SSN-CHI+-+PUDEMO+document+launch+success

Swaziland Solidarity Network

 * SSN Office, COSATU House, Braamfontein**
 * Tel: 011 339 3621 3rd floor**
 * Fax: 011 339 4244**
 * Email: lucky.lukhele@gmail.com**


 * and sa-swaziland-solidarity-eom-forum@googlegroups.com**

=CHI-SSN seminar a resounding success to engage PUDEMO Discussion document on the Road Map to a new and democratic Swaziland=

The seminar hosted jointly by the Chris Hani Institute and the Swaziland Solidarity Network was a huge success today. The attendance by members of COSATU and its affiliates, SACP, ANC, ANCYL, YCL, SASCO, COSAS, Academics, ambassadors, DITSELA, NGOs, social movements, research institutes, the media and other institutions, as well as Swazis based in South Africa.

A keynote address was made by PUDEMO President, Mario Masuku whose paper is attached. The President of PUDEMO is in Johannesburg to attend the Conference on Development and Democracy in Africa taking place at Illovo. This session also served to launch publicly the proposed political programme of PUDEMO entitled, **“Road Map to a new and democratic Swaziland”.**

Amongst those present was Mr Tsabedze from the Swazi high commission representing the ambassador, whose presence made some to remark that probably we are now at the doorstep of negotiations in Swaziland.

The next presentation was made by the Director of NALEDI (National Labour and Economic Development Institute) and acting Director of the CHI, Oupa Bodibe made a critical analysis on the document with lessons from South Africa and in other parts of the world, which amongst other things touched on the following issues;
 * At what stage is the Swazi revolution, is it at the point of negotiations or at the height of militant struggle
 * What is the honest and not subjective analysis of the actual balance of forces in Swaziland, what are the strengths of the enemy and what are its weaknesses, as well as what are our strengths and weakness
 * What kind of society is PUDEMO fighting for and how does it hope to achieve it, in this regard, which other forces are regarded as progressive and willing to work with PUDEMO towards the achievement of democracy and what can be characterised as enemy forces
 * Which primary constituency does PUDEMO represent the urban poor or the rural landless masses and who determines PUDEMO’s political orientation
 * With whom is the strategic initiative for the Swazi revolution, the tinkhundla regime or PUDEMO and the progressive movement in general

These were some of the provocative issues that Oupa raised, while at the same time reflecting on them, but with due consideration of the fact that he would be glad to have PUDEMO responding to these in the document.

It was finally agreed that a second session would be held to clarify even more deeper the strategic and fundamental issues raised and others which were thoroughly engaged by the different organisations represented.

The Congress of PUDEMO taking place on the 14-17th December, 2006 is a history making event, judging by the processes taking place to engage the issues affecting the Swazi struggle. Such debates are also taking place inside Swaziland and the outcome is expected to be the political map to a new and democratic Swaziland, which will be the guiding light for the struggling people of Swaziland for years to come.

The struggle intensifies as PUDEMO Johannesburg branch announced its own programme and the ultimate move towards the launch of the External region in preparation for the National Congress in December.

Regards,


 * Bongani Masuku**
 * Secretary General**