Government Recklessness Fuels Anger and Injustice in Eswatini
In Eswatini, irresponsible and reckless decisions by government officials continue to undermine human rights, driving citizens to deep frustration and resentment towards the Tinkhundla system. Hhukwini Member of Parliament Alec Lushaba powerfully highlighted this ongoing injustice in Parliament on Friday, directing his criticism towards Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshauke regarding the unlawful dismissal of employees from the Ministry of Agriculture.
MP Lushaba courageously stated, “As Parliament, we might hold this budget should you fail to address this issue. You subjected emaSwati to a painful situation, simo longeke kwawena uphile ngaphansi kwaso. Ningasoneli lelive le-Ngwenyama.” His words echoed the pain and frustration felt by countless citizens who have been unjustly treated by their own government, illuminating the systemic failures perpetuated under the current regime.
One of the affected Ministry of Agriculture employees voiced deep appreciation for MP Lushaba’s stand, explaining that they were wrongfully dismissed after the government transferred crucial equipment, including tractors, to the National Maize Corporation (NMC). At the heart of this injustice was Sipho Tsabedze, the former Public Service Principal Secretary, later dismissed for allegedly forging his birthdate to evade retirement. Tsabedze’s controversial decisions led directly to the employees’ termination, leaving them financially devastated and struggling to survive.
“We were dismissed after the Government handed over the tractors and other resources we used to the National Maize Corporation. Our salaries were stopped, and we are financially struggling—sifile yindlala. We ran to Parliament to narrate our plight and are relieved to see the MP fulfilling his promise by raising our issue,” shared one of the dismissed workers.
This issue is not isolated but symptomatic of deeper systemic corruption and disregard for workers’ rights pervasive within the Eswatini government. Unfair treatment, unlawful dismissals, and denial of rightful salaries have tragically become commonplace, reflecting the profound disconnect between government actions and the basic rights of its citizens.
Such reckless governance inevitably breeds resentment toward both the Tinkhundla system and those in authority. MP Lushaba’s courageous confrontation in Parliament sends a clear message that the abuse of power and violation of human rights cannot continue without accountability.
It is critical for our nation’s leaders to recognize that sustained governance cannot thrive on oppression and injustice. Accountability and fairness must replace corruption and arbitrary decision-making. Our nation deserves leadership committed to protecting, rather than violating, the rights and dignity of its citizens.
EmaSwati must remain united in demanding justice and accountability. By raising our voices alongside dedicated public servants like MP Lushaba, we can collectively challenge and eventually dismantle a system that perpetuates injustice. Only through persistent pressure and advocacy for transparency, fairness, and accountability can true change and dignity be restored to the people of Eswatini.
