Mental Health in the workplace

 

Health covers a wide spectrum and it entails the overall well-being of the human. The workplace provides a series of challenges which employees are meant to overcome with a clear and conscious mind and bill of health. However, this in not always the case as some stresses tend to overwhelm and affect employees’ overall health.

Mental health Importance

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.  In the past, the notion of mental health has always been overlooked by many as it has been deemed non-important.  Over the years there has been an increase in awareness over the mental health issue due to increased suicides and stress in the workplace. This has been evident in work spaces where it is said that; once you face a challenge, just ignore it, move on and do your work. Another most casual and most used slogan is when ‘something at work affects you, just go and cry and then come back and orchestrate your duties’. I believe it is time we changed that and made working a jovial experience and not a depressing one.

Impacts

As a society we have always tended to find easy ways out of things, never really addressing the core issue. We have always told people to be strong and that they should always expect challenges; making sure that they tuck them away whenever suitable even. We have raised a society of compulsive actors and non-conscious ones. People are already dealing with a lot from stresses at home or in personal relationships to addiction issues etc. The impacts of such actions in individuals’ lives are endless with anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder being the minimum package of mental health effects which one may come across. The impacts are fairly standard; one starts to feel demotivated, loses interest in a lot of things and poor performance can be noticed in the work place. In the long term, the disorders mentioned above tend to overwhelm the individual and lead to more physical illnesses such as the damage to key brain structures and circuitry, reduced ability to cope with future stress and anxiety and chronic depression. Also, there Is reduced immune system functioning and increased inflammation.

Coping mechanisms

It is only fitting that we adopt a coping mechanism that will be beneficial to all parties in terms of dealing with challenges. Brushing things under the carpet is a definite no and not fully addressing issues/ not considering other peoples’ emotions is a definite no. If we are to build a society that is caring, compassionate, just and equal we should emphasise on respecting each other’s emotions and knowing when to say sorry; in-order for each staff member to feel wanted and needed. Another would mention that this is only possible in an ideal world. They would further allude to say; if a superior for instance would adopt this type of attitude, no employee would respect him/ her/they.  Also, by mentioning coping mechanisms, we should be weary of how others treat drugs as being coping mechanisms. This is a dangerous thing as drugs are highly addictive and do more harm than good. What has proven useful and most efficient in recent times is therapy. From time to time we all need to express ourselves and relay our deepest and darkest worries. Although this is afforded in some organisations, it is still quite a struggle for others who may not afford such. As part of the mental health care in the workplace, it is quite crucial to have open channels for communication; therefore workers are quite open about what may be bothering them and they become effective. One of the best methodologies is to have such being part of the employee care package. Taking from the famous quote, ’every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it, autograph your work with excellence’; all employees should feel worthy and proud of their work.

Employee Mental Awareness program

Organisations can do so much for their employees and the first step in helping employees who may be suffering from mental health issues is to create a supportive and positive culture. This involves management taking proactive steps towards uncovering issues within the workforce, which employees may be reticent to report. Employers can address and reduce excessive workplace stress by focusing their efforts at the following; prevention by developing organization wide policies and practices in the following key areas. Also, training for leaders and supervisors is an effective ways to reduce stress which organisations can utilise.  Correspondingly, working with employees to create challenging but realistic goals for optimal performance is one impactful way which can be utilised by organisations. Communicating clearly and managing conflicts respectfully; identifying and using employees’ strengths and skills for career advancement. So why not adopt this and take care of your employees’ mental health. Are you willing to be a part of the cure or the disease? Always remember to let love win.

You are not a curse

                                                          

'You are not a curse, you are not too much, you are needed, and you are flawless'. These of-course are the lyrics of a song titled in my body by SYML. These words have deeper meaning in-terms of individuality and existence. Since today is International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia day, we shall get to commemorate the lives of LGBTI persons (alive and those who are no longer with us) and reminisce on numerous events where stigma and discrimination in all its forms has been relayed upon them, with us embracing our existence and once again claiming our space. 

This day was originally coined back in 1990 to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO). This particular day has a negative connotation towards it since of-course it aims to enlighten evidences of neanderthalic behaviour perpetrated by others. However, we choose to look at in a more positive manner, giving a positive outlook as to how as LGBTI we continue to soldier on even during the trials and tribulations. We use this day to remind ourselves that we are worthy of living on this planet, by virtue of us human.

You are too much!

Flamboyance, jubilance has always been one thing that has set us apart as diverse persons. My best friend usually says that it is never a dull moment when one is amongst the LGBT populace. I personally must attest to that, there is always laughter, joy an all-inclusive ambience and the aura of love. Indeed we are a unique breed, with each one of us possessing a unique talent and skill. I think the most interesting thing about us is that even with these talents, we choose to nurture them amidst the hardships. We embrace them and that continues to work in our favour; making us not noticeable and somehow society embracing us. That unfortunately shouldn’t be the case, we shouldn’t have to fight for a space in society because by virtue of being alive it is endowed to us.

Necessity

Correspondingly, at some point in all our lives we always find ourselves distinguishing wants from needs. For so long, anti- homosexuals have always mentioned that they do not want LGBTI people in their spaces. The true reality is that we are in-fact needed and necessary. It has always been mentioned that our existence as people is noted when we are paying taxes as of-course that brings revenue to the country. After that, we are no longer noteworthy since our existence is continuously repudiated. It is as though the switch is flipped on and off when suitable. But on this very IDAHOBIT day, we make our existence known once more. We claim our existence and we let our communities that indeed we are a necessity.

Flawless

’If everything is imperfect In this imperfect world, love is most perfect in its perfect imperfection’,(Gunnar & Rnstrad). This quote is a mere depiction how each one of us are uniquely beautiful and flawless.  We are all in existence through love, love itself has no imperfections. You are not at all a curse and your sexual identity and gender identity is valid.

The Personal Challenge

             

                                                                   

It indeed is quite a challenging year as we are all battling with lockdown worldwide.  In-fact, being in isolation is quite exhausting and draining for most and not so new for members of the LGBTIQA+ as isolation has been something we have been battling with all our lives.With only a monumental 8 months left in this year 2020, one can only hope that it will be smooth sailing from here on wards (as soon as we flatten the curve ofcourse).

Many a people have set challenges for themselves, Twitter and Facebook is already abuzz with the latest #No rush challenge and God knows what next we shall receive. For the past couple of days, I have been pondering as to what challenge I should set for myself as an individual, let alone a human rights defender. I came to only one conclusion; self-acceptance and individuality. It goes without saying that each one of us is unique in all forms, and as such we need to embrace who we are, ( easier said than done right). We all seem to have some sort of lack within us; we doubt our existence or personality, assimilating ourselves to others every now and again. I believe it is time we changed that.

Individuality
We tend to define our -selves with what we have, what we have acquired either be education wise or material wise. We neglect our individuality and envy being something else that we are not. Recently I saw a post on Facebook, a very popular media site where one user said; this year as gay men are sleeping with women. Forgive me for not getting amused by this; instead I saw a gap in individuality and acceptance. It is safe to say that individuals are on a daily basis struggling with their sexuality, constantly denying who they are as individuals. If an individual then speaks in such a manner, I wonder how an individual struggling to come to terms with being gay or transgender comes to accept their existence and uniqueness. As alluded by Fassinger(1996) and Cass (1979) identity models of self-identification, an lgbtiq+ person goes through a number of phases of self-identification until finally he or she or they accepts who they are.

The Challenge
I propose that this year 2020 we embark on a personal identification and self-awareness challenge and as such individuals adopt a sense of self-acceptance. This is meant for individuals to acknowledge who they are as persons and be proud of it. I would like to call it the #I Am challenge. Alex Ndzinisa, the Chief Executive Officer of Who I Am (a motivational speaker) once said;'' to be the best, one must accept and acknowledge that they are a unique being and with that they embody something different that no other person can person has in this world''. This being the case, self- acknowledgement and self-acceptance are the pillars of empowerment. During this period of lockdown, we are faced with being kept indoors with people who might not approve of our sexuality, which might ofcourse lead to distraught; we all want a sense of belonging. One thing I have realised is that when one is content about themselves, they can overcome any obstacle.

Self-endearment
Self-admiration, acceptance and adoration leads to an improved self-esteem. We all know what that means right; improved lifestyle, improved health etc. A bit of self-endearment I am pretty sure would not hurt anyone. So, for the rest of the year, let us look forward to being in-touch with our beings and overcome these trials and tribulations with a positive mind-set. Remember to Let love win and know that We Are.

Inclusivity and Recognition

                      

                                                                        

The other day a friend of mine ran a point up past me; why is it that the movement is seemingly centred on the recognition of LGBTIQA+ identities instead of channelling it towards their inclusivity?

As a response I then told him, one cannot be included if they are not recognised. The mere concept of inclusivity is one that acknowledges individual identities are different and therefore in any space their diversity is seen or embraced.  I have always defined this as wholistic inclusivity. On the other hand, recognition is without any doubt, noting that diversity exists in society and therefore ensuring that a conducive environment is provided for all.

Holding a conference and inviting LGBTIQA+ identities in that space doesn’t comprise of inclusivity, it is merely recognition of sort. Inclusivity resonates with the topics to be discussed; the environment being safe to accommodate LGBTIQA+ identities and how the deliberations are carried out. Because of this, most meetings tend to only recognise the presence of LGBTIQA+ identities but not fully embody such. Without any inclusivity, these spaces become violent.

This conversation with the friend literally came about as we were trying to scrutinize the plight of LGBTIQA+ individuals in the workplace. From merely applying to get a job, to securing the job and working in the job environment/ workplace as well.

Companies in their profiles usually have the slogan ‘an equal opportunity employer’. It really sounds lucrative if you ask me but does it really embody inclusivity and recognition of other minority groups? A lot of individuals especially of LGBTIQA+ identity have over the years reported incidences of being discriminated and not being given equal opportunity during interviews and in the workplace. Any-who, let us just say that the individual in question (lgbtqia+ identifying individual) gets employed by this particular company, on the basis that the company recognises diversity. Inclusivity on the other hand may only be appreciated when the company will conduct regular sensitisations of its staff on issues pertaining to lgbtiqa+ identities. Recognising that there are employees who are non-gender conforming or of non-hetero-normative nature can almost always guarantee that an organisation or company is one that is partly including its staff or employers.

Let us fully encourage our organisations and work spaces to be weary of lgbtiqa+ identities and therefore encourage wholistic inclusivity.

Nomzamo's Story- Violated at a young age

                                                             
                                  
When I was about six years my parents decided to take me to stay with my mother's aunt. They did that so that my mother would be able to look after my two younger siblings. Make wasilamisela edvute kanisi naye bekamncane (my siblings and I were not too far apart as my mother had gotten pregnant at a very young age). Little did i nor my parents know that my two uncles would sexually abuse me whenever they felt like it. At first, I couldn't understand what was happening.

One evening

We were sharing a room with them together (uncles) with their little sister who was the same age as me. They would sneak under my blankets and sexually abuse me. They never sexually abused their sister; I was the target. One night, when the ordeal began, I remember screaming, and they covered my mouth. My older uncle told me he won't take long, and he raped me with his younger brother and their sister watching. I remember him telling the little sister not to tell anyone. If she did, he was going to beat her.  He further threatened me by saying," if you happen to tell anyone, I am going to bury you alive". I cried but when my mother's aunt asked as to why I was crying, I just looked at her and cried even further. I was in distraught and filled with fear therefore I came up with a story irrelevant to the abuse I was being exposed to. I had to lie. I kept it with me, and it happened for two years.

Schools closed when I was in grade 2 for the second term. I went home to see my parents and when I was supposed to go back, I told my biological grandmother that I don't want to go back. No one suspected that something was wrong; they just shouted at me. They highlighted that I was being a spoilt child and disobedient. I remember crying until my father told me, I won't go back the following year. On the other hand, my mother wanted me to stay there until I finished my primary. So, I went back to my hell of a life. Four months in hell again, I thought hard but there was nothing I could do.


Trauma and Anger

I grew up with anger towards men. Things got worse when I was again gang-raped by 5 men when I was 16 years. I was doing form 4 by that time. This time around I nearly died. They left me to die in a forest, but I was found by a man herding cattle. He called the police and took me to the hospital. When I woke up at the hospital there were only nurses around me. Neither mom or dad were there because they had no clue I was at the hospital. They thought I was at school, yet I had been a victim of a brutal rape.


Suicide

I tried to commit suicide three times, but I didn't die. All I wanted was revenge or death. I wanted to hurt every man who came in my way. When I was called at the police station to identify the men who raped me, all I wanted was to kill them. So, I lived a life of hatred and plotting revenge towards innocent souls for about 10 years. I had neither feelings nor love towards men. Hurting them was my number one priority and the only way to get to them was through their heart. In the process of seeking for revenge, God gave me a daughter. One day I realized how much I love her and how much I wish she can have a stable and a better life than me.


Living

I decided, I want to change and try to live peacefully with men in this world. My biggest challenge was the anger inside me. I knew, I needed help or someone who would listen to me. I spoke with my mother, but she never listened to me. She told me to be strong and move on with my life. I didn't need to be strong, I needed someone to lean on and cry; let the pain out. In 2018, January I meet my current partner. Every time we were together, he would ask me, what's bothering me. At first, I ignored him but after I saw that all he wanted was to hear my story. I opened up and told him. He didn't judge me, but he gave me a hug and told me, we are going get help if I wanted to and that he would support me.

Since then, I had been a better woman. Now I can proudly say, I have feelings and love for a certain man. On top of that, I am a happy soul and I don't hate men anymore. To everyone out there in any part of the world, who had suffered like me, healing is possible. Reach out to someone and speak out.

The Church

It goes without saying that we have a long way to go with the Church, especially pertaining to LGBTIQA+ issues. In today’s paper we had Reverend Mazibuko commenting on Pastor Lukhele’s admission of being gay and being a pastor/ holy man at that. 

As opined by Rev Mazibuko, Gods love allows people to come as they are but not remain the same. I am not one to dismiss this notion as I myself am a person of faith (I believe in God). I believe that change/ not becoming the same, means that one drops certain behaviours which are viewed as not being conducive. According to Merriam-Webster in 2016, behaviour can be described as being the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, a form of stimulus towards a certain situation.  Now, being LGBTIQA+ cannot be categorised as being behaviour of sort. An individual’s sexual orientation is a part of who they are as a human being. I will make reference to the six dimensions of human health paying specific attention to the sexual and spiritual aspects. Each dimension interrelates with the other. One’s sexual aspect/dimension has an influence with their overall wellbeing. Sexual expression is very key in acknowledging the health of an individual; as equal as the spiritual aspect. 

The reason behind this analysis is purely to enlighten Mr Mazibuko and others who share in his opinion that someone’s sexual orientation is not to be considered as something separate from who a person is as an individual.  In sooth, it defines who a person is. Sexual orientation is not a behaviour trait, I repeat; it is not a conduct. 

Correspondingly, I must further mention that Reverend Mazibuko’s analogy of LGBTIQA+ identities being similar to drunkards is null and void. One cannot place comparison to these two different things; behaviour trait and personal identification and expression. I have never had an individual identify themselves as being a drunkard. If I recall very well, a person who drinks would usually say that, ’’I so and so drink occasionally’’. Moreover, to prove that being a drunkard is a behaviour trait, cis-heterosexual individuals also drink as well. It has no influence on their sexuality as that is a specific dimension of an individual’s wellbeing.

It must be noted that Rev Mazibuko’s statement opens up the violation of LGBTIQA+ identities through processes of conversion therapy. Mis-conceptualising the Bible and claiming that when one becomes born again, they should stop being LGBTIQA+ is utterely wrong. Conduct change is expected, but not a change in ‘ones’ self-identity. It is a growing norm for churches to then condemn ones sexuality and link it to immorality and force individuals to change in order to show that they have accepted God. I myself have been a victim of such, had 7 pastors challenge my sexuality, claiming I was an abomination and that I should change. Many more have suffered at the hands of the church; we even lost one Miss T Rudd, as she was going through depression. Part of this depression was inflicted by the church. In a conversation with her a few months before she died; she mentioned that she had tried to avow to the churches’ demands. This process had left her feeling misplaced and in distraught; in-fact she lost her self-identity. The only advice I could give to her at 18years of age was that she should be who she is and be proud of it. God loved her the way she was and God had no reason to change ones individuality but illicit behaviours. Sexual orientation as mentioned above is not meant to be treated as a behaviour trait. Part of the Pride concept encompasses being satisfied with who one is and coming to terms with that; overcoming all social ideals and constructs which might otherwise shun on individuality and diversity.

In conclusion, I implore that Rev Mazibuko and others who share in his sentiments do allow us as the community to sensitize churches. There still exists a big gap in respect to the teachings of the church which I believe are attributed to mis-conceptions on LGBTIQA+ issues.

Toxic Masculinity

                                                       
                                                 

The thought of such a topic gives me chills. It is what we grew up with and have been accustomed to. I attended a conference the other day and this topic was brought up; literally got to question my childhood. Its funny how growing up we were continuously taught to be bold in everything, excel in sports and be manly.


This has lived on with us for centuries, with the statement that men don’t cry ‘indvodza ayikhali’. This has been the notion of Swati culture and unfortunately has led to the downfall of masculinity. As a transgender man, I am not allowed to show my feminine side, which is of-course expressing my emotions even when I am distraught. I am expected to be calm, even when I am in pain. I am expected to withhold my tears even when I am meant to let them out. As activists we are exposed to the harshest of conditions. We are meant to brace through every harmful experience as though we don’t matter. I must utterly speak on this; violent spaces do exist and they affect us as well. We uphold feelings of being content and yet honestly we are not. I saw my psychologist the other day and we actually spoke at length about this. She mentioned how we as individuals subject ourselves through these gruesome experiences on behalf of the communities we serve because we love them dearly (hero syndrome she said).


Delaying progress


Now back to the subject at hand, manhood has always been defined as the utmost gender (patriarchy right) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with boys and men. This is a social construct of sort. What if we tapped into our feminine side of things, what if we stopped claiming that ‘boys will be boys’? The concept of aggression and being bold as a character trait of masculinity has literally destroyed our society. Some people have literally taken this to heart and this aggression at times escalates to tremendous extremities (machismo).  Some traditionally prescribed masculine behaviors can produce such harmful effects as violence (including sexual assault and domestic violence), promiscuity, risky and/or socially irresponsible behaviors including substance abuse, and dysfunction in relationships(Ming & Shepard,2011). 

A colleague of mine mentioned how he was exposed to fighting during his youthful days (stick fighting) just so that he could prove he was man enough. This has stuck with him throughout, and now as a grown man he still finds the need to prove that he is man enough. Are we as a society preaching the right doctrine I wonder? Do we have to believe in such a concept?


Gender equality


We continue to speak of gender equality and yet the concept of toxic masculinity tends to delay such a principle. The aggression portrayed by individuals over the concept tends to look over and above other genders. Trans-genderism (feminine perspective) and non-binarism is always overlooked, and masculinity is always seen to shine (witticism). Men (either transgender or other sort) are always trying to prove their presence. They are at most times always meant to look like men (posture), hide their breasts, shave their heads etc. Gender equality entails a presence of all genders living harmoniously, viewing each other as equals.
  
Self-affirmation

I have always been one to believe that embracing our true-selves is the only we can reach our full potential. Social constructs will always be there, but knowing what defines you as an individual helps you reach self-actualization. Let us embrace our true beings; who we truly are and not what society has defined us to be.

Colonisation in the 21st century

                                                                      

We have always (Eswatini) deemed ourselves as a country that is independent and every year on the 6^th of September we as a nation celebrate the independence. As always we link this to the day in which the country was set free from colonial rule, and as a nation we adopted / had the constitution of Eswatini come into effect years back on this day (I will choose to ignore the nitty gritty's  of the repeal etc) . I pose this question; are we really independent?

Independence is a concept of being liberated from a certain type of leadership; a leadership that is foreign, does not really have its mandate set on promoting every individuals livelihoods and rights in a communal setting etc. As opined by Kosovo in 2015, independence is the state of self-governance by a body or group nation, country etc. The idea or theme surrounding independence is that of bringing about an essence of equality and promotion of ideal values which benefit everyone and everyone believes in.

Eswatini

As a nation we continue to say we are independent because we have a ruler who is ‘our’ kind a ‘Swati’ and that we as Swati’s are managing our nation (well I believe so). None the less, each country has a constitution which is meant to depict the beliefs of the society and this document is essentially written to protect the people and it is for the people. Our constitution I must say still has an element of foreign rule as it has laws inherited from colonisation. The reason I say this is because some laws are of colonisation origin and yet we somehow continue to uphold them. We have indoctrinated them and embedded them in our society and in such a way, gone astray from our values as a society of ethnic origin. The common law, under the sodomy act criminalises consensual same-sex relations between two consenting males. This piece of legislation was adopted from the Dutch common Law. It is not of ethnic origin and therefore brings about the question; are we really liberated or independent?

Ethnic values

The mere notion that we are Swati means that we value our culture and we ‘hope’ that it will protect everyone. We are a country that upholds love, peace and respect for each-other. We hold ourselves true to this, we acknowledge ‘ubuntu’ as a principle. LGBTIQA+ identities have always existed in our country, mind you in the context of transgender identifying individuals, we have always been revered. We have been called two-spirited individuals, mediums etc among other things (at some point in time). The connotation that we have never existed is entirely absurd. It is comes as a shock then when our government officials dismiss our existence in society and claim that our existence is not valid.

Colonised

To me it sounds like we are still colonised, but in a modern way. We are now colonising each-other. Mind you, colonising is defined as a process or action of settling among or establishing control over indigenous people. To me it is simply like we took the gun from the oppressors and then we are literally oppressing our own kind. The law is simply segregating its people, causing a division over sexual orientation and yet as a nation we should be united.

Change

The dawn of change is upon us and as such we should embrace it. Let equality for all, simply encompass all regardless of the social stratification that exists; gender, race, sexual orientation etc. We need to seriously ponder on this, do we want to colonise each-other or essentially liberate everyone?

A victim of shame

I have always been the one to advocate for people standing up-for their rights and i shall continue to do so. The other day I had a dear friend narrate a story of a recent ordeal whereby their right to privacy was violated. Privacy of-course is the state of being apart from other people or concealed from their views.

It is sad to know that these days we can no longer trust the people we confide in. It turns out that my friend went to this particular professional seeking medical psycho social assistance, and only to find that the trust he had for this professional to maintain professionalism would soon be betrayed. The whole concept of having to share your information and thoughts with someone is always daunting; but one feels better and lighter when knowing that the piece of information shared is to be kept safe. It is not shared willy-nilly.

In my friends instance, it so happened that the information shared ended up causing family issues; in-fact causing the family to believe that he is ‘cured’ from being gay and is now ready to commit to a woman. As I type this, the family is getting ready for a wedding and my friend is still in shock. He cannot even bring himself to tell the parents that he is not in-fact in a relationship with a woman. The snowball effect of a single story, told in secret to a practitioner has led to an individual practically having his life distorted.

Confidentiality clause

It remains true that confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of health work; especially when the work deals with individuals’ issues and emotions. The thought process that went into deciphering the confidentiality clause must have been immense and it was on a basis of curbing psychological violence. The aim of the clause in each practitioner’s contract I believe is meant to protect both parties. The patient is meant to sleep peacefully knowing that their information is well protected and safe. Cohesively, it keeps the practitioner (him or her or they) in-check over the work that they do. It is more or less a guide for one to stay steadfast and continuously inspired by the work that they do.

Violating the clause and ethics

By violating the clause (information divulsion), one is definite to put another on the spotlight and in the way of harm. In-fact, one is definite to feel violated and loses trust and confidence in the practitioner. Not only do they fear ever going back to that particular practitioner, but they fear going back to another or referring another person. This therefore causes a gap in the system.

Respecting the work

In all essence, every single person is meant to respect the work that they do. This is particularly true if that work includes working directly with people. The standards, principles and values of each institution are meant to bring every individual to this accord. Respecting ‘the’ work entirely means that one essentially values the people that are ‘the work’.

Ubuntu forgotten

                                           

                                                            

The continent has been abuzz with the recent xenophobic attacks and to me this merely is a sign of a bigger problem; if not a first phase of this huge calamity awaiting the continent. As African nationals, we have always been groomed in the spirit of Ubuntu, the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood. Tata Madiba (Mandela) would always emphasize this in most of his speeches and so would our very own King Sobhuza II. During one of Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutus speeches, he narrated that,’ a person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are’’. This surely means that as a society/ nation/ nations, we are meant to uphold values of love and not resentment.

Disheartening

It is very disheartening to know that an individual would want to take another’s life because they feel another is somewhat their source of poverty. They actually claim that their fellow counterparts / Africans come to their countries and loot or take away their jobs. The issue of poverty cannot be attributed to other people, in-fact poverty is merely a challenge for one to get up and change their lives. As alluded by Nelson Mandela in his speech (22 August 2003), a nation cannot solve its issues of poverty and other social problems if they have no concept of time. Poverty alleviation is essentially about one taking a stand against it and using their time wisely in a day (one of the ways). Poverty is not caused by people from other countries coming to another country. Instead those people bring with them skills which can be shared amongst a society and help improve the standard of living.

Essence

The actuality of the word Ubuntu; a philosophy word with Nguni origin or meaning, “the quality of being human”. To the bystander, ubuntu can be seen and felt in the spirit of willing participation, unquestioning cooperation, compassion, warmth, openness, and personal dignity demonstrated by the indigenous black population. The spirit of being human cuts across all borders (has no boundaries or borders). It is what makes a civilisation and what unites us as a continent. Even with our different languages, more or less similar cultures we uphold values of Ubuntu.

The mere fact that we have forgotten these teachings points out to social decay. I have always said that civilizations are built on peace, solidarity and compassion. These three pillars have grown countries to their utmost best. If we as a human civilisation are able to douse another with petrol, hang a tire around their necks and set them alight, then we are seriously losing the plot. What have we replaced Ubuntu with; I wonder? How are we as African nationals meant to build our Africa into being a unified and glorified continent, if we still see each other in the eyes of resentment? I am sorry to say but setting alight an individual or raping them has never really solved an issue. Talking about issues has always worked for us as humans; not acting on impulse. I believe that is how tribunals were formed, to help resolve issues in a congregatory manner.

Rights For All

      

                                                                                                                   

 Rights For All

The mere concept of rights is to unite society in a more harmonious, inclusive and comprehensive manner. Rights are of course, a means to which life is promoted, protected and cherished in society. They have some kind of snowball effect towards each other, thus you may not have one right and leave out the other.

The Constitution of Swaziland in chapter III (24) affords Swati citizens the right to freedom of expression etc. Now, this may loosely be translated as being afforded the ability to present yourself to society as you deem fit. The issue of concern currently is that of gender expression and sexual identity. The era we live in has its inhabitants being gender and sexually expressive. It is true to say that expression has taken many forms and should be embraced in all its kind.

 Depressing

 It is very depressing to know that in as much as the Constitution promotes the expression of individuals; a section of the Common Law disregards this. This is of course outlined by the Common Law under the Sodomy Act. It states that same-sex consenting males cannot engage in sexual relations. This is listed as being un-natural.  The implications of the act are in-fact endless as it tends to create stigma and discrimination around male couples (continued stigma when accessing services such as that of health), the micro-aggression, the inability for individuals to live their lives to the fullest (having to have secretive relationships) and fears of conviction. The aforementioned are just a few, imagine the indirect complications this law brings about. The law itself does not only violate one right but delves into the right to privacy. It implies that what occurs behind closed doors is no longer private; public knowledge as some may say.

 Change

 The time for change is now and this is in-fact true to the repeal of such oppressive laws. De-criminalization of the Common Law, Sodomy Act is necessary. These laws are no longer relevant in the countries that first imposed them.