MBABANE – Senator Isaac Magagula and former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Masuku have expressed support for the upcoming national dialogue in South Africa.
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced the proposed national dialogue, stating that it is an initiative that has been under discussion by a number of leaders and many other people for some time.
He said this initiative has been gathering support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year, and has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society.
Shiselweni Regional Administrator and former DPM Themba Masuku said dialogue is the way forward and Eswatini has been practising it for years.
Masuku said all that Eswatini does, be it the Constitution or economic reforms, was discussed at Sibaya prior to its implementation.
Section 232 of the Constitution reflects that the people, through Sibaya, constitute the highest policy and advisory council (libandla) of the nation.
Subsection 2 indicates that the Sibaya is the Swazi National Council constituted by bantfwabenkhosi, the tikhulu of the realm and all adult citizens gathered at the official residence of the Indlovukazi, under the chairmanship of Ingwenyama, who may delegate this function to any official.
“Sibaya functions as the annual general meeting of the nation but may be convened at any time to present the views of the nation on pressing and controversial national issues,” reads the section.
Masuku revealed that leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), embassies and other influential figures from across the globe have attended Sibaya and appreciated the discussions.
He said the local national dialogue is open to everyone, whether one is multi-party inclined or not.
“The country has been getting praises from leaders in the region and beyond for what they call a unique system of government. They have been open about how best this system is. We took a stance as a nation to say we want to do things our way and we have had influence to others,” he said.
Masuku revealed that the Sibaya national dialogue is not a Western-influenced culture, but one that portrays the origins of the country and how the governance structure was in ancient times.
“We fully support their national dialogue and as a country that has vast experience in it, we would gladly attend it if invited,” he said.
Magagula said in any country, a national dialogue is beneficial because it fosters inclusivity, promotes political stability and addresses the root causes of conflict.
He said a national dialogue can lead to more legitimate and sustainable agreements by involving a wider range of stakeholders and perspectives in decision-making processes.
“National dialogues can help build trust, strengthen democratic practices and contribute to long-term conflict transformation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Masuku said dialogue is the way forward and Eswatini has been practising it for years. Former South Africa Deputy President David Mabuza, who passed away recently, joined Their Majesties and the entire nation during the People’s Parliament – Sibaya – in 2023.
The country held its national dialogue through the People’s Parliament, Sibaya in 2023, where citizens and different stakeholders made contributions towards what was later known as Sibaya Policy.
Ramaphosa said over the last few months, they have been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the national dialogue. He said in the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges the neighbouring country is facing at the moment, they should convene the national dialogue.
“The idea of holding a dialogue is not a new concept in our country. In many ways having dialogues is part of our DNA as a nation. At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another,” he said.
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