Times Of Swaziland: TIME FOR SERIOUS REFLECTION

TIME FOR SERIOUS REFLECTION
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Melusi Mkhabela on 21/10/2024 14:25:00


THE internal divisions within the mass democratic movement hold significant
potential to disrupt the country’s democratisation efforts. As a staunch
advocate for a democratic Eswatini, I acknowledge that transitioning from the
outdated Tinkhundla System of Government will not occur spontaneously. Instead,
it will require arduous effort and sacrifices from those emaSwati who believe
they deserve better than the status quo.
Numerous sacrifices have already been made, including lost lives, serious
injuries and disruptions to livelihoods. The regime, determined to retain its
power and uphold an ideology incompatible with contemporary politics, continues
to display its brutality and reluctance to engage in dialogue to find a lasting
solution. The prospect of relinquishing control over key power structures, which
would inevitably result from any significant concessions, is unsettling for its
proponents.
Accountability
Concepts such as accountability, transparency, inclusivity and prudent
management of state resources remain theoretical to them. While these notions
may threaten their luxurious lifestyle, they will fiercely resist any change and
exploit national resources until they are exhausted. This situation cannot
persist, and emaSwati have voiced their discontent. Historical precedents
illustrate that transformative change is always guided by leadership. Struggles
for political freedom do not occur by accident; they arise from the actions of
motivated forces that provide direction and act decisively when the balance of
power shifts toward change. In Eswatini, the population looks to the mass
democratic movement for guidance, including civil society organisations,
political parties, organised labour, the church and the media.
Without confidence in these institutions, the public may revert to complacency.
Since June 2021, the political awareness of many emaSwati has surged, prompting
citizens to seek political affiliations. New political groups have emerged, and
older ones have been revitalised. EmaSwati are now faced with the choice of
joining groups that align with their aspirations for an improved Eswatini. The
media has adapted to meet the demands of an informed and discerning audience,
highlighting the significance of this critical period for both the nation and
the struggle for democracy.
Challenges
Certain events, such as the mysterious death of law student Thabani Nkomonye,
the economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the healthcare
crisis, have catalysed a reevaluation of the kingdom’s political structure.
The State’s violence against unarmed citizens and retaliatory attacks further
underscore the tensions. EmaSwati are now more confident than ever in
challenging the regime, recognising the fleeting nature of such opportunities. A
similar situation occurred in 1996, resulting in some superficial changes.
The waning unity and focus within the mass democratic movement, as evidenced by
disagreements over participating in national elections, are disheartening. These
divisions have allowed the regime to exploit vulnerabilities, leading to petty
politics, internal conflicts and indecision. Economic concerns have weakened
organised labour, while political parties have struggled to unite and provide
clear guidance to emaSwati. Many emaSwati, though not politically sophisticated,
merely need to trust in a brighter future and have faith in the leadership. The
mass democratic movement faces increasing complexity.
The murder of former Correctional officer Bheka Brian Magagula, reportedly while
in exile, and the subsequent theories and allegations have further complicated
matters. Efforts are now focused on identifying those responsible for
Magagula’s death, as well as other casualties in the ongoing struggle.
Recently, Mlungisi Makhanya, the exiled President of the People’s United
Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), was reportedly poisoned, allegedly by factions
within the progressive movement. Allegations from the organisation implicate
various individuals and even the government. Such internal conflicts distract
the movement from its essential mission to democratise the nation.
Historically, all struggles face periods where opportunism infiltrates, and
enemies exploit individual weaknesses. This concern, whether perceived or real,
is not unique to the Eswatini struggle but remains damaging, particularly for
the unique people of emaSwati. The mass democratic movement must undergo a
thorough self-evaluation to regain focus. The prospects for a better Eswatini
depend on the effectiveness of this currently disorganised collective and
history will judge the current cohort of leaders harshly if they fail the
people. If there is any credence to the theories of self-sabotage within the
Eswatini Mass Democratic Movement (MDM), we can only hope that the raw truth can
surface and those responsible cannot be named and shamed, but also face the full
wrath of the law.
The big picture here is an Eswatini that will be prosperous; free of repression;
where people enjoy the full menu of their God-given rights. A country where the
national wealth is not the exclusive preserve of a selected few. An Eswatini
where our children have ample opportunities to access quality education, decent
jobs and where health care is of high standards. The MDM should not lose sight
of that. The premature contestations that are seemingly playing themselves out
in nasty ways are self-destructive and will lead to many emaSwati choosing to
stick the known ‘devil’.  Struggles can fail and the local one wouldn’t be
any different.