Concerning the case of GBV involving our General Secretary
CPS Communist Party of Swaziland
Communist Party of Swaziland
Concerning the case of GBV involving our General Secretary
Sunday 14 July 2024: The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) notes the grave seriousness of the case of gender-based, intimate-partner violence involving our General Secretary, Comrade Thokozane Kenneth Kunene.
The CPS has a zero-tolerance position on GBV of all kinds, whether in society or within our own or any other organisation. There is no excuse or justification for gender-based violence as it greatly affects individuals, families, organisations and communities.
In the context of our struggle for democracy in Swaziland, GBV also hurts the people’s struggle for democracy and as such cannot be condoned whatever the form it presents itself in.
The CPS refutes the notion, mooted by some of our comrades, that the case that concerns our organisation is merely a “private matter” and that to treat it otherwise would be to bring the CPS into disrepute. Such an attitude is both despicable and counter-revolutionary.
Gender-based violence is a heinous violation of human rights, and as the CPS we condemn all forms of gender-based violence.
The CPS Central Committee met on Sunday 14 July 2024 to deliberate on the matter with the understanding that this is an urgent matter which demands the urgent attention of the Central Committee.
On the General Secretary
The CPS Central Committee received from the General Secretary a letter wherein he took the decision to voluntarily step aside from his position and duties as General Secretary of the Party pending investigation and finalisation of the matter.
In his letter, the General Secretary further made a voluntary undertaking to embark on a professional counselling programme to renew his discipline and compliance to political principles, leadership behaviour, as well as to uphold ethical standards demanded by the working-class revolution.
The CPS welcomes the decision of the General Secretary to step aside from his position for the time being until the matter is fully investigated and resolved.
The CPS Central Committee, following the deliberations, further taking into consideration the inputs of both comrades, resolved on the following measures on the General Secretary:
1. The General Secretary must immediately step aside from his position and duties as General Secretary of the CPS;
2. The step-aside period shall be six months, subject to review by the Central Committee, first within the first three months of issuing of this statement, and thereafter on the sixth month, after which the Central Committee, having had full access to the full progress report, will take any further decisions on the step-aside decision;
3. The General Secretary must undergo a programme of professional psychological services. In this respect, he must subject himself to a counselling process, the report of which shall be presented to the Central Committee within three months for consideration.
On the National Chairperson
The CPS reiterates its solidarity with our National Chairperson pertaining the pain, trials and tribulations she has undergone until this point. In this regard, as the Central Committee, we affirm her full right to approach any competent platform or authority to bring justice to the matter, and to this end we affirm our full undiluted support.
The National Chairperson also had an opportunity to make representations on the matter. In her input, she shared the pain she has gone through for many years with her partner.
Regarding the National Chairperson, the CPS Central Committee resolved on the following measures:
1. The National Chairperson has the right of access to professional psychological services of her choosing, and in this regard will report to the Central Committee within three months for consideration thereto;
2. In furtherance of the above, the CPS gives the National Chairperson a mandatory special three-months leave to focus on her healing and recovery, free from her responsibilities as National Chairperson;
3. The Central Committee will receive a report from the National Chairperson after three months in order to assess progress in this regard;
4. The Central Committee further recommends that the CPS Women’s Commission liaises with her in this matter as well as with the General Secretary to arrange the necessary counselling on an individual basis.
Conclusion
In the meantime, the two comrades will not be available to conduct their work during the above-mentioned periods. Accordingly, their respective deputies shall take over and act in those positions.
The Communist Party of Swaziland reiterates its condemnation of gender-based violence, a scourge which gravely affects our communities.
The CPS will do its utmost best to eradicate all patriarchal attitudes within our organisation and to ensure that never again are our comrades involved in any case or incident of GBV.
We also recognise that the issuing of apologies is wholly insufficient in dealing with any case of GBV. More decisive action must be taken.
The CPS will continue to work to resolve this regrettable case and will issue further statements on the matter in due course.
Contact:
Mxolisi Ngcamphalala
CPS Deputy General Secretary
Mobile: +268 7652 8392
Simphiwe Dlamini
CPS International Secretary
Mobile: +268 7627 9355
Email: cpsw...@gmail.com
Facebook: Communist Party Of Swaziland – CPS
X (formerly Twitter): @CPSwaziland
Website: https://cp-swa.org/