Bad habits no longer sustainable

Sir,

Sensitive issues need to be addressed regardless of the consequences in order for us to create a country that is conducive for its citizenry. The issue of individuals acquiring jobs without the necessary qualification or permits needs to be brought to the fore.

This is not to say those involved in the hiring process predominantly gravitate towards the hiring of their friends or relatives, but with the continuous surge in unemployment, even prior to COVID-19, it appears evident that this is a common practice.

Sustainable

In order to build a more sustainable country, we need to make sure that emaSwati are in a position to help us grow and excel as a country. The only way to ascertain that people are in a better position to help accelerate our sustainable development goals is by providing them with opportunities to do so. For years we have been confronted by unemployment and poverty, with strategies to mitigate this falling by the wayside. How long will we sit around and linger; awaiting some form of magical intervention to help us address these issues when we aren’t necessarily changing our internal processes, in companies or government; which will help us advance our people?

We need to re-evaluate our hiring system to make sure that it is not influenced, but it is transparent enough to allow every applicant to be given an opportunity to be considered for the job, rather than shortlisting people who are regarded as friends or relatives of those who are already employed in the establishment. This is a serious problem in this country and, unfortunately, until it is addressed, we will continue to be subjected to poverty. Of course there is nothing wrong when your brother is fully qualified for the position and it is merely a coincidence that you happen to be employed by the same company through the necessary structures. What is wrong, though, is when you lure people to apply for a position yet you have already considered your friend or relative for that position, it is purely unprofessional and thoughtless. The application process is already financially taxing for an individual, but what discourages most individuals is finding out the position was given to someone who probably didn’t even apply.

This corruption is continuously peaking in this country and avoiding it won’t make it go away. From security forces recruitment to unqualified expatriates, we need to re-evaluate our hiring processes in order to demonstrate integrity and fairness. Until these things are addressed, we will continuously find ourselves in the poverty trap.