(MISA/IFEX) – On Thursday 30 August 2001, Swaziland senators lashed out against the Sunday edition of the “Times Of Swaziland”, accusing the newspaper of publishing derogatory articles which incite the Swaziland population to hate the monarchy. The senators were referring to two columns titled “To Cetshwayo With Love” and “Parliament Sketch”. These satirical columns are […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On Thursday 30 August 2001, Swaziland senators lashed out against the Sunday edition of the “Times Of Swaziland”, accusing the newspaper of publishing derogatory articles which incite the Swaziland population to hate the monarchy. The senators were referring to two columns titled “To Cetshwayo With Love” and “Parliament Sketch”. These satirical columns are meant to express in simple and humorous terms what is happening in parliament, and the country in general.
The Senate, led by Masalekhaya Simelane, accused the newspaper of degrading the monarchy and attempting to instigate a coup by influencing the Swazi people to hate royalty. The senators took exception to the fact that the “loyal servants of the King are called ‘Bootlickers’ and ‘royal hangers on’.”
The senators called on the newspaper to respect the Swazi Royal House and stop reporting in a manner which they called “unSwazi.” The senators have since called on Minister of Public Service and Information Mntonzima Dlamini to proscribe the two columns. The minister promised to investigate the two columns.
BACKGROUND:
According to the 1968 Proscribed Publications Act, “the minister concerned shall not furnish any reasons or jurisdictional facts for proscribing a publication.” The Act further states that “no legal proceedings may be instituted in relation to such proscription.”
