IS POLITICS INHERENTLY BAD?

The nation is still reeling in shock about the two children that were treated like slaves in Nhlangano. A lot has already been said about the horrendous experience those two children had to endure.  It is indeed regrettable that the community realised late that something evil was going on, but I would like to express gratitude to community members that came to the rescue of these children.  It is very sad that one of the children succumbed to the injuries inflicted on him.  I am hopeful that the parents of the two children and the woman who ill-treated two innocent souls will face the might of the law and will fully account.  It is well established in our culture of ubuntu that a child is raised by the whole community. We must all agree that we failed these children.

Divides

I would like to think aloud about how politics divide family members, communities, countries and now the global community. Eswatini is a homogenous society and we are so related that it is not uncommon to find that you are related to a minister, Members of Parliament, chief or member of a political party to mention a few.  

I have observed with deep concern that such a united,  related society now detests each other because of being divided politically. It was argued that the justification for the 1973 proclamation to the nation was triggered by the fear that multiparty was divisive.  Hence, the independence Constitution was abrogated and political parties were banned. Unfortunately, since that fateful event, Eswatini has continued to be divided among those who believe that emaSwati should have a right to elect a government of their choice based on what the political party will market to the people through manifestos.  This division reached boiling point in 2021, resulting in death of scores of emaSwati in the hands of their brothers and sisters in the security forces. The events of 2021 will remain a stain in the conscience of our nation.

Tension

It is also clear to me that even within the Tinkhundla system of government and those who serve in it, there is simmering tension.  When the prime minister boldly informed Parliament of a cabal that is influencing decisions, in what the South Africans have coined as State capture, may not come as a shock.  For those of us who have been around, we know that this is not the first time such accusations have been made by the head of government.  It is therefore clear to me that politics, even in the Tinkhundla System, is not so clean.  

There are lingering suspicions that create tensions in the three arms of government where the notion of the independence of the three arms of government tend to be questioned by the Executive, arguing that independence is absolute, whatever that means.  It is clear to me that even the Tinkhundla System, which the supporters credit as a system that promotes peace and harmony,  may not be true. Why is public protest a crime in this country? Why is public debate on national issues stifled? Why are some civil society organisation’s host meetings in South Africa?  Is it not because the political system is intolerant of dissent?   

What has been shocking is the deep division and hatred that has been evident in the Mass Democratic Movement, who are expected to be united in their quest for the re-introduction of multiparty democracy in Eswatini.  This certainly has caused confusion among the general masses wherein both camps – Tinkhundla and the Mass Democratic Movement - seek to sway public opinion in their favour. The insults that are peddled on social media have continued to shock me as I was nurtured in the Christian environment where insults were totally not acceptable.  We grew up also respecting adults, whether they were good or bad persons.

Evident

The division in the progressive camp has also been evident in the Russia –Ukraine war.  Some have supported Russia in its waging of what some refer to as a just war and has caused untold suffering to millions of civilians and unnecessary deaths in both countries’ armed forces. Human lives and human dignity seem to be no longer sacrosanct.   

The Republic of South Africa is facing a situation where a minority group is accusing the government of crucifying it. Hence, they have turned to the current United States Government for support. Unfortunately, the US Government has withdrawn aid, having not heard the government side.   

 The war in Sudan that has displaced millions while killing thousands of Sudanese, may be attributed to failed politics in that part of the country. The African Union, the United Nations, the Arab League have all made attempts to help warring parties to address their political differences.

It seems that the political actors serve their own interests rather than that of the public good.

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