WE’RE LOSING SKILLED LABOUR IN DROVES

The Kingdom of Eswatini is currently experiencing a critical juncture in its economic situation. Despite government assertions that the economy is on an upward trajectory, the reality on the ground starkly contrasts with the optimistic figures being presented. The daily lives of ordinary citizens are deteriorating. Our youth are increasingly disillusioned, questioning the value of their educational pursuits, once considered the key to success, as many remain unemployed with their qualifications serving as mere wall decorations. Even those with commendable credentials are relegated to jobs traditionally held by individuals with only secondary or high school education. Many employed individuals, both in the public and private sectors, are receiving inadequate compensation, often resorting to unregulated loan providers, exacerbating their financial plight.

Distressing

A night visit to Manzini City reveals a growing number of young females engaging in sex work to make ends meet, a distressing trend that mirrors scenes more commonly associated with Johannesburg. The current discourse among both the employed and unemployed revolves around the pursuit of job opportunities abroad. Numerous Eswatini citizens have migrated to countries such as the United States, Taiwan, and Northern Ireland, where there appears to be a steady demand for African workers in healthcare, palliative care, and manual labour sectors. This has led to a surge in online agencies claiming to facilitate overseas job placements, although many are merely exploiting desperate job seekers for financial gain. The prospect of overseas employment, despite the inherent risks of human trafficking and organ trade, seems more appealing to the local population than remaining in a country with limited opportunities.

Disconcertingly, individuals who have dropped out of school in regions like Hhohho and engaged in illicit activities such as the dagga trade earn more annually than those with advanced degrees or legitimate businesses. It is not uncommon for teachers in these areas to borrow money from their own students. The perceived value of education has significantly diminished, fostering a generation of youth who are angry, disillusioned, and hungry. Unless immediate action is taken to address the needs of our young people, who constitute the majority of the population, we will face severe repercussions.

Complicates

The government must urgently address this brain drain. However, the unique system of governance in Eswatini complicates such efforts. Currently, prospective job-seekers traverse the country, attempting to secure votes with hollow promises to become policymakers and decision-makers for the next five years. Those who choose not to participate in voting are often marginalised by the system. In one notable incident, a woman was humiliated in a Swazi Court for lacking the ink mark on her thumbnail, a mark used to prove citizenship, which the presiding officer deemed more important than her national identity card.

This type of treatment has eroded national pride and kinship among many citizens, who now seek opportunities in countries where their well-being is prioritised. To all young individuals pursuing overseas employment, it is imperative to exercise caution and thoroughly vet agencies before any financial transactions are made. There is a growing market for slaves. Yes, slavery as we know it from biblical times. I’ve heard of harrowing incidents of Africans being trafficked to overseas countries under dubious promises of good jobs only to find, upon arrival, that they are to be used as slaves.  Many do not come back to tell the tale.  So serious is this that even diplomats in some African countries work as recruiting agents in this illicit trade. Our local brothers and sisters who are seeking these overseas opportunities must do thorough checks and if possible, verify these recruiting agents with local embassies.

Sparked

On a totally different note, I’ve been pondering on the latest Editors Forum which sparked different reactions from different quarters of our society and abroad. My two cents on this one is that the premier needs to develop a tough skin if he is to survive the hot Hospital Hill seat.  Politics is not at all for the faint-hearted and level-headedness, even under intense pressure, is crucial.  We have seen seasoned politicians from other parts of the world being subjected to tough interviews by the media and they did not crack under pressure. I recall in 2008 when former US President George W. Bush had not one, but two shoes thrown at him during a press conference in Iraq.  The man reacted like a champion.

He ducked both shoes, the press conference went on.  Reacting to that, the former president simply dismissed that man’s actions as a way to get his attention and even likened it to being yelled at a political rally.  He went on to state that he wasn’t least threatened by the attack. That’s the kind of composure and maturity we expect from a person of no less stature than the prime minister. I invite His Excellency to watch this video and drink from this statesman’s deep well of wisdom.

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