President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed the appointment of former Minister Jeff Radebe and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Candith Mashego-Dlamini as Special Envoys to Eswatini.
Ramaphosa made the appointment in his capacity as the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Organ on Defence, Politics and Security.
The special envoys are expected to be received by King Mswati the third.
The Presidency statement says the envoys will seek to engage other stakeholders as may be deemed feasible.
This is an important note after a SADC mission in July failed to meet pro-democracy activists and civil society.
Mswati’s rule has been criticised for being heavy-handed in dealing with protestors as well as blocking communications channels in the Kingdom.
Talks with the monarch and the activists calling for a republic have long broken down with the international community accused of turning a blind eye.
[WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT] Situation in the Kingdom of Eswatini remains tense:
