PM’S PLEA ON GBV, SUICIDES

MANZINI – Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini, has called on all sectors of society, including the media, to engage in meaningful discussions about suicides and gender-based violence (GBV).

He emphasised the need to disseminate the right message to offer hope to those who are struggling. His comments came during the launch of the Voice of the Church (VOC) Music Crossover, which was held alongside the reopening of the newly-refurbished VOC Live Studio at The George Hotel, yesterday. In his address, the PM recognised the Christian community for its continued support of VOC. He stated that clergymen have a duty to support the station, highlighting that by doing so, they are fulfilling the Kingdom’s great commission. “We must ensure that we support the station, because by doing so, we are contributing to the greater purpose,” he said.

The premier also urged VOC to become a key partner in government’s plans for national transformation. He stated that government laid out a policy and a plan to transform the nation. He remarked that the key component of this plan is changing the mindset of the people. He said this means offering hope and ensuring that individuals develo a positive view of themselves, of each other, and of the nation’s potential.

Challenges

Acknowledging the challenges the country currently faces, the PM appealled for unity in tackling these issues. “As government, we urge everyone to co-operate. VOC, you have the opportunity to play a vital role in this. “You could develop a curriculum and script for your broadcasters to discuss critical issues such as suicides and gender-based violence. It’s essential that the right message is shared with those who are struggling, those contemplating suicide, those thinking of leaving their marriages or homes, and those who have lost all hope,” he said.
The PM praised VOC’s 24-hour broadcast service, recognising its potential to reach individuals in distress. He said he understood that VOC’s coverage reached over 85 per cent of the country, stating that it was an incredible platform to influence positive change.

He also challenged VOC to contribute to the national discourse, encouraging the station to play a leading role in shaping the country’s values. “We face serious social issues, such as gender-based violence and suicides, which were highlighted at Sibaya,” he said. “The root cause of much of this violence is the erosion of values. We’ve neglected our core values and allowed foreign influences to take over. But VOC has the opportunity to help rebuild these values by educating and inspiring the nation.”

Crucial

The PM further emphasised the importance of promoting faith, love and hope. He asserted that these values were crucial. The premier mentioned that the Bible says that faith, hope and love are paramount, but the greatest of these is love. “We must never forget love. A person in a hospital bed, if they lose hope, loses the will to live. Hope is vital,” he said.
Dlamini referenced the biblical story of the Israelites, who, despite viewing themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants of the Promised Land, ultimately triumphed. “Just as they conquered despite feeling small, we too must see ourselves as more than what is presented to us,” he said. 

“We are far more than what we sometimes believe ourselves to be.” The PM also expressed confidence in the progress made by the Kingdom of Eswatini, both under the current government and in previous administrations. “We have done much better as a nation than we often realise,” he remarked. “We tend to under-estimate our achievements. With VOC’s extensive reach, the station has a significant role to play in reshaping the nation’s outlook.”

In closing, the PM congratulated VOC on the successful refurbishment of its studio. “We are here today to celebrate your progress,” he said. “We acknowledge that the funds have been used wisely. As Ecclesiastes 9:11 reminds us, ‘The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor riches to men of intelligence, but time and chance happen to everyone.’ We all have the opportunity to make a difference. These chances come to us all.” Through his remarks, the PM reiterated the importance of unity, hope, and value-driven leadership in addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
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