The political economy of Swaziland's quest to incorporate Ingwavuma and parts of Mpumalanga(South Africa)
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Date
2019
Authors
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Publisher
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
Abstract
This study analyses the political economy of Swaziland’s quest to incorporate Ngwavuma
and parts of Mpumalanga. The primary research question is: What drives Swaziland to
pursue the issue of the land that was taken from her during the colonial era despite the
declaration by the Organization of African Unity that all colonial boundaries should not be
tampered with in adjusting the present borders. The study uses the Swaziland – South
Africa border issue, to investigate the dynamics behind Swaziland’s quest to incorporate
Ingwavuma and some parts of Mpumalanga. The findings of the study are not unique to
Swaziland and South Africa but are relevant to Africa as a whole.
Firstly, the study employed a political economy approach or theoretical framework which
combines both the political and economic aspects and gives a better understanding of
the factors involved in the whole set of border adjustments between South Africa and
Swaziland. Is the theory of the interplay between politics and economics in driving
historical events and processes over time. The political economy makes intensive and
extensive use of class analysis in making sense of the community and history but does
so in the context of the environmental, cultural, political, and other economic processes.
Secondly, this research study used a qualitative research approach because of its ability
to provide more detailed information on a subject. The study also relied on fieldwork in
the particular borderland societies astride the South African – Swaziland boundary. It was
further informed by archival research. Secondary data was collected from the existing
literature on African boundaries themes.
The study highlighted the political and economic gains that Swaziland would have if
Ingwavuma and parts of Mpumalanga were to be incorporated. The economic benefits
would be massive as there are natural resources in those areas. The political impact of
the country would also be transformed into a very influential status in the region
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Art, History in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of History at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2019
Keywords
Political economy, Swaziland's quest, Mpumalanga, Ingwavuma