THE CHANGE WE HOPE TO SEE

“Today, I make a solemn commitment to be a president for all South Africans - not for some South Africans - to defend our Constitution and protect our democracy” - President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the presidential inauguration.

On Wednesday, I eagerly observed the live broadcast of the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa, the newly-appointed President of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU). I couldn’t help but feel a mix of envy and admiration as I witnessed this significant event. It was truly a remarkable event! I couldn’t suppress the sense of pride in being part of the proceedings even though I was an armchair spectator - watching the proceedings as they unfolded from hundreds of kilometres away from the venue - in a country governed under its own contentious and dubious version of democracy. How I wished I was a part of a nation that highly esteems and diligently adheres to the ideals of democracy. Pho-ke.

Distinguished dignitaries from across the globe and attendees from all walks of life graced this historic occasion. While fixated on my old television screen, I couldn’t help but notice an interesting detail..I saw leaders from non-democratic governments, such as Zimbabwe, who were included on the event’s guest list being led to their respective seats in the guest area. I couldn’t help but appreciate that this gesture of even inviting leaders from undemocratic regimes truly exemplifies and upholds the essence of democracy. The celebratory ambiance surrounding this landmark moment fostered hope that, despite varying political views and ideologies, unity can be realised through the power of democracy.

Disagreements

Lasting lessons, which must be learnt by all political leaders globally are that, by prioritising national progress over disagreements, we can strive towards a harmonious future as citizens of one country with diverse political opinions. Since the establishment of the first government of national unity in 1994, and followed by subsequent ANC-led administrations, South Africa has faced numerous challenges on its democratic journey. President Nelson Mandela, who endured years of imprisonment by the former apartheid regime, assumed the role of the country’s first president following decades of white rule.

Governing such a vast nation, both in terms of landmass and comprising of diverse ethnic groups with contrasting political beliefs, had often proven to be a formidable task for especially the ANC government which had enjoyed majority rule until a few weeks ago when it failed to gain the majority vote during the recent elections. South Africa’s democratic governance has overcome numerous challenges and achieved significant progress in various areas, such as improving access to essential services and reducing poverty levels to some extent. The country places great importance on protecting the human rights of its citizens, as enshrined in its constitution. Both the Judiciary and the Legislature function effectively, ensuring that no individual, including the president, is exempt from the law.

In conclusion, President Cyril Ramaphosa in his inauguration speech made a solemn promise to address some of the above issues, especially now that no party has a clear majority in governing the country. South Africa’s imminent government of national unity will need to work hard and effectively address these challenges. With that being said, it is imperative to highlight the importance of democracy and why, as the Kingdom of Eswatini, we should look up to and emulate countries like South Africa as examples of true democracy, in order to avoid or prevent internal conflicts and divisions.

Harmful

Currently, there is a significant amount of work that needs to be done by emaSwati to promote unity, eliminate harmful practices such as corruption, reduce the growing gap between the wealthy and the impoverished; reduce unemployment, engage in proper dialogue with the aim of addressing political, social and economic challenges.It is imperative that we strive towards establishing a genuine democracy, one that does not embrace the negative aspects of hatred and intolerance towards differing opinions, but rather a democracy that values diversity and inclusivity. The implementation of authentic democratic values is of utmost importance in our nation. Our goal should be to establish a society that upholds equality under the law, ensuring that corrupt individuals with close ties to those in power are not shielded from prosecution.

While some groups, especially those benefitting from the current governance system, claim that our country is democratic, the true question still lingers. Are we truly democratic?
There has been a limited number of countries that have managed to establish perfect governing systems in all their histories since the world began. Each and every such system is imperfect. Democracy is universally recognised as the most appropriate form of governance on earth. Democracy, unlike one party States, which often turn into autocratic regimes, is often considered as amounting to freedom and being an underpinning for contemporary society. Many people concur that democracy leads to the empowerment of its citizenry allowing them to actively participate and air their opinions concerning issues affecting them. In a true democracy, citizens openly criticise their leaders for ineffective governance without worrying about facing harassment, threats or unjust imprisonment.

Unique

In our ‘unique’ style of democracy in the kingdom, openly expressing oneself or criticising authorities is a very dangerous and risky concept. The luxury of freedom of expression is not something many can enjoy, unless they are compliant with the governance system. Those who boldly criticise the status quo are labelled as ‘terrorists or rabble-rousers’ and without a doubt; their names are surely recorded in the administration’s database of ‘undesirables’. Is that true democracy? One of the most notable features of democracy is the concept of equal representation, which can be achieved through both independent/individual representation as well as representation by political parties. While there has been a prevailing perception in the country that political parties are inherently ‘evil’ and cause conflicts, it is important to recognise the numerous advantages they bring. Let’s be open minded and interrogate this without adopting biased attitudes.

The unfounded demonisation of political parties has often been a tactic employed by conservatives to discourage the public from supporting them. However, political parties play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable and providing checks and balances on their actions. Allowing political parties to participate in national elections offers a significant advantage by ensuring a diverse range of ideologies and interests are represented. These parties serve as platforms for presenting a wide array of perspectives on governance, public policy and societal issues.

Demonise

It is important to clarify that my intention is not to support, endorse or demonise political parties through my statements. As a columnist, I aim to present the reality without any bias towards the administration or any political group, both now and in the future. My allegiance is solely dedicated to the Coming Heavenly Kingdom of the Living God. But, as a citizen of a country that claims it is democratic, I’m entitled to exercising my right to freedom of expression even though it is a risky undertaking.In conclusion, generally though, how can undemocratic political systems be helped to understand the value of practicing democratic principles?

In my opinion, spreading democratic principles in a non-democratic system must foster values like freedom of expression, respect for human rights and the rule of law within a political environment that may not be democratic. Education can be one way; another is promoting dialogue between civil society groups and the regime in power in order to steer the country towards more democratic governance.

Promotion of democratic ideals in an undemocratic framework necessitates peaceful engagement with the present power bases to raise awareness about democracy’s virtues as well as call for political reforms geared towards accountability, transparency and inclusivity. This has been observed happening recently around the world where numerous environments are undemocratic. But, this approach can be hard and dangerous because dissent and opposition is often stifled by autocratic regimes. In spite of resistance, though, all efforts should be made towards promotion of human rights and furtherance of democratic values.

Democracy in essence is what the people want it to be, inclusive of better service delivery especially on crucial sectors such as the health care and education industries. Having a workable healthcare system is crucial; one that ensures citizens can pay for medical services without hitches such as drug shortages - something that is evident in our current administration.
Furthermore, in sectors like the education industry, both democratic and undemocratic governments need to provide fair, teaching personnel wages, employment of teachers on permanent contracts, as well as adequate teaching personnel in schools, etc. All the above and more contribute to this objective.

In developing democratic ideals within a non-democratic system, governments need to construct democratic cultures by way of education, freedom of the media and public participation in matters of governance. This may involve promoting good citizenship education, fostering an independent press and encouraging citizenry participation in the decision making process so as to have more democratic and inclusive political systems.

Embracing

I believe this article has the potential to broaden our perspectives on the benefits of participating in democratic governance. It is crucial that we keep up with the numerous countries that are embracing tolerance, engagement and citizen participation in their own governance. South Africa, our neighbouring country, has set a remarkable example with its government of national unity. It would be a meaningful farewell for us senior citizens in the country to witness all emaSwati, regardless of their differences in colour, creed, political affiliation, or ideologies, finally embracing the fundamental principles of a democratic society. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t share excerpts from President Ramaphosa’s inaugural address, which left a lasting impression on me.

Quote: “In our brilliant diversity, we gather to affirm our solemn conviction that this country belongs to all who live in it, as articulated in the Freedom Charter almost 70 years ago.
“We gather here, as people born of the same soil across our nine provinces that make up a unitary South Africa, determined that by our deeds we shall heal the divisions of our past, and overcome the ongoing inequalities and hardships of the present.“We declare for all to know that neither discord nor dissent shall cause us to cast aside that which calls us to build a united, free, just, equal and prosperous nation.” - Unquote. Awesome, isn’t it? Peace! Shalom! Wishing everyone a great weekend and week ahead.

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