In Mbabane, the queue stretched for nearly 500 metres, from the central police station to a fast-food drive-through. In Nhlangano, applicants spent the night inside the police station to escape a thunderstorm. In Manzini, more than a thousand people turned up. Since Monday, November 2, the Royal Eswatini Police Service has been accepting applications for a limited number of Constable II posts, and the turnout says a great deal about the situation facing the kingdom’s youth, the Times of Eswatini reported.
Applications can only be submitted in person, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at the four regional headquarters in Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. The exercise closes on Wednesday. Applicants must be between 21 and 35, hold a Form V certificate with credits and provide an identity document, birth certificate, CV and photographs. Those who go to the wrong regional centre for their chiefdom code risk having their application rejected. An officer walked along the queue reminding people that qualifications would be verified and that any forgery would be prosecuted.
Many applicants are graduates without work. Wilson Phiwayinkhosi Hlongwane earned a nursing diploma four years ago but never found a job in his field. He worked at a filling station until his contract ended. His parents no longer work and he has a child who depends on him. “My mother has been taking care of me, and now it is my turn,” he told the paper. Nompilo Hleta, 30 and unemployed, is applying for the fourth time. She arrived at 5:45 a.m. and found herself around 60th in line.
Some refused to be photographed and hid their faces behind umbrellas, as their current employers did not know they were looking for another job. Others mentioned fears of jealousy or witchcraft in their communities. Nearby print shops also saw queues form as applicants rushed to print and certify their documents.
On Tuesday, the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration Integrity issued an official advisory on the matter. It lists nine concerns and proposes four measures. In its view, waiting for hours in extreme weather undermines human dignity, which is protected under Chapter III of the Constitution. The requirement to hand in applications in person weighs most heavily on those travelling from remote areas and those with limited means. The commission also warned that such scenes risk reinforcing a feeling among unemployed young people that public institutions do not take their situation into account.
It recommends accepting future applications at tinkhundla centres, the country’s administrative constituencies, as well as at local police stations. It also proposes submissions by email or through an online portal, an appointment system to avoid overcrowding, and better public information in advance. Commissioner Zwelethu Mnisi said the commission was ready to support the police in making these changes.
Police spokesperson Phindile Zwane responded that the service remained open to suggestions and constructive criticism aimed at improving its operations, including its recruitment procedures.