Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Swaziland pro-democracy movement and South African unions


Swaziland is landlocked.  To its east is Mozambique.  To its north, west, and south lie South Africa.  Currently, 90% of its imports come from South Africa and 70% of its exports go to South Africa.


Swaziland also has Africa's last absolute monarchy.  At least 26% of all adults have HIV and the life expectancy is 32 years.  The king, who infamously and regularly chooses his next wife by watching a parade of dancing, half-naked teens, lives lavishly and shamelessly.


Pro-democracy demonstrations took place this week in Swaziland.  They appear to have been organized by civil service unions.  In solidarity, unions in South Africa plan to set up blockades at all border crossings to pressure political change in Swaziland.  If the South African unions are strong enough and organized enough, it may be successful in helping their brothers and sisters.

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