Swaziland: Historic opportunity for democratic reform requires South African leadership

South Africa needs to take the lead in bringing to an end King Mswati III's dictatorship in Swaziland.

The arrest and detention of four opposition youth leaders in the country is unacceptable, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) is dismayed by the ANC government's ongoing reticence in addressing human rights abuses in our neighbouring state.

The fact is that President Zuma is uniquely placed to help move Swaziland towards democracy. South Africa is Swaziland's key trading partner -- more than 90% of Swazi imports are from South Africa, and we buy about two-thirds of the country's exports. Swaziland receives at least 60% of its total state revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

President Zuma has a unique set of economic levers at his disposal, and should be making it clear to King Mswati at this point in time that democratic reform is his only available option. If he does not commit to such reforms, South African needs to threaten to hold back on SACU revenue -- an act that would directly target Mswati and his supporters, because it would cut off funds that are channelled directly to the regime.

Last year, opposition activist Sipho Jele died in police detention, and the Zuma administration seemed unperturbed. South Africa cannot continue to stand by once again while gross human rights abuses are committed in Swaziland. We are a country that understands better than most the moral imperative involved here. As protesters take to the streets in Mbabane, the South African government is being presented with a window in which to act. We cannot let the Swazi people down again. 

Statement issued by Stevens Mokgalapa MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of International Relations, April 12 2011

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