SENATOR ISAAC MAGAGULA BENEFITS R20 MILLION FROM PUBLIC FUNDS AMID YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS
Senator Isaac Mmemo Magagula, former National Commissioner of Police, has reportedly accrued over R20 million from public funds through contract renewals and political appointments facilitated by King Mswati III, even after reaching retirement age. This revelation comes at a time when Eswatini grapples with a staggering unemployment rate of 33.3% as of 2021, with 70% of the population living below the poverty line.
Magagula was due to retire in January 2010, but his contract was extended by then Prime Minister Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini with the King’s approval. During his tenure, Magagula demonstrated loyalty to the regime by leading crackdowns on pro-democracy activists. This included the brutal killing of Sipho Jele, a member of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), who was arrested and allegedly tortured to death in May 2010 for wearing a PUDEMO t-shirt after the political organization was banned.
Following his controversial career in law enforcement, Magagula transitioned into politics, securing a position as a Senator. His annual earnings, including salaries, benefits, and international travel allowances, exceed R1 million. By the time his current political term expires in 2028, the public funds allocated to him since 2010 will total approximately R20 million.
Magagula has not responded to inquiries about his continued acceptance of political appointments and whether he would consider stepping down to create opportunities for the younger generation. His prolonged presence in high-paying positions has drawn criticism amid the dire unemployment crisis affecting Eswatini’s youth.
Gabie Ndukuya, President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS), condemned the situation, emphasizing the challenges faced by young people struggling to find employment. “We will continue to condemn this because the youth is struggling with no jobs while elderly people are refusing to retire,” Ndukuya said.
The continued reappointment of individuals like Magagula reflects the monarchy’s preference for loyalists over merit-based governance, exacerbating inequalities and leaving young, qualified citizens without opportunities. Critics argue that this practice entrenches systemic poverty and limits social mobility, as resources are funneled to a small elite while the majority languish without access to meaningful employment.
Magagula’s case also raises questions about the fairness and sustainability of Eswatini’s political and economic systems. The prioritization of loyalty to the monarchy over addressing the pressing needs of the populace underscores the disconnect between the ruling elite and the realities faced by ordinary Swazis.
As calls for reform and accountability grow louder, Magagula’s lucrative tenure serves as a symbol of the broader issues plaguing Eswatini. For the youth, the message is clear: the system continues to favor the old guard, leaving them to bear the brunt of unemployment and economic hardship. The demand for change, driven by voices like Ndukuya’s, is a reminder of the urgent need for a more equitable and transparent governance system in Eswatini.
