CIVIL UNREST AWAKENED POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN ESWATINI

Eswatini shall never be the same.

I wish to be around in 2054. I want to see what generation we shall be having - their attitudes and approach to issues of national significance. The civil unrest of 2021 in Eswatini represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s history—a moment where the collective consciousness of some of its people awakened to the possibility of a different future.

The demand for political reform and the push for an inclusive dialogue are steps towards reclaiming agency over their governance. Eswatini erupted in civil unrest as citizens took to the streets to protest against the high rate of unemployment and others called for political reforms. Before the civil unrest, I could say emaSwati were not a nation that would, in a twinkle of an eye, stand up in large numbers to force the State and government to accede to demands that are political in nature.

The excitement by some emaSwati that they are travelling to KaMhlushwa in South Africa to attend a political rally organized by the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) is enough evidence of the political consciousness I am talking about today. The silence surrounding issues of governance had compounded over the years, with many citizens feeling powerless to effect change. However, the events of 2021 starkly contrasted this narrative. For many Eswatini citizens, the protests brought a realisation that their voices mattered and that collective action was a potent tool against bad governance.

The mobilisation of thousands, especially the involvement of young people, indicates a shifting perspective among the populace. Yes, there is a shift. This generation, raised amid socio-economic challenges and equipped with access to information via social media, began questioning the status quo and demanding accountability from their leaders.

The protests acted as an eye-opener, igniting political discussions that had long been non-existent, propelling Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, the late former President of Namibia and Hage Gottfried Geingob to visit the country to hold talks with His Majesty the King. Social movements and civil society organisations played a noticeable role in articulating the demands for reform, thus transforming political disengagement into active participation.

However, as the unrest intensified, the government responded with a heavy hand to violent scenes that caused destruction of property estimated at E3 billion, the equivalent of US$167 million. The protests, initially sparked by grievances around the political system and economic conditions, demonstrated a collective yearning for change. That we should not deny. At the height of the civil disobedience, many of our people almost went into exile. The situation on the ground influenced them into thinking that the current leadership had collapsed.

Backed by three lawmakers in Mduduzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, citizens, particularly the youth, found their voices and took a stand against the government’s service delivery, which they described as poor. The demands for democracy, accountability, and transparency resonated across various segments of society, breaking down barriers of apathy that had long plagued the nation.

This awakening underscored the necessity for a critical dialogue on political reforms, as well as the dangers of violence and retaliatory measures that could further deepen the crisis. The unrest, therefore, underscored the necessity for the dialogue. I do not agree with political analysts and activists that the King holds immense power. One would be astonished if I were to sit him down, show him some influential emaSwati working for government and State who defy the King’s instructions.

Reports of alleged brutality against protesters and tragic incidents of violence raised alarm among local and international observers to issue statement of condemnation. These actions not only further alienated the populace but also underscored the urgent need for dialogue. The cycle of violence birthed by retaliatory measures could exacerbate tensions, leading to further instability and suffering among the very citizens the government purported to protect.

Other analysts are of the view that the civil unrest highlighted the deep-seated frustrations within the populace regarding unemployment, inequality and political freedoms. It is an indisputable veracity that the protests did not adhere to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini which spells out clearly the processes that must be followed to initiate political reforms in the country.

Of course, there is no denial that we were historically regarded as a peaceful and respectful nation that did not confront elders or take to the streets whenever they were issues of concern. Post-civil unrest, emaSwati are no longer the same. Those who have attended community meetings can tell a story on how outspoken they are now. Now, they do not fear to tell a chief that he is out of order.

I presume that the resulting turmoil served as a catalyst for political awareness among many citizens, raising crucial questions about governance, rights, and the future of the nation. On the other hand, the Tinkhundla System of Government defends itself from utterances that are prone to undermining its credibility and relevance to the digital world. Therefore, dialogue was thought to be fundamentally essential in addressing the political unrest and formulating the necessary reforms.

The State and Government convened the People’s Parliament, known as Sibaya, to address the political and economic concerns. The national meeting or People’s Parliament was held inside a cattle byre at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.Government pointed out that Sibaya served as the dialogue for which certain emaSwati and international community were advocating. This was disputed by political parties and civil society. I must mention that open communication between the government and the citizens is crucial to rebuilding trust and promoting a cooperative approach towards governance.

Political reforms that genuinely reflect the will of the people are vital for Eswatini’s stability and progress. Initiating an inclusive dialogue platform, where all stakeholders—including civil society, opposition parties, and the monarchy—can engage, is imperative for laying the groundwork for a more democratic society. As a nation, let us not procrastinate as the problem may become insurmountable in future and very complicated to solve.

It is against this background that a focus on dialogue can break down the divisions created by conflict and foster a culture of understanding. As seen in many nations emerging from political strife, the willingness to talk and negotiate often paves the way for sustainable solutions. In Eswatini, establishing dialogues can help address the root causes of discontent, allowing the government to respond proactively to issues such as perceived or alleged human rights abuses, economic inequalities, and access to political representation.

Violence

Moreover, it is critical to warn against the allure of violence and assassinations as avenues for change. While frustration and despair can lead individuals towards violent paths, history has repeatedly shown that violence begets more violence. Engaging in acts of revenge or retaliation hinders progress and deepens the societal rifts that must be healed for genuine reform. Instead, the focus should remain on peaceful protests, advocacy, and negotiation as powerful means to effect change without further loss of life or liberty.

Furthermore, the international community's role cannot be overlooked in these discussions. Solidarity with the people of Eswatini in their pursuit of democracy is vital. Pressure on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue can help shape a conducive environment for political reforms. International watchdogs and organizations can provide support to civil society, amplify the voices of the citizens, and hold the government accountable for human rights violations.

In conclusion, the civil unrest has politicised the youth and marginalised voices of Eswatini, bringing to light the pressing need for reforms and a restructuring of the political landscape. Dialogue remains a fundamental prerequisite for the necessary changes, emphasising the importance of peaceful means to address grievances and foster a society rooted in democracy, tolerance, love, humility and respect. The journey towards a democratic Eswatini will require persistence, a commitment to peaceful dialogue, and an unwavering belief that a brighter future is attainable.

RESPECT IN POLITICAL DEBATES CRUCIAL 

In the intricate tapestry of democratic governance, the threads of respect and dissent weave together to form a robust and resilient fabric. The significance of respecting one another and embracing dissent in political debates cannot be overstated, as they are essential components in the preservation and advancement of democracy.

By fostering a culture that values these principles, societies can better navigate the complexities of political discourse, bridge divides, and cultivate a more inclusive and representative political landscape. At its core, democracy thrives on the participation and engagement of its citizens. Political debates serve as important platforms for expressing diverse perspectives, enabling elected representatives and the public to engage in dialogue about policies and the future of their communities.

Respect in these debates is crucial; it establishes a foundation upon which meaningful discussions can occur. When individuals approach political discourse with respect for one another, it sets the tone for civil engagement, encouraging participants to listen actively and consider viewpoints different from their own. This respectful exchange of ideas fosters mutual understanding, reduces animosity, and promotes cooperation across ideological lines.

Respect, however, should not be mistaken for conformity or the suppression of dissent. In fact, embracing dissent is equally vital in political debates. Dissent is the catalyst for change, innovation, and progress within a democratic society. It challenges prevailing norms, sheds light on overlooked issues, and pushes boundaries to create more equitable policies. By welcoming dissenting voices, democracies reaffirm their commitment to pluralism and freedom of expression. This inclusivity ensures that marginalised groups have a seat at the table and that their concerns are addressed, ultimately strengthening the social fabric.

Moreover, dissent in political debates acts as a safeguard against authoritarianism and groupthink. When dissent is stifled, societies risk creating echo chambers where only dominant viewpoints are amplified, leading to a homogenisation of ideas that can erode democratic institutions.I must say that encouraging dissent helps to diversify the marketplace of ideas, ensuring that policies are rigorously tested and refined before implementation. This process not only enhances the quality of governance but also reinforces public trust in democratic systems, as citizens see their leaders willing to consider and incorporate a wide array of perspectives.

The interplay between respect and dissent plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy political debates. Respect ensures that dissenting opinions are not dismissed outright but are given the consideration they deserve. The challenge lies in maintaining this delicate balance, where differing viewpoints can coexist and thrive in a respectful environment. To achieve this, educational institutions, media, and civic organisations must actively champion media literacy, critical thinking, and empathy.

These skills empower individuals to engage in thoughtful and informed political debates, fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Political leaders and public figures must model respectful behaviour in their interactions.In conclusion, by demonstrating a willingness to listen, question, and collaborate across party lines, they set a precedent for civil discourse that resonates throughout society.

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