Challenge for Africa

Not to long ago, I read a book called “Challenge for Africa”, you can read the review here. The book has been in my mind ever since, especially with all the news hitting Swaziland right now. With my time coming to a close (68 days left), I have to wonder, is Swaziland really better than it was when I first came 2 years ago? Sure, there has been a new airport built, unnecessary but nice. There has also been a lot of development in Ezulweni with the expansion of their new mall. Even Mbabane, the country's capital got a face lift. Does all that equate to progress?

In the eyes of the privileged, I am sure they think so. However, if the game changers of the country actually took a moment to drive their new S- class Mercedes out of the city and into the rural areas, they would see that the country they live in is far away from progress. Right now I am speaking of infrastructure, even though we all know advancement is more than a few buildings. If one was to go off the beaten path, away from Manzini, Ezulweni, and Mbabane, they would notice the horrible road conditions that connect the country together. If you go to the bottom region of the country, the majority is made up of gravel roads. If you go to the Lubombo region where I live, you'll be hard-pressed to find a patch in the road that isn't shamed with potholes. These conditions are embarrassing to the nation, considering that major business happens along these “highways”. In my neighborhood alone, we have the factory for Swaziland's most profitable export, sugar. We also are host to many tourist attractions, with several game reserves that are home to the Big 5. Speaking of tourists, if you want to get to Mozambique, you have to drive on these roads. That new airport I mentioned earlier that was just built, it's also here in Lubombo. It was built with the idea of bringing more business into the country. In fact we even had the Namibian president come to my village last month. With all of this traffic in my region, it's a pity that the major roads which carry people are distressing. This rant isn't about me being picky or bitter, it is based on facts and public opinion. This year alone, we have had over 30 people die in major traffic accidents. For a country this size, it's simply inexcusable.

Cars swerving to dodge potholes.

According to the Swaziland government website, they define a first world country is when “all citizens are able to pursue their life goals and live lives of value and dignity. This implies that all citizens have access to sufficient economic resources, education, health, quality infrastructure, and government services.” Swaziland is in the spotlight, for making the bold statement that they will become first world with in the next decade. The king has a vision to take Swaziland to first world status by 2022. *sigh* Where do I even begin with this? Seriously. Sometimes I just shake my head with the overwhelming tasks ahead. As we speak, my high school debate team is preparing for a symposium with the Swaziland Standard Association (SWASA). They have to answer the question, “how will standards assist Swaziland in reaching first world status?” It's been two months, and my students still haven't come up with the answer. Maybe they know deep down inside, but that thought process hasn't been taught to them- to be critical thinkers. They try to use the internet, but the answer to that question isn't there. Even if it was, searching through Google has proven to be a tedious task. Fact is, 99% of my students (and maybe this statistic relates to the other schools too), are computer illiterate by time they graduate. I could blame myself if I wanted to; it is after all one of the projects PC does in teaching life skills. However, if I were to carry that burden, then my work here would not be limited to two years- it's a lifetime of work. I can only hope the next PCV can help improve that statistic. Back to what I was saying about this symposium coming up. This whole discussion of improving SD to be first world, has been nothing but a discussion. A few weeks ago, business and lawmakers met with SWASA to have a forum on what the country can do. One of the ministers even stated that all businesses should work with SWASA. How can businesses work with SWASA when the country isn't even that concerned with the standards anyways. And if businesses registered with the standards, who would be the one to make sure that there is accountability? In my life skills class I teach, using South African text books, they even mention that a good government has accountability. The whole point of this post is to create a discussion. Talk about the repercussions, talk about the benefits, talk about the challenges and the changes that need to happen for this country to be first world. It won't happen unless the people do it. The whole point is to be less dependent on foreign aid and counsel. Let the country be responsible for itself. The only ones who can save Africa, is Africa. One of my favorite heroines, Kenyan born Wangari Maathai talks a lot on this.

This brings me to my last and final concern. A country with real motivation to be change will change. Cut the facade and be a country of action. Last week, Swaziland was revoked it's privileges to be apart of the African Growth OpportunityAct (AGOA) by the US. AGOA helps over 40 Sub-Saharan countries gain duty free access to the American market. In Swaziland, this affected the textile and agriculture industries that employed over 20,000 people. Now, thousands of employees have lost their jobs. Swaziland failed to meet the 5 AGOA benchmarks which included; registration and recognition of trade unions and employee federations, full passage of the amendment to the Suppression of Terrorism Act, freedom of assembly, speech, and organization, dissemination of implementation of the code of good practice on protest and industrial actions. Coming into the AGOA isn't mandatory, and America isn't bullying Swaziland to abide by its rules. AGOA is another means for which countries can take accountability into the advancement of their society. America's mission is to promote democracy. Underlining the three goals of PC, it still reeks with American democracy propaganda, but is that really a bad thing. We are not trying to change the government structure, in fact, I think a monarchy is just fine here. It is the idea of democracy and the idea of letting citizens voices being heard, and the protection of human rights, that we're all after. As I type this, two Swazi's are still sitting behind bars for exorcising their right to freedom of speech. Protesters and shut down and workers rights are being ignored. How is that a good thing? Taking a quote from Wangari, she says “ Democracy doesn't solely mean one person one vote. It also means, among other things, the protection of minority rights; an effective and truly representative parliament ; an independent judiciary; an informed and engaged citizenry; and independent fourth estate; the rights to assemble, practice one's religion freely, and advocate for one's own view peacefully without fear of reprisal or arbitrary arrest; and an empowered an active civil society that can operate without intimidation.”

As Swazi's sit on edge of this pivotal moment, one can only hope that this be a wake of call. There is no room for “Swazi-time”. If change is to happen, it has to happen'now now'.