- Swaziland has been granted access into the Kimberly Process Certificate Scheme, which allows the economically stricken kingdom to deal in diamonds. Princess Tsandzile, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy says the country’s application has been a success. The minister said the Kimberly Process Chairperson has informed him that Swaziland is now legible to trade in diamonds. The country was accepted in May 26, 2011. Deputy President, Ngumuyayona Gamedze has warned government to choose her partners carefully. He said government must partner companies with good reputation. “We are happy and welcome the news as the mine will bring job opportunities. We just urge government…

- The government of Swaziland has strengthened laws meant to curb companies that perpetrate water and air pollution. The Air Pollution Control Regulations 2010 and the water pollution and Control Regulations 2010 both carry the maximum fine of ZAR 250 000. Or alternatively, carrying a maximum five year jail term for a person found to have either emitted dark smoke or caused the contamination of water above effluent standards. Both regulations have since been published in the government gazette. The ZAR 250 000 fine applies to occupier of premises and any person who causes or permits the emission of dark smoke from any commercial or industrial premises. The regulation has described ‘…

Swaziland teachers are mooting for the close down of schools in the country throughout the World Cup period in neighbouring South Africa. The teachers contend that their pupils would lose concentration during the football fiesta as well as give them the opportunity to watch the games. - A teacher in the Mbabane city told AfricaNews: “The world cup fever is already affecting us. I personally think the pupils should be given a break in order for them to watch the soccer tournament.” “This year is different. The soccer mood is affecting us as teachers already. I strongly believe that the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has to do something as the focus of t…

- According to the four out of five judges of the Supreme Court, political parties remain banned in Swaziland and cannot contest for national elections. The Fifth judge, Thomas Masuku could not agree with the majority of the Supreme Court on findings on the question of political parties in Swaziland. The National Constitutional Assembly brought the application challenging that the constitution that allowed political parties. The traditional Tinkhundla based electoral based system is against political parties participation in elections. Judge J.G P. AM Magid, sitting together with Judge M.M Ramodibedi, J.G Foxcroft and A.M Ebrahim dismissed the appeal with costs. Judge Magid, in his re…

A mob of Lutsango Women regiment in Swaziland severely beat a 40 year old woman for bush sex with a high school pupil, during the annual Marula festival at Hlane Royal Residence, East of the country. - The women beat the culprit with sticks on her private parts and all over the body. Her school going toy boy was thoroughly beaten by male regiments. Regiments who were in the vicinity smelled a rat when the two walked towards a bush. A handful of soldiers and regiments followed the two love birds from a safe distance. The soldiers are said to have hide and watched the two as they started caressing, then kissing before having sex in standing position. The action is said to have lasted…

Civil Servants who called for multi-party democracy in Swaziland are in big trouble. Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini, announced government is in the process of drafting a charter that will compel civil servants who are members of political parties to either renounce their membership or resign from civil service. - “If they refuse to resign from these organizations,” he said, “they will be pushed out,” he added. The Prime Minister was responding to a question posed by Member of Parliament, Patrick Gamedze, who alleged that these civil servants are against the traditional Tinkhundla system of government. He asked the Prime Minister how these civil servants were emplo…

- Acid test for rule of law for government as the High Court full bench ruled that Peoples Democratic Movement president, Mario Masuku, be allowed visitors, including friends and comrades. The High Court full bench ruled that Mario Masuku be allowed visitors behind bars and they will be allowed reasonable access. The PUDEMO chief was arrested November last year on charges related to terrorism and his statements supporting the failed bombing at Lozitha palace. His arrest follows ban of PUDEMO and Swaziland Youth Congress. In his statement, Sibusiso Dlamini stated clearly that they will never ever exist in Swaziland. This verdict by High Court is litmus paper test for Prime Minister, Sibus…

His Majesty, King Mswati III, has expressed concern over the standard services in the health sector of the country. He said the situation is unfortunate because the south African country has several health professionals working abroad. - The Prime Minister of Swaziland has disclosed that the King has charged his officials to engage all working professionals outside the country to find the cause of leaving their home soil. 20 doctors who just completed their internship abroad and in South Africa are expected to bring hope to a tattered health sector. The Swazi doctors received government scholarship to study medicine abroad. Some are already working at the government hospital, while others…

A Member of Parliament in Swaziland, Sivumelwano Nxumalo, has told the country's Christian fraternity to strongly denounce any laws that seek to give rights to abortion and homosexuality. The legislator was speaking to members of his constituency at Sigwe, South of the country. - MP Nxumalo has reminded the church of its social responsibilities other than preaching the gospel alone. He urged Christians to fight tooth and nail to ensure that country is protected against ungodly practices like gay marriages and abortion. “It is one of the responsibilities of the church to be custodians of good moral values in this country. In this regard I personally request the church to fight …

- Chairman of the Southern African Development Community Troika, King Mswati 111 hails Jesus Christ for the Zimbabwe’s power sharing deal last month, after a bitter standoff between Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF and MDC’s Morgan Tsangirai. “SADC is happy, Africa is happy and Zimbabweans are happy for the latest developments in Zimbabwe,” he says. “To Jesus Christ, we say, be all the glory”, he adds. His Majesty the King says, it was not by human effort or human intellect for the progress in Zimbabwe’s political settlement; nothing but the work of Jesus. “God has proved that he hears the cries and prayers of Africa. When Africa cries he is re…

- Chairman of the Southern African Development Community Troika, King Mswati 111 hails Jesus Christ for the Zimbabwe’s power sharing deal last month, after a bitter standoff between Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF and MDC’s Morgan Tsangirai. “SADC is happy, Africa is happy and Zimbabweans are happy for the latest developments in Zimbabwe,” he says. “To Jesus Christ, we say, be all the glory”, he adds. His Majesty the King says, it was not by human effort or human intellect for the progress in Zimbabwe’s political settlement; nothing but the work of Jesus. “God has proved that he hears the cries and prayers of Africa. When Africa cries he is re…