Visit to Matsapha Community - Eswatini

The Whose Crisis project team finally received permission to attend a meeting with the traditional authorities in the Kwaluseni community of Matsapha (a large, perurban industrial town in the centre of Eswatini). The community is very close to the UNESWA campus, with contact obtained through direct links from UNESWA Staff and project partners.

This existing link has proved crucial in expediting the process of informing the council of the project’s plans, as well as obtaining this invitation for further permissions and discussion. An ex-UNESWA student and current Mbuleni resident, Letsie, helped to arrange the meeting, and will be available for assisting the RA with community access and research when fieldwork commences. The meeting itself was held further away from the community than expected in a small church, with social distancing, sanitising and mask-wearing all strictly employed by the council members themselves (which was reassuring to see). The Whose Crisis team were introduced by Dr Mamba from UNESWA (who organised the meeting), with an overview provided by Dr Molefe Joseph. Dane Armstrong, Dr Samuel Seyama and Thandeka Ndlela were also present to provide more in depth information on the work required, as well as translations for the committee where needed.

The discussion went on far longer than expected, with clear interest and useful input coming from the group. Though this kickstarts the process, the Chiefdom Councillor (Bucopho) highlighted that he would need to first inform the Kwaluseni Inkhundla about the project, as well the Member of Parliament. Additionally, since some inner council members could not attend, the members who were present stated that they need to have a meeting to inform all council members of the project. All of this will ensure that there no problems arise once fieldwork begins. The Eswatini team will then be informed once these meetings have been held and only then will we have the ultimate green light to initiate fieldwork. This is not expected to be an issue, though protocol is particularly important in Eswatini where the avoidance of such channels can have significant impact on any community work. The authorities also expressed interest in being engaged in future projects that the hub will work on.

There was an understanding and appreciation of the aims of the Whose Crisis project, especially with regards to better understanding the knock-on effects that the pandemic has had on peoples livelihoods and spirits. There were long discussions around what the project is “offering” to participants – and it was made clear that there will be no direct assistance or payment offered or promised. This issue will be incredibly important to make clear to all project participants, especially after months of some people perceiving “failed promises” from state actors assessing or communicating directly with communities.

Timelines were not promised, as the team is still awaiting to start fieldwork in Vuvulane, which will be the first fieldwork site. Direct engagement in Matsapha will only occur in late April, giving ample time to devise appropriate methods together with the community liaison, as well as identify a possible space to hold certain interviews and engagements.