ESWATINI INDEPENDENCE CONUNDRUM

Eswatini has, on Friday September 6, marked 56 years since independence from the British rule.  For any nation under foreign occupation and rule, liberation from occupation becomes a paramount focus.   Eswatini was no different. I recall famous speech made by the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, on February 3, 1960, where he said “In the 20th century, and especially since the end of war, the processes which gave birth to the nation State of Europe have been repeated all over the world.’’ We have seen the awakening of national consciousness in people who have for centuries lived in dependence upon some other power. Fifteen years ago this movement spread in Asia.  Many countries there, of different races and civilisations, pressed their claim to an independent national life.

Today, the same thing is happening in Africa and the most striking of all impressions that I have formed since I left London a month ago is of the strength of this African national consciousness. In different places it takes different forms, but it is happening everywhere. The wind of change is blowing through this continent and whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact.  And our policies must take account of this. It is during this period, that our country agitation for independence gained momentum.  I will not bother the reader about the intricacies of negotiations between the British Rulers and Eswatini King, the National Council and political parties at the time. When the big day finally arrived. I can imagine the excitement across the country that finally ‘Libuyile lemaSwati’.  On this day, King Sobhuza 11 is quoted as having said ‘It is a day of jubilation for   Swaziland’.  It was indeed a rebirth our country and emaSwati.  

The country ushered in a new government following the landslide win by Imbokodvo National Movement. This was indeed a reflection of the will of emaSwati then, as citizens were given an opportunity to elect a government of their choice, a situation that sadly changed in 1973, when the independence Constitution was abrogated. As the nation was celebrating ‘Minibuses’ then, I am sure it was clear that the road to true freedom will be long and fraught with challenges.  Because freedom is not just the day of independence, but it must be translated to freedom from want, freedom from fear, human dignity, among other aspirations.

Major strides since 1968

The country has indeed made a lot of strides since gaining independence.  One of the policy directive that was taken by the independent government was is commitment to human capital development, where scholarships is made available to every deserving student. This policy stance benefits thousands of emaSwati who, after training, are able to be absorbed in the job market. The government also invests in infrastructure development which included construction of health facilities, schools, roads, water systems, electrification just to mention a few.
The country’s major challenges since 1968 included HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and June 2021 civil unrest. The success in controlling HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 demonstrated that with politics no problem is insurmountable. 

Is there anything to celebrate in 2024 for those trapped in the fringes of society? For emaSwati whose dignity has been eroded, there is of course nothing to celebrate.  Over 58 per cent are trapped in poverty.  The definition of poverty and the World Bank clearly portrays how emaSwati trapped in poverty are. The World Bank defines poverty  as ‘pronounced deprivation in well-being, and comprises many dimensions. It includes low incomes and the inability to acquire the basic goods and services necessary for survival with dignity. Poverty also encompasses low levels of health and education, poor access to clean water and sanitation, inadequate physical security, lack of voice and insufficient capacity and opportunity to better one’s life’.
The United Nations defines it thus ‘Fundamentally, poverty is a denial of choices and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It means lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society. It means not having enough to feed and clothe a family, not having a school or clinic to go to, not having the land on which to grow one’s food or a job to earn one’s living, not having access to credit. It means insecurity, powerlessness and exclusion of individuals, households and communities’. The above definitions of poverty paint a clear picture of majority of emaSwati who are trapped in despair of poverty and its indignity.

What needs to be done?

There is the need for genuine national dialogue, not mere public hearings, where emaSwati’s views on governance, poverty, unemployment, corruption, the justice system, accountability among other issues, will be heard.Let the government make Eswatini Independence from the British rule meaningful, especially for the majority of the poor.    

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