ANSWER LIES IN DELIVERY

Swazis came out in large numbers to elect their representatives. They deserve better service delivery

AS the discourse whether the country should take the direction of a political party system rages on in the court of public opinion, we cannot help but observe a myriad of challenges that threaten the very core of our progress as a nation.

Swazi Observer endorses the Tinkhundla System as the path that the majority of the Swazi people have chosen to lead them to the future. This view, admittedly, has been questioned in many quarters but as it is today that is what the people want and that is what is endorsed in the constitution. Until the Swazi people themselves indicate otherwise, Tinkhundla it shall be without apology.
Of the list of challenges to our system, three weaknesses in the country’s body politic stand out as worthy of placing in the forefront of the national agenda for discussion.
Complacency stands out as number one. For a longtime this country has enjoyed peace and stability as the leadership successfully brought us together and fostered a spirit of unity and homogeneity as one Swazi nation. Over the years the leadership has put to good use the fact that we are one people that are interrelated and not divided by tribalism. This has led to a common destiny and consensus, over the years, particularly when it comes to the political direction the country should pursue. As good as that is, it has to some degree bred the unfortunate state of complacency where political challenges and emerging trends are easily dismissed as inconsequential or too insignificant to ‘rock the boat’. Over the years, we have taken for granted that the majority of the people are sworn supporters of the current system of governance. Complacency has set in and any divergent view, warning or opinion is quickly dismissed as ‘bird-like chirpings’. So complacent are we at times, that many international reports and actions that tarnish the country’s image and that of our leadership go unchallenged and are dismissed as nothing but, ‘a mosquito’s noise to a sleepy ear.’ ‘Anati kutsi tinhlanya leto tiyahhebula nje’ - those are loose cannons that should be left to their devices we say, albeit to our peril.
Grooming of leadership cadre, or lack thereof, is a close second. Things seem to be in place regarding peace, security and stability in the country, which is an oasis of tranquility when compared to other countries. But there seems to be a glaring lack of commitment to provide a conducive forum to groom leaders that will take the system and vision forward and into the future. We have a lot of potential and gifted leaders in this country but no effort has been made to bring such talent together so as to work in common-purpose and compliment one another. These young leaders are too far apart and they cannot be effective in the small little corners from which they operate. As a result, you find us tripping over each other in duplicity, waste of resources and energy. We need to identify the ‘young lions’ of the system. For example, young boys and girls aged between 23-35 who will be groomed to understand the system inside-out, identify threats to it and come up with a clear vision on how to take it forward and keep it dynamic and relevant to changing world trends. These would be the people of tomorrow who will be the think-tank and a proper advisory structure to the leadership. These are the people who would articulate clearly the national goals and direction and give convincing arguments and evidence of how these are to be achieved.
Service Delivery to the people, particularly at grassroots level. In times like these, there is no other way to win and retain the people’s hearts than to paint a picture that the leadership cares about their plight and has the capacity to deliver. At a time when jobs are diminishing like water in inkilingane – a porous bucket used to fetch water as part of young regiment’s rites of initiation – we need a leadership that will think on its feet and act swiftly to grab opportunities before they slip away. Though some ground has been covered regarding job creation, it is clear for all to see that much, much effort still needs to be put if we are to make things right. Our health and education sectors face some serious challenges which are a let down to the system. It is a good thing that Prime Minister Dr Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini has placed healthcare and education in the upper room of the country’s priorities. Though some ground has been covered in dealing with the challenges in these sectors, the leadership owes it to the people to do more in terms of delivery. Hunger and deprivation also add to the state of despair suffered by some sections of our society. We need to up the antenna regarding agriculture production if we are to silence the critics of the system. His Majesty King Mswati III is fighting hard, day and night, to ensure that projects meant to improve the lives of the people are followed through with much zeal and commitment. He is personally involved in seeking out partnerships that will take Swaziland forward. Can those in leadership count themselves as giving enough support to the King’s efforts? Can those in leadership, all sectors of leadership and not just cabinet, stand up and be counted to say they have the capacity to match the King’s desire for delivery and quick action? These are the questions we should be engaging ourselves in finding answers to if we are to be worthy of the mandate of the people. The answer lies with delivery. Period.

NB: We would like to hear from you regarding this topic so please drop us a line at chiefeditor@observer.org.sz or musaeditor@yahoo.com. A special invitation is extended to our friends from outside Swaziland. Please share your experiences with us.