FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY

“We have to be bold in our national ambitions. First, we must win the fight against poverty within the next decade. Second, we must improve moral standards in government and society to provide a strong foundation for good governance. Third, we must change the character of our politics to promote fertile ground for reforms” - Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Our country, Eswatini, continues to find itself ensnared in a troubling cycle of inequality that poses significant challenges to its socio-economic development. We have to be honest with ourselves and admit that in spite of the small size and population of our country which theoretically, should be a manageable one, a majority of our people are struggling to make ends meet.

EmaSwati adonsa nzima. Imphilo ilukhuni in this country for a majority of us. The country faces numerous simultaneous challenges that severely impact ordinary citizens while the elite experience a life of ease. The essence of a nation emerges from its grassroots populace who demand our direct confrontation with reality to ensure their fundamental needs and well-being receive attention. A majority of our people simply live to exist, whilst a minority - the elite - exists to live, enjoying luxurious and lavish lifestyles, in most instances, at the expense of the grassroots.

The nagging question is: At what point do we experience a decline in our socio-economic performance? What factors are causing our people to struggle with meeting their basic financial needs? What strategies can be employed to alleviate this harsh state of affairs? A significant portion of everyday discussions among common people in the country frequently turn to topics such as politics, financial hardships, rising food prices, high costs of utilities like electricity and the scarcity of opportunities like employment for earning a respectable income. . . Which specific factors lead to these undesirable phenomena? 

Our nation stands as a unique monoculture entity possessing abundant natural wealth, while facing remarkable challenges in personal and national developmental opportunities. The nation continues to experience an extreme separation between affluent elites and the majority who face economic hardships. The wealthy elite persist in accumulating wealth and opportunities while many citizens descend deeper into a cesspool of poverty which expands the disparity that obstructs national progress. This major economic gap transcends mere wealth distribution while simultaneously highlighting systemic problems that impact multiple societal sectors including employment, health, education and governance.

Opportunities

One of the most pressing issues contributing to this inequality is the lack of employment opportunities. In a country where the unemployment rate is very high, many citizens struggle to find jobs that can sustain their families. Those fortunate enough to secure employment often face paltry wages that fail to match the rising cost of living. This leaves them vulnerable to the predatory practices of bo-magad’eyiwile - money lenders -(commonly known as shylocks), who often charge exorbitant interest rates, further entrenching individuals in a cycle of debt that is nearly impossible to escape.

Decent education - a critical ticket out of poverty - remains largely unattainable for many families. While Eswatini offers free education up to Grade VII, the costs associated with secondary education are frequently out of reach for low-income households. Many parents feel the pressure to provide their children with a quality education, even if it means borrowing money from unscrupulous money lenders. This reliance on debt for educational expenses has significant long-term ramifications, not only for families but for the nation as a whole. Without a well-educated workforce, economic growth and innovation are stymied.

The aftermath of this systemic inequality is particularly evident in the realm of governance. At times, reckless spending by the administration has exacerbated economic stagnation and hindered the government’s ability to cater to the welfare of its citizens. In this country, money is spent recklessly like drunken sailors on vacation, especially on vanity projects.
Funds that could be directed toward social services, healthcare and education often go toward projects that largely benefit the elite or are mismanaged due to corruption. This misallocation of resources not only stifles economic growth, but also breeds disillusionment among the populace, leading to further social unrest.

The absence of equitable educational opportunities prevents people from low-income backgrounds from breaking free of persistent disadvantages because they cannot acquire the necessary skills for stable employment. Unemployment rates continue to plague the economy while young people face limited prospects for a brighter future. Recent data shows that the youth unemployment rate in Eswatini for 2023 was estimated at around 58.2 per cent with some reports stating a slightly lower figure around 56 per cent This means a large portion of young people in Eswatini is currently unemployed. This information is based on reports from the Eswatini Times dated 12/03/2024 citing data from the 2023 UNICEF Country Office Annual Report.

This means that a significant portion of young people in Eswatini are actively seeking work but unable to find employment. Our tertiary institutions churn out thousands of graduates annually who flood a scarce job market, with a majority of them ending up roaming the streets searching for elusive employment opportunities. Moreover, the general sentiment among a section of the populace is that poor governance structures in Eswatini are to blame, accusing them of contributing to the perpetuation of inequality. With a political system that has been criticised for its lack of transparency and accountability, the interests of the elite often overshadow the needs of the broader population. This disconnect between the governing bodies and the citizens fosters an environment where policies may favour the wealthy, further entrenching the socio-economic divide.

Difficult

Corruption is a significant factor contributing to the inequality faced by citizens in this beautiful country. The job market is plagued by cronyism and nepotism, making it extremely difficult for individuals without connections to secure gainful employment. In an effort to cope with the harsh financial realities, some people resort to corrupt practices to supplement their meagre incomes. What begins as petty corruption largely escalates into grand or systematic corruption, where policies are manipulated for the benefit of a select few. Our country is grappling with serious challenges, particularly in the healthcare sector, where drug shortages are reportedly linked to corruption in procurement processes.

The consequences of this growing go beyond economic figures; they pose a threat to the social fabric of the nation. As frustration and disillusionment rise among the marginalised, the risk of social unrest increases, jeopardizing stability and cohesion. Crime - the scourge of many nations - especially among the youth, is escalating at an alarming rate in the country. Recent developments saw an increase in youth crime where a number of youths were apprehended for their involvement in cybercrime such as mobile money scams. The widening economic disparity between wealthy and impoverished citizens in Eswatini has become an alarming issue that demands urgent systemic reform to address the fundamental factors driving this inequality.

The expanding disparity threatens both social cohesion and the nation’s sustainable development potential. Policymakers must implement combined strategies that tackle inequality’s root causes by ensuring marginalised groups gain access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities. The situation underscores the necessity to advance economic progress which benefits every citizen rather than a select, wealthy few. The concept of inclusive growth requires the creation of economic conditions that enable every individual to participate in and gain advantages from economic activities. 

The achievement of these goals requires specific financial commitments - not reckless wastage of funds - toward infrastructure development alongside support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)  and the promotion of decent work standards. Eswatini by emphasising inclusivity, can access the full range of its population’s talent and potential which leads to a fairer distribution of resources and wealth. A multifaceted strategy must address wealth disparity through social protection systems along with progressive taxation and empowerment policies for marginalised groups including women and the youth.

The establishment of a robust economy in Eswatini capable of effectively resisting external disturbances depends on equipping its citizens with comprehensive economic tools and resources. In short, Eswatini’s dire need for reform is not merely a matter of closing the wealth gap; it is a matter of creating a more just and equal society in which all citizens can prosper. With equal economic development, the country can set the stage for a brighter future, one that is marked by prosperity for all and social cohesion. In conclusion, Eswatini stands at a critical juncture, where addressing the entrenched issues of inequality is essential for its future.

By prioritising equitable access to education, creating sustainable employment opportunities and enhancing governance practices, the kingdom can begin to bridge the divide and pave the way for a more prosperous and unified society. The path forward will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government, civil society and the private sector, to ensure that the benefits of development are shared by all, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few. We can MAKE it! Looking forward to a balanced, inclusive and people-centred budget speech. Peace! Shalom! Have an awesome weekend and week ahead.

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