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Background to the Ongoing Political Unrest in Eswatini

25 October 2021 | Story Prof Motlatsi Thabane

Opinion article by Prof Motlatsi Thabane, Research Fellow, Centre for Gender and Africa Studies, University of the Free State

Eswatini (Swaziland) gained independence from Britain in September 1968. Under colonial rule, it was part of a triad of South African High Commission Territories with Botswana and Lesotho. The British started arrangements for granting independence to the three territories at around the same time, but Eswatini received its independence two years after the other two, which received their independence within the same week – Botswana on 30 September 1966, and Lesotho four days later on 4 October 1966.

Transition from colonial rule to independence
An important part of the explanation for the delay in Eswatini’s gaining of independence was that there was no agreement between the British government and Paramount Chief (as he was styled under colonial rule) Sobhuza II on the one hand, or regarding a political system by which Eswatini would be ruled after gaining independence, on the other hand.

Under colonial rule, the institution of chieftainship in Lesotho had been greatly weakened by alcoholism among the senior chieftainship in particular, and chiefs had become deeply unpopular as a result of collaborating with colonial rulers in the oppression and exploitation of society. In Botswana, chiefs remained powerful and allowed for modernisation of the institution, including educating chiefs and the general population. Eswatini was different. From the beginning, the chieftainship remained strong, popular, deeply conservative, and the king succeeded in incorporating Swazi culture and traditional power structures, both of which he dominated, into the colonial system.

As they left the High Commission Territories, the British wanted to leave – as they managed to do for Lesotho – independent Eswatini as a constitutional monarchy where power would be exercised by elected representatives of the people. In this, the British were supported by Eswatini’s small middle-class politicians and Eswatini’s small working class. For his part, driven by a seemingly sincerely-held totalitarian and paternalistic vision in which everything had to be done according to Swazi culture that put all power – ritual, political, spiritual, economic – in his hands in the negotiations, Sobhuza II wanted, and held out for a post-colonial political dispensation in which all power rested with him.

The fact that the British were opposed to this, caused a delay in Eswatini’s independence. What is important for modern Eswatini is that the king succeeded. An important concession he was forced to make was a constitutional provision allowing for multi-party democracy, and the right of the people to elect men and women of their choice to represent them in the country’s legislature. However, he countered and undermined even this constitutional provision by establishing his own political party to contest pre-independence elections.

A political theoretical examination of documents explaining the political system that King Sobhuza II wanted, would reveal a much more dangerous authoritarian rule than was, in fact established.

From King Sobhuza II to King Mswati III
In 1973, after independence, the monarch even removed the multi-party concession, suspended the Constitution, and issued a decree that gave him all the power in Eswatini society. This is the dispensation that King Mswati III inherited when he ascended the throne in 1986, following the death of his father in 1982. There must have been hope that the young king would liberalise politics and life in Eswatini. But these hopes have been dashed, because although there have been changes in the country’s constitutional arrangement since Sobhuza II’s death, it was largely cosmetic, and intended to make absolute monarchical rule less unappealing to the eye and ear – with phrases such as ‘monarchical democracy’ – and otherwise intended to entrench the king’s power even further.

From what King Sobhuza II left when he died in 1982, and throughout King Mswati III’s 35-year rule, the royal family have amassed enormous amounts of wealth. Means of amassing this wealth included what can best be described as the payment of tributes in the form of company shares, charged to companies that invest in Eswatini. In other countries, wealth such as this accrues to state coffers. The Eswatini state has established a fairly well-kept registration database for citizens and residents, which enhances tax collection.

Together with Lesotho and South Africa, Eswatini is counted among the top-ten most unequal societies in the world. Wealth distribution is heavily skewed in favour of a limited few among the traditional and modern elites. Poverty in the rural areas is estimated at 70%, and extreme poverty is estimated at 25%.

Politically, with the exception of a limited few among the ruling group, all social groups chafe under a most pervasive oppression. This oppression has been challenged, led by various organisations, particularly during King Mswati III’s reign. The state has reacted to all of these with unrestrained brutality not only intended to punish specific individuals and organisations, but also to secure the seemingly near-total acquiescence in much of society.

Explaining the current political unrest
According to sources, origins of the current unrest lie in the kingdom’s financial crisis, which has meant, for example, that the government is unable to pay public sector wages. Politically, the unrest is a result of the oppression described above. It is not spontaneous but has been building up over the years.

Where the current unrest will lead to, is unclear. Popular demands in the current protests vary and have oscillated between the establishment of a constitutional monarchy at the most moderate, and the stepping down of the king at the most radical. As always, it is possible that for some, the payment of wages would be considered adequate and sufficient response by the king; if this is done, such groups would be happy to have things continue as they have done before the uprising.

Possibilities exist for division within groups that want moderate change. The king’s hold on power is so all-encompassing and pervasive that he has at his disposal a choice of many meaningless concessions that he can make, which some moderates might consider enough to cease their participation in the protest. For those seeking more radical change, the abdication of the king’s is unlikely; groups seeking change along those lines might differ in their methods of achieving the goal, and in the length of time they are prepared to hold out for such a reform. The longer these demands go unfulfilled, the more likely damaging divisions may appear in this group.

Exit routes to current unrest?
As a 19th century revolutionary put it many years ago, the chances for change happening in societies such as Eswatini increase tremendously when beneficiaries of the existing socio-economic system themselves begin to question such a system. That is to say, when such beneficiaries realise that the distribution of power and wealth benefiting them need to change in order for them to survive as a privileged grouping. It is a difficult proposition with serious implications, and one which cannot be avoided when its time has come.

There are a few signs of this in Eswatini that cannot be dismissed on the grounds of quantity. However, the political system remains intact, with reporting on the uprising beginning to be dominated by statements claiming that the army has restored order.

We have to hope that the people of Eswatini will achieve change and the future they want, which they have been crying for over many years. Army and police brutality must stop. The www (internet) in the 21st century is a basic human right and must be restored.

Solidarity and condolences
The world, AU, SADC, SACU member states, and all of us must stand in solidarity with the people of Eswatini. Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go to wives, husbands, children, friends, and relatives of those killed in this brutality.

This article was written after the anti-monarchy demonstration in June and July 2021 which saw estimated nearly 69 losing their lives. Now unrest has flared-up spearheaded by students, civil servants and transport workers.

News Archive

During 2011: Highlights at the UFS

2011-12-01

2011 was a phenomenal year in the life of the University of the Free State and the memorable moments will be engraved in the history of this proud institution.

World Universities Forum honours the UFS

The UFS was awarded the World Universities Forum (WUF) Award for Best Practice in Higher Education during 2010.The Best Practice Award recognises the most significant practices of the year around the world. The university’s implementation of a number of interlocking innovations to transform the institution is recognised with the award.

These innovations include: campus-wide racial integration for students; reinvigoration of the academic culture; nurturing of the most promising young scholars by means of the Vice-Chancellor's Prestige Young Scholars Programme; sending 71 first-year students to top American universities to assist with their development into non-racial campus leaders; the revision of the undergraduate curriculum to promote a cross-disciplinary approach to key societal problems; raising the entry requirements; the facilitation of open access to campus leadership through sessions with the Vice-Chancellor and Rector; extension of this spirit of dialogue internationally through the inauguration of its International Advisory Council consisting of key thinkers and practitioners; the identification of 20 of the most dysfunctional high schools in the Free State and the building of relationships with those schools.

This university-school partnership is based on a strict contract of reciprocal commitments to increase the chances of black children attending university. The WUF applauded this as the most innovative step.

New branding for our 107-year old institution

Our university turned a fresh new page with the launch of a new brand that will take the institution on its path to new horizons.

Two primary brands were adopted – an evolved academic crest and a new marketing brand for the institution’s offerings and services. The very foundation of the UFS is built on a dynamic learning environment where academic excellence and the development of leadership qualities. The new brand seeks to adapt to the changing needs of society, without sacrificing its rich history and heritage.

The rebranding process involved one of the most expansive and intensive process of consultations with staff, alumni, Senate, Council and other stakeholders.

The new brand is anchored in the university’s renewed motto “In Veritate Sapientiae Lux” (In Truth is the Light of Wisdom), which has been evolved to embrace the diversity of the community at the university without losing its essence.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu receives an honorary doctorate

One of the great sons of Africa, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, received an honorary doctor of Theology and opened the International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice on the Bloemfontein Campus at the beginning of 2011.

The Institute originated in the Reitz incident of 2008 and embodies the UFS’s determination to be a place where reconciliation, forgiveness and social justice would not only be studied, but where it would also be applied. Students and scholars from across the world can study the theory and practice of building societies across the boundaries of race, as well as religion, gender, disabilities and national origin.

By honouring Dr Tutu, the UFS recognises the contribution he has made in the field of Theology through his teachings and the books he has written. The UFS not only honoured him as a moral and religious leader who has maintained his integrity as a Christian, but also as “a great son of South Africa who has made a huge contribution to peace, reconciliation and justice in South Africa and in the world”.

Reconciliation closes book on the Reitz incident

The Reitz incident, that has taken the UFS to front pages and news headlines, could come to closure this year with a reconciliation ceremony between the former students and staff members. The parties involved could meet in private and also took part in a public ceremony with many dignitaries witnessing the closure of the incident and repercussions it had.

Messages of apology were read by Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Institutional Affairs, on behalf of the UFS, and Mr Danie Grobler, on behalf of the former students. A message of acceptance of the apologies was read by Ms Emmah Koko on behalf of the workers.

Deputy Chairperson of the South Africa Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Pregs Govender, said of this historic event: “The courage and compassion shown by the workers together with the students’ willingness to embrace the spirit of change have enabled a process of justice, transformation and reconciliation that is an inspiring example for South Africa.”

Grade 12s attend first Leadership Summit

More than 280 learners from all over South Africa and Namibia attended a three-day Leadership Summit on the Bloemfontein Campus in April 2011. The goal of the summit was to enable young leaders to develop their leadership capabilities by looking beyond their normal boundaries.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, addressed the learners on leadership while Mr Louie de Necker, a training consultant, spoke about conflict resolution. Other highlights included a visit to the Boyden Observatory, picnic suppers, an introduction to residence life, a social evening, and a prize-giving ceremony aimed at learners who distinguished themselves as potential leaders during the three-day visit.

UFS honours great teachers

Our university and Sunday Times have joined hands in identifying 150 of the greatest teachers, who moved, inspired and transformed South Africans during their time at school. The project culminated in the book Great Teachers.

These are the teachers who stood out among their colleagues and made a lasting impact on their learners, inspiring them to excel, long after the mathematical equations and English literature tests are forgotten. The book is a powerful account of inspired and inspiring teachers.

All proceeds from the sales of the book will be used to provide bursaries to student teachers of today, who may become the great teachers for tomorrow’s generation.

Graduations now a celebration

By changing its format, graduations are now a festival to celebrate years of hard work and dedication of students and lecturers at our university. Some of the changes include the gathering of the procession on the Red Square in front of the Main Building, from where it moves to the Callie Human Centre. The graduation programme is also filled with music and song items with various young speakers addressing and inspiring the audience.

A total of 83 doctorates were conferred this year, making it the highest number in the history of the university.

African Student Affairs Conference a huge success

The first African Student Affairs Conference (ASAC) was hosted by our university. The conference was attended by delegates from universities across the continent and was aimed to place the focus on issues relating to student affairs in an African context.

Delegates shared and exchanged strategies, ideas and resources, and discussed issues related to the work of student-affairs professionals. A delegate from Nigeria said it was an important conference for Africa and it should become a regular event.

Research published in Nature

A research article on the work by a team under the leadership of Prof. Esta van Heerden, and counterparts in Belgium and the USA, has been published in the distinguished academic journal Nature on Thursday 2 June 2011.

The article – Nematoda from the terrestrial deep subsurface of South Africa – sheds more light on life in the form of a small worm (nematode) living under extreme conditions in deep, hot mines. It was discovered in one of the gold mines in the Free State.

The research can shed some new light on the possibility of life on other planets, previously considered impossible under extreme conditions. It also expands the possibilities into new areas where new organisms may be found.

Postgraduate School is one of a kind

Our Postgraduate School was launched with the aim of bringing research-bases education in line with national priorities and the focus of the UFS Academic Turnaround Strategy of 2010. It spans across our facilities.

The focus of the school is to produce graduates who are global citizens, research literate and able to reflect ethically on the purpose, process and product of research; to improve throughput rates of postgraduate students; and to make the experience of being a postgraduate at our university one which is stimulating, enjoyable and which contributes to the development of people beyond the limits of their disciplines.

Oprah Winfrey now a Kovsie

World attention was drawn to our university when an honorary doctorate in Education was conferred on media icon Oprah Winfrey on 24 June 2011 at our Bloemfontein Campus. The graduation was probably the biggest ceremony of its kind in South Africa, with more than 4 500 people attending.

Our university honoured her for her accomplishments and unparalleled work as a global media leader, as well as a philanthropist with vision and foresight in the field of education and development.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of our university, said: “It is a great privilege for us to be the first South African university to honour Ms Winfrey in this way and to be able to recognise a global icon of her stature.”

UFS doctors make history in South Africa

Two procedures took the UFS to the forefront of the medical world this year.

History was made with the first implant of a special new aortic valve in South Africa. The advantage of this new valve is that it can be implanted percutaneously through a catheter from the groin. This eliminates the need for invasive surgery.

The valve is made from porcine pericardium (tissue derived from pigs) and is mounted on an expandable stent, which is threaded along an artery, until it reaches its desired position. The valve is especially useful in older patients who suffer from aortic valve disease and pose a high surgical risk. It also reduces hospitalisation time.

A rare malignant tumour was also removed in groundbreaking heart surgery. What makes this operation unique, is that the suspicious mass, identified in the heart of a 51-year old man, was rapidly growing into a highly invasive cardiac tumour seen in a small number of patients worldwide.

In the highly complex, 10-hour operation the entire right heart chamber had to be removed and the heart reconstructed.

School of Open Learning adds value

The activities of the new school are driven by a central principle: opening up access to those who have not had the opportunity to study at a higher-education institution due to geographical location, socio-economic circumstances or other factors.

Programmes are delivered through a blended-learning model, which blends contact teaching with distance education.

The school will collaborate with our various faculties, and is managing the continuing education-sponsored endeavours of the Faculty of Education. These include projects for in-service training of teachers in Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences, Languages, Literacy, Economic and Management Sciences, Technology and various areas of Management and Leadership.

Second group of young leaders abroad

A second group of first-year students in the Leadership for Change Programme visited universities in the USA, Europe and Asia. Our university could extent the programme to 150 students, up from 71 in 2010.

These students are seen as a leadership core, not only for their university life, but also in public life outside the university borders.

The main purpose behind the programme is to expose students to positive models of racial integration. Their experiences will go a long way towards changing and enriching the minds of young leaders, who have committed to building a truly non-racial society in South Africa.

Odeion School of Music launched

Our former Department of Music transformed into the Odeion School of Music. The name Odeion name portrays not only an excellent asset in the Free State, but also nationally and internationally.

The school’s new name bears the respected Odeion brand and a number of successful and respected ensembles operate under this brand. These include the residential Odeion String Quartet, student ensembles, the Junior Odeion String Quartet, the Odeion Sinfonia, and the Odeion Choir.

The formation of the school paths the way for more flexibility to complement its profile with new developments. These include the application of prestigious international experts as artistic fellows, membership to progressive European, jointly-developed degree programmes and curriculum development initiatives, the founding of a chair in Orchestra Conducting, a master’s degree in Arts Management, as well as the incorporation of bio-kinetics in the teaching methodologies of performance practice.

World-class Chemistry facilities opened

World-class Chemistry facilities, with state-of-the art equipment, opened on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The upgrading of the facilities and addition and replacement of equipment were the single biggest investment at our university in a long time.

Specialised research by the Department of Chemistry includes X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, synthesis of new molecules, the development of new methods to determine rare elements, water purification, as well as the measurement of energy and temperatures responsible for phase changes in molecules, the development of agents to detect cancer and other defects in the body, and many more.

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