Times Of Swaziland: CONSTITUTIONAL PROMISE REMAINS A DREAM

CONSTITUTIONAL PROMISE REMAINS A DREAM
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Editor on 12/04/2024 07:20:00


Sir,
I’m aware that there is divided opinion about the country’s Constitution in
terms of whether it is people driven or not. Whatever the case may be, the
Constitution is the highest law of the land and binds us all, whether one
supports it or not.
Its preamble states: “Whereas as a nation we desire to march forward
progressively under our own constitution guaranteeing peace, order and good
government, and the happiness and welfare of all our people; whereas it is
necessary to protect and promote the fundamental rights and freedoms of all in
our kingdom in terms of a constitution which binds the Legislature, Executive,
Judiciary and the other organs and agencies of government.”
Quality
All emaSwati, despite their status, aspire to live a quality life, acquire good
education, secure a decent job, have access to proper healthcare and
information, among a host of others. But the reality is that emaSwati are
trapped in poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, limited access to
justice, limited participation in governance, limited voice to demand
accountability from those who govern them, lack of political pluralism and many
more.
Women
And sadly, Eswatini is a highly unequal society and women have been historically
disadvantaged in terms of labour participation. To worsen the situation, there
are no comprehensive social protection programmes that address the needs of the
vulnerable. It is said that ‘a true measure of any society can be found in how
it treats its most vulnerable members’.
But sadly, political will is lacking in many instances as emaSwati continue to
be evicted and land disputes continue unabated, causing tensions and conflicts
in communities. The Constitution guarantees emaSwati protection of human rights.
These rights, which are universal, indivisible and inalienable, which should be
enjoyed in their totality, include civil, political and cultural rights. Sadly
freedom of information, association and assembly remains elusive for emaSwati
who believe in pluralism.
Also the violation of human rights continues unabated. Sadly emaSwati are not
claiming these rights because many are not aware what the Constitution says. The
constitutional promise of happiness and welfare for all remains a dream for a
majority of emaSwati.  A lot still needs to be done for this promise to become
true for emaSwati being left behind.