“Words like these coming from a king have serious impact,” says Mavimbela

MBABANE – Over the Easter weekend, King Mswati III stated in his Good Friday address that Eswatini would not recognise same-sex relationships or marriages, describing them as the “spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah.” Following this, Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo reportedly warned that pupils found engaging in same-sex relationships could face expulsion from school.

Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM) has strongly criticised the statements, calling them harmful and dangerous for LGBTIQ+ individuals in the country.

Speaking to Channel Africa, ESGM Co-director of Programs and Advocacy Sisanda Mavimbela said the remarks could have serious consequences for people on the ground. “We are exceptionally upset by the statements made by the king during the Easter holidays because words like these coming from a king have more impact than even our constitution,” Mavimbela said.

Mavimbela cited a recent case where six schoolgirls were expelled after being identified as engaging in same-sex relationships. ESGM intervened, reaching out to the Human Rights Commission to ensure the children returned to school. “The children are back in class, but the impact goes beyond that. We continue to receive reports of bullying and discrimination because of these statements in schools,” he added.

The organisation warned that such public pronouncements could legitimise human rights violations and make it harder for sexual and gender minorities to access education, health services, and basic legal protections. “This exacerbates gender-based violence and intimate partner violence when it comes to LGBTIQ+ individuals. Hate crimes, including corrective rape, are already occurring, and such statements from leadership worsen the situation,” Mavimbela said.

She also expressed concern that the statements could influence further legal restrictions or enforcement measures against sexual and gender minorities. ESGM has faced repeated obstacles in its efforts to register as a legal organisation, despite a High Court ruling in its favour. “If leaders make public statements like this, it provides justification for continued discrimination, including refusing to register organisations or expelling children from schools,” Mavimbela noted.

ESGM is continuing its advocacy and awareness programmes in communities to educate Swazis about sexual orientation and gender identity. Mavimbela stressed the importance of engaging policymakers and parliamentarians to bridge the gap between community awareness and national leadership. “Once people understand, their response changes. But we need our leaders to listen and act responsibly on these issues,” She said.