REFLECTING ON 2024

AS 2024 comes to a close, I would like us to reflect on the highs and lows of the year. First and foremost, we thank God, who has graciously given us life and opportunities. We also take this moment to extend our comfort and condolences to all those who lost loved ones during the year. We began the year with a new government in place. The appointment of the prime minister followed the Sibaya, where emaSwati raised numerous challenges the country was facing. These included poor service delivery, corruption and a health crisis, among other pressing issues. His Majesty subsequently appointed the prime minister, charging him with addressing the various national crises with ‘lightning speed’ – the so-called ‘nkwe’ approach.

Has anything changed?
I would like to borrow a phrase from Professor J.J. Tabane in his reflection on the government of national unity’s performance in South Africa: “It’s the same script, different cast.” One area of initial optimism was the hope that the new administration would tackle the health crisis head-on. Shortly after taking office, a task team led by Senator Manqoba Khumalo, was established to help government understand the crisis and propose solutions. However, it is disheartening that, to date, the health crisis persists, with emaSwati losing lives needlessly. His Majesty’s Message from the Throne clearly stated that no liSwati should lose their life due to a lack of access to health services, yet this continues to happen.

Corruption remains a serious challenge. What has worsened the situation is that, despite forensic audits identifying certain individuals, no arrests have been made, even after His Majesty’s call for corrupt individuals to be brought to justice. Instead, the Funduzi report has been discredited. Some officials from the Medical Stores were suspended, but even their disciplinary processes appear to have stalled. Additionally, emaSwati have lost millions in pyramid schemes, yet no arrests have been made in these cases either. This lack of accountability continues to erode public trust.

Freedom of assembly
During the year under review, emaSwati continued to be denied the opportunity to protest. This is despite Eswatini’s claim to be a democratic State and the rights granted to emaSwati to associate freely. Various ILO conventions also protect the rights of trade unions, including TUCOSWA, to protest. Yet, these rights remain unrecognised in practice.

Poverty and inequality
Poverty in the country has persisted despite Eswatini’s classification as a lower-middle-income country. Nationally, 58.9 per cent of emaSwati lived below the poverty line as of 2017 (Household Survey Report), a figure that remains relevant today. Unemployment and inequality have deepened as well, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.

The media and government
We recall the altercation between the prime minister and Nation Magazine during the last media breakfast. This unfortunate incident led to government abandoning the media breakfast forum altogether. While I do not wish to debate the pros and cons of this incident, I would like to emphasise that the media’s role is to hold government accountable. The media and government serve emaSwati and must find ways to work together. As the Victorian writer Thomas Carlyle described, the press is the ‘Fourth Estate of the Realm’, acting as a watchdog for the Constitution and playing a vital role in democratic governance. The media must present a full, fair and accurate account of the news, inform and educate the public, and represent a range of political opinions (Keane, 1992). Former American President Thomas Jefferson’s words are particularly relevant: “No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is not free no one ever will.”

The State of civil society
Since 2021, civil society in Eswatini has been silenced. Government responded to the civil unrest with an iron fist, leaving scores of emaSwati dead and many others scarred to this day. The brutal murder of a human rights lawyer and chairman of the Multi-Stakeholders Forum has only served to deepen this silence, as the perpetrators have yet to be brought to justice. This silence has created a significant void in holding government accountable. Civil society plays an essential role in democracy, and its absence leaves a gap that desperately needs to be filled.

The mass democratic movement
During the year, we also witnessed a crisis within the mass democratic movement, particularly following the national elections. Some political actors chose to participate in the elections, hoping to challenge the system from within. However, public disputes among political party leaders have continued unabated, further weakening the movement.  The poisoning of the PUDEMO president and the brutal murder of a former warder have worsened the situation. Unfortunately, this division has only served to derail the mass democratic movement’s agenda for political change.

A prayer for Eswatini
We pray to Almighty God to bring about much-needed change for Eswatini. May the challenges we face as a nation be overcome, and may we build a brighter, more united future for all emaSwati.

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