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IZINYEMBEZI ZIKA NGWANE

In September 2008 Swaziland celebrated 40 years of independence as well as King Mswati the 3rds 40th birthday. Cutting Edge spent sometime in the small Kingdom to get a picture of what the country has achieved since then.

Tourism is one of the country’s main sources of income. For some citizens it is more than foreigners coming to their country, it is also a breakaway from the troubles of the day. Locals use interaction with tourists as an opportunity to learn about other cultures as well.

Swaziland’s education system was at a point one of the best in Africa. Mismanagement of funds and political suppression have led to a despicable demise of infrastructure, mass migration of teachers and students as well as a drop of the quality of education offered to Swazi children.

Employment in the small Kingdom seems to be reserved for those who have royal blood or connections. The country’s core institutions such as banks, government departments and various commercial institutions like insurance companies are run solely by Dlamini’s.

With little or no prospects of employment 70% of the population is relieved from hunger by food aid. The only employment available although in very small and insignificant quantities is work in factories, which are infamous for small wages and complete disregard for labour laws.

Although political parties and organizations formed to voice any sort of social discontent are banned they’re making large gains. The government of Swaziland which is headed by a Prime Minister selected by the King has neither accountability nor credibility what so ever.