BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Eswatini’s national culture, identity and the family structure will be promoted by Government within the country.
This is part of the 2023 to 2028 ‘Nkwe’ Government Policy Statement. Unpacking the statement yesterday (Monday, October 21, 2024), Government has made it clear that these important components will be advanced and promoted in all local institutions.
“It is paramount that as a people and as a country, the cultural identity of Emaswati is advanced and promoted more than that of foreign origins in all local institutions. These values include family values, spiritual values, respect, and the spirit of buntfu among others,” says part of the statement.
The values will be advanced through the establishment of a Council on National Identity and Family Heritage and through deliberate promotion of cultural values in schools and communities and to set standards and requirements for all citizens of the country.
Without a strong national identity, there can never be a strong nation and development. The Council will also work with the Nation in fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and other forms of violence that have become common in the country. Government has an urgent need to strengthen the family institution and calls upon the church and Faith Based Organizations to support this important endeavour.
