To achieve developed country status, government must intensify its efforts. The Grand Plan provides a strategic roadmap detailing how this goal can be realised.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said good governance was essential, as rightly pointed out by the nation during Sibaya.
She acknowledged that there were issues government needed to address, particularly the fight against corruption, which had become endemic across all arms of government.
Mdluli explained that the Grand Plan was a long-term strategy aimed at igniting wealth and wellbeing for the nation.
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She described it as a clear vision for the country, as pronounced and championed by His Majesty King Mswati III, that Eswatini must attain developed country status.
“This vision was further solidified during the 2023 Sibaya People’s Parliament, where the nation spoke extensively about challenges affecting their wellbeing,” she said in a press statement yesterday.
According to Mdluli, the challenges included:
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Poor service delivery
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High levels of corruption (particularly within government)
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Sluggish economic growth
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Widespread poverty and unemployment
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A failing health sector
“In pursuing that vision, the current administration had to first unpack the characteristics of a developed country. Developed countries have strong economies that are able to sustain their national budgets and meet the needs of their societies,” she said.
Mdluli added that building a high-performing economy was paramount if Eswatini was to reach developed status, noting that economic growth must remain a priority.
She further explained that developed economies ensured the wellbeing of their citizens by providing health, food, and educational needs — all of which must work in harmony.
“It is clear that to achieve this, Eswatini needs a change of mindset towards patriotism and selflessness — a mindset that says: let me give to my country rather than take from it,” she said.
Draft Stage
The spokesperson further revealed that the Grand Plan was currently in draft form, with stakeholder engagements still ongoing.
She said once all submissions were made, the draft would be submitted to Cabinet and subsequently to the highest office in the land.
Only then would its contents be officially shared in writing with the public as the final Grand Plan. She noted that government was aware of the growing public interest in the document.
“No one man can achieve this vision, and any effort to ascribe the Grand Plan to one individual is disingenuous and an attempt to derail His Majesty’s vision. Government urges all Emaswati to rally behind His Majesty’s vision and ignite wealth and wellbeing for the nation,” she said.
Mdluli added that Eswatini stands on the brink of a new era, one that must take advantage of His Majesty’s leadership, where Monarchical Democracy has proven to yield economic growth and stability for the nation.
She stressed that Emaswati must unite behind all efforts to deliver His Majesty’s vision of transforming Eswatini into a developed country.
She further revealed that the team of consultants working on the plan comprised young Emaswati professionals with experience both locally and abroad, some of whom have assisted other countries in developing similar strategies.
“Stakeholders already engaged believe this is the best team to do the job, given their strong résumés and professional expertise,” she said.
Mdluli concluded by stressing that the Grand Plan was not a one-man effort, but a concerted national drive to deliver on His Majesty’s vision and command for transformation.
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