NO FREEDOM FOR ANYONE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES

Last Tuesday, I was honoured to receive an invitation from the arts community in the country to deliver a presentation on the role of artists in advocating for freedom of expression.
The event took place at the Arts Gallery in Mbabane.

Globally, artists have played - and continue to play - a significant role in shaping the cultural, political and social landscape of their countries. However, in our society, they are rarely given the support and recognition they deserve. Consider for instance, how artists played a pivotal role in neighbouring South Africa’s path to democracy. Their creative work acted as a strong force for change, fostering hope and resilience during tough times. 

By utilising their art to confront the injustices of apartheid and push for a fairer society, South African artists were instrumental in influencing the nation’s history and paving the way for a democratic future.  Without any shadow of doubt, art has long-served as a potent instrument and formidable force for social change in many societies around the world. In South Africa, artists significantly contributed to the political winds of change that made it possible for their country to pave the way for a democratic society.

Community

Through music, visual arts, literature and theatre, the creative community in South Africa harnessed their talents to confront the oppressive apartheid regime and champion the course for freedom and equality.  In the music arts industry, musicians like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela used their art to protest against apartheid. Their songs carried robust and vigorous messages of resistance and strength, turning their music into anthems for those fighting against injustice.  Through their lyrics and performances, these artists brought people together who were engaged in a shared struggle, fostering a sense of unity and amplifying the voices of the oppressed. Visual artists also played a crucial role in advocating for democracy in South Africa.

Among them was the late David Koloane, a key figure in the art scene during the apartheid era. Koloane was not only a painter but also a teacher, activist and organiser of community-focused black and interracial art centres. He passed away at the age of 81. Another notable figure in the South African arts community is Athol Fugard, a celebrated playwright, novelist, actor and director, often hailed as the greatest playwright of South Africa.  He is particularly recognised for his politically charged and insightful plays that challenged the apartheid regime.

The creative community in Eswatini faces numerous challenges, including limited resources and lack of funding, among other challenges. Restrictions on freedom of expression have also played a crucial, but negative role preventing local artists in being able to advocate for freedom of expression.  Despite these obstacles, local artists have a crucial role to play in advocating for freedom of expression.

Morally

They also need to be supported morally and financially by different sectors of our society.Freedom of expression is a right that is frowned upon by administrations not only in the country, but even by some governments globally. This right in our society only exists on paper. Activists, civic leaders, journalists and many who advocate for freedom of expression are constantly harassed, intimidated and even jailed. Press freedom is another contentious issue. More often than not, the media practices self-censorship due to the repressive nature of the system of government. Without free press, democracy and freedom are at risk. A free press is essential in society, acting as a watchdog that holds those in power accountable and providing citizens with the necessary information to make informed choices.

Journalists and media organisations are key in uncovering and reporting on issues that might otherwise be neglected or ignored. They investigate and highlight significant matters such as corruption and human rights violations. Without a free press, these important stories might never be told, leaving the public unaware of critical challenges facing their society. A significant event that many attribute to the suppression of freedom of expression involves two former members of parliament (MPs) Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.

Both local and international human rights communities advocating for human rights strongly believe that their imprisonment is a result of political interference, and that their ability to express themselves freely played a crucial role in their incarceration. Freedom of expression is an inviolable right and infringing on this right is one of the greatest travesties of justice any government can commit.  It is an indisputable fact that governments across the globe frequently imprison or worse, kill individuals for voicing out their opinions, despite the fact that nearly every nation’s constitution emphasises the importance of ‘free speech.’

Constraints

The limitations on freedom of expression in Eswatini pose a significant challenge to artistic innovation.  Artists aiming to raise awareness about human rights abuses must navigate through a complex environment of censorship and constraints that hinder their ability to address crucial social and political issues through their art. The apprehension of facing repercussions for expressing dissenting views or questioning the status quo can stifle creative expression and originality. Only those who are praise-singers of the system of government in our country find opportunities of recognition. In a society that should encourage critical thinking and open discussions, these barriers inhibit artists from fully realising their potential as drivers of social change and advancement.

One of the main challenges artists face in Eswatini is the lack of resources to support their work. Many struggle to obtain the essential materials and tools necessary to realise their creative ideas.This is another area that was identified during the workshop I attended as a challenge to local artists in making their mark in the local scene.Additionally, funding and financial support for artistic projects are scarce, making it hard for artists to maintain their practices and make meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape of the nation. Consequently, many talented individuals are unable to reach their full potential, and their important contributions to our society go unrecognised.

Below, are views I solicited from some artists in the country concerning the challenges they face. One budding music artist and producer, Ncusalezulu Dlamini had this to say: “There are limited opportunities and resources for funding artists in the country. Let me make an example, Nxumalo. As a producer, I need a studio which may cost above E200  000. The are no organisations which are prepared to sponsor or fund us as artists.  Our quality is compromised because of lack of equipment. As a result, we are not able to compete with international artists..

”I also spoke to another prominent artist who plays a pivotal role in training local artists. He had this to say:
Quote: “Freedom of expression is not working well with artists in the country because those who regulate the industry, that is, the arts and culture industry set boundaries for the content that artists should produce

Status quo

There are some critical topics artists cannot articulate due to the fact that once they are discovered by the status quo, they might be victimised or either classified as ‘terrorists’. The scope of content expected by the body governing artists limits the boundaries for artists to freely express themselves. “In our country once you sing a song that carries a message on issues of politics or democracy, you might not be taken seriously and you won’t even receive any assistance from our government. Your name might also be written in the black books of the status quo. You might also lose great opportunities because you expressed yourself in a way that is viewed as offensive. As a result, artists are only confined to a certain scope of composition which limit their creativity and boundaries for more thoughts.” - Unquote.

Another prominent artists with an impeccable record in the arts industry, Mawati Dludlu had this to say about the challenges they face in the country as artists:
Quote: “Mr Nxumalo, artists are too individualistic and they join arts organisations because they want to benefit from them instead of working together for the development of the industry. There are no consistent programmes in arts organisations because of lack of funding.

“The leadership of arts organisations in the country are not capacitated. Arts organisations do not have advocacy and lobbying activities. Artists lack professionalism. Ongoing dialogue on how to improve the sector are needed, but artists usually shun them especially if there is no money for food and transport. “Government use cultural dances as a complete arts programme and has divided the sector because artists are recruited to join for instance, the armed forces to provide entertainment instead of professionalising the industry.
“The development of the arts should be supported by all government ministries and it should not be the responsibility of one ministry.

Also, development partners like United Nations agencies, NGOs, corporate sector and the international community should be proactive, because it is a win-win situation for all.
“Unfortunately, such is not happening because of lack of forums for engagement.  For instance, municipalities and towns should be having a budget and facilities for the arts as part of the social service package but that is not there.  Teachers and parents need to give children a chance to engage in the arts. Some of them have talents which need to be nurtured and it defeats logic that many parents consume other countries’ arts products, but discourage their own children from being part of the creative sector which has a huge potential to reduce unemployment.” - Unquote.Now, despite these challenges, artists in Eswatini have a critical role to play in advocating for freedom of expression and amplifying their voices to demand greater support and recognition.

Significant

It is imperative that artists come together to mobilise for change and leverage their collective influence to bring about a more conducive environment for artistic expression. By uniting their voices and advocating for their rights, artists can create a groundswell of momentum that compels decision-makers to recognise the vital role of the arts in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society.In conclusion, artists in Eswatini face significant challenges in accessing support and promoting freedom of expression.  However, their role in advocating for social change and cultural enrichment is indispensable.

By uniting their voices, engaging with stakeholders and asserting their rights, artists have the power to drive meaningful change and create an environment where their creative endeavours are valued, supported and celebrated. It is through collective action and unwavering dedication that artists can pave the way for a more vibrant, inclusive and artistically flourishing Eswatini.

Wishing you a very happy weekend and week ahead! Peace! Shalom!
7605 8449.

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