TIME FOR POLITICIANS TO WAKE UP!

The article presented today aims to inspire and galvanise local politicians as we transition into the new year; it emphasises the critical responsibility they bear in serving the constituencies that have placed their trust in them.

It also highlights the importance of accountability, urging elected officials to reflect on their commitments and the promises made during their campaigns. It’s been slightly over a year since the current crop of politicians, if I’m not mistaken, were elected into office. As we embark on this new chapter, the article calls for a renewed focus on community engagement, encouraging politicians to actively listen to the voices of their constituents (and address their needs and concerns). It underscores the significance of transparency in governance, advocating for open communication and collaboration between elected officials and the communities they represent.The million dollar question is: How have they fared a year into office? Have they performed to the satisfaction of the electorate? Or have their interests been more into personal development, than convincingly serving the people?

Problem-solving

Moreover, the article stresses the necessity of innovative thinking and proactive problem-solving, because the former and latter are essential for tackling the challenges that lie ahead of our political environment. The article aims to encourage local leaders - specifically in the executive, legislative and judicial arms, respectively of our government - to prioritise initiatives that foster economic growth, social equity and crucially promote adherence to democratic principles, etc. However, these leaders must ensure that their initiatives and policies benefit all members of the community - not a select few. In essence, this article acts as a rallying cry for local politicians to reaffirm their commitments to their roles as public servants. It serves to remind them that their actions significantly impact the lives of those they serve. As we enter this new year, let us embrace the opportunity for positive change; however, we must work together to construct a brighter future for our communities. Although challenges may arise, this collective effort is essential because it ultimately shapes the society we live in.

Politicians

Our politicians are first and foremost representatives of the people. However, it is essential to recognise that this responsibility extends beyond mere representation. Although these officials hold positions of power, their primary obligation is to the electorate. Because of this, a genuine commitment to public service must be at the forefront of their endeavours. As the grassroots, we do not want to encounter a situation where our politicians will think largely of their personal interests, totally ignoring the welfare of the people who catapulted them into power.

I am challenging our politicians as we enter the new year (2025), to reconsider their commitments. People’s trust in them has been gradually eroded. Our politicians have a huge task of restoring the waning public faith in them. However, it is important to recognise that this task is not without its complexities. Although many may feel optimistic, there are significant hurdles to overcome. Politicians, because of their varied agendas, often struggle to unify their efforts. This is why I believe it is crucial to hold them accountable. But, as we move forward, we must also recognise the importance of collaboration in achieving our goals.

Populace

My special message to our politicians is: Please prioritise service delivery to the populace, as opposed to the pursuit of self-interest. This cannot be overemphasised. It is not negotiable. It is imperative for our politicians to understand that the welfare of society should take precedence over all personal interest.Although many may resist this change of mindset, it is essential for the integrity of our political system. Serving the people must become the guiding principle - not merely a secondary consideration. The importance of politicians focusing on the needs of the public rather than their personal interests is crucial for the health of any democracy.

When elected officials prioritise the welfare of their constituents, they foster trust, accountability and a sense of community unity. Grassroots movements, which often emerge from the collective voices of citizens advocating for change, elevate politicians to leadership roles with the hope that they will champion the well-being of the populace. These movements are built on the premise that leaders will:
(1) Enhance service delivery
(2) Address pressing social issues
(3) Contribute to national progress

However, achieving these goals can be challenging. Because of this, it is vital for leaders to remain committed to their constituents’ needs, even when faced with opposition. In Eswatini, however, the situation appears to be quite the contrary. Many of our elected representatives seem to prioritise their own agendas (which is concerning), more often than not, neglecting the needs of the populace since taking office, regardless of whether it has been one or two years. This disconnect - between politicians and the citizens they are meant to serve - is alarming and detrimental to the fabric of society. When politicians focus on personal interests, it leads to a variety of negative consequences. Public trust erodes; citizens become disillusioned with a system that seemingly favours the few over the many.

Essential services, such as health care, education and infrastructure, suffer because resources are misallocated or siphoned-off for personal gain. The country faced serious challenges during the preceding year. Few of us need to be reminded about these specifically in the health and education sectors. In spite of a clarion call for accountability, optimum service delivery and improvement on welfare of the people, the voices of the marginalised and vulnerable were often drowned out, leaving them without adequate representation or support.
Furthermore, the lack of accountability created a culture of impunity, where elected officials felt no obligation to respond to the needs of their constituents. This stifled civic engagement, as citizens felt that their efforts to advocate for change were futile in the face of self-serving leadership.

Policies

In contrast, when politicians genuinely commit to serving the public, they can (indeed) drive meaningful change. They can implement policies that address the root causes of social issues, engage with communities to understand their needs and work collaboratively to create solutions. This approach not only improves the quality of life for citizens, but also strengthens the democratic process; as it encourages active participation and fosters a sense of ownership among the populace. Although the need for politicians in Eswatini to realign their priorities with the needs of the public is urgent, they had often shown hesitation to take action. Consider for instance, the issue of corruption where those implicated in corruption are known...Parliamentarians had often failed to take the necessary steps to force the Executive to take action against those implicated in instructional corruption.

If all arms of government can work collaboratively to eradicate corruption, they can restore faith in governance, enhance service delivery and contribute to the overall progress of the nation. It is essential for citizens to hold their leaders accountable and demand a government that truly represents their interests because this ensures that the voices of the people are heard and valued in the political arena. The salient takeaway from the prevailing circumstances in Eswatini, is that diverse constituencies within the nation, are articulating a profound necessity for immediate political intervention to address a spectrum of critical challenges adversely impacting the populace.

These challenges encompass pervasive corruption, which undermines trust in governmental institutions and diverts resources from vital services; elevated unemployment rates, which exacerbate economic instability and foment social unrest and insufficient public services that fail to fulfil the fundamental needs of citizens, consequently impeding overall development.
The appeal for urgent political action signifies an escalating consciousness among the citizens of Eswatini concerning the significance of accountability in governance. Citizens are increasingly asserting that their leaders must be held accountable for their actions and decisions, particularly regarding the stewardship of public resources and the provision of services.

Accountability

This demand for accountability is not merely about rectifying past grievances; rather, it is about ensuring that future governance prioritises the welfare of the populace. However, this complex interplay of demands underscores the intricate relationship between governance and societal expectations, thereby necessitating a more nuanced approach to political reform.
Furthermore, the emphasis placed on prioritising the welfare of the populace, signifies a noteworthy transition towards a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance. Constituencies are advocating for policies and initiatives that directly benefit the community - rather than those that merely serve the interests of a select few.

This includes calls for job creation, enhanced access to education and health care, as well as the establishment of transparent systems that permit public input and oversight.
In summary, the situation in our beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini reveals a critical juncture, at which the voices of the constituencies are demanding a transformation in political leadership and governance. The urgent call for action against corruption, unemployment and inadequate public services, underscores the necessity for a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens; however, this demand is not without challenges.

Although the aspirations for a more equitable and just society are evident, the path to achieving such objectives remains complex and fraught with obstacles. I urge our politicians to prove to the constituencies that their (constituencies) vote was not wasted and that the year 2025 will be a year of transformation. Wishing everyone a glorious and prosperous new year!

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