THE MONARCHY’S FAILED PROMISES: ECONOMIC INJUSTICE IN ESWATINI

The stark divide between the monarchy’s promises of economic development and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Swazis had become impossible to ignore. While King Mswati III and his allies continue to enjoy immense wealth and privilege, the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet in a system that prioritizes the elite over the needs of the people. The government’s failure to address the economic injustices at the heart of Eswatini’s challenges has further eroded trust and fueled calls for reform.

Eswatini’s economic structure remains deeply flawed, with the monarchy controlling vast resources and wealth while neglecting critical sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture. Public funds are disproportionately funneled into royal projects and ceremonies, leaving essential services underfunded and millions of citizens without access to basic necessities. Unemployment remains staggeringly high, particularly among the youth, who find themselves locked out of opportunities despite their education and qualifications.

One of the most glaring examples of economic mismanagement is the disparity between the monarchy’s lavish lifestyle and the dire conditions in public institutions. While King Mswati III spends millions on luxury cars, international trips, and palatial residences, hospitals and schools across the country are in disrepair. Patients in public healthcare facilities face chronic shortages of medicine and equipment, and students attend overcrowded classrooms with outdated materials. These conditions are not the result of scarcity but of deliberate choices by a government that prioritizes the interests of the few over the needs of the many.

The monarchy’s economic policies have also exacerbated inequality in rural areas, where most of the population resides. Farmers, who form the backbone of Eswatini’s economy, struggle with limited access to markets, infrastructure, and support. Land governance issues, including forced evictions and the concentration of land in the hands of the elite, further marginalize rural communities. These systemic challenges leave rural residents trapped in cycles of poverty, unable to break free without meaningful intervention and reform.

The government’s promises of economic growth and development have repeatedly failed to materialize. Policies touted as solutions to Eswatini’s economic challenges often serve to entrench the status quo, benefiting the monarchy and its allies while doing little to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. The lack of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds has only deepened public frustration and mistrust.

For many Swazis, the monarchy’s economic mismanagement is not just a failure of governance—it is a betrayal. The wealth and resources of the nation should be used to uplift its people, not to maintain the opulence of a select few. This sense of betrayal has fueled the pro-democracy movement, as citizens demand not only political reform but also economic justice.

The international community has taken note of Eswatini’s economic injustices, with advocacy organizations calling for greater accountability and equitable resource distribution. However, addressing these issues requires more than external pressure. It demands systemic change within Eswatini, starting with a government that prioritizes the well-being of its people over the preservation of the monarchy’s privilege.

The fight for economic justice is inseparable from the broader struggle for democracy in Eswatini. A fair and equitable economy cannot exist under a system that concentrates power and wealth in the hands of the few. As citizens continue to push for change, their demands for economic reform are a reminder that justice is not just about political rights—it is about the right to live with dignity and opportunity.

Eswatini’s future depends on its ability to address the economic injustices that have defined life under the monarchy. The government’s failure to fulfill its promises is a call to action for all who seek a better, fairer nation. The road to economic justice is long, but the resilience and determination of the Swazi people offer hope for a future where every citizen can thrive. The time for change is now, and the fight for economic reform is a fight for the soul of the nation.