WHEN POWER TURNS UGLY

 Over the past few weeks we have witnessed the unfolding events of what happens when you go against powerful individuals. From damning allegations to a direct removal from a position you have held for quite a few years, it sure has been a spectacle. 

What this should tell us is that we are far from reaching First World status, and in actual fact, we are evidently still in the confines of the Third World. In other countries, the questioning of the decisions taken by leadership rarely results in one losing their employment, but in fact results in thorough investigations aimed at exposing corruption. 

However, there seems to be a pattern in the way decisions are being made as of late. The mentality that seems to be prevailing is one of ‘they will get over it eventually’. Being faced with an unprecedented time such as this one, you would expect that most decisions that are made would be in favour of the citizenry. However, in our beloved Eswatini, most are making decisions to protect their own interests. 

It is frightening to realise that when we take strides to move closer to attaining First World status, we are confronted by acts of corruption that in turn take us 10 steps backwards. To think that there is a supposed conglomerate that uses its power to shuffle positions willy-nilly, disregarding how they will come across to an ordinary citizen. Our trust in our parliamentarians slowly fizzles when we see things pen out the way they have. 

Brutal

An honest assessment of what has taken place is brutal to say the least, because what ought to have ran over our heads has stuck out like a sore thumb. This has resulted in further questioning of the truth of the allegations made by the individuals who were removed from their positions, this more than likely renders these allegations true. 

This has demonstrated how little some of our leaders think of us, perhaps we come across as a tad bit dull, such that we wouldn’t take these decisions into consideration, but instead overlook them as we have in previous years. 

Unfortunately for them, we are an inquisitive generation that demands answers and explanations for decisions taken. We no longer take things lying down and simply hope for change. In an article published yesterday concerning the protection of whistleblowers in Parliament, it was concerning to see that these individuals are nowhere near covered yet they play a pivotal role in exposing corruption for what it is. 

By there being no form of protection for such people, how is the next person expected to appear before the committee and divulge honest information. At this rate, most who will be summoned to appear before the committee will most likely be economic with the truth. 

Efforts

This will further take us 10 steps backwards and our efforts to become an honest and developed country will be in vain. In fact, how is everything that has happened supposed to attract investors? Who, in their right mind, would want to invest in a country that can remove you from your post in the middle of the night simply because they don’t appreciate what you have divulged before a committee responsible for holding people accountable for the developments in their departments. 

We have worked so hard in creating a positive reputation for ourselves as a country, and it is saddening to see all our efforts go down the drain because of individuals who have allowed power and pride to reign over their lives. The room for growth is evidently there, however, we need leadership that will work hand in hand with us in fighting corruption instead of helping corruption thrive.

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