Swazi union plans mass protest
2008-07-28 19:54
Mbabane - Trade union members are to stage a mass protest on the eve of Swaziland's 40th independence anniversary to voice their anger at rising food prices, the main labour federation announced on Monday.
Jan Sithole, secretary-general of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU), said unionists had decided to take to the streets from September 3-4 after the government failed to reply to a letter outlining their grievances.
"We have already written to the Labour Advisory Board notifying them of the intended action," Sithole told AFP.
"Given government's failure to respond to our concerns and the ever increasing food prices that have greatly affected our members, we have since resolved to embark on a staggered action. The first instalment is slated for 3-4 September," Sithole said.
The unions also want the government to reverse a ban on political parties contesting a parliamentary election taking place later this year in Africa's last absolute monarchy.
"We want the 2008 elections and beyond to be held under a multi-party system," said Sithole.
Swaziland, which celebrates its 40th anniversary of independence from Britain on September 6, is one of Africa's poorest nations with more than two-thirds of its one million people living below the poverty line.