May Day Showdown: Eswatini bans rally, labour union heads to court

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

A tense standoff has emerged in Eswatini after authorities banned a planned May Day celebration organised by the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA), prompting legal action and renewed criticism from labour leaders.

In a statement issued on May 1, TUCOSWA Acting Secretary-General, Winile A. Mlotsa, confirmed that the government prohibited the Workers’ Day gathering, advising members to stay at home or observe the day in smaller local gatherings.

The union said the authorities justified the decision on grounds of public safety, though it noted that the restriction disrupted planned activities and created economic inconvenience for workers.

TUCOSWA had earlier secured approval to use the Hlathikhulu Central High School sports ground and said it properly notified relevant authorities more than 20 days in advance, exceeding the four-day notice requirement under the Public Order Act. Notifications were submitted to both the Hlatsi Town Board and the Shiselweni Regional Administration.

However, the Regional Administrator subsequently blocked the event, arguing that jurisdiction over the venue rested with a local chief.

The labour federation rejected that position, insisting that the law assigns such authority to the Regional Administrator rather than traditional leadership structures.

A legal attempt to overturn the ban failed when the Shiselweni Magistrate Court dismissed the urgent application on April 30, citing procedural issues, including the failure to join the local chief as a party to the case.

Despite the setback, TUCOSWA said it is consulting legal experts on further steps and plans to engage international stakeholders over what it describes as an infringement on workers’ rights.

“The May Day celebration remains banned and prohibited by the authorities,” the federation said, indicating that the dispute is ongoing.