Times Of Swaziland: ONLY BACEDE, MTHANDENI CAN DO IT

ONLY BACEDE, MTHANDENI CAN DO IT
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Editor on 20/11/2024 07:58:00


Sir,
As a concerned liSwati, I have observed significant infighting within our Mass
Democratic Movement MDM). It has become apparent that the current leaders and
political formations in Eswatini may not be capable of guiding us towards true
freedom.
The struggle seems to have devolved into a competition for party popularity,
distracting us from our primary goal. After careful consideration, I believe
that only neutral individuals, unaffiliated with any political party, can
effectively lead us to freedom. The unity we witnessed during the 2021 unrest
was largely due to the non-partisan stance of three Members of Parliament (MPs):
‘Gawuzela’, Bacede and Mthandeni. Their neutrality allowed every liSwati,
regardless of their political inclinations, to rally behind them. However, this
unity was short-lived. When ‘Gawuzela’ formed his own political party, he
claimed that his views were not given a fair hearing in the Political Party
Assembly (PPA). This move appeared to be a strategic positioning for potential
leadership, anticipating imminent democratic change.
Infighting
The resulting infighting and decampaigning among rivals further fragmented the
movement. The decision to participate in the undemocratic Tinkhundla elections
has also been divisive. Attempting to fight the regime from within Parliament is
misguided, as it is the Constitution itself that requires change. No MP,
including ‘Gawuzela’, has truly fought for democracy within Parliament.
A genuine fight would involve raising a point of privilege to demand a
democratically elected government leader. In addition to the issues of
leadership and party politics, it is crucial to recognise the broader
implications of our current trajectory. The division among various factions
within the movement, weakens our collective voice and undermines our quest for
democracy. We must remember that the ultimate goal is not merely to replace one
set of leaders with another, but to transform the political landscape in
Eswatini into one that is truly representative of the people’s will.
Democracy
Moreover, the role of civil society cannot be overlooked. Organisations that
advocate for democracy, human rights and social justice must be at the forefront
of this struggle. The synergy between political leaders and civil society can
create a formidable force for change. It is essential that we foster
collaboration rather than competition, as this will ultimately strengthen our
movement. If Bacede and Mthandeni are released from prison, they should be
embraced as leaders who can transcend party lines. Their experiences and
commitment to the cause of democracy position them as ideal candidates to unite
the movement. They have already demonstrated their ability to inspire hope and
rally support among the populace. By adopting a neutral stance, they can appeal
to a wider audience and encourage participation from all sectors of society.
Furthermore, the current political climate calls for a re-evaluation of our
strategies. Instead of engaging in power struggles, we should focus on building
a cohesive front that prioritises the needs and aspirations of the people. This
involves grassroots mobilisation, raising awareness about democratic principles,
and cultivating a culture of civic engagement. Only through collective action
can we hope to dismantle the oppressive structures that have held us back for so
long.
Believe
I firmly believe that if Bacede and Mthandeni are released from prison, they
should lead the struggle as neutral figures, unaffiliated with any party. This
approach could potentially reunite the movement and refocus our efforts on
achieving true democracy in Eswatini. It is time to put aside personal ambitions
and unite for the greater good of our nation. Together, we can forge a path
towards a brighter future, one that is characterised by justice, equality and
true democratic governance.
Siboniso Zwane