Constitutionally Speaking

Governing starts with the people

In theory, when a citizen votes for a parliamentary representative, that representative is meant to embody the will of the person who voted for him or her. Phakama Shili, advocacy officer at Swaziland’s Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Swaziland), writes a weekly column for the Swazi Observer. The column, ‘Constitutionally Speaking’, considers human rights and the quest for democracy inContinue reading “Governing starts with the people”

Half a loaf is not better than none: marriage rights in Swaziland

If Swazi women are to realize their rights as enshrined in the Constitution, there needs to be a holistic review of the marriage laws in the country. A good way to start would be amending all marriage laws by passing legislation that will bring about equality of spouses in marriage. Phakama Shili, advocacy officer at Swaziland’s MediaContinue reading “Half a loaf is not better than none: marriage rights in Swaziland”

The role of the media during elections

“Free and unfettered inquiry is the foundation upon which our first world status will be built.” Phakama Shili, advocacy officer at Swaziland’s Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Swaziland), writes a weekly column for Swazi Observer. The column, ‘Constitutionally Speaking’, considers human rights and the quest for democracy in Swaziland. Read on for this week’s article on the role ofContinue reading “The role of the media during elections”

Human Rights versus Animal Welfare

“Essentially all laws that hamper the enjoyment of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution should be abolished or amended to comply with the supreme law of the land.” Phakama Shili, advocacy officer at Swaziland’s Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Swaziland), writes a weekly column for daily newspaper Swazi Observer. The column, ‘Constitutionally Speaking’, considers human rights andContinue reading “Human Rights versus Animal Welfare”

Human rights too expensive in Swaziland: MISA advocacy officer

“A Swaziland worthy of first-world status can only be facilitated by a people who are patriotic to their country and honest to the sufferings of the nation.” Phakama Shili, advocacy officer at Swaziland’s Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Swaziland), writes a weekly column called Constitutionally Speaking about human rights and democracy for the daily newspaper Swazi Observer. SwazisContinue reading “Human rights too expensive in Swaziland: MISA advocacy officer”

Food for votes poisons democracy

Phakama Shili, advocacy officer at Swaziland’s Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Swaziland), writes a weekly column, ‘Constitutionally Speaking’, about human rights and democracy for the daily newspaper Swazi Observer. The article below appeared in the Swazi Observer on May 30 2013. You will find all of Phakama’s ‘Constitutionally Speaking’ articles when you click here. It is an honourContinue reading “Food for votes poisons democracy”