Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

A QUIET TUESDAY

By OBSERVER REPORTERS | 2022-11-16

The planned protest action in support of the incarcerated legislators at the High Court resulted in yesterday not being an ordinary day as people stayed away from work.

This was despite government stating that all workers should report to work as it was a normal working day and further assured that security measures had been put in place to ensure the public’s safety.

The assurance, however, did not convince transport operators and businesses alike to open for business as shops remained closed while public transport was unavailable throughout the country.

Government offices also remained closed as civil servants stayed at home despite the no-work, no-pay principle.
Schools were also forced to send pupils back home due to the uncertainty of the protest.

Describing the situation in towns, Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) E.Nathi Dlamini, who gave an eyewitness account said after yesterday businesses would record losses due to the unintended closure.

Meanwhile, heavy police presence at the High Court and roadblocks mounted across the country resulted in the protest not being successful.

This was despite that different political formations and unions had urged their members through various social media platforms to meet at the High Court to show support to the MPs. Public transport workers through their union had stated that transport would be provided for people going to join the protest at the High Court.

However, those who were suspected to be part of the protesters were immediately turned back and not allowed to remain within the High Court vicinity by the police.

At about 9:30am yesterday a group of about 30 men who were passing by the ministry of public works and transport were turned back as they made their way to the court.
Former Deputy Senate President, Ngomuyayona Gamedze, also had a hard time getting into the High Court as he was prevented from entering.

Gamedze’s attempt at reasoning with the officers at the main gate was unsuccessful as he was denied entry.
However, some were allowed entry as they were spotted sitting with some legislators, who had come to support their colleagues.

share story