By Zweli Martin Dlamini
Africa-Press – Eswatini. The ongoing public consultation meetings conducted by the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) reminds me of Prince Masitsela, the late senior member of the royal family who before making a submission during Sibaya said; “siyabonga kutfola lelitfuba kutsi sitotihhamula”.
But “kutihhamula” is a siSwati word with different meanings, it’s either you are expressing yourself on a subject matter that cannot be changed or influenced by your views or you are opening-up to a psychologist for counseling.
Prince Masitsela was a very wise member of the royal family, his royal house “kaLaMgunundvu” under Prince Senzangakhona is very senior and highly respected within the royal family.
Even though I may not be sure of the context of Prince Masitsela’s Sibaya statement, he was referring to the public submissions and true to his sentiments, some of the “Sibaya submissions or recommendations” were never implemented.
Now, emaSwati are being made to express themselves (kutihhamula) before the electricity tariff increase to be announced by the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority, the consultation process is just a formality because this country is governed by the Tinkhundla regime with absolutely no regard for the welfare of the citizens.
The proposed electricity tariff increase in my view, is a State project meant to steal from the pockets of the poor and vulnerable emaSwati and it’s very unfortunate.
