BUSINESSES FOR SWAZIS

Sir,

Let’s not be apologetic about protecting our country. A profound and far-reaching solution to the problem of the influx of foreign businessmen must be found. We are in the process of being re-colonised, not so much politically as economically, though one cannot rule out the eventuality of the former. We lack foresight appallingly, little wonder our country is the ‘smallest’ in the whole world. Political liberation minus marginalised economic liberation reduces the citizens to slavery.

Foreign businessmen who acquired Swazi citizenship from 12 years ago to date must all be deported. They must apply afresh. Too many of them got the documents fraudulently, besides, distinguishing authentic ones from those who are not would be impossible. This may work against the spirit of some UN conventions of which we are signatories, but sometimes circumstances force one to be politically incorrect to save the country.

Government must go all-out to capacitate aspiring entrepreneurs to protect us from economic colonisation. Maybe this should be the first chronological step in rectifying this problem. Swazis must protect their country’s economy. Having deported all the foreign businessmen, those who have the interest of working in the country at heart must reapply.

One of the terms and conditions that they must meet is that they must invest capital to the tune of E50 million (subject to debate by parliamentarians). This money would have to be closely monitored to ensure that it is used for its intended purposes.
I find it disturbing that some so-called prominent politicians suggest that foreign businessmen must be allowed to operate in the country any-old-how.

Such businessmen might end up forming price cartels, to our detriment. The narrative of our politicians should make available legislation to ease accessing finance and empowering our entrepreneurs to be more competitive on the global scale.

Control measures with regard to foreign businessmen are imperative, more so due to the size of the country. In Nigeria Boko Haram wants a portion of that country for itself; if Boko Haram-minded people would demand a part of Swaziland what would we be left with?

Sifiso Mnikati Ndlangamandla   

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