Tuesday, April 12, 2011

1973 DECREE ‘FUNDAMENTAL ERROR’

Musa Hlophe writing in the Times Sunday considers what Swaziland would be like if the 1973 Royal Decree tat was signed on 12 April had not happened. The Decree he concludes was a fundamental error.


It removed from the people the responsibility to build the Swazi nation. It conflated loyalty to the nation with loyalty to an institution.


It robbed people of their self confidence to speak out and contribute fully. It weakened the institutions of parliament, judiciary and even the executive to the extent that they could not function independently.

It undermined the rule of law and made those who lead this country no longer accountable to the people for their actions.


If it was never enacted, Swaziland would be a richer, happier, more self confident nation that could stand proud of its heritage, cultures and traditions as well as take its place in the modern world of commerce and international relations with its head held high.


To read the article, click here

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