This happens as the King Mswati was hosting lavish festivities to celebrate his 40 years as monarch in the country. 

In protest, public service workers expressed their call for their overdue increments and better conditions that have been ignored for years. 

In response, the government unleashed violence reminiscent of the 2021 brutal crackdown by the Swazi regime.

The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) was born out of a merge of progressive trade unions and Mswati has threatened it throughout its existence. 

It is no surprise, that this banning of its May Day rally follows close on heels of consistent harassment that the federation and its affiliates have endured.

COSATU calls for immediate unbanning of trade union activity and right workers to free association and organisation as clearly stated by Conventions 87 and 98 of the ILO.

COSATU further calls on SADC and the AU to stop tolerating the brutal regime led by the monarchy, which has subjected the people of Eswatini to a royal decree since 1973, which bans all forms of political activity, except by the royal family.

Issued by COSATU

Bongani Masuku (International Secretary)

079 499 6419