Artists, civil society organizations and media between 14 and 16 December, 2015 met at Esibayeni Lodge in Swaziland, for a training on Human Rights, Cultural Rights and Artistic Rights under Art Watch Africa Project implemented by Arterial Network.
At the end of the three day training participants had to meet and discuss the way forward after being empowered. A task team composed of Arterial Network Steering Committee Members in Swaziland (Muzi Ntshangase, Hanson Ngwenya, Smanga, Dlamini, Bonginkhosi Mnisi, Nonhlanhla Dlamini and Maswati Dludlu) and people elected during the training namely Banele Mdziniso, Bonsile Mamba, Bheki Gama and Representative from Lawyers for Human Rights in Swaziland were tasked to lead the process of coming up with activities that will address the above mentioned problems. Such programme will form Arterial Network – Art Watch Africa Project activities
The training was followed by a session with 3 MP’s where a presentation by selected participants led by Diana Ramarohetra was made to MP Thwala, MP Sikhumbuso Dlamini and MP Jele and the main recommendation made was that MPs need a workshop because they cannot understand these issues and make a meaningful contribution from a face value. It was suggested that a residential workshop would more effective during the time when MP’s are not busy, immediately after passing national budgets.