THE PLIGHT OF THE VULNERABLE: STARVATION AMID REPRESSION IN ESWATINI

The arrest of pro-democracy Member of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza has left a devastating ripple effect across his constituency, with the most vulnerable bearing the brunt of the monarchy’s repression. Among those affected is Gogo Mathunjwa, an elderly woman from Hosea, who now faces starvation following Mabuza’s imprisonment. Her heartbreaking plight underscores the human cost of Eswatini’s political crisis and the monarchy’s crackdown on dissent.

Mabuza, a successful businessman and vocal advocate for democracy, was arrested in 2021 and later convicted on politically motivated terrorism and murder charges. His crime? Speaking out against the monarchy and demanding democratic reforms. Former Army Commander Jeffery Shabalala, in a leaked recording, revealed that the order for Mabuza’s arrest allegedly came directly from King Mswati III, the absolute monarch who has ruled Eswatini with unchecked power. The charges against Mabuza, widely condemned as baseless, are part of the regime’s broader strategy to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power.

For Gogo Mathunjwa, Mabuza’s arrest has been life-altering. “Ngilambile, sengyafa yindlala, uBacede abengisiza angthengela ukudla bambopha,” she lamented. Translated, her words mean: “I am hungry and dying of starvation. Bacede, who was helping me with food, was arrested.” This poignant statement reflects the plight of many in Hosea, where Mabuza’s charitable contributions had become a lifeline for the most vulnerable.

As a businessman and MP, Mabuza was known not only for his political activism but also for his dedication to uplifting his community. His support for constituents like Gogo Mathunjwa went beyond politics—it was a testament to his commitment to addressing the systemic neglect faced by ordinary Swazis. His absence has left a void that the government has neither acknowledged nor attempted to fill.

The story of Gogo Mathunjwa is emblematic of a broader issue in Eswatini: the monarchy’s failure to care for its people. While King Mswati III and his inner circle live in opulence, millions of Swazis struggle with poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to basic services. The regime’s focus on silencing opposition rather than addressing these pressing issues highlights its priorities, leaving the most vulnerable to fend for themselves.

This situation also raises questions about the role of governance in Eswatini. An MP’s arrest on politically motivated charges should not translate into the starvation of his constituents. The government’s inability—or unwillingness—to provide social safety nets for those in need reflects a system designed to serve the elite rather than the people.

The arrest and conviction of Mabuza have drawn international condemnation, with human rights organizations calling for his release and an end to the monarchy’s use of repressive tactics. Yet, the plight of individuals like Gogo Mathunjwa remains largely unnoticed on the global stage. Her story is a stark reminder that political repression has tangible, devastating consequences for ordinary citizens.

As Eswatini’s political crisis deepens, the voices of the vulnerable must not be ignored. Gogo Mathunjwa’s cry for help is not just a personal tragedy—it is a call to action for a nation grappling with the costs of repression. The pro-democracy movement, which Mabuza championed, continues to fight not only for political reform but also for the basic dignity and well-being of all Swazis.

The human cost of Eswatini’s political turmoil is staggering, and the story of Gogo Mathunjwa is one of many. Addressing this crisis requires systemic change that prioritizes the needs of the people over the preservation of power. For Gogo Mathunjwa, and countless others like her, justice for Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza is not just about freeing a political prisoner—it is about restoring hope, dignity, and the possibility of a better future for all Swazis.