In a powerful address at the recent Communist Party of Swaziland Zoom session on the Economic Justice Campaign, Cde Lucky Dlamini, Chairperson of the Swaziland Unemployed Peoples Movement (SUPMO), highlighted the pressing unemployment crisis facing our nation. Formed in 2014, SUPMO has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the unemployed in Swaziland, where the situation has reached alarming levels.
Currently, approximately 533,000 individuals are unemployed in a population of 1.2 million, with only about 260,000 people in gainful employment. This stark reality is particularly devastating for our youth, who make up a staggering 58.2% of the unemployed. As we approach 2025, significant retrenchments have occurred across various sectors, especially in textiles and mining. The recent layoff of around 340 workers at Maloma Mine serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for effective solutions to combat this crisis.
Cde Dlamini emphasized the importance of identifying the root causes of unemployment. With over 533,000 people lacking access to the economy, many struggle to meet their basic daily needs. The current regime exhibits a troubling indifference to the plight of its citizens. Policies that benefit only a select few have created an environment where the majority are excluded from economic participation. Moreover, the diplomatic ties between Swaziland and Taiwan further restrict access to China’s more affordable economy. “If our people could access China’s economy, their economic capacity could be uplifted,” stated Cde Dlamini.
The education system in Swaziland also fails to equip individuals with the necessary skills for today’s advanced job market. Approximately 35,000 students sit for their Grade 7 exams, but only about 15,500 continue to their final exams in Form 5, indicating a troubling dropout rate largely driven by the prohibitive costs of education. This issue intensifies at the tertiary level, where only around 3,500 students receive scholarship loans, leaving many graduates unemployed. The consequences are dire: many young people find themselves on the streets, struggling with drug abuse, frustration, and poverty. Alarmingly, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country is alcohol outlets, which operate with little to no regulation.
Cde Dlamini also addressed the pervasive issues of corruption and nepotism, which further exacerbate the unemployment crisis. Economic participation is often limited to those with connections to the monarchy or those engaged in corrupt dealings with the regime. The presence of ghost employees within this corrupt system has led to the closure of numerous businesses, stifling economic growth. Recently, the government approved the construction of a parliament building worth R4.6 billion, raising serious questions about the prioritization of infrastructure over the welfare of unemployed youth.
Land ownership remains another critical factor contributing to unemployment in Swaziland. Approximately 77% of the population resides in rural areas, where the land tenure system grants ownership solely to the king. Without access to land, the majority cannot engage in productive activities, as land is fundamental to economic production.
Cde Dlamini concluded his address with a resounding call for change. The current system does not serve the people; therefore, a fundamental shift in governance is essential—one that prioritizes the needs of citizens and implements policies aimed at improving their lives. It is imperative for the people of Swaziland to unite in the fight for economic justice and a better future.
As we move forward, let us stand firm in our commitment to challenge the status quo and work towards a system that truly serves the interests of all our people. Together, we can ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to thrive in a just and equitable society.
CPS Press Services
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Communist Party of Swaziland 