A country is a national home with values, principles and structures in place to ensure unity, prosperity and durable peace. In fact, a country is a grouping of families and communities. The families and communities form what we call a country – the national sanctuary or home.
We are often asked: “What’s your home country?” This question symbolises the attachment of a home to a country. No right-thinking person can destroy his or her own home. Of course, no sane person can invite enemies to attack or burn their own home. Others say, ‘Home is home.’
A home has family members just as a country has citizens. We may have different surnames and biological parents, but the significance of citizenship binds us together as one family subscribing to the values and cultural norms of our country. Where we falter as a home, there are open rules that we invoke to ensure those challenges and shortcomings are addressed. Likewise, we have structures created to address any shortcoming or discrepancy in our political, social and economic setting, which ought to be explored for peace, continuity and prosperity’s sake.
As we begin 2026 and look beyond, it is important that family members or citizens do not attack each other. Instead, the bond that binds us together as a nation must triumph over evil. Section 63 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini spells out the duties of the citizen. It is stated in the supreme law that it shall be the duty of every citizen to uphold and defend this Constitution and the law, promote the prestige and good name of Eswatini and respect the symbols of the nation; further the national interest and foster national unity. Section 63(d) provides that it shall be the duty of every citizen to respect the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of others and generally refrain from doing acts detrimental to the welfare of other persons. It is a citizen’s obligation, as stated in Section 63(e), to promote democracy and the rule of law and to work conscientiously in the lawfully chosen occupation of that citizen. Section 63(g) states that a citizen must protect and preserve public property, combat misuse and waste of public funds and property and cooperate with lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order. We are also to protect and safeguard the environment.
As I earlier pointed out, a country functions much like a living home. It has systems, responsibilities and shared values that must be nurtured for it to thrive. When one part of the home fails, the entire household feels the impact. Similarly, when one section of society is in distress, the whole nation suffers. Therefore, protecting one’s country is not merely the duty of government but the collective responsibility of all citizens. Every citizen must see himself or herself as a custodian of the nation’s peace, unity and progress. Just as a family member does not set fire to their home because of disagreement, citizens must not resort to violence when they feel discontented. Instead, they must use the available structures and institutions to raise issues, seek redress and influence change. Constructive engagement and lawful expression of grievances are the hallmarks of a mature and responsible citizenry. Protecting one’s country goes beyond defending its borders. It involves safeguarding its values, upholding its laws and promoting its good name. It means ensuring that the principles upon which the nation was founded are preserved and strengthened for future generations. When citizens act responsibly, they contribute to the stability and growth of their nation. When they act recklessly, they weaken the very foundation upon which their collective well-being rests.
Every citizen must, therefore, understand that patriotism is not blind loyalty to leadership, but a conscious commitment to the well-being of the country. True patriotism is expressed through hard work, respect for others, obedience to the law and dedication to national interests. It is about building bridges rather than burning them. It is about finding solutions rather than creating conflicts.
Influencing Change Without Violence
History has shown that meaningful and lasting change can be achieved without resorting to violence. Across the world, great men and women have influenced transformation through peaceful means. Mahatma Gandhi of India led a non-violent struggle against colonial rule, relying on truth and peaceful resistance to achieve independence. His philosophy of satyagraha, meaning the force of truth, inspired movements across the globe.
In the United States, Dr Martin Luther King Jr championed civil rights through non-violent protest. He believed that love and peaceful resistance were stronger than hatred and violence. His leadership brought about significant changes in laws and attitudes, proving that moral courage can bring about results. These examples show that violence destroys, but dialogue builds. Violence leaves scars that take generations to heal, while peaceful engagement creates a foundation for lasting stability. Citizens who love their country must choose the path of peace, dialogue and constructive participation in national affairs.
Eswatini’s Unique Context
Eswatini is a unique country. Unlike many nations divided by ethnicity, religion or language, Eswatini is ethnically homogenous. We are one people bound by shared ancestry, culture and traditions. Our interrelatedness means that even when we hold different political views, we remain one family. A member of a progressive group is likely related to a diehard supporter of the Tinkhundla political system. In such a setting, resorting to violence is not only destructive but self-defeating. It is like setting your own home ablaze because of disagreement with a sibling.
The strength of Eswatini lies in its unity. Our common language, customs and traditions provide a strong foundation for dialogue and mutual understanding. We can disagree without being enemies. We can debate without destroying. We can demand change without destabilising our nation. The structures exist for citizens to raise issues, propose reforms and contribute to national development. What is required is the will to use these structures responsibly and effectively.
Every citizen has a role to play in building the nation. The Constitution clearly outlines these duties. Upholding the law is not optional. Instead, it is a civic obligation. Respecting the rights and freedoms of others is essential for coexistence. Promoting democracy and the rule of law ensures that our institutions remain strong and accountable. Protecting public property and preventing waste safeguard the resources that belong to all of us.
Citizens must also play an active role in maintaining law and order. This does not mean taking the law into one’s own hands, but cooperating with lawful authorities to ensure peace and security. When communities work with the police, traditional leaders and local authorities, crime is reduced and trust is strengthened.
Equally important is the duty to protect the environment. Our forests, rivers and land are part of our national heritage. Destroying them is like tearing down the walls of our home. Sustainable use of natural resources ensures that future generations inherit a country that is still capable of sustaining life and prosperity.
Raising Issues in Proper Structures
In any democratic society, there will always be differences of opinion. What matters is how those differences are expressed and managed. Eswatini has structures and channels through which citizens can raise issues and influence decisions. These include local councils, bucopho meetings, parliamentary representatives and various government and civil society forums. When citizens use these structures, their voices are heard within the framework of law and order. I must insist that constructive criticism and engagement strengthen democracy. They ensure that leaders remain accountable and that policies reflect the needs of the people.
However, when citizens bypass these structures and resort to violence, they undermine their own cause. Violence silences dialogue and breeds fear. It divides communities and destroys trust. Therefore, the most effective way to influence change is through peaceful, structured and lawful means.
The Power of Dialogue
Dialogue is the lifeblood of any peaceful society. It allows people to express their views, understand each other and find common ground. In Eswatini, our cultural heritage provides a strong foundation for dialogue. The traditional Sibaya system, for example, allows citizens to speak freely before their leaders. This system reflects the principle that every voice matters and that collective wisdom leads to better decisions. If Sibaya has supposedly challenges, let us address this issue within the framework of national unity and cohesion.
Unity does not mean uniformity. It means embracing diversity of thought while maintaining mutual respect. It means recognising that disagreement is part of progress. When citizens engage each other with respect and honesty, they build a stronger and more resilient nation. The spirit of unity must guide our actions as we navigate the challenges of modern governance and development.
The Dangers of Violence
Violence may appear to bring quick results, but its consequences are always devastating. It destroys lives, property and the social fabric of the nation. Once violence erupts, it becomes difficult to control and innocent people often suffer the most.
It breeds hatred, mistrust and division. In a small, closely knit society like Eswatini, violence would tear families apart and leave wounds that may never heal.
Moreover, violence undermines the very goals it seeks to achieve. It diverts attention from genuine issues, invites external interference and damages the country’s reputation. Investors withdraw, tourism declines and the economy suffers. The poor become poorer and the cycle of suffering continues.
No nation has ever prospered through violence. Peaceful engagement, on the other hand, builds stability, attracts investment and creates opportunities for growth.
Building a Peaceful, Prosperous Future
As we move forward into 2026 and beyond, Eswatini must reaffirm her commitment to peace, unity and progress. Every citizen must take personal responsibility for the well-being of the nation. This means obeying the law, respecting others and contributing positively to community life. It means rejecting violence, hatred and division. It means embracing dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding. Our leaders, both traditional and political, must continue to provide platforms for open discussion and inclusive decision-making. Citizens must use these platforms responsibly and respectfully. The media, civil society and faith-based organisations also have a role to play in promoting peace and civic education. Together, we can build a nation where every citizen feels valued, heard and empowered. I thank you.
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