Dr. Jabulani Matsebula: The Question of Dialogue or Negotiation in Swaziland

Blossom of Thought

Dr. Jabulane Matsebula is the guest for this episode. Dr. Matsebula completed a Ph.D. in political sociology in 2005 focusing on political developments in South Africa during the apartheid period and the transition to inclusive democracy. Dr. Matsebula has held various positions in academia and government in Australia, including international multilateral engagement in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), G20, and OECD. He is an experienced researcher, political analyst, negotiator, project manager, and stakeholder engagement. In academia, Dr. Matsebula has taught various political science subjects including international human rights law, governance, social movements, political transitions, public policy research, and the social influence on educational and employment outcomes.

From 2016 to 2020, Dr. Matsebula represented the Australian Government in APEC forums in Peru, Viet Nam (ministerial-level dialogue), Papua New Guinea, Chile, and Malaysia. He led negotiations on the development of a regional framework for labour mobility management to allow a coordinated flow of human resources across the 21 APEC member states. During this time, Dr. Matsebula worked closely with senior government officials and subject matter experts from the World Bank, OECD, International Organization for Migration, International Labour Organization, APEC Secretariat, and universities across the region. In 2021, Dr. Matsebula founded a not-for-profit organization, People Against Poverty and Corruption, to alleviate poverty and fight corruption in Southern Africa. Dr. Mastebula is also one of the founding members of the Peoples United Democratic Party, one of the political parties in Swaziland.

We talk about:

• Lesson on the SADC response on the anticipated national dialogue.
• Differences between "national dialogue," "political dialogue," and "political negotiation."
• Are the conditions conducive for a dialogue that will produce a worthy outcome that will benefit the Swazi people?
• How possible is a sound dialogue under the current constitution?
• What can be done to make sure that the dialogue is democratic, and all concerned people have their voice not only heard but considered.
• SADC has an agreement with King Mswati on the model of the dialogue without consulting "We the People."
• Misgivings on the alliances such as the Political Party Assembly, Multi-Stakeholder Forum, and Swaziland United democratic Front representing Swazis in the dialogue.
• Trust has been eroded in public or government institutions and what can be done to restore it.

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