Opinion

Only a change in attitude, in how this country is led will get us out of the economic and political mess we are in. Appreciating the strengths of those who are better positioned to give an educated opinion on what needs to be done is the winning formula. There are rules to everything that is done, and, changing those rules to suit the whims of certain individuals will be the downfall of this country. 

Insight

Mkhondvo Maseko, whose cattle were taken from him through an order from the King’s Office, and whose legality was confirmed by the Supreme Court, is now trying to piece his life together, gathering a new herd of cattle in his home. It is a matter he is not comfortable talking about. He says he is trying to move on.

Finance

The growing number of cooperatives, which are quick to lend money to their members, might be a huge threat to the formal banking sector, the IMF has
said. However, banking experts here have said this is not necessarily true. Instead, cooperatives, which have less stringent rules to borrowing, are seen as
complementing the banking industry. The financial markets remain vulnerable to government’s economic crisis.

Interview

The Human Rights Commission, established through the dictates of the Constitution of 2005, is turning out to be a white elephant. It cannot function because government does not have the political will to see it take off. It has no funds and equipment to do its job. There is also not enabling legislation to see it through. That the people of Swaziland need such a body is not in doubt. Swaziland has a poor human rights record when compared to other countries in the world. However, the chairman of the commission still hopes that government will come round and give it the necessary “teeth” to get on with its work.

Business

A new railway line, appropriately named Swazi Link Railway Line, will connect South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique, in the transportation of goods. The multibillion emalangeni project will kick off with construction of the line next year. At a launch of the project in South Africa last month, businesspeople and other stakeholders were excited at the project because it will result in a reduction of transportation costs.

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