LAND GOVERNANCE AND THE STRUGGLE FOR SECURITY OF TENURE IN ESWATINI

In Eswatini, land is more than just property—it is a source of identity, livelihood, and security. However, for many citizens, land governance remains a contentious issue fraught with inequality, displacement, and exploitation. The monarchy’s control over land has created a system where ordinary people are left vulnerable to forced evictions and have little recourse to assert their rights. As the fight for democracy continues, the struggle for equitable land governance and security of tenure has become an integral part of the broader movement for justice.

The majority of Eswatini’s land is held under customary tenure, meaning it is controlled by chiefs who allocate land to individuals based on traditional practices. While this system has deep cultural roots, it often leaves people, particularly women and rural communities, at the mercy of local authorities. Chiefs act as gatekeepers, and their decisions are heavily influenced by the monarchy, which holds ultimate authority over all land in the country. This system perpetuates inequality, with land often allocated based on loyalty to the king or personal connections rather than need or merit.

In 2022, the issue of forced evictions in areas like Sigombeni and the Malkerns highlighted the fragility of land tenure for many communities. Families who had lived on their land for generations found themselves facing displacement as land was reallocated to powerful elites or for government-backed development projects. These evictions were carried out with little notice, no meaningful consultation, and no provision of alternative housing or compensation. The trauma of losing one’s home and livelihood has left many families struggling to rebuild their lives.

The government’s failure to address these injustices reflects a broader disregard for the rights of ordinary citizens. Despite ongoing legal challenges from affected communities, the state has shown little willingness to reform its land governance system. The courts, which should provide a mechanism for redress, are often viewed as biased in favor of the monarchy and its allies. This lack of accountability has created a sense of helplessness among many Swazis, who feel that their voices are not heard and their rights are not protected.

Women, in particular, face significant challenges when it comes to land ownership. Under customary law, women are often excluded from owning land in their own right and must rely on male relatives to secure access. This leaves them particularly vulnerable to eviction and exploitation, as they have few legal protections. Efforts by women’s rights organizations to advocate for gender equity in land governance have been met with resistance, as such reforms are seen as a threat to traditional authority.

The impact of insecure land tenure extends beyond individual families to the broader economy. Agriculture is a primary source of income for many Swazis, but without secure access to land, farmers are unable to invest in long-term improvements or fully realize their potential. This perpetuates cycles of poverty and undermines efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable economy.

The struggle for land rights in Eswatini is deeply intertwined with the fight for democracy. The current system, which prioritizes the interests of the monarchy and its allies, is incompatible with the principles of justice, equality, and accountability. Reforming land governance is not just about addressing the injustices of forced evictions—it is about empowering citizens to have a stake in their country’s future and ensuring that resources are managed for the benefit of all.

As an activist, I see the issue of land governance as a critical front in Eswatini’s struggle for justice. It is a fight that requires solidarity, both within the country and from the international community. Regional organizations like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must pressure the Eswatini government to respect the rights of its citizens and implement meaningful reforms. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations must continue to amplify the voices of those affected, ensuring that their stories are heard and their demands are taken seriously.

The people of Eswatini deserve a land governance system that reflects their dignity and humanity, one that prioritizes their needs over the interests of the powerful. The struggle for security of tenure is a fight for justice, for equity, and for the right to live without fear of displacement. It is a fight that must be won if we are to build a democratic Eswatini where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. As we push forward, let us remember that the land belongs to the people, not to the few who wield power. The fight for land rights is a fight for the soul of our nation.

In Eswatini, land is more than just property—it is a source of identity, livelihood, and security. However, for many citizens, land governance remains a contentious issue fraught with inequality, displacement, and exploitation. The monarchy’s control over land has created a system where ordinary people are left vulnerable to forced evictions and have little recourse to assert their rights. As the fight for democracy continues, the struggle for equitable land governance and security of tenure has become an integral part of the broader movement for justice.

The majority of Eswatini’s land is held under customary tenure, meaning it is controlled by chiefs who allocate land to individuals based on traditional practices. While this system has deep cultural roots, it often leaves people, particularly women and rural communities, at the mercy of local authorities. Chiefs act as gatekeepers, and their decisions are heavily influenced by the monarchy, which holds ultimate authority over all land in the country. This system perpetuates inequality, with land often allocated based on loyalty to the king or personal connections rather than need or merit.

In 2022, the issue of forced evictions in areas like Sigombeni and the Malkerns highlighted the fragility of land tenure for many communities. Families who had lived on their land for generations found themselves facing displacement as land was reallocated to powerful elites or for government-backed development projects. These evictions were carried out with little notice, no meaningful consultation, and no provision of alternative housing or compensation. The trauma of losing one’s home and livelihood has left many families struggling to rebuild their lives.

The government’s failure to address these injustices reflects a broader disregard for the rights of ordinary citizens. Despite ongoing legal challenges from affected communities, the state has shown little willingness to reform its land governance system. The courts, which should provide a mechanism for redress, are often viewed as biased in favor of the monarchy and its allies. This lack of accountability has created a sense of helplessness among many Swazis, who feel that their voices are not heard and their rights are not protected.

Women, in particular, face significant challenges when it comes to land ownership. Under customary law, women are often excluded from owning land in their own right and must rely on male relatives to secure access. This leaves them particularly vulnerable to eviction and exploitation, as they have few legal protections. Efforts by women’s rights organizations to advocate for gender equity in land governance have been met with resistance, as such reforms are seen as a threat to traditional authority.

The impact of insecure land tenure extends beyond individual families to the broader economy. Agriculture is a primary source of income for many Swazis, but without secure access to land, farmers are unable to invest in long-term improvements or fully realize their potential. This perpetuates cycles of poverty and undermines efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable economy.

The struggle for land rights in Eswatini is deeply intertwined with the fight for democracy. The current system, which prioritizes the interests of the monarchy and its allies, is incompatible with the principles of justice, equality, and accountability. Reforming land governance is not just about addressing the injustices of forced evictions—it is about empowering citizens to have a stake in their country’s future and ensuring that resources are managed for the benefit of all.

As an activist, I see the issue of land governance as a critical front in Eswatini’s struggle for justice. It is a fight that requires solidarity, both within the country and from the international community. Regional organizations like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must pressure the Eswatini government to respect the rights of its citizens and implement meaningful reforms. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations must continue to amplify the voices of those affected, ensuring that their stories are heard and their demands are taken seriously.

The people of Eswatini deserve a land governance system that reflects their dignity and humanity, one that prioritizes their needs over the interests of the powerful. The struggle for security of tenure is a fight for justice, for equity, and for the right to live without fear of displacement. It is a fight that must be won if we are to build a democratic Eswatini where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. As we push forward, let us remember that the land belongs to the people, not to the few who wield power. The fight for land rights is a fight for the soul of our nation.