17 July 1990
Attention Dr Simon Nxumalo
Dear Cousin
I received your letter of 7th July, 1990 with great pain and suffering.
- You will recall that I was the longest Detainee without
Trial from July, 1977 to April, 1980 and was adopted by Amnesty International
as a Prisoner of Conscience thereby.
- I understand that before you resumed Royal Duties you
demanded and obtained a letter from His Majesty Mswati III.
- I have been in exile now for 6 years now and it is not
clear to me and my family here how I can simply pack my bags and go back
to Swaziland without any letter of safe conduct which I have demanded
since June 1984 when the gang of Four said I can return to Swaziland.
- We knew and late confirmed that in fact they were planning
to detain me together with you, Princess Mnengwase and others.
- It is indeed surprising that the colonialists have success
– fully taught our people that human life is very cheap when it comes to
their own people and very dear when it comes to the white man – a very
bizarre legacy indeed!
- Mr. Mamba, the Foreign Minister, told me categorically
over the phone that “the sun can set over the mountains” without him
reporting my request to King Mswati. It has gone accordingly because this
was exactly over a month ago. Nothing has happened.
- He then informed the High Commissioner, Prince M’boni
Dlamini that he had reported the matter of my mother’s illness to the King
who said he was going to “report the matter to the council”, whatever that
meant.
- I think my mother would die more peacefully knowing that I
her son and grand-children are safe and well than knowing that I am in
Detention Without Trial, while the King “reports the matter to the
Council”.
- Subsequently, I would be very glad to know the results of
the King’s “report to the Council” before I can think of appearing
anywhere near Swaziland.
-
I took the words of King Sobhuza seriously when he said that he wanted Mr.
Rowland to train me in business for national interests so that I can open
business projects on my return. It is now clear to me that that was the
greatest con of the century, and that the late King made two dying
words (1) as stated above to me and (2) contrary words to Queen Mother Ntombi,
since King Mswati was too young then. That “Council” includes the Queen
Mother who knows contrary words to those uttered to me in your presence at
Embo. I have been banished for life and for us to pretend that all is well
is to bluff ourselves to the utmost. The most dangerous thing in this world,
is to mistake enemies for friends. For me if my mother dies without seeing
me I shall find it very difficult to call Swaziland home and the Royal
Family my relatives.
It is better to tell my mother the truth.
Veritas Liberabit!
Your Cousin
Dumisa
