Growing up in a tiny village in the north-eastern part of the country, one of the earliest lessons I learned was the importance of planning.
That lesson became even clearer when I started school. I quickly realised that I had to polish my shoes the night before — just in case I woke up late or something unexpected happened. If I failed to plan, I would pay the price in the morning.
Every Friday, as soon as I returned home, I washed my entire school uniform and hung it out to dry. By Sunday evening it would be ironed and ready for Monday. My mother taught me this discipline. She explained that the unexpected always happens — and when it does, it can throw you off your game.
Those lessons have stayed with me.
Even today, I never iron clothes on the day I intend to wear them. They are prepared beforehand. If electricity goes out, if I wake up late, or if anything disrupts my routine, I can still step out looking my best.
Perhaps — just maybe — my mother needs to have a word with government about planning.
Since schools reopened on January 27 — a week later than originally scheduled — media reports have been deeply concerning.
The Ministry of Education and Training has reportedly struggled to ensure nationwide delivery of primary school stationery. By February, only about 18% of schools had received food supplies (zondle), highlighting widespread shortages.
The ministry promised further deliveries. Yet delays persisted.
Public schools have also been described as “cash-strapped,” with government reportedly failing to release grants on time. These include Free Primary Education (FPE) grants and support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
Reading such reports about one’s own country is disheartening.
It forces uncomfortable questions:
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Is government facing cash flow challenges but unwilling to admit it?
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Have officials simply failed to act on time?
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Or are duties being neglected for reasons unknown?
What is most frustrating is that these challenges recur annually.
Each year, it appears as though government is caught off guard — as if January school openings are a surprise event.
Frankly, this is becoming annoyingly frustrating.
One wonders whether the minister and those responsible for ensuring food, funding, and stationery truly grasp the impact of their decisions on pupils and teachers — or whether they care about the consequences at all.
If they understand the importance of these policies, why is implementation inconsistent?
If they do not understand, why not seek clarity?
Pupils and teachers are directly affected.
Some children travel long distances to school, relying on nutritious meals provided there as their only proper source of food. When these meals are unavailable, health suffers. Concentration suffers. Education suffers. Some may even drop out — worsening poverty in a country already grappling with staggering levels of it.
Teachers, too, cannot perform effectively without adequate materials and support.
They cannot be expected to perform miracles.
This year, government delayed the opening of schools by an entire week.
An entire week.
That time should have been used to resolve outstanding issues before pupils returned. Instead, the same problems persisted.
For decades, it has been known that schools open in January.
So where is the planning?
The Nkwe way of doing things is supposed to represent order, direction, and smooth operations — not repeated mistakes year after year.
What we are witnessing reflects regression, dogma, and disregard for established principles.
The Nkwe way of doing business was declared as a national standard by King Mswati III. No one should defy such a directive.
Accountability is essential.
Heads should roll when officials fail to uphold this standard.
The Prime Minister of Eswatini and Cabinet must set the example. The civil service must understand that the country is moving forward with purpose and discipline.
This being the Prime Minister’s third session as head of government, it is imperative that he demonstrates firm adherence to the Nkwe way.
In fact, by now the nation should be seeing clear evidence that there is a new sheriff in town — one determined to ensure that business is done properly, efficiently, and in line with national principles.
Planning is not optional.
It is foundational.
