CIVIL SOCIETY MUST HOLD LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE

We have moved from an age in which government leaders sought to do what was best for the people to one in which the political leadership is convinced it knows what is best for the people, whether they like it or not.” - Ralph Peters

A persistent concern occupies my thoughts regarding Africa - our resplendent continent. Are we, indeed, a region fated to endure an unrelenting cycle of misfortune and despair in as far as principled leadership is concerned?
Although one might argue that the notion of transparent and principled leadership should be intrinsic to our African society, it appears somewhat foreign.

This raises profound questions about our collective trajectory and potential for transformation. However, one must not overlook the complexities that underpin these challenges. The persistent issues of corrupt and avaricious leadership in Africa (which are numerous) continue to inflict considerable suffering and poverty upon its populace.
However, we are a continent seemingly intent and destined for self-inflicted failure rather than success, because of these enduring challenges.

Although there are moments of hope, the overarching narrative remains grim. The African continent - abundant in resources, culture and potential - often faces a major hurdle: Ineffective leadership marked by greed and corruption.
The political environment frequently resembles a dangerous minefield, where the core values of democracy and the protection of human rights are constantly under threat.

Conflicts

Numerous African nations have experienced coups, conflicts and authoritarian regimes. This instability often leads to human rights violations and the undermining of democratic values, contributing significantly to a sense of despair among their populations. Manipulated or fraudulent elections and the suppression of dissent undermine the fundamental principles of democracy, which include accountability and transparency that citizens desperately seek from their leaders.

This persistent issue necessitates a thorough re-evaluation of leadership models; without such introspection, the prospects for genuine progress remain not only grim, but bleak. Corruption among African leaders has become deeply rooted in the societal fabric of many countries, manifesting in various ways, including bribery and embezzlement. Leaders often prioritise their personal interests over those of the nation, resulting in self-serving gains that hinder national development.

This betrayal not only robs citizens of vital services, such as healthcare and education, but also exacerbates the socio-economic divide, fostering an environment rife with disillusionment and despair. It is very disheartening to witness the elite getting obscenely rich at the expense of the poor who cannot help, but bagolele timpungane emlonyeni - scavenging for food.

Countries abundant in natural resources often present a paradox. While resources like gold, oil and diamonds appear to promise wealth, the reality is often quite different. The revenue generated from these resources rarely reaches the average citizen; instead, it is seized by corrupt leaders and officials who adeptly exploit systems for their own benefit. This harmful cycle not only sustains poverty and disenfranchisement, but also fuels social unrest and diminishes trust in governments.

Greed and rampant corruption are issues frequently seen among African leaders.  These challenges have become major obstacles to development and are closely tied to the widespread poverty affecting millions across the continent. Even with an abundance of natural resources and a wealth of human capital, many African nations find themselves ensnared in a cycle of despair largely driven by the corruption of those in power.

Land

A clear example of this corruption can be seen in land distribution. Land -  essential for agriculture and sustainability - has turned into a tool for political gain and personal enrichment. Leaders often manipulate land distribution to serve their interests and those of their close allies, frequently reaping significant profits in the process.

Families reliant on agricultural land for their survival are left marginalised and displaced, deprived of and evicted from land previously occupied by their ancestors, pushing many into a life marked by poverty and instability.
Women, widows and orphans, who represent the most vulnerable segments of society, face harassment and are overtly denied access to land by individuals in positions of authority.

Additionally, those who aspire to acquire land for building their homes are subjected to exorbitant fees in nations they consider their own. Individuals tasked with overseeing land distribution in different constituencies frequently exploit traditional laws to unlawfully enrich themselves, charging obscene amounts for land, thereby taking advantage of the plight of desperate citizens.

We often learn about perturbing news accusing administrative officials teaming up with private developers to grab public land from citizens for themselves. These deals happen in secret, out of sight. Land prices are jacked up to ridiculous levels and leaders pocket big kickbacks that make them richer while their constituents struggle more than ever.

This represents a betrayal that continues the cycles of ineptitude and despair. The repercussions of this corruption extend throughout society. As those in power accumulate wealth, public resources are exhausted. Healthcare systems suffer, infrastructure deteriorates and educational opportunities face significant underfunding.

Distribution

The challenges that arise significantly impede social mobility, rendering poverty a generational affliction rather than merely a hurdle to surmount. Children who are born into such adverse conditions frequently find themselves ensnared in the same cycle of poverty that ensnared their parents and grandparents; thus, this perpetuates a system that serves only a privileged minority.

Furthermore, the matter of land distribution is frequently linked to ethnic and political strife, generating a highly charged atmosphere. In numerous instances, leaders exploit these divisions to cling to power, employing land as an instrument of oppression and discrimination. This not only stifles economic growth and advancement, but also cultivates social unrest, which can and often spiral into violence and instability.

However, such turmoil diverts attention from the deeper systemic issues at play. To combat this crisis, it is essential to prioritise citizen engagement and advocate for transparency. Civil society plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable - exposing corruption, educating the public about their rights and demanding equitable land distribution. Grassroots movements that champion these causes are vital for fostering change.

However, it is through unified efforts and persistent advocacy that citizens can dismantle these deep-rooted problems and cultivate a political climate where leaders prioritise the needs of their constituents over personal gain.  The struggle against corruption transcends the mere future of nations; it is fundamentally a fight for dignity, rights and welfare of every individual.

This endeavour is vital because without such initiatives, meaningful progress may remain out of reach. Democracy, which often exists only in name in many African nations, is constantly under threat. The struggle for power tends to dominate election periods, where the integrity of the democratic process is frequently compromised.

Actions

In many instances, leaders cling to power by orchestrating fraudulent elections that systematically disregard the will of the people. These tactics include overt voter suppression and the manipulation of election results, effectively silencing millions of voices. Such actions not only discourage voters, but also draw international criticism.

Yet, the persistence of these corrupt practices often continues, as many leaders adeptly manoeuvre through legal and political systems to retain their grip on power. This situation not only stifles political competition but also undermines the essential principle of accountability that democracy is supposed to uphold.

While the principles of democracy are admirable, the reality often presents a starkly different picture.
I feel a deep sense of sorrow when I hear about allegations of election rigging in countries like neighbouring Mozambique. Protests over the results of recent elections there have escalated into violence, resulting in countless lives lost due to allegations of use of excessive force by the country’s security forces.

Numerous African leaders (in their quest to retain power) frequently engage in tactics designed to suppress dissenting voices that call for reform. They often utilise repressive and violent measures. Certain unethical leaders remain impervious to criticism and evade accountability. Those who (dare to) confront the injustices perpetrated by these individuals frequently discover themselves subjected to harassment, intimidation or however, in more severe cases, incarceration based on fabricated allegations.

This pervasive climate of fear serves to stifle dissent and, although it is deeply troubling, many continue to suffer in silence. Motivated by a profound fear of losing control over authority, these leaders tend to neglect the fundamental rights of their citizens. This pervasive lack of accountability fosters an environment where impunity flourishes, resulting in a vicious cycle (where corruption begets further corruption).

Is there any hope for enhanced governance and advancement across the African continent? What strategies can be implemented to accomplish this? The pathway to progress necessitates a collective effort from both citizens and the global community to demand accountability and transparency.

Civil society must remain vigilant; advocating for good governance, protecting dissenting voices and holding leaders responsible for their actions is essential because it fosters trust in institutions. Voter education initiatives and grassroots movements can significantly empower citizens to challenge corrupt practices and reclaim their democratic rights.

However, the international community plays (or should play) a vital role by promoting free, fair and equitable elections as well as supporting those who strive for transparency. Economic aid ought to be linked to governance reforms; this is crucial because assistance should not unintentionally support corrupt regimes. It is disheartening to observe some African leaders seeking aid only to utilise a portion of it to enrich themselves and their allies while leaving little for the populace.

Challenges

Though the challenges confronting African leaders are deeply entrenched, they are not insurmountable. Achieving progress necessitates a collective commitment to cultivating a culture of accountability - and political will: One where leaders are attuned to the needs of their constituents, thereby generating hope and opportunities for future generations.

This being said, it is crucial to recognise that change does not occur overnight; it demands continuous (and vigilant) dedication. Leaders must embody godly principles, adhere to their countries’ constitutions and respect human rights, recognising that all individuals are created in the likeness of the Living God, who detests corruption and the mistreatment of others.

It is essential for them to understand that leadership is not an entitlement; rather, they hold their positions to serve the community, not to advance their own interests or those of their families and associates. Is Eswatini exempt from these issues? Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. Personally, I hope it is exempt...Wishing you a prosperous new year 2025.

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