The 1st of May marks the global commemoration to reflect on the struggles and gains of workers and the labour movement. In Eswatini, May Day commemorations have been held without fail under the banner of the Trade Union Congress of Eswatini (TUCOSWA), since its formation in 2012. TUCOSWA is a federation which came into being after the merger of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions and the Swaziland Federation of Labour.
The 2026 event was scheduled to be held at Hlatsi. As per the dictates of the Public Order Act, TUCOSWA applied well in advance to host the event and was granted approval to use the Hlathikhulu Central High School sports ground. Notifications to host the event were submitted to both the Hlatsi Town Board and the Shiselweni Regional Administrator, who happens to be the former Deputy Prime Minister, Themba Masuku. The Regional Administrator consequently blocked the event, citing that the venue falls under the jurisdiction of a chief. Legal attempts to reverse the blockage were unsuccessful as the Shiselweni Magistrate Court dismissed TUCOSWA’s urgent application submitted on 30 April 2026 on procedural grounds, including not citing the Chief on the court papers.