By Zweli Martin Dlamini

Freedom of expression and opinion suggests that even journalists or editors are subject to criticism,anyone is free to hold a different opinion to that of editors or journalists.

But it has become a norm for some political activists to conclude that if this journalist writes anything positive about the King,that means he has been captured by Mswati.

We are in court with the King and the Government of eSwatini and this was triggered by my refusal to be controlled by the State,I don’t expect political novices to do the same.

Any person who fights for democracy ought to understand the independence of the media and it’s duty to provide balanced news and analysis on issues of public interest.

But political activists are free to write articles and share their opinions stating why they feel a journalist who publish articles or anything positive about the King is captured, they can send those articles to the editor and we will publish so that the public can see their political stupidity.

This independent online publication created it’s name in society and the international community even in the midst of attacks by the eSwatini Government and other lunatics who claim to be political activists.

But let me clarify the qualities of an independent editor so that the political novices who claim to be fighting for democracy while failing to embrace media freedom, can understand.

Being an editor,in the context of a court structure,means you are presiding in the court of public opinion and therefore you must,at all times, act in a manner that is fair and be credible.

An editor approves publication of stories that influence the public discourse and therefore, the information must credible because it impacts people’s lives and influence decisions.

But apart from that, decisions must be influenced in the public interest not to massage the egos of political activists, some who know nothing about democracy hence their failure to understand media freedom.

Even if the masses can know your political views as the editor, but you cannot report or analyze issues in a manner that suggests that,the King or anyone within the Tinkhundla system is always wrong even when he/she seems to be right.

Any journalist or editor who always create a wrong where it does not exist,just to please a certain group of people loses credibility and once you lose credibility as a journalist,you must drop your pen, it’s over!.

I am a known critic of the Tinkhundla system and King Mswati but that does not mean everything about Mswati or the Tinkhundla system of governance is wrong, it’s just that, in my view, Tinkhundla is not and, will never be democratic.

But despite that, it is for these reasons you will find a story about the Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) Thuli Dladla officially opening a house that has been built for the poor because journalism is about reporting what is happening.

After reading the story,it is the duty of political activists to contact the editor or use other platforms to challenge Thulisile Dladla,maybe by sharing different political sentiments suggesting that, the DPM is abusing the National Disaster Management Agency(NDMA) donated funds to promote the Tinkhundla system and portray the system as if it is taking care of the poor.

But if the story is reported without being challenged, the DPM and the Tinkhundla system will abuse international donor funds to gain political mileage unchallenged and as independent journalists, there’s nothing we can do if political activists are sleeping.

The problem with some political activists is that,they expect a journalist to fight their wars such that, even if the information could be published and placed in front of them,they won’t understand how to use it to intensify the calls for democracy.

But let me once again mention that King Mswati delivered a mature speech during the Police Day,unlike before,he did not threaten those calling for democratic reforms and, there was no “iso ngeso” sentiments.

The King further paid tribute to the late National Commissioner William Dlamini and further thanked the Lesotho Police Chief for taking care of Tsintsibala after he collapsed at the Oliver Tambo(OR) International Airport.

Mswati further spoke about gender equality,he applauded former Acting National Commissioner Lydia Dlamini for organizing the Police Day event and holding the position before the appointment of the current National Commissioner Vusi Masango.

In my view,the King’s speech was very mature with no insults and threats.

Criticizing a Head of State should be intended to correct him so he can do the right thing not to be malicious and identify a wrong where it does not exist.

Personally,I am against media censorship regardless of who is behind it,be it Government or those calling for democracy.

It’s even worse if those calling for democracy fail to understand that, media freedom is not about promoting their interests but reporting fairly about what is happening in the country.

The Swaziland News is followed by both the conservatives and progressive and to reach this stage in journalism where you are trusted by the country with information is not easy,you first work hard to penetrate the public trust and once you earn it,you must then maintain it.

That the editor of this publication is progressive does not mean everything about conservatives or the King will be rubbished,the principles of fair journalism must rule supreme to maintain public confidence and trust.

But in conclusion, let me state that,calling for democracy does not mean you have the monopoly to think or your opinion is supreme.

We have many stupid and low-minded political activists within the Mass Democratic Movement(MDM) who know nothing about democracy, it’s a pity that some of them think they would one day rule this country, they are literally dreaming.

Democracy comes with a package of human rights and those rights include media freedom whose independence enhances the constitutional right to information.

Therefore, you cannot claim to be fighting for democracy while failing to understand basic principles of a free and independent press which in this regard,is the lifeblood of democracy.

Any political activist who regard the independent media as his/her tool to attack those who share different political views and feel offended if something positive is reported about the King or the Tinkhundla system is a future dictator and that individual cannot be trusted with public power because he will control the media.