DRAMA OF POLITICS

POLITICS is such a dirty game. Yes, it’s all a game. One would think that something like politics would surely be more serious but it seems to be only shredded with egos, personal agendas and kindergarten tactics that leave a lot to be desired.

The political landscape of Swaziland is obviously different to that of the rest of the world. Our landscape is sans scandals and presidential campaigns worthy of being considered world news, as our landscape remains mostly unchanged.
But watching the South Africa post-municipal elections, it’s evident that people are tired. For the first time since its democracy, that country will have its biggest metros in the hands of the historically white, opposition party, DA.

Many analysts have speculated about how this happened, it’s simple really: the normal loyal black populace voters were frustrated and they decided to try something different. They decided to part ways from an abusive relationship that they had been loyal to for years, even when people told them how terrible their partner (ANC) was.

It remains to be seen if the new party will be effective in delivering its promises to the people. But watching this political charade play out has made it evident that all these promises and manifestos are a distraction. Drowned in verbosity, politicians play on people’s fears and hopes, the same principle the entire notion of insurance is based on. Grande promises are made, that are apparently a method of altering the immediate realities of mostly poor populations.

Knowing very well what these communities want, they promise the world and hand them zilch once they occupy the office.
The lengths and tactics employed during campaign trails are hilarious. Grown men weaponising sassiness in order to tear down the other. It’s frankly entertainment. Yes, that’s what politics has become.

When did we get here? Where it’s clear that our leaders want to do the bare minimum in serving the people and go the extra mile in serving themselves and their pockets? Sure, the environment in which they live and function is bloodied with corruption and an amnesia about the role they are there to play, but real leaders rise above childish distractions and do the work. This is what is killing our continent, the lack of decisive thinking from our leaders.

The people are fast becoming vocal about their happiness, even the apathy that seems to be part and parcel of being Swazi, is starting to dissipate. Protests are almost a daily thing in South Africa and the rest of Africa, there’s a protest almost every month. People just want to be heard and promises delivered.

They live in squalor, while those they believe to be their leaders and invested their hope in gain larger pockets. This is why people will vote differently and protest. There’s a conscious revolution about.
There’s also an annoying trend of politics that commodifies poverty and uses it to gain favour among that ‘poor’ population. They ‘buy’ our pain and repackage it and market it back to us as ‘hope’.

  But leaders must not underestimate our ability to see authenticity, we know a press up from a genuine moment. We are here to call you out.
We as young people are considered a politically apathetic. I think it’s not that, we do care. We just want to be engaged on a level that addresses our issues directly while being allowed the platform to provide solutions as well.

 Who better to provide suggestions of solving problems than the very ones living that reality? We as a youth are bubbling with frustration and being misrepresented, but through conversation and collaboration, tangible solutions can be found. But our leaders need to stop being selfish and perform their duties and that’s to serve the people.
 

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