Support For Eswatini

Cover photo credit: Alícia Ribeiro

Support for Eswatini
My name is Thabiso Mthimkhulu. I am from Manzini, Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). I am currently living in the United States with my partner (who is organizing this fundraiser) and my daughter— while I watch my country set on fire.

In the last few weeks (but building for years), countless protests against police brutality and corruption and for democratic reforms have spread throughout eSwatini. After the murder of student Thabani Nkomonye  by police, emaSwati (Swazi people) took to the streets, calling for justice and accountability. These protests grew into social, political, and economic protests everywhere in the country— intensifying after the government made it illegal to deliver petitions to local chiefs (tinkhundla).

Photo by @get_framed_photography

These actions culminated in significant protests in the last week of June as people all around the country voiced their anger and frustration at a system that is not, and never has been, working for them. These protests have been met by excessive amounts of force from the authorities. A lack of transparency and reporting access has led to uncertainty around the exact figures of the deceased and injured. There are, however, alarming numbers of first-hand accounts and media documentation of excessive acts of violence perpetrated by state actors, specifically the main security forces, the Royal Eswatini Police Force and Eswatini’s military. Government claims these incidents are a result of foreign mercenaries impersonating local security forces, but no proof has been given at all.

Security forces in communities are conducting intimidating house-to-house searches, internet access is restricted, and the spreading of misleading information has quietened the situation on a street-level - but anger, tension and uncertainty remain high. The government of eSwatini’s press statements have not accurately acknowledged the deaths nor condoned the security forces actions, and, most worryingly, they have not set out any clear action for meaningful dialogue which will address the people’s demands in accordance with the rights and protections instituted within the country’s constitution.

We the people of Eswatini are calling for:
● An inclusive political dialogue
● Total unbanning of political parties
● A transitional executive authority
● A multiparty democratic dispensation
● A new democratic constitution

We need global attention and solidarity. My people are suffering just for speaking out — and we need your help. All funds raised here will be redistributed to emaSwati who have been affected by the violence. Funds will go directly to community partners working on the ground - assistance will go towards 100% humanitarian needs, i.e. food, housing people, meeting basic needs, medical and healing expenses, clothes, and supporting newly Disabled people.

We need support - Can you help us?

*Please note: The currency of Swaziland is Emalangeni (or rand). The USD is “worth more” than Swazi money. If you donate $40, that is over 600 rand (more than many people make in an entire month). Anything you contribute helps.

In solidarity,
Thabiso Mthimkhulu

WHERE FUNDS ARE GOING:
We are in communication with organizers on the ground, and plan to distribute funds when banks and ATMs are accessible. We are working with the Eswatini Solidarity Fund and Solidarity Eswatini (which started as a grassroots mutual aid network during the COVID pandemic). You can read more about their work here: www.solidarityeswatini.org We will post updates here as we continue to be in conversation with organizers inEswatini.

Photo by @get_framed_photography