Government champions Grand Plan for National Transformation amid public interest
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Kingdom of Eswatini is at a pivotal moment as it embarks on the ambitious Grand Plan for National Transformation, a long-term strategy aimed at enhancing the wealth and well-being of its citizens.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli addressed the growing public interest in this initiative, emphasising its significance and the collaborative effort required to bring it to fruition.
In her statement, Mdluli articulated that “the Grand Plan is a very clear vision for the country as pronounced and championed by His Majesty King Mswati III; that Eswatini must be a developed country.”
This vision was further solidified during the 2023 Sibaya People’s Parliament, where citizens voiced their concerns about critical issues such as poor service delivery, rampant corruption within government structures, sluggish economic growth, and a failing health sector.
Mdluli highlighted that the current administration is committed to unpacking the characteristics that define a developed nation. “Developed countries have big economies that can sustain their national budgets and can fund and meet the needs of their societies,” she noted.
In her view, fostering a high-performing economy is paramount to achieving the status of a developed country, making economic growth a top priority for the government.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of addressing citizens’ overall well-being, which encompasses health, food, and education needs. “Good governance is, therefore, a requisite,” Mdluli stated, underscoring that the government must work diligently to reach its developmental goals.
She reiterated that the Grand Plan details the necessary steps to achieve this vision, emphasising that “these issues must be addressed by Government and the people must unite in fighting corruption, which has become endemic in all arms of Government.”
Mdluli pointed out that achieving the Grand Plan requires a fundamental shift in mindset among the citizens. She called for a “mindset of patriotism and selflessness,” urging emaSwati to adopt an attitude of giving to their country rather than taking from it.
This collective effort is essential for the nation to overcome its challenges and realise the vision laid out by the monarchy.
Currently, the Grand Plan is in its draft form, with ongoing stakeholder engagements. Mdluli explained that once all contributions have been collected, the plan will be presented to Cabinet and subsequently to the highest office in the land.
“It is only then that its contents can be officially shared in writing with the public and be regarded as the final Grand Plan for National Transformation,” she clarified.
The team of consultants tasked with developing this plan consists of young emaSwati professionals who have gained valuable experience both domestically and abroad.
Mdluli expressed confidence in their capabilities, stating that stakeholders have recognised this team as the best fit for the job due to their impressive resumes and professional backgrounds.
Importantly, Mdluli emphasised that the Grand Plan is not the work of a single individual but rather a concerted effort to fulfil His Majesty’s vision.
“No one man can achieve this vision, and any effort by any person to ascribe the Grand Plan to one man is disingenuous and an attempt to fail His Majesty’s vision,” she asserted.
The government is calling upon all emaSwati to rally behind the Grand Plan and the vision of His Majesty. Mdluli remarked that Eswatini stands on the brink of an era that must leverage the leadership of the monarchy, which has historically contributed to economic growth and stability.
“Government, therefore, calls upon emaSwati to unite behind all efforts aimed at delivering His Majesty’s vision for national transformation to a developed country,” she concluded.