I Am a Young Voice in Eswatini—and I Want to Be Heard
By: Siboniso BoyBoy Dlamini
I am a young person in Eswatini, and like many others, I carry dreams that often feel bigger than the space given to express them.
Growing up, I was taught to work hard, respect others, and stay focused. But no one really teaches you what to do when you feel unheard. No one prepares you for the moments when you have ideas, passion, and ambition—but no clear platform to share them.
There are days when I sit with thoughts I believe could make a difference—about youth, about creativity, about our future as a country. But like many young people, I have often wondered: who is actually listening?
This is a question many of us quietly carry.
In conversations with friends and people my age, I have realized I am not alone. Many young people in Eswatini feel overlooked. We are expected to succeed, yet not always given the opportunity to speak, to contribute, or even to fail and learn openly.
For me, writing became a way to express what I could not always say out loud. Through stories, ideas, and reflection, I found a voice. But even then, the challenge remained—how do you move from writing privately to being heard publicly?
Social media helped, but it also brought pressure. It is easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you are not doing enough. Sometimes it feels like your voice is only valuable if it is popular. That can be discouraging.
Still, I have chosen not to stay silent.
I believe that young people in Eswatini have powerful ideas. We are not just the future—we are part of the present. We see the challenges in our communities, and we also see possibilities for change. What we need are more spaces that welcome our voices, not dismiss them.
Newspapers, schools, and community platforms can make a real difference. By giving young writers, thinkers, and creators a chance, they are not just publishing words—they are building confidence and shaping leaders.
I am writing this not just for myself, but for every young person who has ever felt unheard. Your voice matters. Our voices matter.
All we are asking is to be given the chance to use them.
