The political economy of Swaziland's quest to incorporate Ingwavuma and parts of Mpumalanga(South Africa)
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
Political economy, Swaziland's quest, Mpumalanga, Ingwavuma
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