Eswatini Centenarian Condemns Gender-Based Violence

Mkhulu Samuyeli Dlamini, a 105-year-old resident of Nhletjeni, Eswatini, has expressed concern over the growing cases of gender-based violence against women, particularly in cases of failed relationships. He urged men to walk away when relationships fail rather than resorting to violence. According to him, men in his generation handled romantic disagreements, including infidelity and competition over women, differently. Disagreements sometimes resulted in physical fights, but the intention was not to take another person's life.

Mkhulu Samuyeli's observations come against the backdrop of persistent gender-based violence in Eswatini. The National Commissioner of Police, Manoma Vusi Masango, reported 1,994 GBV cases between January and March 2026. The figures showed that 22 people reportedly died in GBV-related incidents, including 16 women and six men. Seven of the deceased were children under the age of 17. In 2025, police recorded 25 family dispute-related murders and 17 passion killings.

The centenarian acknowledged that infidelity had always existed but maintained that the present situation was particularly worrying. He emphasized the importance of understanding the responsibilities that come with entering relationships, particularly when marrying women who have children from previous relationships. Mkhulu Samuyeli urged young people to receive proper guidance on how to approach such relationships to avoid conflicts that can affect families.

Mkhulu Samuyeli also cautioned young men against demanding gifts they had purchased for their girlfriends after relationships ended. He argued that the termination of a relationship should not become an excuse for disputes over material possessions. He recommended relationship teachings, specifically programmes presented by Reverend Johannes Mazibuko on radio, for young people preparing for marriage.

During his working years in Johannesburg, Mkhulu Samuyeli observed that men who travelled to the mines understood the importance of respecting their marriages, despite spending extended periods away from their families. Although infidelity was not entirely absent during those years, he said long-distance relationships were approached differently. Men prioritized their marriages and respected their partners.

Mkhulu Samuyeli's remarkable ability to recall events from his childhood and working years was evident during an interview at his home in Nhletjeni, Shiselweni Region. Despite recently celebrating his 105th birthday, he demonstrated a clear understanding of his surroundings and spoke extensively about his experiences. His son, Stephen Dlamini, a retired teacher, was present during the interview.

Mkhulu Samuyeli expressed a desire to continue living, despite acknowledging that some people would not necessarily wish to reach his age. As one of the oldest living people in Eswatini, he reflected on his life experiences and the lessons he has learned. His message to young men is to prioritize respect and understanding in relationships, rather than resorting to violence.

Key points

• Mkhulu Samuyeli urges men to walk away when relationships fail rather than resorting to violence.
• Eswatini recorded 1,994 GBV cases between January and March 2026.
• Mkhulu Samuyeli emphasizes the importance of understanding responsibilities in relationships.