CONSENSUS: NAME CHANGE LONG OVERDUE

NHLANGANO – Although the country’s name change from Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini may have provoked mixed reactions, but in the end, there was unanimity about the move heralding the dawn of a new era.
While some described the change as a symbol marking full achievement of independence, there were, however, those who chose to be circumspect about the whole thing.

While these concurred the move amounted to a construction of a national self, they were quick though to say the local population should be mindful of the costs that may be attendant to the whole process.
“Well, the instant reaction is that of obsession about our national identity, but for me the timing of the whole thing engenders a sense of being apprehensive. You should remember that not so long ago government proposed hiked fees for national documents like passports, identity cards and driver’s licences. The name change could mean we would all have to acquire new documentation at these exorbitant fees, and all that would be digging deep into our pockets,” observed a civil servant who preferred anonymity.

The name change was announced by His Majesty King Mswati III on Wednesday during the celebration of his 50th birthday alongside the country’s 50 years of independence, held at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini.
Among those who embraced the new development with great optimism was senior citizen Majwabu Mdluli (65) of Mahamba, a place, which is also symbolic as the country’s entry point for religion and education, said the King’s pronouncement showed a strong will for the country’s leadership to allow its inhabitants to safeguard the country’s true identity and cultural heritage.

“For me this was long overdue. I just could not understand why we remained stuck with that name (Swaziland) because over the years it has only existed on paper, and was never embraced in our daily language.
“I would like to thank His Majesty for the wisdom to herald a new era. I think it is now high time for EmaSwati to transform the country into a powerful force and claim a spot in the First World, which will help fulfil the dream of the king,” stressed Mdluli.

For people like Mdluli, the name change as well gave a glimmer of hope that the country might one day succeed in its land reclamation campaign beyond the currently perceived immigration barriers.

Narrative

Simanga Mavuso (40), a Nhlangano based Motor Mechanic who hails from the northern Hhohho Region, also said he could not understand why the country remained stuck with an English name, yet the narrative out there portrayed the Kingdom as one that long attained its independence from British protectorate status.

“It was somehow confusing because no one ever mentions the name Swaziland in daily talk. We have always referred to the country as Eswatini or KaNgwane; so the name change was long overdue,” he observed.
The same sentiments were expressed by Ngwane College employee Gugu Mdluli (53), who said it was wise for His Majesty the King to realise that the country could no longer afford to promote itself under a borrowed identity. “We have always referred to ourselves as EmaSwati, so I just could not understand why it took us so long to embrace this uniqueness. We have compromised our identity for a long time and I am welcoming this name change with great joy in my heart,” she said, with a beaming smile.

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