SAVE COUNTRY FROM GREED, NARCISSISTIC ATTITUDES

It is undeniable that our Eswatini nation is in dire need of a unified effort to rid itself of the divisive forces that have plagued us.

The deep-rooted divisions that have permeated our society, hindered progress, hindered understanding, our ability to come together as a nation. These divisive forces have created an ‘us versus them’ mentality, pitting different groups against each other and sowing seeds of hatred and animosity. In my opinion - and, I’m entitled to it - the prevalence of narcissistic behaviours among individuals in positions of authority is a significant root cause of the political and socio-economic challenges facing our nation.

The arrogance, self-centredness, conflicts of interest, and misuse of power displayed by these individuals hinder progress, perpetuate inequality, erode public trust and undermine democratic principles. Addressing and mitigating these narcissistic behaviours is crucial for fostering a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous society. Let’s be honest with ourselves, these factors create a toxic environment that hinders progress and unity within our society.

But, before I delve deeper into the theme of this article, it is proper for me to briefly expand on the meaning of narcissistic behaviour, specifically in the realm of politics and try to the best of my ability, to shed some light on the disadvantages associated with such negative behaviour. In the realm of politics, the role of leadership is of utmost importance as it shapes the destiny of many nations across the globe in terms of progress, political stability and socio-economic development.

Self-centredness

However, the repercussions can be grave and catastrophic when leaders exhibit narcissistic traits, leading to the decline of their country’s political and socio-economic future. Throughout the course of history, humanity has endured significant hardships due to the prevalence of narcissistic attitudes. From ancient times to the present day, kingdoms have crumbled and societies have suffered as a direct consequence of the self-centredness exhibited by leaders in various governmental and institutional positions. Narcissism, fundamentally, entails an all-consuming and exaggerated self-importance; an obsessive need for subordinates to be subservient to one’s whims, as well as an insatiable need for admiration and a lack of empathy towards others. It is inevitable that when individuals possessing these characteristics rise to positions of political power, the outcomes can be fatal.

It is a well-known fact among historians that leaders who possessed despotic tendencies, such as the late Nazi Germany leader Adolf Hitler, suffered from narcissistic behaviour, causing immense destruction to their nations due to their alarming obsession with self-importance and the desire to be revered as ‘divine’ beings. This pattern of behaviour is not confined to a single nation, but is rather a global phenomenon.

Those in positions of authority who display narcissistic characteristics frequently place self-promotion as their top priority, disregarding the well-being of their nation and its inhabitants.
They tend to perceive and treat the individuals under their leadership as inferior beings, showing no compassion towards them. Their obsessive and main focus lies in bolstering their own reputation and that of their allies in order to further their personal agendas. Unfortunately, such self-centred governance concepts can often result in the people revolting against authority.

Narcissistic

Few, if any, institutions are immune from the effects of narcissistic attitudes. Even in sacred institutions such as the church, conflicts have often emerged between church leaders and their congratulations as a result of such attitudes. Narcissistic leaders reject democratic principles and institutions. When leaders prioritise their personal interests above the well-being of their citizens, they tend to weaken the rule of law, stifle opposition and centralise power while disregarding democratic values. The erosion of democratic norms has been observed worldwide, resulting in heightened institutional and administrative corruption, reduced transparency, integrity and a diminishing respect for the people’s voice, ultimately undermining the core pillars of operational democracies.

Socio-economically, the devastating impact of having narcissistic leaders at the helm of their countries cannot be underestimated. Instead of focusing on sustainable economic policies and growth, forward progression and the well-being of their citizens, narcissistic leaders tend to engage in questionable and self-destructive decision-making aimed at immediate personal gratification and/or glorification. Inevitably, this can often lead to dire, economic instability, eroded investor confidence resulting in lack of employment opportunities, lack of long-term planning, often leading to crippling effects on the general prosperity and overall societal welfare.

That said, I wish to point out that in my formative years in the early 1970s, our the then peaceful, morals driven and corruption free Eswatini nation was fortunate enough to have leaders who occupied a large space of the leadership spectrum of the country - leaders who genuinely cared about the welfare of the people. The leaders of that era possessed remarkable leadership qualities, stature, and competence. They ensured that the resources of our country were distributed fairly among the population, fostering a sense of equity that prevented any feelings of resentment towards the administration and other institutions.

Improving

Those numerous leaders were dedicated to improving the lives of all citizens of the country, regardless of their background or social status. They implemented policies that aim to genuinely reduce poverty, improve education, and provide access to healthcare for all, and seeing to it that all healthcare facilities had enough stock levels of medication, which prevented prescribing medical drugs for patients to purchase in pharmacies. It is truly distressing to observe the current decline of vital sectors like healthcare and education. Those of us fortunate enough to have experienced a different time cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

Occasionally, I find myself reminiscing about the timeless single ‘If I could turn back the hands of time’ by the incarcerated R&B artist R. Kelly. I long for the days when society was not plagued by self-centred leadership, greed, corruption, egotism, favouritism and various other detrimental qualities. Such former breed of leaders understood the importance of investing in the future of the nation by prioritising infrastructure development, technological advancements and environmental conservation.  Their commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in institutional governance set a high standard for public service, inspiring trust and confidence in government and other institutions.

They were not afraid to make tough decisions for the greater good, even if it meant facing criticism or opposition.Their vision for a prosperous and inclusive Eswatini society resonated with the people, creating a sense of unity and national pride. Their leadership laid the foundation for a strong and resilient emaSwati that could weather any challenges that came its way.
Looking back, I am grateful for the leaders of that era who shaped my future and that of many of my peers’ formative years and instilled in us the values of integrity, compassion and service to others. Their legacy continues to inspire me and a few remnants to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in our society.

Commendatory

In the not too distant past, I penned a commendatory article discussing the profound impact of Salesians missionaries in the country on our development as future leaders of our generation. It exemplified the epitome of exceptional - not narcissistic -leadership. I am acutely aware that some individuals may react to the content of this article with anger, disdain, or ridicule. I will honour their feelings, though. After all, we live in a world where freedom is valued. Moreover, there is a chance of encountering harassment from those who blindly conform to warped, conservative societal norms. Nevertheless, it is crucial to present the truth, even if it may be uncomfortable to accept.

We are all acutely aware that the truth can be harsh, but it is very essential for progress and development. In our society, there is a prevailing inclination to evade facing reality and instead, we opt to live in a facade of falsehood. Unfortunately, this has become a defining characteristic of our nation’s identity. The insatiable desire for wealth has become a relentless force that has ensnared us, keeping its deadly stranglehold in some of us, gradually eroding our core Eswatini values and overshadowing the importance of individual and national integrity.
In a society where positions of authority are coveted and the pursuit of wealth is glorified, there exists an unhealthy fixation on betrayal, the spreading of malicious rumours, and the undermining of those who strive to uphold honesty, integrity and principles.

Within numerous corridors of influence, individuals driven by their insatiable hunger for wealth and influence stop at nothing to achieve their goals. They manipulate, deceive and exploit others, disregarding the moral compass that should guide their actions. The allure of material possessions and the promise of a luxurious lifestyle have blinded them to the significance of empathy, compassion, and fairness.Even among those who aspire to join the ranks of the elite, the pursuit of wealth has become an all-consuming obsession. The desire to accumulate vast fortunes has led to a cutthroat environment, where competition is fierce and ethics are often discarded. In such an environment, the scourge of corruption inevitably takes root and destroys our moral fibres.

In this relentless race, individuals resort to backstabbing, spreading rumours and sabotaging the endeavours of their peers, all in the name of personal aggrandisement and gain. It is imperative to acknowledge the negative consequences of being consumed by the pursuit of wealth and to reclaim our core values. We should focus on upholding honesty, compassion, and justice above the relentless quest for material wealth. By liberating ourselves from this unquenchable thirst for riches, we can reinstate harmony, strengthen trust, and establish a Swati society grounded in the values that genuinely reflect our identity. After all, aren’t we the so-called ‘Pulpit of Africa?’

Accusations

In conclusion, it is important to emphasise that I am deeply troubled by the internal conflicts, accusations, and counter-accusations that persist in the political sphere. A nation cannot be constructed on the basis of egos, animosity, intolerance and misuse of authority. It is essential for our leaders to utilise established and respected channels to express their grievances regarding the behaviour of others in their professional environment. Let us not allow the desire for revenge or retaliation against those we perceive as threats to our personal and professional domains.Dialogue, respect and acknowledging our fallibility and propensity for errors are vital. Let us agree to disagree.

As I have mentioned previously and will reiterate now; we are all made in the likeness and image of the Divine. No one should exert dominance over others. Ultimately, we will all be judged based on our attitudes and actions towards our fellow human beings.In conclusion, let me quote a verse taken from the infallible Word of the Living God: “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” - Romans 12:16-18.Wishing everyone a great day and enjoy your weekend!
Peace! Shalom!

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