OUR HABITS NO LONGER SUSTAINABLE

Sir,

Sensitive issues need to be addressed regardless of the consequences in order for us to create a country that is conducive for its citizenry. The issue of individuals acquiring jobs without the necessary qualification or permits needs to be brought to the fore, it is relevant that this conversation is had. Further, the issue of corruption in the hiring process in some establishments across the country needs to be continuously revisited. This is a common challenge not only in Eswatini, but also the world over. This is not to say those involved in the hiring process predominantly gravitate towards the hiring of their friends or relatives, but with the continuous surge in unemployment, it appears evident that this is a common practice.

Resolved

In some companies it has been resolved that first preference is always given to qualified locals, and individuals who don’t have a direct relationship with those who influence the final choice. It must also be said that foreign nationals do sometimes possess a more admirable work ethic and vigour, and are likely efficient in the jobs that they do. It is also not an anomaly for a friend or relative to attain the job simply because they possess the appropriate skills and qualifications. However, we daily encounter qualified and skilled individuals who feel sidelined by the system and continuously overlooked due to corruption in some companies when hiring. In order to build a more sustainable country, we need to make sure that emaSwati are in a position to help us grow and excel as a country.

Development

The only way to ascertain that people are in a better position to help accelerate our sustainable development goals is by providing them with opportunities to do so. For years we have been confronted by unemployment and poverty, with strategies to mitigate this falling by the wayside. How long will we sit around and linger; awaiting some form of magical intervention to help us address these issues when we aren’t necessarily changing our internal processes, in companies or government; which will help us advance our people? We need to reevaluate our hiring system to make sure that it is not influenced, but it is transparent enough to allow every applicant to be given an opportunity to be considered for the job, rather than shortlisting people who are regarded as friends or relatives of those who are already employed in the establishment. People are hungry and we are not helping them by condoning corrupt acts.
Kufakana is a serious problem in this country and unfortunately, until it is addressed, we will continue to be subjected to poverty. Of course, there is nothing wrong when your brother is fully qualified for the position and it is merely a coincidence that you happen to be employed by the same company through the necessary structures.

Uprofessional

What is wrong, though, is when you lure people to apply for a position yet you have already considered your friend or relative for that position, it is purely unprofessional and thoughtless. The application process is already financially taxing for an individual, but what discourages most individuals is finding out that the position was given to someone who probably didn’t even apply. The corruption is continuously peaking in this country and avoiding it won’t make it go away. From security forces recruitment to unqualified expatriates, we need to reevaluate our hiring processes in order to demonstrate integrity and fairness. Until these things are addressed, we will continuously find ourselves in the poverty trap.

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