I believe the uniqueness of Eswatini’s political system lies in the remarkable resilience of its institutions — particularly those designed to safeguard leadership, national unity and constitutional order.
In 2025, this resilience has become more evident to me than ever before. Despite periods of turbulence — from the political unrest of 2021 to recent controversial public remarks that tested the stature of our national leadership — I have seen our constitutional framework remain resolute.
The resilience observed across all three arms of government reflects not only the depth of the country’s political culture but also the strength of our constitutional foundations. At the centre of this resilience, in my view, stands the monarchy – whose relevance, authority, and legitimacy continue to serve as the cornerstone of peace and governance in the kingdom.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MONARCHY IN NATIONAL STABILITY
In the context of the Eswatini way of life, His Majesty the King serves as far more than a head of State. The 2005 Constitution vests executive authority in him, making the monarchy both a political and moral compass for our nation.
The king embodies continuity, unity, and the cultural heartbeat of the people. Recent events, however, remind us that even an institution as deeply rooted and revered as the Monarchy is not immune to radicalised political ideologies.
The unrest of 2021 was, in my opinion, the most significant test of the country’s political order since the Constitution was adopted 25 years ago. What began as public dissatisfaction over socio-political issues evolved into a broader debate about constitutional powers — particularly His Majesty’s prerogative to appoint the prime minister.
I remember thinking at the time that this could have shaken the foundations of the monarchy, yet four years on, it is evident not just to me but to the nation that our key institutions remain profoundly stable and in tune with the people. I was particularly struck by an event a few months ago when former Ngwemphisi MP Mthandeni Dube, through the Minister of Justice, Prince Simelane, delivered a message of remorse to the king.
Dube, who had previously openly challenged Section 67 of the Constitution, through this act, reaffirmed to the nation the importance of national order, respect for constitutional authority and the value of redemption.
In the eyes of the public, that act of humility recognising the monarchy as the ultimate guardian of peace and legitimacy was not merely personal submission and repentance, but a demonstration of maturity and appreciation for the structures that are constitutionally established and sustain our nation.
It reminded me that the king’s position is not a matter of observing protocol but is designed to preserve balance when political passions run high.
I believe that without respect for the Crown, we risk losing our national equilibrium. The monarchy’s authority acts as the moral thread that binds together diverse interests, traditions, and political voices. If that thread were to weaken, Eswatini could face the disorder seen in other states where constitutional order is treated with shameless contempt.
THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE: AN ANCHOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY
I have also followed the recent controversy surrounding leaked audio recordings involving the Prime Minister Russel Mmiso Dlamini, with keen interest. At first, the recordings seemed like a minor personal scandal, but I quickly realised they raised deeper concerns about how easily the stature of such a high office can be undermined in the public eye.
What reassured me, however, was witnessing our institutions’ resilience in action once again. The public apology issued to the prime minister, to Their Majesties and nation – describing the remarks as ‘unpalatable and distasteful’ – was more than a formality. I viewed it as a crucial act of national restoration, reaffirming that offices of importance in Eswatini regardless of political or administrative differences must always be treated with respect.
With all this playing out in the public domain, I have come to understand that when public respect for the prime minister’s office diminishes, the consequences are far-reaching. Authority weakens, the chain of command falters, and overall national governance suffers. The swift apology demonstrated to the nation that our political structures can self-correct, relying on cultural and constitutional mechanisms that prioritise peace and reconciliation over confrontation.
Another incident that caught my attention a few weeks ago was a public dispute between a sitting minister and his controlling officer. This altercation, played out in the public eye, challenged not just personal relationships but the very authority of the ministerial office itself. Fortunately, it was resolved through wise engagement, restoring order and credibility to the minister’s office. Moments like these, in my view, highlight the country’s remarkable institutional maturity with a positive ripple effect in both private and public sectors.
WHY INSTITUTIONAL RESILIENCE MATTERS
From my perspective, resilience in governance cannot be overstated. In Eswatini, it means that our key offices can withstand pressure, adapt to changing circumstances and continue functioning even in turbulent times.
This resilience safeguards the very essence of our Constitution, which is, without doubt, the cornerstone of national order.
I also see resilient institutions as protecting the soul of our national identity. The monarchy, deeply intertwined with our traditions and values, ensures that Eswatini, as a modern statehood, remains grounded in cultural heritage. When we, the nation, observe Their Majesties and the prime minister acting with dignity and resolve, it serves as a reminder of the standards of order and respect that define us as EmaSwati and of the reverence these offices deserve.
Resilient institutions also inspire confidence — at home and abroad. Investors, development partners, and ordinary EmaSwati all seek predictability and stability when deciding to create or strengthen relationships.
Most importantly, I believe resilient institutions protect us from internal conflict. When authority is treated with contempt, public trust erodes, national symbols lose meaning, and disorder can quickly follow. By contrast, stable institutions act as shock absorbers for the nation, preventing tensions from escalating. Eswatini’s ability to weather political storms without chaos is deeply impressive.
THE COST OF INSTITUTIONAL FRAGILITY
I have observed elsewhere that when institutions fail to demonstrate resilience, the consequences are severe. In Zimbabwe, years of public ridicule and contestation over the presidency during the late Mugabe era weakened the state, leading to military intervention and prolonged uncertainty.
In Kenya, the post-election violence of 2007 showed me how eroded confidence in leadership can trigger national crisis. Even in advanced democracies, I was reminded of the fragility of order when respect for institutions collapses, as seen during the storming of the US. Capitol on 6 January 2021. No system, however established, can survive the loss of faith in its structures.
I also recognise that freedom of expression, while a fundamental right, must coexist with responsibility and respect. Words travel faster than ever today, and I have seen how they can build or destroy.
The leaked recordings involving the Prime Minister are a clear example of how heated private remarks can carry national implications. I fear that unrestrained speech, especially when it ridicules constitutionally established leadership or institutions, can quietly erode respect for authority and weaken the unity that binds us together.
THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF OUR THREE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT
As a final thought, national resilience depends on the shared responsibility of all three arms of government — the monarchy, the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. Each depends on the others for balance. The monarchy serves as a moral compass and a unifying force for the nation, the Executive drives governance, the Legislature represents the people’s will, and the Judiciary guarantees justice and fairness.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The moments of tension and gestures of apology we have openly witnessed in 2025, both to Their Majesties and to the Prime Minister, do not indicate weakness or forced submission. With certainty, I would say they demonstrate growth, maturity, and a remarkable resilience in Eswatini’s political culture.
Until next week,
God bless!
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