reiterates its firm call for a fully independent investigation into the criminal murder of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and shall be tabling it in the ILO accordingly. 

COSATU calls on SATUCC, ITUC Africa, OATUU, WFTU Africa to heighten the coordination of global campaign in solidarity with the workers and the people of Eswatini.

COSATU National Day of Action this coming Monday, 7 October should also be firm in expressing full solidarity with the working class of the SADC region for workers rights, democracy and inclusive development.

Issued by COSATU

For more details contact:

Noxolo Bhengu

Deputy International Secretary