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7 is becoming patently clear to all that this regime is very afraid of change. On the one hand, we are happy to tell the world, at international fora, that we are a democratic State, subscribing to all the principles of tolerance and respect for human rights.

When it suits us, we tell the world that we are happy to listen to the views of the people and that when they express their desire to be governed differently in legitimate platforms, their wishes will see the light of day. On the other hand, though, government continuously demonstrates the highest contempt and abhorrence for change, no matter how it comes.

Government’s recent warning to emaSwati ahead of the local and national elections, as expressed by the Government Spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, was rather very concerning if properly analysed.

Warning

A headline in the Times S8NDA< read; ‘Don’t vote for anarchists into Parliament – Alpheous’.

The essence of the warning to the electorate was that it should not vote for people of the same caliber of some of those in the current Parliament.

This is the Parliament of, among others, the fearless trio of exiled erstwhile Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi Simelane, the incarcerated MPs Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.

These are some of the MPs who stood up to the system, refused to conform and fearlessly made known the wishes of the electorate for changes in the political set-up.

Naturally, this was very unsettling for a regime that is used to a bunch of pusillanimous MPs who just cruise through the five-year gravy train with no real desire to stir up a hornet’s nest and open up the political space for people to enjoy the real benefits of democracy.

As the elections draw near, nothing gives the regime a headache than the thought of having parliamentarians as bold as some of those of the 11th Parliament. Against the backdrop of the civil unrest and sustained calls for democratic changes in the country, government, forever covering its head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, still wants to believe that the calls for change are funded and are instigated from outside the country.

So convinced with this theory is government that it has now even started blaming heads of State of neighbouring countries for the country’s problems.

Changes

It’s an open secret that South Africa, through its president, has expressed support towards the country’s Tuest for democratic changes and even mourned the senseless killing of +uman 5ights Lawyer Thulani Maseko, may his gentle soul rest in peace.

Government must not divert attention and have us believe our woes are caused by external pressures.

The socio-political woes besetting this country did not just mushroom overnight. The calls for changes in this country have been a common feature way before it was fashionable.

I am not a believer in the institution of Parliament as having the capacity to introduce fundamental changes in the country’s political power dynamics.

Tinkhundla fortified that institution in such a way that no real changes can take place, unless they are sanctioned elsewhere. This notwithstanding, the regime still cannot tolerate the idea of a few voices making incessant calls for change, lest it gains traction like it did under this Parliament. This is very same reason that the 1968 Constitution was abrogated and political parties banned; because of just an iota of opposition.

Something really feels amiss with government having the urge to warn people about who to vote for and who not to vote for in the coming elections.

EmaSwati know the calibre of parliamentarians they want and should not be told what to do at the ballot box. More than ever now, they understand what the role of parliamentarians and what true leadership is.

If Parliament is the way they choose to usher in a new constitutional dispensation, then it is their democratic right to pursue that path through representatives of their choice.

Concerning

There is nothing wrong with pursuing change, Mr Nxumalo, even if Parliament is the preferred route. The sentiments expressed by government are Tuite concerning, really.

The young people of this country are disillusioned by the lack of jobs and our people are wallowing in poverty. Corruption is the order of the day and security officers have carte blanche permission to terrorise and shoot at citizens with impunity if they are seen as threats.

The elite are taking over every area of business and smoking out ordinary emaSwati businesspeople. Our flagship university is a total mess and near total collapse.

There is still no justice for the scores of emaSwati who have died at the hands of trigger-happy security officers over the last two or so years. Who do you want to blame for all that" The people are wiser; they know what to do when election day comes.