YOUTH IN RESISTANCE: THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHANGE-MAKERS IN ESWATINI
In Eswatini, the youth have emerged as a powerful force in the fight for democracy and justice. With the highest levels of education in the country’s history and an acute awareness of the systemic inequalities around them, young people are increasingly refusing to accept the status quo. They have taken up the mantle of resistance, becoming the driving force behind the pro-democracy movement. By August 2022, their voices were louder than ever, demanding accountability, reform, and a future free from oppression.
The challenges faced by Eswatini’s youth are immense. With youth unemployment at staggering levels, many young people are unable to find meaningful work despite their qualifications. The disconnect between education and economic opportunities has left a generation feeling betrayed by a system that promises growth but delivers stagnation. Compounding this frustration is the monarchy’s extravagant spending, which stands in stark contrast to the struggles of ordinary citizens. Young Swazis see their future being squandered by a government that prioritizes wealth for the elite over opportunities for its people.
The 2021 pro-democracy protests were a turning point for the youth of Eswatini. Many of them took to the streets, leading peaceful demonstrations, organizing petitions, and using social media to mobilize others. Their demands went beyond immediate reforms; they sought systemic change to dismantle the structures of inequality and oppression that have defined the monarchy’s rule. However, their bravery was met with brutality. Security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and mass arrests to suppress these demonstrations, leaving many young people injured, detained, or even killed.
Despite the state’s efforts to silence them, the youth have refused to back down. They have continued to organize and resist, often finding innovative ways to bypass the restrictions imposed by the government. Social media has become a critical tool for young activists, allowing them to share information, document human rights abuses, and amplify their demands to a global audience. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp have become digital battlegrounds where the fight for justice continues, even in the face of online surveillance and censorship.
The youth’s involvement in the pro-democracy movement has not been without challenges. Many young activists face harassment, detention, and even exile. Some have been forced to flee the country, continuing their advocacy from abroad while dealing with the emotional toll of being separated from their families and communities. Others remain in Eswatini, working in secret to avoid detection while pushing the movement forward. Their resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to their commitment to building a better future.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the youth movement is its inclusivity. Young people from diverse backgrounds—urban and rural, educated and uneducated—have come together to demand change. They recognize that the issues they face, from unemployment to political repression, affect all Swazis, regardless of their circumstances. This unity has strengthened the movement, making it a formidable force for change.
However, the youth cannot achieve their goals alone. They need support from the international community, civil society organizations, and older generations who share their vision for a democratic Eswatini. Global actors must amplify the voices of young Swazis, pressuring the government to respect their rights and implement meaningful reforms. Regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must also take a stronger stance, ensuring that the voices of Eswatini’s youth are heard and their demands are addressed.
The youth of Eswatini represent the hope and determination needed to transform the nation. They are the next generation of change-makers, challenging the monarchy’s grip on power and envisioning a future built on justice, equality, and opportunity. Their fight is not just for themselves but for all Swazis who have been marginalized and silenced for too long.
As an activist, I draw inspiration from the courage and creativity of Eswatini’s youth. Their resilience in the face of repression reminds us all that change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances. The road to democracy is long and fraught with obstacles, but with the youth leading the charge, there is no doubt that Eswatini’s future will be brighter. The voices of young Swazis are growing louder, and their demands for justice, freedom, and dignity will not be ignored. Together, we will build the Eswatini we all deserve.
