ONLY BACEDE, MTHANDENI CAN DO IT

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

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