Crisis and Continuity: Forty Years of King Mswati’s Rule in eSwatini
As King Mswati III of eSwatini approaches forty years on the throne, a stark contrast emerges between the longevity of his rule and the pervasive challenges facing his kingdom. Since ascending to power in April 1986 at the tender age of eighteen, following the death of his father King Sobhuza, Mswati has maintained the traditional structure of absolute monarchy in a world where such governance forms are increasingly scrutinized.
eSwatini, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, is marred by significant socio-economic challenges. Approximately 70% of its population lives below the poverty line, grappling with scarcity in a country rich in cultural heritage but poor in economic opportunities. The unemployment crisis further exacerbates the despair of the Swazi people, with limited job opportunities predominantly in government sectors like education and healthcare, which are only offered on a contractual basis.
The health sector in eSwatini is in dire straits, facing chronic shortages of essential medications. Public hospitals, the backbone of healthcare in many developing nations, are unable to meet the needs of the populace due to these shortages, endangering the lives of many. Concurrently, the education sector suffers from a lack of resources, with schools struggling to provide quality education amid shortages of teachers and necessary equipment.
Further complicating the situation is the government’s fiscal management, which has come under fire for its inefficiency. Reports indicate a troubling delay in the payment to suppliers, leading to the closure of indigenous companies that had relied on timely government payments for their survival. This fiscal irresponsibility threatens the economic stability of the nation, already teetering on the brink of financial ruin.
Despite these pressing issues, preparations are underway to celebrate King Mswati’s forty years of reign, a move that has sparked controversy and highlighted the disconnect between the monarchy and the lived experiences of the citizens. Critics argue that the funds allocated for these celebrations could be better spent addressing the urgent needs of the country’s healthcare, education, and economic sectors.
King Mswati’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, redirected inquiries about the national celebrations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, indicating that the responsibility for such events falls under their portfolio. Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe has yet to respond to queries regarding the situation, leaving many questions unanswered as the nation edges closer to the commemorative milestone.
The stark realities of life in eSwatini under King Mswati’s rule prompt a broader reflection on the role of monarchies in modern governance, especially in contexts where democracy and participatory governance models have shown to be more responsive to the needs of the populace. As the kingdom of eSwatini continues to navigate its complex challenges, the world watches to see if the next forty years will bring change or more of the same continuity that has left many of its citizens in despair.
