We've not talked about the Swaziland newspapers yet. There are two, 'The Times' and 'The Mirror,' and both can be described as tabloids, though they are marketed as serious news and are in fact the only daily printed news sources. SWAGAA did some journalist training a few weeks back at Hawane Lodge (yet more attendance in hotels in Swaziland), the aim of the training was to look at the issue of protecting individuals human rights whilst reporting on news stories. The state of the lack of independence of the Swaziland media is common knowledge, but not talked about. One journalist highlighted at the training the extent that the media outlets are controlled, to the point of ensuring that royal family holiday shots are put in the papers on a certain day (one wonders why this would be desirable- perhaps photos of The Royal family in the is not a good PR strategy when 69% of the population lives below the poverty line).
The Swaziland news of the moment is that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Ndumiso Mamba, has 'resigned following certain allegations circulating in the country and internationally.' The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, also 'did not disclose the nature of the allegations.' (The Times of Swaziland, 'Minister Ndumiso Mamba Resigns,' pg.2, Friday, August 6th 2010).
The international news media gives a much more complete version of the story- The Kings 12th Wive has been having an affair with the Justice Minister. http://www.smh.com.au/world/kings-12th-wife-caught-cheating-on-him-20100803-115h0.html.
Drama Drama Drama in the personal lives of the Royal family.
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