Mbabane – Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Senator Savannah Maziya has attributed the increasingly unkind nature of the world to cruelty, selfishness and entitlement, calling on people to practise gratitude, kindness and empathy.
Senator Savannah shared these views on her social media platform on October 15, 2026, reflecting on the importance of appreciating life’s blessings as the year approaches its final months and people begin assessing their achievements, missed opportunities and areas for improvement.
Her message comes against the backdrop of wider concerns about cruelty and human suffering, including violence, discrimination, poverty and the failure of institutions to protect vulnerable people. Across different societies, these challenges raise difficult questions about how people treat one another and the responsibility of individuals and institutions to protect human dignity.
In South Africa, concerns about xenophobic violence against foreign nationals, gender-based violence and violent crime have highlighted the vulnerability of people who face discrimination or threats to their safety.
In Eswatini, human rights organisations have continued to raise concerns about restrictions on civic freedoms, accountability for past violence and access to essential services. These issues form part of the wider context in which questions about cruelty, empathy and social responsibility are discussed.
However, Minister post focused primarily on personal attitudes and the importance of gratitude, rather than making specific allegations about these human rights concerns.
She said people often overlook their blessings while pursuing new goals, forgetting that things they take for granted could be what others desperately wish to have.
The minister pointed to employment, transport and housing as examples, noting that while some people complain about their jobs, cars and homes, others are unemployed, walk long distances or have nowhere to live.
She also highlighted how people complain about delayed flights without considering that others may never have the opportunity to travel by air.
Maziya said this tendency to complain could become a habit, with some people treating almost everything as a problem instead of appreciating the positive aspects of their lives.
“This cruelty, entitlement, selfishness has lead us to this unkind world filled with some sadistic and narcissistic people at all levels of society,” she wrote.
She further observed that some people who are struggling themselves end up hurting others rather than contributing to a more caring and peaceful world.
The minister encouraged people to develop a habit of gratitude, suggesting that they write down or say three things they are thankful for at the end of each day.
According to Maziya, practising gratitude can help people become more humble, kinder and more understanding of the difficulties others face.
She also reminded people that having a university degree is an achievement worth appreciating, even for those who have not yet secured employment, because many people around the world never get the opportunity to attend university.
Maziya encouraged people to reflect on their achievements, identify areas for improvement and appreciate the opportunities they have received during 2026.
She acknowledged that life does not always unfold according to plan but maintained that setting goals gives people direction and a sense of purpose.
The minister also encouraged people to appreciate difficult experiences and those who challenge them, saying such encounters can strengthen their resolve and contribute to personal growth.
“Life is beautiful and we are lucky to be above ground,” she wrote, urging people to make every day count, remain grateful and treat others with kindness.
She concluded by encouraging people to become better versions of themselves and contribute positively to the lives of others, adding that those who choose not to be kind should, at the very least, do no harm.
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