US Embassy postponed
hence all arrangements were being made to ensure that the march continued next week.
This publication, however, gathered that the PPA had not secured a permit to march.
Reliable sources confided that they filed a request late with the Ezulwini Town Council, yet the regulations are clear that it should be filed 48 hours before the march.
When reached for comment, the Embassy’s Spokesperson, Stephanie Sandoval, said; “We welcome the delivery of a petition, during Embassy business hours, when organisers have secured the necessary permits and permissions. We urge that those who plan to participate in demonstrations do so peacefully and according to the rules, even while exercising their right to assemble and express their views.” The postponed protest march was initially announced by Siphofaneni Constituency Member of Parliament (MP)
Mduduzi Simelane, in a broadcast aired on the Swaziland News online platform.
This happened on Tuesday where Simelane said discussions that ensued among the ‘forces of change’ resulted in him being assigned to plead with the people to come in their numbers at the American Embassy to deliver the petition.
He said people should converge there at least by 9am as the activities of the day were envisaged to begin at 10am.
The legislator, who is a wanted person by the police, said he had communicated with personnel at the embassy and assurance was given that people would not be intimidated or even arrested.
Simelane said even dagga farmers should abandon their chores on the day and support the cause as they were among the people they fought for in Parliament when they were being targeted through the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act (POCA).