COMRADES MUST FIRST DIALOGUE AMONG THEMSELVES

The noticeable divisions among political parties in Eswatini have underscored a critical need for these groups to engage in internal dialogues before approaching government on pivotal political reforms.

While it is commendable that these parties are eager to discuss pressing issues with government and the State, such as the perceived royal supremacy and the intricacies of the Tinkhundla System of Government, it is essential for them to first align their strategies and goals internally. As it were, they would be wasting State resources and time to ask the head of State to sanction a national political dialogue. In fact, let us suspend national dialogue calls. In truth, the current Tinkhundla System of Government might be outperforming political parties in terms of governance and public service provision.

Political

This observation is crucial, as it highlights the necessity for political entities to demonstrate their capability to offer better alternatives. It is imperative for these parties to convince emaSwati that they possess the readiness and competence to govern. Should they be questioned about their strategies if they were to assume power, they might find themselves referencing the very services already being provided by the Tinkhundla Government. I asked one of the senior comrades what his party would do for the country if it was in power. I tittered at his response.  

It is important that I do mention that the lack of preparedness among political parties is glaringly evident. Of course, they have yet to undertake the necessary groundwork to establish a comprehensive and appealing vision for governance. As previously noted in our earlier edition, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has spared us from entering into a dialogue muddled by confusion and lack of clarity. In light of this, I earnestly encourage civil society and political parties to dedicate several years to introspective dialogue and comprehensive planning among themselves. This will better prepare them to engage meaningfully and rationally with the country’s authorities.

The importance of unity among political parties cannot be overstated. As it were, they are divided and will obviously bring confusion to the negotiation table. In politics, unity fosters a collective strength that enables parties to present a cohesive front when advocating for political reforms. Without a united stance, their efforts could be undermined by internal conflicts and varying agendas. This disunity tends to project a concerning signal — that they are not ready to govern Eswatini efficiently. Look at the behaviours and attitudes of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) and People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO).

Division within political parties is a clear demonstration of their current unpreparedness to take charge of national governance. They must let Tinkhundla to administer public affairs. After all, Tinkhundla has some key positives to show for to the local and international community. In democracies, the ability to manage internal disagreements and present a unified strategy is a testament to a party’s readiness to govern. In Eswatini’s context, when political parties are plagued by fragmentation and inconsistent messaging, it becomes apparent that they have yet to develop the organisational maturity required for governance.

Therefore, the emphasis must be placed on internal dialogue. This process will not only aid in resolving ideological and strategic disparities, but will also strengthen the parties’ positions when they eventually engage with government officials. By aligning their visions and establishing a unified approach, political parties will enhance their credibility and influence in negotiations for political reforms. While the eagerness of political parties to engage in dialogue with government is commendable, it is essential for them to first cultivate unity and thoroughly prepare their platforms. Through dedicated internal dialogue and planning, they can present a united front that is capable of effectively advocating for change. As they gain clarity and consensus among themselves, political parties in Eswatini will be better positioned to contribute positively to the nation’s political landscape and, ultimately, demonstrate their readiness to govern.

While they are dialoguing among themselves, there is no need, therefore, for a national dialogue or any vusela (national consultative exercise). Drake University states that politics can provide us with many opportunities for enriching discussion. The United States-based university has  ideas on how to show respect in politics, which are as follows -

• Be honest (with others and yourself) about the information you distribute regarding candidates, policies and opinions. There is no shortage of inflammatory materials online;
• Be tolerant of other viewpoints. You do not have to agree with another person’s beliefs in order to show them respect. Remember, just because you are passionate about an issue does not make you right;
• Do not start political arguments that you know will hurt other people’s feelings or damage relationships. Keep in mind that not everyone enjoys debating the issues;
• Take time to learn about the candidates and the issues (in our context learn about the people making up the institution of the monarchy). Get information from reliable sources. Learn about the candidates from non-partisan sources;
• Consider what is best for the community (in our case, country). Consider all viewpoints before you make a decision;

If you are not sure what to do in a tricky situation, treat others the way you want to be treated.  The International Parliamentary Union defines political tolerance as accepting and respecting the basic rights and civil liberties of persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one’s own.

PEACE, THE CORNERSTONE
In an ever-changing world marked by rapid technological advancements and growing interconnectedness, one truth remains timeless: Peace is the cornerstone of everything we do as people. It acts as the foundation upon which thriving communities, robust economies and harmonious societies are built on. Without peace, dialogue falters, economies crumble, violence escalates and wars persist. As we navigate our complex global landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that peace is not merely a lofty ideal, but a vital necessity for the progress and survival of humanity. At the heart of every successful dialogue lies peace, which serves as a catalyst for understanding, cooperation and reconciliation. When individuals and nations engage in conversations with a spirit of peace, they foster a culture of respect and mutual recognition.

This peaceful approach to dialogue enables parties to address grievances and seek common ground, paving way for resolutions that benefit all involved. Without peace, dialogue deteriorates into conflict, rendering any attempt at resolution futile. Historical and contemporary examples demonstrate that adversarial interactions characterised by hostility and aggression yield little more than resentment and entrenchment. By prioritising peaceful dialogue, we create opportunities for constructive exchanges that transcend borders, cultures and ideologies.

Economic growth and stability rely heavily on the presence of peace. In peaceful environments, businesses flourish, investments thrive and markets remain resilient. Peaceful societies attract domestic and foreign investments, allowing for job creation, technological innovation, and infrastructural development. When peace reigns, individuals have the opportunity to pursue education, entrepreneurship and artistic endeavours, all of which contribute to a prosperous economy. Conversely, the absence of peace leads to economic instability and decline. Conflict-ridden areas witness the destruction of critical infrastructure, the displacement of populations and the depletion of resources. In such conditions, economic activities are severely hampered, unemployment rates soar and poverty becomes entrenched. By prioritising peace, nations lay the groundwork for economic prosperity and pave the way for a better future for their citizens.

The absence of peace creates fertile ground for the escalation of violence. Societies plagued by internal conflicts or external threats often experience a breakdown of law and order, leading to widespread violence and human rights violations. I have oftentimes said that violence begets more violence, perpetuating a cycle that is difficult to break. In the absence of peace, individuals and groups resort to aggression as a means of asserting power, resulting in unrest and chaos. The consequences of escalating violence extend beyond immediate physical harm.
Communities torn apart by violence face long lasting psychological, social and economic scars. Trauma and mistrust become deeply ingrained, hindering efforts to rebuild and reconcile.

t is only through a commitment to peace that societies can break free from the shackles of violence and work towards healing and renewal. Wars, whether between nations or within them, are grim reminders of the catastrophic consequences of living without peace. Armed conflicts extract a tremendous toll on human lives, infrastructures and cultures. They displace millions, erase entire generations of potential and leave legacies of suffering that persist for decades. The historical record shows that wars rarely yield winners. Even in instances where one side may declare a military victory, the long-term costs and repercussions often overshadow any short-lived triumphs.  Lasting peace is achieved not through warfare, but through diplomacy, negotiation and a genuine commitment to understanding and cooperation.

Embrace

Prioritising peace means addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality and injustice. It requires investing in peace building efforts that promote dialogue, reconciliation and development. By doing so, we can transform regions plagued by protracted wars into havens of stability and progress. To embrace peace as the cornerstone of everything we do, we must cultivate a culture of peace at all levels of society. Education plays a pivotal role in this endeavour, as it empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to resolve conflicts peacefully. By integrating peace education into curriculum worldwide, we can instil values of empathy, tolerance and cooperation in future generations.

Governments, civil society and individuals all have a responsibility to promote and sustain peace. Policymakers must prioritise diplomatic solutions and international cooperation over militarisation. Media should amplify stories of peace building and conflict resolution, inspiring hope and encouraging positive action. Individuals, too, can contribute by practising tolerance, empathy and compassion in their daily lives. In conclusion, peace is undeniably the cornerstone of everything we do as people. It serves as the bedrock upon which dialogue flourishes, economies prosper and societies thrive. Without peace, dialogue will fail, economies will collapse, violence will escalate and wars will never end.

As global citizens, it is our collective duty to prioritise peace, fostering a world where humanity’s immense potential can be realised in an environment of harmony and mutual respect.
Only by embracing peace as a fundamental principle can we envision a future marked by lasting prosperity and progress for all.

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