By Zweli Martin Dlamini

The basic principle in the role and functioning of the media is to act in the public interest and therefore, promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law forms part of the fundamental duties of the media.

On Sunday, I wrote a very positive article about Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s Government Performance Report, the social and economic development article was published by the South African Sunday Independent newspaper, a publication that is under the Independent Online(IOL) News.

The article came after I read the Government Performance Report and subsequently discussed with the IOL editors who gave me a go ahead to write the article titled “eSwatini secures major AfDB loan for economic growth following credit rating upgrade”.

But it important for the eSwatini Government to understand that, the media is not specifically obligated to promote State activities, I took an independent decision to write that article because I was impressed with some contents of the Government Performance Report particularly because, some of the projects cited will create jobs and enhance social and economic development.

Furthermore, social and infrastructure development projects including the maintenance of roads within the rural areas were also cited in the report and, we have seen the eSwatini Government constructing some roads this year.

Such reports citing or referencing practical projects will always attract the attention of journalists and a positive way because as journalists, we are attracted by issues that impact the public.

But apart from reporting about socio-economic issues, the independent media is obligated to promote democracy and therefore, the Tinkhundla regime must get used to the functioning of the independent media.

Promoting democracy should not be perceived as a crime against the State, this publication will promote democracy until this country attain freedom but that does not mean we will turn a blind eye to Government projects that seeks to develop the lives of the people, we always strive even under difficult conditions, to promote access to information.

This country could develop at a more faster rate should King Mswati allow political parties to govern while he remains a constitutional monarch, the people must be allowed to exercise their right to elect and form a Government.

But it is surprising to note that, whenever I write a positive article about the eSwatini Government particularly for the international media, I receive calls from Tinkhundla loyalists saying “uyabona-ke nyalo wente kahle, ungakhohlwa kutsi lakini lelive, ungalibulali”.

But I don’t understand why “kube neMndeni lonelive, live lemaSwati akusilo lakaDlamini” and that’s why we need democracy so that we can have all citizens and political parties competing to govern this country.

When I write an article whether positive or negative about Government,I normally do so to promote a better life for all emaSwati.

I don’t subscribe to the notion suggesting that, “kunelive lebakaDlamini and therefore, ngoba nami ngiwaka-Dlamini” I must support oppression and dictatorship.

The Tinkhundla Government including the King, must understand that, the media remains the voice of the people and the ongoing demand for democracy, is meant to ensure that, all emaSwati enjoy a better life with powers to elect their own Government.

Whenever I write a positive article about the Tinkhundla regime for the international media, that does not mean my own political views about this Government have changed, I want a democratic Government.

It’s just that,when reporting,I don’t allow my political views to cloud my objectivity and I don’t need any encouragement from Tinkhundla loyalists to report positively about Government.

I will always take an independent decision to write a positive story about the Tinkhundla Government because being critical against Tinkhundla does not mean everything about this Government should be portrayed in bad light.

But as Nation Magazine editor Bheki Makhubu once said when addressing the King, “it’s hard to identify a positive story angle in a country where about 70% of the population lives below the poverty line”, with political parties banned from participating in elections.