ESWATINI NATION DESERVES MORE RESPECT

Sir

The nation is famously known and recognised for its respect, a point the leadership never ceases to drive home, especially during challenging times.

I can well recall many an occasion when those holding the reigns of political power would, when faced with challenging situations that are often of their making than natural, would rally and remind the people that emaSwati are known the world over and respected for their respect. Regrettably, more often than not, some of those charged with the onerous responsibility of governing the country, whether deliberately or strategically, often misunderstand and misinterpret this respect to mean conformity to their whims.

Any action such as labour strife leading to protests and strikes, as well as challenging the existing political hegemony and inhumane policies, is roundly misinterpreted and condemned as unSwati and disrespectful. In fact not only is there zero tolerance for dissenting voices to authority but often, some decisions are taken against the wave of public opinion just to test the patience of the nation. 

To cut to the chase, the respect that I am interrogating is not that which, according to the political status quo, means conformity and silence. 

The respect I am talking about is the simplistic and unambiguous meaning of the word that, according to my Oxford Dictionary, means deferential esteem felt or shown towards a person or quality; regard with difference or esteem; treat with consideration; avoid interfering with or harming; refrain from offending (a person, feelings, etc).

Respect is a two-way street. If those in political authority expect emaSwati to respect them, then the onus is on them to earn that respect and in turn to reciprocate same to the people.

The peace that the leadership is apt to boast about to anyone who cares to listen might not be as sustainable as they would believe, especially because it is a product of induced silence and fear. 

In the circumstances, who can argue that it is just an illusion and illusions have the knack of disappearing at the most inopportune moments in history. The Eswatini people deserve a little more respect from those in leadership so that this can also be reciprocated. As it were, all institutions of state belong to and are answerable to the nation and not to an exclusive class of people. 

Anonymous   

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