If you can't beat them join them

My visit there was on two consecutive days but sadly I didn’t get to see much of the proceedings.

Doing so would have been a great experience, which is why I will some day soon visit the place again to get a proper feel of what happens.

My visit there was strictly for the purpose of meeting a few people on the aspect of the law. It was not because I had done anything wrong, I am a law abiding citizen and I cringe at the thought of having to appear before a court of law, or even having a police officer appear at my doorstep.

It was when I was leaving the court that I ran into an officer from the Director of Public Prosecutions office (DPP). What shocked me was the hostility directed his way by the supporters of the suspect bombers. They hurled all sorts of verbal diarrhea at him while at the same time accusing him, which I unfortunately cannot repeat, especially in this forum.

I guess they have a different understanding of the law and everyone has an equal right to express themselves as they think best. This also means everyone is allowed to do their job as expected of them and this is where I appreciate what prosecutors have to endure. They are always viewed as the bad person yet they are only doing their work as expected of them.

If they were to refuse to prosecute, who then would do this as everyone is entitled to a fair hearing as per dictates of the law? If you commit the crime, then surely you must pay the fine. And the person to make sure you pay the fine is unfortunately the prosecutor but it is not he alone as the police are ones who make an arrest.

They also act within the scope of their employment. On my return the second day, the same thing happened only this time, different people were hurling the insults. Funny enough is that when the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) President, Mario Masuku, walked by, he politely passed his greetings to the prosecutor. He was calm whereas one would have expected he would be the one person who has a bone to chew with government considering the times he has been arrested and prosecuted. He was a true gentleman.

At that point, it crossed my mind that our supposed progressives actually do have a following in the country. Equipped with such a following, I fail to understand why they cannot group themselves to drive their point across instead of acting as a group of individuals without an agenda.

They have always argued that there needs to be change in the way the country is governed as the Tinkhundla system of governance had failed. Personally I care less about politics and will always have my own opinions but sadly more often than not I tend to keep them to myself.

I always abide by the wise words of Charles Pickering who said: "A healthy democracy requires a decent society; it requires that we are honorable, generous, tolerant and respectful." Usually when I share my views I get a lot less than what Charles was talking about.

I have learned to understand that some of the progressives are complaining about having the Tinkhundla system does not bring opposition to the table, its one sided, etc.

Activists have been complaining about the system of governance to the point that some countries are calling for sanctions against Swaziland. Personally I believe this would bring the country’s already broken down economy to its knees. I will not get into those details. I am sure we can all imagine how it would go.

It is a known fact that it is said that if you can’t beat them join them. I take it that every Swazi belongs to a constituency one way or another. This is by virtue that there is no place in Swaziland that does not belong to any constituency, so we are all constituents. Why don’t people who feel that the Tinkhundla system is not going a job try to run for Parliament?

The following that progressives have, especially in urban areas is beyond belief. One can easily notice this when there is a demonstration of some sort. Those of us who live in urban areas will say that people openly state that they are progressives. With enough support and following, which I believe some people have, they can reach Parliament. Interesting enough the Constitution states one can not run under the umbrella of a political party but it doesn’t state that political party members can not run for Parliament.

Instead of being busy fussing, they should penetrate the system and stand for what they believe in by standing for election. They cannot expect to make any meaningful exchange while screaming from the sideline. Rather they are bringing unwanted international coverage, which is usually forgotten about in a twinkle of an eye.

Fair enough, one can easily argue that by running for Parliament some progressives would be selling out, which actually makes me wonder if they do understand international politics as they stand. Internationally people run for political seats because they feel that those in power are not doing a good job and change has to come. Same applies here, those who feel that their needs are not being met by government should stand up and change the system.

As much as some of the progressives will be given the back bench in Parliament, they will still be afforded the opportunity to come out and express their concern. They will have a right to fight against what they do not believe in. They can bring about the change they are talking about. show us what they have been talking about all these years.

Looking back, the former Prime Minister Obed Dlamini is a known member of Ngwane Nation Liberatory Congress. He was a Member of Parliament for Nhlambeni for two consecutive terms. Nothing stopped him from running for Parliament.

While in Parliament he was known to be a card carrying member of NNLC.

I am certain that, if asked, he would say he brought his concerns and views to the table whenever possible. Creating a coalition government should not mean that people should be literally from different parties, rather there should be people to provide opposition instead of a one man show government.

The progressives should start showing the world the things they have been talking about. Being part of the game and showing that one is now just burning hot air would bring change to the country. The change they have been talking about all these years. The people who are talking about bringing change to the country should step up, run for elections, take office positions, and bring change.

They should be able to let the world know that they created a coalition government where there was none, and they were the only opposition if that is the case.

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