Mbabane, Swaziland – Swaziland is as poor as a church mouse, and from the standpoint of size, just as small. The country is very close to South Africa in every way, and some people in South Africa at one stage suggested that, since Swaziland is almost inside South Africa, why not convert it into one of the provinces of South Africa.
The way Swaziland is, seemingly all quiet, one would swear that everything is going smoothly – no women, no men, no cry! But right in the deeps of the country is where you will feel the beating heart of the voiceless people of Swaziland, crying in the deep wilderness without any attention. The crying voices are from those people who suffer from dreaded diseases, because the government is not able to send any emergency vehicle into the countryside to pick up a patient for a clinic, since the health system has collapsed. The one who has medication, cannot take the pills, because there is no meals on which will lay a foundation for the pills.
By: J.T. Jiyane
On the other hand all major political parties like; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress, Peoples’ United Democratic Movement, Swaziland Communist Party, and Swaziland Democratic Party have been banned including other emerging parties. There is only one bull in the Swaziland kraal, that is His Majesty King Mswati 111. He has the first and the final word as a head of state, as the king of the Swazi nation.
The working class of Swaziland does not have rights, to such an extent that former unionist like Mr. Jan Sithole has been tortured many times by Swazi authority. The likes of Swazi Trade Union or Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions do not have a place in Swaziland.
Today Mr Jan Sithole is an MP in Swaziland as he gained a seat as independent candidate, as the president of Swaziland Democratic Party, Mr Sithole made a vow that he is going to bring in reforms to Swaziland, but until now King Mswati 111 is still ruling his country with an iron fist. Nepotism and corruption is being experienced every now and then and all this is happening in the presence of Mr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of the country, as he has no say.
No media is allowed to report negative things about King Mswati 111, especially in the public sector. With any such negative report, if you live in Swaziland, surely you will be put behind bars. The most annoying thing is, the King’ s castle is full of modern cars and endless wedding bells. Sadly, many Swazi people have gone to Johannesburg for the greener pastures there.
‘I want to stress to you that political parties remain banned up until people of Swaziland say so’, said King Mswati 111 in 2007.
J.T. Jiyane is a foreign correspondent based in South Africa covering; politics and socio-economics.
