Principal Secretary Reports Union Leaders to Police for Church Intimidation

Sipho Tsabedze, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Public Service of Eswatini, has reported the leadership of Public Sector Unions (PSUs) to the police for allegedly intimidating him with a surprise visit to his church in Mbabane. The incident has sparked a controversy over the appropriateness of discussing work-related matters in a place of worship.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the escalating tensions between the government and public sector unions in Eswatini, which could have far-reaching implications for labor relations and industrial action in the country. It also raises questions about the boundaries between personal and professional spaces, and the limits of acceptable behavior in religious settings.

According to Tsabedze, members of the PSUs visited his church, claiming they wanted to discuss work-related issues. However, he believes their true motive was to intimidate him. "You do not go to church to seek interventions regarding work issues," Tsabedze stated, emphasizing that the church is not the appropriate platform for such discussions.

Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo supported Tsabedze's stance, characterizing the PSUs' visit as "mere intimidation bargaining tactics." Tsabedze took the matter seriously enough to report the incident to the police, citing an invasion of his private space.

In response, Bawinile Ndlovu, President of the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU), defended their actions. She asserted that they have the right to attend any church and vowed to continue visiting Tsabedze's church, stating, "We have a right to attend to any church and we are still going to visit his church whether he has reported us to the police or not." Ndlovu argued that the church belongs to God, not Tsabedze.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and public sector unions in Eswatini. While the unions maintain their right to engage with officials in any setting, Tsabedze and the government view their actions as crossing a line and resorting to intimidation tactics. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the police will handle the complaint and whether further confrontations will occur at Tsabedze's church.

Key Takeaways

• Eswatini's Public Service Ministry Principal Secretary Sipho Tsabedze reported union leaders to police for intimidation.
• Union leaders visited Tsabedze's church, claiming to discuss work issues, but he saw it as intimidation.
• Tsabedze believes church is not the right platform for work discussions, citing invasion of private space.
• Union president Bawinile Ndlovu defended their actions, saying they have the right to attend any church.
• The incident highlights escalating tensions between the government and public sector unions in Eswatini.