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The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) fully supports her counterpart in Swaziland, the Swaziland National Teachers Union (SNAT) and all public service unions in that country as they face the onslaught from their dictatorial government that is hell-bent on suppressing the will of the people.

SNAT as well as other labour unions and community organizations under the Swaziland Solidarity Network have been at the forefront of boycotts and demonstrations calling for a democratic government in Swaziland. Lately, the students have also joined the call.

We are shocked and devastated by the brutality of the police against the teachers and those who are participating in peaceful demonstrations in Swaziland. SNAT members are citizens of Swaziland first before they are educators. They are therefore directly affected by what is happening in the political sphere. SADTU believes the teachers have a right to make their voices heard in calls for political change because the future of the country is in their hands as they shape the minds of children.

As workers, the system has failed to improve the lives of teachers as more than 4000 teachers are employed under contracts and this therefore casualise the profession. The Swazi government has over years, not given teachers increment. More than 75 people have died fighting for democracy in Swaziland. SADTU reiterate the call made by the NEC in June to call on the South African government and SADC to intervene in Swaziland.

SADTU condemns the arrests without trial, harassment, victimization and the killing of innocent Swazi people

Aluta Continua!

Issued by SADTU Secretariat