Africa-Press – Eswatini. In an impassioned quest to dissect the fabric of my people, the emaSwati, it has been my solemn endeavour to unearth our collective desires and the lengths, to which we are willing to go to achieve them, especially within the political sphere. It’s a delicate subject, fraught with the potential for stereotype and offence, yet it’s a necessary examination.
Drawing from the wise words of Martin Luther King Jr, who remarked: “If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything.” I find this sentiment painfully reflective of the emaSwati essence. It prompts an introspection into our national identity and the core values we stand for or lack thereof.
Manipulation
For far too long, emaSwati have navigated through decades of manipulation and intimidation, manouvres strategically deployed by the ruling elite to cement their grip on power. This has yielded a populace perceived as incredibly subdued, a trait I, as a bona fide liSwati, regrettably acknowledge within myself as well. The tales of our ancestors, characterised by retreat and passive resistance in the face of aggression, reveal a historical narrative marked by a perceived lack of courage. Yet, this traditional portrayal, often cloaked in the guise of respect and a penchant for peace, belies a deeper, more complex national identity.
This contemplation leads us to ponder: Why does a nation renowned for its peace-loving, hospitable and respectful demeanour tolerate decades of mistreatment, human rights violations and sub-standard living conditions in a country teeming with potential? The startling truth lies in our collective inaction and indifference towards a governance system that thrives on exploitation and mismanagement, casting a shadow over virtually every sector of service delivery.
Education
Our education system, once a beacon of pride, now lies in disrepair, emblematic of the broader governance challenges that plague our institutions. It was really heartening to hear that the issue of the curriculum has caught the attention of parliamentarians, who have called for its urgent review. This is long overdue and needs to be actioned immediately because the nation will reap its benefits immediately. The health sector, despite recent attention, remains woefully inadequate to meet the needs of emaSwati, even with what we are told is improved drug supply. I have personally experienced the frustration of lack of drugs and had to fork out cash to buy what I found to be out of stock at the dispensary.
I just wondered what the overwhelming majority of emaSwati without the financial wherewithal. Poor infrastructure, food insecurity, energy insufficiency and high employment opportunities further illustrate the dire state of our nation’s affairs, a testament to the human cost of political inertia and self-serving leadership. Yet, amid these challenges lies an undeniable truth: EmaSwati possess inherent strengths and comparative advantages that, if harnessed, could propel us towards unprecedented success. Our rich cultural heritage, strategic geographical placement and the untapped potential of our people offer a glimpse of what could be, should we find the collective will to demand and effect change.
The time has come for us, emaSwati, to shake off the shackles of complacency and forge a new path forward. Our reticence to speak truth to power and engage in meaningful actions for change is indicative of a deeper malaise, one that requires urgent attention and resolution. The trade union movement, once a formidable force for advocacy and change, now finds itself mired in internal strife, devoid of a cohesive agenda. Similarly, the broader democratic movement struggles to articulate a unified vision and strategy for progress. Yet, all is not lost. The strength of a nation lies in the resilience and determination of its people. As emaSwati, we must reignite our collective resolve, championing a future marked by equity, justice and prosperity for all. By embracing our responsibility to act, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that hinder our progress, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency and participating governance.
Let this be a clarion call to my fellow emaSwati – a rallying cry for awakening and action. Together, we possess the power to transform our shared destiny, crafting a legacy of empowerment and achievement for generations to come. The journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, yet through unity and perseverance, we can forge a brighter, more equitable future for Eswatini. The time for change is now; let us rise to the occasion with courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of our nation. We are lagging woefully behind many of our counterparts in the region yet we can be a beautiful example and amazing case study for excellence and human development. There’s no saviour coming for us; not the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as seen in its recent stance on the country or any other international development partner. We are on our own.
Source: times
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