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DIALOGUE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER PLEASE

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Sir,

Please allow me to air my views concerning the urgent need for political dialogue in the country. Now that government, through the use of security forces, has managed to ‘thwart’ every form of marches and the delivering of petitions, it is ideal to have the dialogue as soon as possible. The use of delaying tactics and the pretence that the situation does not need urgency can no longer work. This is a hot issue that needs to be attended to soon, not next year. I, therefore, believe and earnestly request that the dialogue be held this year at the beginning of November.

United

It is evident to all that emaSwati are now united for one purpose and are tired of the current system of government, as well as how the monarchy has been conducting itself in the past years. From rural to urban folk; from political parties to individuals not aligned to any party; from Christians to non-Christians; from the rich to the poor and from the educated and uneducated the cry is the same. There must be change in Eswatini, and that change must happen now. So this issue cannot be delayed until next year, but it must be tackled this year, before December 31, 2021.

Suicidal

Delaying it until 2022 is greatly suicidal. The anger, pain and bitterness of emaSwati who want change, who were allegedly shot by the security forces and the relatives of those who were killed should not be put to trial. Let us allow emaSwati to talk and cool down through dialogue. What happened in June and in the past week has never happened in the history of this peaceful country now called Eswatini. Who knows, by frustrating the dialogue from happening this year, you are fuelling another riot that could be worse than what we have already seen; who needs a repeat of what we have witnessed. Therefore, having the dialogue now is imperative. It is often said in siSwati ‘kusemanti kungaze kome kutfunuke tilondza’.

May I suggest Monday November 1, 2021 to be the start of the dialogue if we really mean business. I believe that this date is neither too soon nor too late. This dialogue does not need Sibaya as the latter has failed emaSwati. The venue could be Somhlolo National Stadium, Sibayeni Lodge, Royal Villas or the Mavuso Pavillion; and it does not necessarily need the presence of the King. He can send representatives. Without the King, who could be in seclusion due to Incwala, the dialogue can still proceed. May I also suggest that the agenda must also include the following:
* Release of the two incarcerated Members of Parliament and all the charges levelled against them dropped.
* Revoke the warrant of arrest against Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane.
* Amendment of the country’s Constitution and a closer look be given to the following sections and clauses; (a) Clause of taking oath of allegiance, (b) Section on powers of the King, (c) Section on appointment of the prime minister and Board members, (d) Clause on conduct of the security forces, (e) Section on country’s elections, (f) Clause on human rights, (g) Clause on powers of chiefs.
* Removal of the word ‘Royal’ and replacing it with ‘National’ in all organisations that service the people of Eswatini.
* Changing the national anthem.
* Repeal of the 1973 King’s decree.
* The establishment of an independent police investigation department.

By doing all this, we can show the world that as emaSwati, on our own, we are truthful and serious about mapping a way forward that could end the riots and violence we have seen. As emaSwati, we could make Eswatini a peaceful country that everyone living the country wishes, as well as those who want to visit the country.

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