Sometime last year a number of potential investors in the mining sector (diamond) had their applications turned down for reasons that were never made public. The minister responsible for minerals and mine does not have an idea why the eventual winners got the license. The government of the Kingdom is left in the dark in as far as having any role in the negotiations leading to the granting of mineral rights to those who re interested in mining any mineral in Swaziland.
In other countries, developed countries, I am sure there cannot be any negotiations for mineral rights without the involvement of the government. In this part of the world, it is against tradition to involve the government in these negotiations because it is assumed that the land (soil) and all that is in it do not belong to the people but to the King. It is clear to me that the people of Swaziland will never know the function of a government when it comes to job creation. It clearly demonstrates that the wealth that is created in this country from the resources of this country do not and will never belong to the people of this country as long as the current political set-up is maintained.
In the face of mounting social challenges we have those in this country who think we ought to stand by and watch such events unfold in our eyes and cast blind eyes to these developments because every good Swazi has been relegated to a cheer team member. I have done my own investigation on this matter and I have gathered that the investor was told to fund 100% of the total investment yet those that are in power will get 50% of the shares. This set up is bad for the investor. I bet you this guy will not make money at all.
That some mines have closed down in neighbouring states because of the economic melt down which has resulted in the costs of mining minerals going out of control, it is not making any sense to those who hold real power in Swaziland to review the investment conditions. They are not interested in jobs but in making money at the expense of the ignorant Swazis. Whilst neighbouring South Africa is in full swing trying to create jobs for her people Swaziland is focusing on how not to get Swazis employed.
Swaziland is also getting the tips from these investors on how to continue with a mining operation that does not make any profit. What is the benefit of being a shareholder of a company that is put up for the purpose of not making any profit.
The cost of electricity in RSA is going up like crazy yet those in Swaziland still expect investors to maximize their profits. I am inclined to suspect that there must have been some understanding entered into between the investor and the King or whoever negotiated on behalf of the King. I cannot imagine any sound investor putting his millions into an agreement made under such terrible conditions. How do these two partners expect to make money from such a set-up. It is a pity that people who have the eyes are supposed to behave like the blind and those with appropriate training in relevant fields are expected to be ignorant of issues that would help the general masses.
This is why Inhlava political party will share information with Swazis so that they may come together and make informed decisions on their destiny. This leadership style is totally unacceptable and any body endorsing it must have his state of sobriety re-examined by qualified people.
Mfomfo
10 June 09
Tags: Blood Diamonds, Freedom, Human Rights, Inhlava, King Mswati III, Politics, Swaziland
Mfomfo's Blog 
June 20, 2009 at 8:38 am |
I think im well informed since recently i was with my colleagues and they wondered why the mines were not operating?i told them what you have exactly mentioned above.also msutfu i wish i would one day meet you and sishiyelane ligwayi.