Women considering Swaziland Commercial Bafati Association

10 March 2010, The Times of Swaziland
URL: http://www.times.co.sz/index.php?news=14937

Manzini:  Following the recent landmark victory on property rights, women are looking at challenging traditional authorities to allow them to own land on Swazi Nation Land (SNL).

Mary-Joyce Doo Aphane had taken government to court where she had sought an order invalidating and declaring null and void Section 16 (3) of the Deeds Registry Act 37 of 1968. The act had deprived women married in community of property of having immovable property, bonds and other real rights, registered in their name.

The act only allowed such when the immovable property is by law a donation excluded from the community.  The women felt that there was a need to engage the authorities in order to conform to Section 20 and 28 of the Constitution of Swaziland. Section 20 deals with the equality before law, while Section 28 deals with rights and freedoms of women.
Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Swaziland Employers Zodwa Mabuza said land was one of the key factors of production.

“In many of our countries, the vast majority of land falls under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities and may not be used as collateral when seeking bank financing,” she said.

She said local authorities still do not believe in the constitution. “I think we need to have a Swaziland Commercial Bafati Association to deal with such issues,” she said to a resounding applause from the participants.  Currently, there is Swaziland Commercial Amadoda Road and Transport Association which tackles business issues on SNL.