Alan Booth called the period from 1973 to 1983 The Royalists Decade. His book, Swaziland: Tradition and Change in a Southern African Kingdom, was published in 1983 and little did he know of the students who were beginning to united for democratic change on Dlamini's farm. Would he label 1983-2008 The Path of Resistance? 2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Peoples' United Democratic Movement of Swaziland.
While the aristocracy drags its feet on sharing power, people of the nation see the need for change. The abuse of public funds has reached a tipping point but the Royalist still think they are "the chosen ones", "the descendants of the sun".
Perhaps one Royalist, the Prime Minister Dlamini, was only trying to be "modern" when he spoke of not leaving women out of the formula. He also says implementing the constitution is a "challenge". The constitution took effect almost two years ago in Feb 2006, but now the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNDP and the European Union will be the official excuse for delay.
Dec 30 E500,000 ($100,000)—just for decorations at king’s birthday
Dec 31 ‘Don’t leave women out of general elections’
Dec 31 PM says implementing constitution a challenge
Dec 24 SCCCO: Busy Doing Nothing-Swaziland in 2007
Finally, one last point before the year flips. Twenty-five years ago, on Jan 1, 1983 the Internet was born. It's now part of our daily routine and is a useful tool for researching, organizing, educating and even mobilizing. Don't doubt its potential!
All the best for 2008!
To follow current events in Swaziland see LATEST NEWS
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