Eswatini’s Supreme Court judgement threatens the rule of law

Umamah Bakharia | ub@radioislam.co.za

5min read
27 September 2022 | 10:00 am CAT

The Supreme Court of Eswatini has issued a judgment to which legal experts are saying constitutes a threat to the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Eswatini.

In its decision, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal to proceed in the matter of The Prime Minister of Eswatini & Others v Maseko and Others.

This comes after changes were made to the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 which was found unconstitutional as it did not align with the provisions of freedom of speech.

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), which supported three respondents in this matter, argued that the ruling was against constitutional rights.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Civic rights cluster programme manager at the Southern African Litigation Centre (SALC), Melusi Simelane says this ruling has weakened eSwatini’s legal system.

“We are saying you cannot allow the attorney general to break the rules of court – the procedures of court and get away with it but the Supreme Court has indeed that this matter must go ahead to the Supreme Court and be heard fair and square,” says Simelane.

Meanwhile, the state has indicated that they would like to argue more on the Suppression of Terrorism Act that were put out by the High Court.

School Feeding Scheme Crisis

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 2-minute read 13 August 2026 With only 18% of schools in six provinces meeting the legal requirements for food handling, children across the country are being put at risk. The National School Nutrition Programme feeds roughly...

Political Killings On The Rise

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 11 August 2026 2-minute read Seven political party councillors have been murdered in the run-up to elections with seven suspects arrested thus far. The targets include a DA member in the Western Cape, ANC members in the...

Fighting For His Political Life

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 06 August 2026 2-minute read The Impeachment Committee is to decide whether President Ramaphosa should be impeached following the Phala Phala scandal. An evidence leader, advocate Thandazani Madonsela, has been recommended to...

March and March says Radio Islam’s interviews on Islamophobia spark reflection

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za 7 August 2026 | 08:26 CAT 1-minute read March and March national spokesperson Sandile Dube said that Radio Islam's questioning will prompt the organisation to reflect on criticism that it has become increasingly hostile towards the...

Ramaphosa backs Eskom grid split to drive energy reform

4 August 2026 | 15:45 CAT 2-minute read Eskom’s transmission business is being prepared to become a fully independent state-owned grid company. Generation and distribution remain burdened by debt, ageing infrastructure and unpaid municipal accounts. An independent...

Influencing Democracy

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 04 August 2026 2-minute read An article written by human rights lawyer and founder of the organization The Campaign for Free Expression Nicole Fritz claims that paid social media influencers and coordinated fake news campaigns...