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The tourist literature for Swaziland, one of the southern hemisphere's smallest nations, describes the country as the "Switzerland of Africa," a land of noble tradition that is home to one of the world's oldest monarchies. The reality is rather different, and the Reed Dance is a case in point. For all the color of the ceremony, Mswati's polygamy looks irresponsible next to what is today the world's worst HIV/AIDS epidemic: infection among pregnant women is 41%, Swazi life expectancy is down to 43 years, and 31% of Swazi children are orphans. Likewise, the King's estimated $200 million fortune and Swaziland's overpaid bureaucracy, bloated with royal cronies, appear less than majestic alongside an unemployment rate of 43% and the fact that 63% of Swazis live on $2 a day or less.
As one of the world's last absolute monarchs, Mswati, 43, increasingly behaves more as a despot than as the caring father of a nation. He rules with emergency powers that grant him ultimate authority over the government, judiciary, army, police and legislature. Those who oppose him must tread carefully. When the leader of the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Mario Masuku, suggests we meet at a secluded café on the outskirts of the capital, Mbabane, his caution is understandable. Masuku has spent several years in jail, accused of sedition and terrorism. Full story...
Don't miss:
The tourist literature for Swaziland, one of the southern hemisphere's smallest nations, describes the country as the "Switzerland of Africa," a land of noble tradition that is home to one of the world's oldest monarchies. The reality is rather different, and the Reed Dance is a case in point. For all the color of the ceremony, Mswati's polygamy looks irresponsible next to what is today the world's worst HIV/AIDS epidemic: infection among pregnant women is 41%, Swazi life expectancy is down to 43 years, and 31% of Swazi children are orphans. Likewise, the King's estimated $200 million fortune and Swaziland's overpaid bureaucracy, bloated with royal cronies, appear less than majestic alongside an unemployment rate of 43% and the fact that 63% of Swazis live on $2 a day or less.
As one of the world's last absolute monarchs, Mswati, 43, increasingly behaves more as a despot than as the caring father of a nation. He rules with emergency powers that grant him ultimate authority over the government, judiciary, army, police and legislature. Those who oppose him must tread carefully. When the leader of the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Mario Masuku, suggests we meet at a secluded café on the outskirts of the capital, Mbabane, his caution is understandable. Masuku has spent several years in jail, accused of sedition and terrorism. Full story...
Don't miss:
- Swazis speak out against Africa's last absolute monarchy...
- People of Swaziland fed up with King Msawati and his 13 wives...
- Protestors in Swaziland burning picture of the king...
- I am a prisoner, says Swaziland's Queen No 12...
- King of Swaziland's wife no. 12 caught in bed with justice minister!!!
- Swaziland, where the poor starve and the king is, well, king...
- King of Swaziland evicts residents to grab their land, but evicted fight back...
- The Coca-colonisation of Swaziland...
- Swaziland: Protest at pay freeze while king celebrates...
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