MONARCHICAL EXTRAVAGANCE VS. PUBLIC POVERTY: THE GREAT DIVIDE IN ESWATINI
In Eswatini, the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyle of the monarchy and the severe poverty experienced by the majority of the population is an undeniable testament to the deep-rooted inequality that defines the country. As the last absolute monarchy in Africa, the Eswatini government continues to perpetuate a system that prioritizes the personal wealth and indulgence of King Mswati III and his inner circle, while ordinary citizens struggle to make ends meet. This great divide—marked by opulence on one hand and deprivation on the other—serves as a constant reminder of the failure of Eswatini’s governance to address the needs of its people.
King Mswati III, who ascended to the throne in 1986, is known for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes owning multiple palaces, a fleet of luxury cars, and frequent overseas trips. Reports have highlighted the billions of dollars spent on royal luxuries, even while the country grapples with a multitude of crises, including high unemployment, poor healthcare, and inadequate education. The monarchy’s opulence is not limited to private indulgences; it is a reflection of how state resources are funneled to maintain the lavish lifestyle of the king and his family, leaving little to address the country’s growing poverty.
In sharp contrast, Eswatini’s people are subjected to an economic system that marginalizes them. The majority of Swazis live below the poverty line, with limited access to basic services like healthcare, education, and clean water. Public hospitals are underfunded and understaffed, and there is an acute shortage of essential medical supplies. Despite this, the government continues to spend vast sums on the monarchy’s personal interests, including funding for royal projects and international trips. This allocation of resources perpetuates a cycle of inequality, where the needs of the many are disregarded in favor of the extravagant lifestyle of a few.
The monarchy’s actions have led to widespread discontent, particularly among the younger generation. Youth unemployment in Eswatini is staggering, with many young people struggling to find work in a country where economic opportunities are limited. Despite being one of the most educated generations in the country’s history, young Swazis are unable to fully utilize their skills due to a lack of jobs and resources. This has created a sense of frustration and alienation, with many young people questioning the future of their country and the legitimacy of a system that has failed to provide for them.
Moreover, the issue of inequality in Eswatini is not confined to economics alone. Political disenfranchisement exacerbates the situation. Under the current system, political parties are banned, and the king retains control over all branches of government. This lack of democratic representation leaves the people with little power to influence policy decisions that directly impact their lives. The absence of a free press and the suppression of opposition voices have created an environment where the monarchy’s actions go largely unchallenged, and the country’s resources are controlled by a small elite.
While the people of Eswatini are forced to endure systemic poverty, King Mswati III’s family continues to live in unimaginable luxury. The royal family’s wealth is largely unchecked, and there is little transparency about how public funds are being used. This has led to widespread corruption, with state funds being diverted into private accounts while essential services are left underfunded. The monarchy’s extravagant spending stands in stark contrast to the reality faced by ordinary citizens, who must navigate a system that consistently fails to meet their basic needs.
This division has sparked growing calls for reform, particularly among young activists and human rights organizations. The fight for justice in Eswatini is not just about political freedom—it is about addressing the fundamental inequities that define life in the kingdom. The people of Eswatini deserve a government that serves their needs, not one that caters to the desires of a select few.
As an activist who now lives in exile, I continue to bear witness to these injustices. The voices of those fighting for change in Eswatini cannot be silenced. The great divide between the monarchy’s excesses and the suffering of the people must be exposed. Eswatini can no longer be a kingdom where inequality reigns unchecked. It is time for the people to reclaim their country and demand a system that reflects their dignity, their rights, and their aspirations. This fight is about more than just economic justice—it is about the right to live with dignity and the promise of a better future for all.
