Times Of Swaziland: PROCESS, TIME VERY IMPORTANT

PROCESS, TIME VERY IMPORTANT
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Editor on 16/02/2024 10:11:00


Sir,
One of the fundamental challenges of the Tinkundla System of Government is its
insensitive approach when dealing with opposing views. The 1973 decree, which
criminalised political parties’ participation in the country’s politics,
showed, in no uncertain terms, that the system is repugnant to being challenged.
This, in modern politics, is a political nightmare considering that African
governments have been heavily characterised by elements of power abuse,
corruption and a total disregard of the rule of law.
Reforms
The calls for political reforms were not utterly out of order. In fact, for the
kingdom, they were long overdue. As expected, political change is not served on
a silver platter. For a system that controls all the resources that are needed
to protect its corrupt elements and a long list of individuals who stand as
beneficiaries of those corrupt elements, challenging the system will always be
met with fierce opposition.
However, the calls for political reforms lacked the necessary capacity in terms
of understanding political dynamics is concerned. In a country where anyone can
wake up and be a politician, their thinking that they understand politics and
that they are what the country needs for its turnaround strategy is suicidal.
Experience
Those who have experience in policy formulation and implementation always
emphasise on respecting the process and time. Process and time are the most
important elements and probably the key features in what some emaSwati want to
achieve. Yes, when you are in any leadership position it is very important to
ensure that you are in one state of mind with the people you are leading.
Observed
What we observed from the political riots is that we had people with different
agendas. Therefore, as a nation we need the dialogue, but it would be a major
let down to the calls for a more democratic government to go for any dialogue
divided.
Though it is understood that the Tinkundla System does have its followers,
however, assuming without getting accurate statistics that a majority of
emaSwati are in favour of a multi- party democracy or are in favour of the
Tinkhundla System would be equally disastrous. Proper consultations and proper
engagement of the people is key for a successful implementation of any system of
government. And our approach to the challenges that we are facing will always
determine our fate.