Melusi Simelane

If you feel ready to join @cheveningfcdo.bsky.social & take advantage of a fully funded world-class education, exclusive networking opportunities, and the chance to immerse yourself in the UK’s diverse culture, APPLY NOW.

www.chevening.org/scholarship/...

In July, the High Court of Malawi decriminalised Defamation, ending threats of arrests and imprisonment on the grounds of alleged defamatory statements, which had been used to silence journalists, activists, & citizens, hindering public accountability and the free flow of information. #MediaFreedom

Did You Know?
As of Sept 2022, Eswatini’s prisons held 3,405 people—120% over capacity (designed for 2,838).
Decongestion Laws:

S332 lets the King grant conditional pardons (like suspended sentences).

The Correctional Services Act allows courts to order community service.

Did You Know?
In 2019, prisons held 4,200 inmates, just 77% of capacity, yet reports revealed food shortages, poor hygiene, and limited healthcare.

By 2022, some NAMPOL holding cells were overcrowded by nearly 500%, according to the #ombudsman.

Did You Know?
Namibia’s law protects young offenders:
Under Section 290 of the Criminal Procedure Act (1977), courts can send juveniles to probation or reform school instead of prison, promoting rehab over punishment. #JuvenileJustice #Namibia

This week’s Weekend Post Xtra SALC’s Madelyn Evans speaks on the historic victory for the San and Bayei communities in reclaiming Chief’s Island.

Read: tinyurl.com/54u3ntfu

YouTube video by SALC: Southern Africa Litigation Centre Eswatini Talk[s]: 20 Years of Constitutionalism | Access To Health | Ep 3

In episode 3 of Eswatini Talks, we explore how the 2005 Constitution revolutionised service delivery by embedding human rights into health frameworks and empowering the Ministry of Health to prioritise equitable access and community involvement.
youtu.be/ysaJ1KXavFk?...

Did you know? Namibia’s laws already allow for alternatives to imprisonment.

Section 296 of the Criminal Procedure Act lets courts send eligible offenders to rehab centres instead of prison, if recommended by a probation officer. But how often is this life-changing option used in practice?

In today's Eswatin Observer, I talk about the dangers of a defiant Prime Minister who disregards the separation of powers.

20 years of Constitutionalism shouldn't be undone by a repeat of former Prime Minister Dr Barnabas's defiance of a Court Order over the Macetsheni Evictions.

“Criminal defamation creates a chilling effect and hinders public debate.” SALC’s @melusisiboniso.bsky.social

Malawi’s court ruling to scrap it is a significant win for free speech and accountability.

Did you know?
As of September 2022, Eswatini’s prisons were 120% overcrowded, holding 3,405 people in facilities built for just 2,838.

🔍 Overcrowding impacts health, dignity, and justice.
✊🏾 Active citizenship means speaking up for humane conditions and fair systems. #decrimps

📢 Key populations in 8 African countries have significantly gained SRHR over 20 years, but the work isn’t done.

Know the issues. Speak up. Keep pushing.

📥 Download the brief: tinyurl.com/4huvefyz

Detained. Displaced. Silenced?
Five people removed from the U.S. are now jailed in Eswatini, but why? #SRWA #SLC #decrimps

SALC and partners demand answers and justice!

Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/au5987y4

CSOs Threaten Legal Action Over US Deportations to Eswatini - Southern Africa Litigation Centre Mbabane, 18 July 2025 – This week, the Trump Administration sent five individuals to be imprisoned in Eswatini. Their removal from the US and arrival in Esw ...

We must never hesitate to ask tough questions on democratic principles of open government. Active citizenship demands that we stand up and pursue clarity where obfuscation exists.
What legal instrument did Swaziland use to take the US deportees?
www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/csos-threate...

The era of misinformation and disinformation is a global crisis – The Mail & Guardian The battle against this manipulation is collective, requiring unified action from all who seek to preserve democracy and human rights

This is not simply a crisis of misleading content but an existential threat to democracy. If we allow misinformation to go unchallenged, we risk plunging our young democracies into chaos.
mg.co.za/thought-lead...

SALC is deeply concerned by the alarming trend of criminalisation of human rights defenders in #Tanzania and submitted to the ACHRPR and @unocha.org, and calls on #SADC and #AU member states to demand accountability. #decrimps @melusisiboniso.bsky.social

tinyurl.com/y8upfkwx

Zimbabwe’s new PVO Amendment Act grants sweeping powers to shut down NGOs under vague terms like "public morality" or "economic interests."

✍️ Read more from SALC’s @melusisiboniso.bsky.social on how democracy is being strangled under legal cover: tinyurl.com/msndc9m4

@melusisiboniso.bsky.social is representing SALC at the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Read statement here: tinyurl.com/sftnt3a3

Lets Move from Concern To Action: SALC at 83rd ACHPR Session - Southern Africa Litigation Centre Introduction 1. Honourable Chairperson of the Commission, Honourable Commissioners, State Delegates, Participants, and esteemed guests, we appreciate the op ...

At the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, under the theme, ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations’, SALC's @melusisiboniso.bsky.social has called for the need to replace concern with action.

Reform the African criminal justice system, starting with prisons oversight air and timely access to justice is enshrined in the African Charter, yet many spend years behind bars, their cases in limbo or never brought before a court.

In Eswatini & Malawi, pretrial detention punishes the poor & silences dissent. The African Charter must mean real justice — timely, fair, and for all. Read the joint article by SALC’s Chikondi Chijozi & @melusisiboniso.bsky.social published by @mailandguardian.bsky.social
mg.co.za/thought-lead...

Defend The Press: Protect Free Expression & Democratic Values - Southern Africa Litigation Centre The Southern Africa Litigation Centre is alarmed and outraged by the escalating assault on freedom of expression, assembly, and access to information across ...

To protect democracy, we must strengthen our fight against censorship, disinformation, & propaganda. We must stand united with those risking their lives to report the truth & oppose any attempts to silence independent journalism.

[READ] 📖 www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/defend-the-p...

Read the latest #ICwS newsletter - mailchi.mp/sas/icws-new...

Subscribe here: shorturl.at/1xfCO

#Commonwealth #RuleofLaw #HumanRights #DigitalDiplomacy #FreedomofExpression

SALC’s @melusisiboniso.bsky.social, in a webinar last week, raised concerns about the spread of propaganda by influential individuals. This is a timely reminder of the impact of disinformation and the need for critical thinking and media literacy.
Watch: tinyurl.com/yc67tuu2

On 3 April, SALC’s @melusisiboniso.bsky.social held a webinar on community strategies to combat false information while protecting democratic freedoms. Zakithi Sibandze spoke about how leaders often evade accountability by controlling media narratives.

Watch: tinyurl.com/4f2uyxw3

Defend The Press: Protect Free Expression & Democratic Values - Southern Africa Litigation Centre The Southern Africa Litigation Centre is alarmed and outraged by the escalating assault on freedom of expression, assembly, and access to information across ...

SALC's is alarmed and outraged by the escalating assault on freedom of expression, following the arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga. tinyurl.com/mr3fd5j4
@misazimbabwe.bsky.social @amnesty.org @sabcnews.bsky.social @melusisiboniso.bsky.social @dailymaverick.co.za

In the face of devastating cuts, Southern Africa’s communities—spanning LGBTQIA+, disability, and women’s rights organisations—are standing together to safeguard the progress we’ve made.

See the anonymous comment from #malawi

The collective resilience and solidarity are crucial in times of political and financial adversity.

This anonymous testimony from Swaziland could provide a powerful glimpse into the real impact of these struggles.

Addressing Misinformation and Hate Speech in Southern Africa: Strategies for Democracy YouTube video by SALC: Southern Africa Litigation Centre

www.youtube.com/live/Thw45xE...

Tune in tomorrow at 3 PM for valuable insights on the impact of misinformation on civil rights and democracy and how we can combat this growing challenge.
Register now:
tinyurl.com/4bfpb27m
@melusisiboniso.bsky.social @phumzile.bsky.social
#incaseyoumissedit

SALC’s @melusisiboniso.bsky.social hosts an insightful discussion on the rise of misinformation and hate speech with @phumzile.bsky.social, former MP and tech/human rights expert, Nqobile Ndzinisa, Senior Lecturer at the University of Eswatini, and SALC’s Chikondi.
Register: tinyurl.com/4bfpb27m