Gawuzela’s diplomatic passport cancelled
MBABANE – Government cancelled the diplomatic passport that was issued to former Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane.
The passport was given to Simelane as a working tool in his former capacity as MP. Simelane, who is President of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), told members of his movement, during a late-night show dubbed ‘Family Meeting’ on Facebook, that he discovered that his passport had been cancelled.
“When Alpheous (Government Spokesperson) saw me in London, he told emaSwati that they would deal with my passport. He was not just issuing an empty threat.
“I soon discovered that my passport had been taken down. I’m happy some Home Affairs employees called and alerted me that my passport had been taken down. It is gratifying to note that their strategy has failed. Thank you for frustrating my international solidarity network,” (sic) he said.
He alleged that the Government of the United Kingdom had verified his status and found that he was fighting for a good cause. Simelane asked for co-operation from his counterpart diasporas in Monty Nkosi, Molly Dlamini and Ignitious Bonginkosi Dlamini.
“I am here to tell emaSwati that in 2024, I will travel the whole world, speaking about the plight of emaSwati. I have been given the right go around the world. Our God has won this fight. My plea is for assistance with air tickets and groundwork in every country that I will visit,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Communications Officer in the
Ministry of Home Affairs, Mlandvo Dlamini, confirmed that the passport belonging to Simelane was cancelled.
“It is important to clarify the process and authority behind the issuance and cancellation of passports. A passport is a property of the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs has the responsibility and authority to grant and withdraw passports as deemed necessary, in the interest of the country,” he said.
Dlamini said the passport in question was issued upon request by Parliament. However, after careful review, it was determined that Simelane’s term of contract with Parliament had elapsed and he no longer had the privilege of retaining the passport.
“Furthermore, our records indicate that he is currently in the country, and we have no record of him exiting the country using this passport. As such, we are unable to disclose further specifics regarding whether he can or cannot travel using the cancelled passport. However, we can confirm that the mentioned passport was cancelled.”
Mlandvo said based on the ministry’s information, Simelane was considered a fugitive.
“In essence, it is crucial to understand that government has the responsibility to ensure that the use of official documents, such as passports, aligns with the best interests of the country. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to upholding the integrity of the country’s passport system and ensuring that it is used in accordance with the law.
Simelane left the country in 2021, shortly before the arrest of two MPs (at the time); Bacede Mabuza of Hosea and Mthandeni Dube of Ngwemphisi. The two were slapped with charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act and eventually found guilty.