Mswati III holds public forum

King Mswati III of Swaziland

Swaziland’s King Mswati III Tuesday headed a three-day public forum, so-called “People’s Parliament” to give his subjects the chance to air their opinions in hopes of ending the teachers’ strike. However, activists slammed the move because it really won’t do anything to solve their problem. 

"This is nothing but a window dressing exercise to make the international community believe that Swazis are allowed to shape the direction of the country, when in truth in such forums the speakers are specially selected and the agenda not known," said Zakhele Mabuza, spokesman for the banned opposition party Pudemo. The teachers’ strike is well on its sixth week.

The King is notorious for her luxurious lifestyle and the lavish support he gives to his 13 wives, each with her own palace all paid for by the people of Swaziland.