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Sir,

It about time we unite as a nation when it comes to socio-economic issues. These are the leading issues causing havoc in our societies. People have become afraid. What has gone wrong? Why are we hurting each other so much? Not so long ago our nation was well recognised for its beauty, culture and peace. We knew of the importance of treating our fellow citizens with love, care and compassion. We knew how to provide, protect and guide our neighbour’s children as our own.

Nowadays, the same parents, guardians and elders who are supposed to protect and be role models to adolescents are abusing and destroying their lives. Husbands who are supposed to love and take care of their wives and children are killing them. Teachers, whose duty is to educate and make young children realise their dreams, are sleeping with them and vandalising their future. Even police officers who we trust for our protection and the prevention of crime have become part of unlawful acts.

Minds

Where are we going as emaSwati? What are we really installing in the young’s minds? Statistics have outlined that a large number of rapists and murders once experienced those things at a tender age. Many young people have become so reckless and cruel because of things that happen in their living environments. Parents no longer sit down and discuss with their children about all rightful ways of living. When we are supposed to be grooming and moulding adolescents to be future professionals who will help upgrade our nation to First World status, we contrary continuously fill their minds with anguish, anger and hatred through our disheartening acts.

This has to stop. Our children and women need love and protection. Communities need to hold hands and find means to stop this massacre. Asingabukelelani maSwati, asakheni live letfu. Life is imponderable, it doesn’t mean if kusengakenteki kuwe ngeke kusakuvelela. We all need each other. One liSwati child cannot build our nation alone; they need to work with the neighbour’s child, that friend’s child, and even that enemy’s child.

Brand Shota