PRETORIA – The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) joins COSATU, the broader trade union movement and progressive organisations globally in expressing its solidarity with the people and workers of eSwatini as they continue their struggle for democracy, freedom and social justice.

DENOSA supports the Global Week of Action for Democracy in eSwatini and the solidarity march taking place on Friday, 04 September 2026, from Madiba Park at the Union Buildings to the Swazi High Commission in Pretoria.

Solidarity with the people of eSwatini is not simply an act of support from a neighbouring country. It is rooted in our own history as a trade union movement. South African workers know the importance of international solidarity because our own struggle for democracy was strengthened by workers, unions and progressive organisations across the world. It is therefore our responsibility to stand with workers and communities elsewhere who continue to demand the right to organise, to speak freely, to participate in the political affairs of their country and to enjoy the fundamental rights and freedoms that should be guaranteed to all people.

As a trade union representing nurses and healthcare workers, DENOSA also understands that workers’ rights, democracy and quality public services are closely connected. Health workers need an environment in which they can organise freely, participate in collective bargaining and raise concerns about the conditions under which they work and provide care without fear or intimidation.

We therefore stand with the workers, trade unions, civil society organisations and ordinary people of eSwatini who continue to call for a democratic eSwatini and a society in which the voices of the people are respected.

We call on SADC, the African Union and the international trade union movement to continue supporting efforts towards democracy, human rights, workers’ rights and social justice in eSwatini.

The struggles of workers do not end at national borders. When workers anywhere are denied their rights and freedoms, the broader labour movement has a responsibility to speak out and stand with them.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

End.

Issued by DENOSA.

For more information, contact:

Sibongiseni Delihlazo, DENOSA Communications Manager.

Mobile: 060 602 8395.