Eswatini Police Recruitment Queues Expose Limited Opportunities for Youth

The recent police recruitment drive in Eswatini has drawn massive queues of young people eager to secure a limited number of jobs. Over 17,000 applicants have submitted their applications to join the Royal Eswatini Police Service. This number should be a concern for those responsible for the country's economic direction. The queues reflect the desperation of young people searching for opportunities beyond the uniformed services.

Many applicants, including qualified teachers, are seeking a chance to secure employment. The presence of teachers in the queues highlights the lack of opportunities in their field. Some teachers are still on contracts with no hope of being hired permanently. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the country's education and employment systems. The government needs to address the issue of limited opportunities for young people.

The recruitment process has been criticized for being unfair and inaccessible. Applicants reportedly arrived before dawn and spent the night near recruitment centers, enduring harsh weather conditions. They also incurred expenses for transport, document copying, and certification. The police have assured that the process will be transparent, but applicants deserve to know the number of available positions, assessment criteria, and expected response times.

The Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration Integrity has proposed electronic applications and additional submission points to make the process more accessible. These changes aim to reduce the financial burden on applicants and increase fairness in the recruitment process. However, the question remains whether merit will prevail or influence will play a role in the selection process.

The police service cannot absorb the ambitions of an entire generation, and the government needs to focus on creating more opportunities for young people. The country's economic direction and development plans should prioritize job creation and entrepreneurship. The government should also address the obstacles preventing businesses from expanding and employing more people.

The police service requires specific skills, including judgment, restraint, and integrity. The selection process must ensure that applicants understand and accept these responsibilities. While a salary is a legitimate need, it cannot be the sole motivation for joining the police service. The government needs to consider the kind of police service it is building and the values it wants to instill in its officers.

Ultimately, the government needs to develop a comprehensive plan to address youth unemployment and provide opportunities for young people to use their qualifications. The police recruitment drive is just a temporary solution to a larger problem. The government should engage with stakeholders to create a more inclusive and sustainable employment strategy that benefits all citizens, particularly the youth.

Key points

• The Eswatini government needs to create more job opportunities for young people beyond the uniformed services.
• The police recruitment process should be made more accessible and transparent to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all applicants.
• The government should prioritize economic development and job creation to address the root causes of youth unemployment.