We stand with Cde Tsetse Nkambule

17 April 2026
Abahlali baseMjondolo Press Statement

We stand with Cde Tsetse Nkambule

Abahlali baseMjondolo joins comrades and organisations across Swaziland, South Africa, and around the world in condemning the false accusations made against Comrade Nontsetselelo ‘Tsetse’ Nkambule by the absolute monarchy in Swaziland.

Comrade Tsetse, who serves as Treasurer General of the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), has been falsely accused by the police of kidnapping and attempted murder. These ridiculous fabrications are part of a sustained pattern of repression directed at youth leaders and democratic activists.

The brutal Mswati regime, legitimated in the name of culture, is in reality an absolute monarchy marked by severe authoritarianism and gross corruption. For decades, activists in Swaziland have faced arrest, beatings, torture, imprisonment, exile and assassination for standing up for democracy and justice.

Comrade Tsetse is a courageous youth leader committed to the struggle for democracy and accountability. Her only “offence” is her refusal to submit to a system that denies the people of Swaziland their basic political rights. Our movement has worked with her over many years, and she is widely respected in the broader democratic movement in the region.

The use of fabricated criminal charges to silence political dissent is a familiar tactic. It is intended to intimidate, isolate and discredit those who organise against oppression. We reject these lies and stand firmly with our comrade.

We know that the monarchy is preparing lavish celebrations to mark 40 years on the throne, and that the police are acting to ensure that no voice of dissent is heard. These celebrations will add no value to the transformation of our people or the development of our society.

While the people of Swaziland face deepening unemployment and poverty, the monarchy continues to expend public resources on spectacle and the consolidation of its power.

We join progressive forces across the region in demanding the immediate withdrawal of these false allegations and an end to the targeting of Comrade Tsetse. We express our full solidarity with SWAYOCO, PUDEMO and all those struggling for a free and democratic Swaziland.

We call on the South African government and all governments in the SADC region to break their silence, condemn this repression, and demand the immediate withdrawal of these false charges.

We call on the governments of South Africa and Namibia, which have taken a principled position in support of Palestine, to take the same kind of principled position in support of the people of Swaziland.

Contact:

Thapelo Mohapi 084 576 5117
Mqapheli Bonono 073 067 3274
Sinenhlanhla Mcanyana 073 832 3331