SILENCE DOES NOT EQUATE TO TRANQUILLITY

Our nation is currently confronted with a multitude of challenges that have now reached a crucial point, requiring prompt and unified efforts from government and all pertinent parties, to bring the country back to a state of unity and cohesion.

The rising number of socio-political challenges ranging from economic disparities, social injustices to political uncertainty, have created an environment of uncertainty and suppressed tension that poses a significant threat to the country’s stability. The gravest error governments, specifically those that are undemocratic in nature, can make is assuming that silence equates to approval or tranquillity. This is precisely the predicament in which we currently find ourselves in this nation.

The call for urgency to address the challenges we face as a nation is not merely a personal observation; it is echoed by a growing chorus of voices from various sectors of society, including civil society organisations, political and socioeconomic analysts, international observers and the ordinary man on the street. These stakeholders recognise that the current trajectory could lead to further destabilisation, which would have future, dire consequences for the nation’s governance, economic development and social cohesion.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes open dialogue among all political factions, the promotion of human rights and the establishment of inclusive governance structures. It is essential for the Eswatini Government to engage with its citizens and listen to their grievances, as well as to foster an environment where dissenting voices can be heard without fear of retribution.

It is detrimental for the administration to believe that it possesses an exclusive entitlement to intelligence and the singular authority to make all decisions on behalf of the populace.
I was profoundly disheartened to read an article in the Times of Eswatini Daily last week, indicating that gender-based violence (GBV) will not be recognised as a national disaster anytime soon.

Bewildering

The administration’s position is particularly bewildering, especially considering the alarming number of vulnerable citizens, particularly women and children, who are suffering and dying as a result of this issue. Such decisions underscore my previous assertion that the administration frequently dismisses input or suggestions from the public as insignificant.  What can one anticipate anyway from a government that perceives itself as infallible and above criticism?

In tackling the challenges facing us as a nation, it requires collaboration with international partners and organisations, which can help provide valuable resources and expertise to help navigate some of these complex issues. The time for action is now; failure to address these socio-political challenges could result in a deepening crisis that undermines the very fabric of Eswatini’s society and threatens the future of its people. The collective responsibility lies with government and all stakeholders to work together towards a more stable, just and prosperous Eswatini.

I would like to clarify my position on this matter. I am not suggesting that the administration has been entirely ineffective. It is important to acknowledge the significant progress made in various areas, which is certainly commendable. However, the concern, as I and many others perceive it, is that these achievements have often been eclipsed by numerous shortcomings. It is essential for us to collaboratively address these shortcomings and seek enduring solutions to ensure the satisfaction and well-being of all involved.

It is widely acknowledged that no governmental system is flawless; however, I firmly believe that as a nation, we have the potential to achieve significant progress, provided we dedicate ourselves fully and collaborate to address and enhance the areas identified by the populace as needing improvement. It is essential that every individual, regardless of their financial, political, or any other status, is included in the efforts to better our country.

Challenge

A primary challenge we face is the tendency to label those who hold differing views from the prevailing norms as anti-establishment. This perception often breeds resentment towards the system and has resulted, for instance, in many intellectuals feeling marginalised, prompting them to seek opportunities and recognition for their talents beyond our national borders.
Our country - a beautiful country known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes - is facing a myriad of these challenges that require urgent attention.

The country is under an onslaught of numerous challenges, ranging from high rates of corruption, particularly in the echelons of power which are manifesting themselves, for instance, in nepotism, allegations of brazen looting of public funds, mostly by the influential, etc., to poor service delivery from government; including high unemployment rates that are resulting in a burgeoning desire by a portion of our populace to emigrate to countries outside our borders and abroad. These challenges, among a myriad others, have woven a complex socio-political conundrum that demands careful and strategic solutions.

Corruption is the number one challenge which continues to plague our country and is a deeply entrenched issue in many sectors of our Eswatini society. Consider for instance, the issue of nepotism that has contributed to the lack of equal opportunities and fair representation in many areas, resulting in disillusionment among a growing number of our citizens, and has led to the scramble to seek opportunities outside the country. This trend has not only hindered the country’s progress, but also led to widespread disillusionment among the populace.

I have recently learned through informal channels, that there is a significant increase in the number of citizens seeking to obtain international passports. Unfortunately, reports from various media sources suggest that some individuals attempting to leave the country in search of better opportunities are engaging in unethical practices to secure these passports.
The circumstances are quite alarming. Each day, it becomes increasingly evident that the nation has very few, if any, employment opportunities to provide for its citizens. The presence of scammers and the looming danger of human trafficking, masquerading as attractive job offers abroad, is a troubling reality.

Significant

Nepotism, defined as the preferential treatment of relatives or friends in professional or political roles, represents a significant challenge that erodes the foundational principles of fairness and equality within a meritocratic society. It is widely acknowledged that individuals lacking connections within the corridors of power in the country, both in government and increasingly in the private sector, face severely limited employment prospects, regardless of their qualifications. From any perspective, nepotism is deeply rooted in our nation. It can be asserted that this practice is unfortunately woven into the fabric of our culture, where prioritising personal relationships often overshadows the ethics of equitable treatment. Those in positions of power tend to favour for employment opportunities their relatives and associates, thereby restricting such opportunities for those who are not connected to them.

This situation has led to widespread disillusionment among many citizens, particularly the youth, and has contributed to rising crime rates across the country. In a recent article, I highlighted the troubling cycle of financial scams that are currently jeopardising the nation’s stability. Securing a decent livelihood has become an arduous task, prompting many young individuals to resort to unethical practices in their pursuit of a sustainable income.Nepotism is a problem, whether it be in governmental agencies or corporations. It eats away at the core of transparency and equality, stagnates progress and breeds resentment among employees in the workplace and among the citizenry.

The only way to effectively solve this is to establish transparent, merit-based policies in government and other organisations. Also, an emphasis on accountability and ethical behaviour at all levels can be a strong cure to nepotism. In government, nepotism definitely causes loss of public trust, and degradation in the overall efficiency and effectiveness of government. The way to compensate for this is to have very clear and very fair hiring and staff promoting processes.

Favouritism

If government could strictly state the requirements, qualifications and competence needed for one to be employed or promoted without opting for favouritism, then people would be appointed or promoted based on their abilities, and accomplishments, not who they know. I’m not saying that the private sector is any better, nepotism runs rampant there too. A lot of times, when companies hire employees based on nepotism, morale drops, so does production, and the willingness of the employee to be engaged in their work. The only way to combat nepotism in organisational structures is to enforce and maintain hiring/promotion/project assignment policies that are not only fair, but also seen to be fair by everyone involved.
It adds to the transparency and interest of the corporate world when competition is fair, when only the best performance is rewarded, and when these rewards are decided objectively, and everyone has a better chance of succeeding in the work place.

The country’s next obstacle is, as you may have guessed, the despairing, inadequate service delivery by government. This has been a persistent issue for citizens for as long as anyone can remember. Basic necessities, healthcare, education and infrastructure have all been greatly affected. We’ve written countless articles about the shortage of medication in hospitals. Seemingly, there is no end in sight to this conundrum. Our education sector is in a crisis. Roads infrastructure, especially in rural areas is a sore eye.Resolving the numerous challenges necessitates a complete restructuring of governance systems, which includes implementing efficient monitoring methods and enhancing the capabilities of public institutions. Citizens are entitled to anticipate and request better services, and it is the government’s responsibility to fulfil these fundamental requirements.

I cannot conclude the article without mentioning one of the critical challenges faced by, specifically the youth in the country. The most pressing issue faced by the youth in Eswatini is the lack of job opportunities, despite obtaining higher education qualifications. The frustration and disillusionment stemming from unemployment has fuelled a growing inclination among graduates to resort to accepting any jobs not compatible with their qualifications in order to put food on the table. A Computer Science graduate is working as a bus rank marshal in one of the cities in the country.

Other graduates are working as security guards. I can attest to the latter. I worked as a security guard for 5 years. The next option, though undesirable and unethical, is resorting to crime. The youth are drowning themselves in a cesspool of habit-forming drugs. The situation is really bad. To address this, there is a critical need to foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development. Moreover, engaging in collaborative efforts with the private sector to create sustainable employment opportunities can also significantly mitigate the brain drain currently experienced by the country.

Intertwined

The increase in the number of young people seeking to emigrate underscores the urgency of addressing these intertwined challenges. While it is essential to respect the freedom of individuals to pursue opportunities beyond borders, it is equally vital to create an environment that encourages the retention of talent and fosters a sense of hope and opportunity within the country. Policy initiatives aimed at retaining skilled individuals, enhancing the quality of life and promoting inclusivity, are crucial steps towards mitigating the trend of emigration.
In conclusion, Eswatini stands at a critical juncture, demanding concerted efforts and multifaceted strategies to overcome the socio-political challenges it faces. To elevate the nation towards a brighter future, an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance is imperative.

By addressing nepotism, improving service delivery, creating employment opportunities and fostering an environment that nurtures its citizens, Eswatini can pave the way for sustainable progress and prosperity. It is only through unified action and unwavering dedication that the conundrum facing Eswatini can be effectively resolved, ultimately leading to a more  promising - and, democratic -future for its people. Are we up to solving these challenges? I’m no pessimist but, as things stand, eish, as I see it, kumnyama ebusweni bakati... Wishing you a happy weekend and week ahead. Peace! Shalom!

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