No communication on credible attempts to find solutions – BE

MBABANE – Meanwhile, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Business Eswatini said the country’s socio-political situation continued to be of grave concern primarily as no one seemed to know if there were any credible attempts being made to attenuate the rising temperature out there.

Through a statement issued on Monday to update their members on certain issues, the CEO, Nathi Dlamini, said sources close to the situation had opined that in the absence of any credible measures being taken to de-escalate hostilities through some form of constructive engagement, the situation could well spiral out of control.

He said already, it was beginning to wreak havoc on the investment potential of this country at a time when the economy was beginning to pick up nicely. He added that this was unfortunate, especially in light of the ongoing efforts to create vacancies in order to accommodate the country’s unemployed youth.

Youth

Again, he said businesses would no doubt agree that the country’s ability to attract foreign and local direct investments in order to create the jobs desperately needed by the people, especially the youth, was largely dependent on the peace and stability of the nation.

He said without this the country’s value proposition as a preferred investment destination would be out of kilter with the region.

He further said equally, if not most importantly, they were not unmindful of the fact that the investors they already had in-country need some degree of predictability if they were expected to have the confidence to continue to expand their operations locally.

“It is critical that we retain the investment projects that we already have,” the CEO said.

Once more, he said they were aware that no one was unaffected by what was going on and as such, they commiserate with everyone in that regard.

He said it was for this reason that they encouraged all concerned to find it in their hearts to cease hostilities and to sincerely reach out to one another in an unpretentious and dignified manner.

... Situation calls for visible leadership MBABANE – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Business Eswatini, Nathi Dlamini, says the situation calls for visible leadership, which is grounded on humility of heart and public service.

He said the custom of constructive engagement to resolve their differences as emaSwati was a practice that was deeply embedded in their cultural DNA.

He added that it was a beautiful gift bequeathed to them by their forebears who, for centuries, lived and flourished by practicing it.

As it stands, he said the situation out there was already untenable and an escalation would undoubtedly put paid to any prospects of an amicable resolution.

For their part as the private sector, however, he said they would not afford to lose hope as the duty to create the country’s jobs rests upon their shoulders. In that regard, he urged businesses to believe that their leaders would do the right thing, and do so urgently. In the meantime, he prayed fervently that they all give peace a chance.

There has been calls from various sectors and groups for an end to the violence through the promised dialogue. Civil society groups, including churches have been putting pressure on the country’s authorities to convene the dialogue which will pave way on how emaSwati want to be governed.