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THE PARLIAMENTARIANS WE NEED

14/05/2023 15:36:00 Thobeka Manyathela

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It is such a pity that the impending national elections seem to be driving yet another wedge into further polarising emaSwati.

Much like the social unrest in the last couple of years, the approaching elections are already creating division within society. The nation is clearly divided on whether to participate in this exercise or not. This was the obtaining situation at the height of the political instability, as emaSwati were divided according to which political side they were on. One was either a supporter of the status quo (Tinkhundla System of Government) or a pro-change disciple. Discussions by people with opposing views were usually marred by insults and threats. Meetings between those who perceive themselves to be on warring sides were sometimes punctuated by violence. More often than not, recipients of such scorn were those who were seen to be pro-Tinkhundla. These were referred to as `Mangololo’ a tag derived from the name of the political party that came out shortly after the June 29, 2021 massacre of unarmed civilians, to claim that it was in favour of the current system of government.

Mangololo Movement is against change and believes that all is well in Eswatini. Some were attacked merely for wearing Swati traditional regalia, which is somehow regarded as a statement that the person wearing it is a Tinkhundla System supporter. Many emaSwati had called for a national dialogue before the national elections, to pave a way forward for healing and reconciliation. However, it looks like we will never know if the dialogue would have made the situation better because it is now a certainty that the elections will be held before any talks for reconciliation. Could that be the reason the nation is once again split right down the middle? Browsing through various newspaper articles, one gets the feeling that the division is being entrenched instead of it easing.

A member of a political party, who had been hired as a registration clerk has been dismissed after it was discovered that he was involved in party politics. This is Khaya Gina, a member of the Swaziland Democratic Party (SWADEPA).The 21-year-old Gina is a school-leaver, who applied for this job as an individual and not a member of a political entity. Political parties are not allowed to participate in elections in the country. People wishing to attain political office only do so as individuals. From a layman’s point of view, there is no way in which Gina or any other political party member could interfere with the elections. Understandably, in countries where political parties are free to operate and contest for elections, electoral bodies similar to our Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) frown on staff members who display support for one party over others.

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It is tricky in Eswatini because this is not the case. My attention was also caught by a comment from David `Poko’ Mamba, a King’s Liaison Officer (ndabazabantu) based in Pigg’s Peak.
He was quoted by the Times of Eswatini on Friday as having said that those calling for a boycott of the elections were sick. In siSwati, when we say someone `uyagula’ (is sick), the perceived meaning is that `ugula enhloko’ (is mentally disturbed). It does not usually mean that one has a physical ailment. If this is what Mamba meant, there is still a long way for the nation to reconcile and pave a peaceful path to a prosperous transition. Like every liSwati, Mamba is entitled to his opinion and his political views. However, as a senior citizen, he is expected to lead by example and not use derogatory words to describe those who view things differently. One hopes that Mamba understands why some people are calling for a boycott.
Making any statement for or against any stance without knowing the reasons behind it would be wrong. Those calling for a boycott have their reasons, just like those who will be participating in numbers. Among political entities that have encouraged their members to vote and be voted for are the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), led for former MP Mduduzi `Gawzela’ Simelane and Sive Siyinqaba Movement.

I was also disturbed by Mamba when he said of those calling for a boycott, “The country does not belong to them. They should concentrate on what is theirs.” It is such irresponsible statements that further divide us as a nation because every liSwati believes he or she has a stake in this country. We believe it belongs to all of us equally. Even at home, family members are allowed and expected to voice their concerns over certain decisions and actions. Being critical or asking questions does not render them strangers. That said, as election fever heats up, there were also vox pop interviews conducted by a Times reporter around the Lobamba Constituency regarding people’s expectations this election year. Once again, I was worried when I read through the story, as published on Friday.

Those interviewed said they were going to participate in the election process because they wanted to vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who would ensure that the unrest period is never witnessed in the country again. One of them said forming a new government would afford emaSwati an opportunity to work on the issues that caused the instability.
These statements were a bit baffling but on the face of it, the interviewees seemed to be suggesting that the 12th Parliament should concentrate more on developmental issues and avoid politics. If that is what they meant, we have a serious challenge on our hands. Will the MPs that will be announced as winners, come September 29, 2023 be a product of an electorate that does not understand the role of a parliamentarian? Section 106 of the National Constitution provides that (a) the supreme legislative authority of Swaziland vests in the King-in-Parliament; and (b) the King and Parliament may make laws for the peace, order and good government of Swaziland. These politicians are called legislators because they pass laws and play an oversight role on government. It is their duty to speak politics.