I never opperate undercover ...'

Please allow me to respond to my dear brother WaSiphangasenkunzi’s article of Monday, April 23, 2012. I start by expressing my sincere appreciation that he took his time to read my story and then thought about it. I am always impressed by the command and clarity with which WaSiphangasenkunzi handles his presentations, including the article I am responding to.

I am happy to inform WaSiphanga-senkunzi and the readers that I have never, and will never, operate ‘undercover’. I am the son of heroes who never ran away from war.

My grandfathers, both on my father’s and mother’s (Abenguni BeGudu-nkomo) sides, were great warriors. My grandfather uMeyiwa was happy to accompany his new hosts to fight imphi yeMshadza and we have recently confirmed that he planted what has now become a clan of Mkhombes in Mpumalanga.

In the Second World War the Mkhombes were represented by my brave ubabomncane; Bholoja Daniel Mkhombe. Therefore, there is no way I can ever hide my true colours and agenda when I come from generations of such outstanding, patriotic, warriors.

My dear brother WaSiphangase-nkunzi seems to mistake my then-unfulfilled wish to join Sive Siyinqaba - Sibahle Sinje while serving His Majesty the King as a sign of ‘undercover operations’ and yet that is not the case.

It will help to remind the readers that I first entered the royal courts in 1992 when I accepted a post in the Prince Mahlalengangeni Political Review Commission. At that time I was the Chairman of the Human Rights Association of Swaziland (HUMARAS).

I never hid my agenda when I served in this commission. Indeed, it was this commission that helped His Majesty King Mswati III to remove the then-notorious 60 Days Detention Order, then known as Makhundvu. Together with a dear friend of mine, the two of us pushed - much against the wishes of the whole commission - to include a minority view acknowledging that there were citizens of this country who felt that the multiparty democratic route is the best way forward for Swaziland.

When His Majesty King Mswati III appointed me so serve in the Advisory Council in 1996, His Majesty knew very well what my thoughts and convictions were on the democratisation of the kingdom.

The King’s Advisory Council Standing Committee (Liqoqo) debated the subject of multiparty democracy on several occasions and I always stood for multiparty democracy.

Need I bore the reader? No, not at all, for it is a known fact that I lost my last job because of my profound belief and conviction in multiparty democracy as the only viable way forward for the Kingdom of a Eswatini towards sustainable development.

I have already stated that I never operate undercover. The reason for this stance is that I always operate in truth and honesty. I never have anything to hide. I believe that the truth will forever prevail and it will always set me free. I had previously indicated my wish to join Sive Siyinqaba – Sibahle Sinje. I am proud to state that, as of last week, the Executive of the National Movement officially welcomed me into their family and I am anxiously looking forward to holding my membership. I am so excited that I now can share my ideas with, and get advice from, a group of patriotic citizens who have the interests of their King and country at heart.

By the way, if you did not know, those Sibahle guys are very conservative. You just have to go through their core constitution and manifesto and by then you sweat conservatism.

Then hear them talk with passion about their monarch and country. They really believe in their culture and they will die for their King. They will not boycott the 2013 elections, because they sincerely believe that with more organisation and clear guidelines for their candidates they will be able to assist His Majesty King Mswati III govern this country with more efficiency.

They are currently polishing up their Economic Recovery Strategy to ensure sustainable development that will concentrate on uplifting the unacceptable situation faced by the unemployed and poor section of our people. Therefore, as a liberal conservative myself, I feel I can relate well to Sibahle.

Let me also take this opportunity to clarify my statement on the possibility of taking government to court in case I am barred from participating in the 2013 General Elections on the grounds that I would have been fielded by a political movement or party. It is my sincere prayer that such will never occur as the government has always vowed to respect the Constitution. While it is true that I would be taking my cue from the most senior politician in the land, who not long ago sought the intervention of the High Court to protect his basic individual rights to property, I would sincerely love to see a fair and free 2013 National Elections in which I hope to be one of the candidates.

In conclusion, let me challenge my dear brother WaSiphangasenkunzi to come out of the closet and let us know his real name and identity. I tell you, such a revelation will elevate your contribution to a much higher level because your readers would like to associate with you as a compatriot.

Unless, of course, you are hiding out there, busy munching a creamy huge slice of cake courtesy of the state. All I am trying to say, dear brother, is how I wish the readers would know you so that I can debate these national issues with you in the open.

Nation building requires exactly what you say in your concluding paragraph: "We need to address it sooner rather than later, for people of other political schools to come out in the open."

Please, WaSiphangasenkunzi, do not be ashamed of your ideas and stand up. Come out in the open and let us debate the real issues without fear or favour.

Just imagine how you worried the Editor, who had to look for my photo instead of your photo, to illustrate your good article. Come out and let us know who you are.

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