UNORTHODOX VIEWS GOOD FOR DEMOCRACY

Sir,

As a people we are going through a difficult period; we are struggling to survive from day to day. Our hospitals are deplorable; the education system is no longer the envy of the region. Politicians send their children to other countries to get a better education thus perpetuating the suffering of those who can’t afford to do the same. We as nationals are no longer proud of our identity when outside the country. Our fiscal position is precarious.

The biggest question being asked is how did we get to this mess? Yes, exogenous factors have contributed but our governance and fiscal discipline have also been found wanting. The challenge we have now is how do we solve both? Solving the fiscal position without solving the governance problem will be a short-term remedy for a long-term problem.

We need to revisit our governance structures. While the Tinkhundla System of Governance has its merits like being able to consolidate our traditional structures to a modern system of governance, it fails to enforce accountability, which is critical to any system of government. Whether by default or design the system fails to give people an alternative position if the incumbents fail to deliver. It provides for a change of faces not policies. This is just my thoughts and I hope it will ignite a robust and honest debate that can take our beautiful country forward. Unorthodox views are good for democracy; they ensure that the government is accountable and quick to implement its policies.

M S Mbabane

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