Recent comments from Eswatini’s Education Minister Owen Nxumalo concerning LGBTQ students have ignited significant controversy. During a school visit, Nxumalo declared that he would not tolerate homosexual relationships in schools. His remarks have raised concerns about potential stigmatisation and bullying in a nation where same-sex relations are illegal.
Minister’s Controversial Statements
Nxumalo’s statements were reported by the Eswatini Observer. He stated that he would personally oversee school environments where same-sex relationships are believed to exist. Nxumalo indicated that he would instruct school principals to expel any students involved in such relationships.
Response from LGBTQ Advocacy Groups
The Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM) group responded swiftly to Nxumalo’s comments. They warned that such rhetoric could lead to increased bullying and mental health issues among students. Their executive director, Mphile Sihlongonyane, expressed urgency in addressing misconceptions that may arise in educational settings.
- ESGM called for a safe environment for all students.
- The group’s statement emphasized the need for equality in classrooms.
Reactions from Other Organizations
Other entities, including the CANGO network of NGOs, have also voiced their concerns. They demanded that Nxumalo retract his comments regarding the expulsion of LGBTQ students. Human rights advocacy group Amnesty International urged the ministry to ensure that no student faces punishment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Context of LGBTQ Rights in Eswatini
Eswatini, a landlocked nation with a population of approximately 1.3 million, is Africa’s last absolute monarchy. Since 1986, it has been ruled by King Mswati III, who has faced ongoing criticism for human rights violations. The government’s stance on LGBTQ rights reflects a broader culture of repression in the country, where same-sex relationships remain prohibited.
Furthermore, Eswatini maintains strong ties with the United States. Last year, 15 men were accepted into the country under the Trump administration’s third-country deportation program, with more anticipated in the coming year.
