Reading recently the Times of Eswatini’s various bold front-page headlines about the outcomes of His Majesty King Mswati III’s overseas working trips has had me thinking about what a profound impact detailed information has on our society.
This information is all the more important today as Eswatini marks 57 years of independence.
The stories share how various important regional meetings have been held and what the meetings mean to Eswatini’s diplomatic relations and development. This information has been enlightening to read because they inform us of present and upcoming activities in all sectors including trade, which is central to economic development. One of these was about His Majesty the King signing five SADC protocols, including boosting efforts against cross-border crimes and money laundering. These headlines come to my mind because 57 years of independence is a moment of reflection, pride and renewed commitment to the journey of nationhood.
To see a leader so dedicated to global participation in key issues affecting nations shows he has a heart for the people. The story of Eswatini is one of resilience, unity and transformation, driven by leadership that has remained prompt, responsive and deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the nation. There are challenges, but these do not water down the strides that the nation makes in various sectors.
It is a special feeling of honour to be able to pen a piece on a national commemoration day, such as the Independence Day of Eswatini. The month of September is one of major activities in the country, including the Eswatini International Trade Fair, a trademark event that gives us a glimpse of how far the country has grown with the various industries that showcase there with their various stands. Last year we saw the King visit each stall, yet again showing a leader that is hands-on and committed to leading with impact. The various events held in the country which have been graced by the King also have shown this commitment, and with each one he challenges industries to display a spirit of excellence and growth. Many industries are hearing this. This year, seeing the Municipal Council of Mbabane with their stand that had the virtual glasses showing Mbabane is just one of many innovations that show how far we have grown as a nation.
His Majesty King Mswati III has often emphasised the mantra ‘nkwe!’, a call to be prompt and decisive in action. This guiding principle captures the urgency required in today’s rapidly changing world and has become central to the theme ‘A Nation in Transformation’.
Over the past decades, Eswatini has faced its share of challenges, from economic shocks to health crisis. Nevertheless, each time, the nation has emerged stronger, guided by leadership that does not hesitate to act decisively for the good of its people. The fight against HIV/AIDS, for example, saw Eswatini rally resources, partnerships and communities together, turning what once seemed insurmountable into a story of global recognition. Even in the current health crisis, we remain hopeful that once sorted, it will be a thing of the past. The COVID-19 pandemic also tested the resilience of institutions, health systems and families, but the kingdom responded with agility, by prioritising lives while safeguarding livelihoods. All these efforts are once again led by a leadership with people at heart. This resilience reflects more than survival; it signals a culture of ethical leadership. In the spirit of ‘nkwe!,’ the nation is never complacent. Instead, it adapts, innovates and moves forward. That is the heart of transformation.
No nation can speak of transformation without addressing its youth. Eswatini is no exception. As a youth and communication consultant, the future of the Kingdom of Eswatini deeply resonates with me. The youth of today represent not just tomorrow’s leaders, but the heartbeat of current innovation, enterprise and civic engagement. His Majesty has repeatedly placed young people at the centre of national priorities, recognising that the kingdom’s future strength depends on how it empowers the next generation. The King has also described them as the architects of Eswatini’s future.
The European Union (EU) has also made the youth one of its central themes for the 2021–2027 cooperation period, emphasising social inclusion, TVET education, employability, skills, entrepreneurship and participation. Other agencies, including the United Nations, the African Union and regional development partners, have similarly prioritised youth empowerment as a critical driver of sustainable development.
At the recent International Youth Day Commemoration, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini shared the government’s commitment of the country to the youth. Visiting each stall set up by youth organisations, Dlamini postured as a hands-on leader, asking questions and giving guidance on the innovations the youth had. Dlamini also visited the EU Youth Advisory Board stand, where he expressed contentment that the voices of the youth were also involved in development partners.
We have also seen His Majesty’s Government take lead from the King’s pace throughout their work with various ministers quite active in the term and publicly sharing strides taken to develop the people while working with their teams. These include Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu, Education’s Owen Nxumalo, ICT’s Savannah Maziya, Youth’s Bongani Nzima and all the other ministers in their various portfolios. For Eswatini, involving the youth presents both a responsibility and an opportunity. By embracing policies, programmes and partnerships that equip young people with skills, resources and platforms for expression, the country not only secures its own future, but also aligns with global currents of transformation. The youth agenda is no longer optional; it is fundamental to national resilience and growth.
‘A Nation in Transformation’ is more than a theme, it is a lived reality. Transformation can be seen in Eswatini’s infrastructure development, which continues to modernise roads, schools and healthcare facilities. One delegation from Lesotho coming for a SADC meeting to Eswatini once shared with me that they were so impressed with the country’s roads that they consider a benchmarking exercise on how we did it here. The transformation is visible in efforts to diversify the economy, strengthening agriculture, manufacturing and services, while opening new frontiers in digital and green economies.
Transformation is also cultural and social. Eswatini has successfully maintained its heritage, traditions and values while embracing modernisation. The wonderful spectacle of the Umhlanga Ceremony also taking place now and main day on Monday is a beautiful reminder of just how great the country has grown.
Once again, it is led by Their Majesties ensuring that our heritage remains preserved, protected and promoted. This balance between the old and the new reflects a society that knows who it is, but also where it wants to go. The mantra ‘nkwe!’ therefore becomes not just a call for leaders, but for all emaSwati to act promptly, decisively and responsibly in shaping the nation they want to see.
As Eswatini celebrates 57 years of Independence, the reflection is not merely about the years gone by, but about the trajectory ahead. With people-centred leadership, a resilient spirit and a transformative vision, the kingdom is positioned to continue advancing.
The challenges of unemployment, health and economic diversification remain, but they are not insurmountable. With youth empowerment as a core agenda, supported by both local initiatives and international partnerships, Eswatini is building a future where transformation is shared and inclusive. With a leader that is working tirelessly on the development of Eswatini not just when in country, but also when overseas, we will break through the challenges.
The independence journey has shown that Eswatini can withstand adversity, unite in purpose and continue to develop.
The next phase calls for sustaining the momentum of transformation by harnessing the energy of the youth, strengthening institutions and holding onto the cultural and all anchors that define the nation. With a mantra like ‘nkwe!’ we will see many more independences and sustainability.
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