By Zweli Martin Dlamini

Mbabane East Member of Parliament(MP) Welcome Dlamini’s sentiments shared inside Parliament and, calling for the exclusion or withdrawal of scholarships for University students who criticize the ruling cruel and undemocratic Tinkhundla system of Governance, does not only amount to political discrimination but, advocates for the strengthening of dictatorship and persecution of dissenting views.

Firstly, it is important for the MP to understand that in politics, criticism falls under the right to freedom of expression and opinion, a key pillar in holding those in power accountable particularly, on issues of public interest and/or the way a country is governed.

The Honorable MP, by suggesting that, Tinkhundla must persecute those with different political views,suffocate them politically, socially and economically is confirming that, Tinkhundla is a dictatorship regime that does not tolerate criticism or dissenting views.

Indeed, Tinkhundla has been striving through intimidation, deception and lies such that even during elections, emaSwati are normally threatened that, if they don’t vote, their children won’t be awarded scholarships.

Worth-noting, the Eswatini Revenue Service(ERS) is collecting tax from all emaSwati, even political activists and human rights defenders pay Value Added Tax(VAT) while some contribute to public coffers through Pay as You Earn(PAYE) and Corporate Tax.

It is worth-mentioning that,the MP by suggesting that Tinkhundla pays scholarships and therefore should be immune to criticism, uttered an outright lie inside the Honorable House of Parliament with intent to demonstrate loyalty to the country’s authorities, scholarships are public funds.

In politics and, under a democratic system, there’s no monopoly but diversity of views to enhance a vibrant public discourse on issues of public interest.

Criticizing Government does not mean the person who holds a different view hates the country, there’s no way emaSwati could hate their own country but, all citizens must be free to hold or share their own political views and further suggests, a democratic system that could shape and a create a foundation for the social, political and economic future of this country.

University students have a right to criticize this cruel and undemocratic Tinkhundla system and, their right to freedom of expression cannot be exchanged with a few pieces of silver, after all, these are public monies and some of us have documented proof suggesting that, we pay thousands annually as taxes to this Government.

In fact even our children are taxpayers, they pay or they have been paying Value Added Tax(VAT) for some services in the various shops but now that they are grown-up in need of scholarships, MP Welcome Dlamini have the guts to tell them, the money comes from Tinkhundla system.

This narrative suggesting that, Tinkhundla or King Mswati pays scholarships for University students and therefore should be immune to criticism must be rejected because it’s a completely false narrative, as mentioned these are public funds.