26/07/2025
BOYCOTTING ROYAL EVENTS WOULD HAVE ADVANCED THE CALLS FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS
By Nokwanda Mamba
, 26 July 2025
Boycotting every event organised by royalty would have surely advanced the calls for democratic reforms , but such action requires consistency and honesty.
We recall the frustration of the regime when emaSwati shunned both the Sibaya gathering and the Umhlanga Ceremony soon after the 29 June 2021 massacre. They had to rely on a rented crowd. It had become clear to the King that emaSwati were demanding change. In response, he cunningly promised a "dialogue" after the Incwala Ceremony. That’s when many emaSwati were misled. They attended the Incwala in large numbers, and suddenly, the narrative shifted. The regime claimed that this attendance proved love for the King, and dismissed the need for any political dialogue.
We also remember the successful campaign to lobby South African artists against performing at the Luju Festival. That boycott frustrated the regime and its corporate partners, as it posed serious financial risks. These events require significant investment, and without a supportive crowd, the losses can be heavy.
However, a few months later, we witnessed political activists participating in the Biggest Braai ,“in the name of charity.” That was an own goal at a crucial moment of political unrest, when we were supposed to strike the regime where it hurts the most. The Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) became divided over the participation of legendary activist Mphandlana Shongwe in the event. Shongwe told critics to resign from the civil service if they dared question his attendance, arguing that they too earned salaries from the Tinkhundla regime. Others sympathised with him, noting his unemployment and need for financial support.
But the truth remains: he breached principle. We were supposed to boycott the Biggest Braai and send a clear message, that we are not happy with the current regime. Boycotting is one of the most peaceful forms of protest. They can’t shoot us for refusing to attend their events.
We cannot hide behind the excuse of “charity.” What charity? Are we supposed to accept breadcrumbs from a regime that loots taxpayers daily? The same regime that has stolen billions is now parading as a charitable force? It’s not charity, it’s a scam. Another ploy to extract money from the citizens in broad daylight.
Shongwe’s participation in the Biggest Braai seemed to open the floodgates. Since then, many political activists have been seen flocking to royal events , including the Ingwenyama Cup, sponsored by the MVA, using funds that should be benefiting accident victims.