INVITATION TO DEBATE ON THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE TINKHUNDLA SYSTEM

The Swaziland Diaspora Platform cordially invites Swazis to a discussion and debate session. As per the mandate of the SDP, promotion of engagement and reflection on issues pertaining to the social, economic and political situation in Swaziland is a key pillar. Issue to be covered in the discussion, but not limited to, are: 1. Analysis and definition of the political economy of the Tinkhundla system 2. The history of the political economy of the Tinkhundla system 3. The current drivers of the political economy of the Tinkhundla system 4. The blockages and challenges to democratization as posed by the political economy of the Tinkhunlda system. A famous definition of economics is that of Lionel Robbins Ž1932, p. 16., ‘‘Economics is the science which studies human behavior as a relationship between ends and scarce means that have alternative uses.’’ If economics is the study of the optimal use of scarce resources, political economy begins with the political nature of decisionmaking and is concerned with how politics will affect economic choices in a society. Society should be defined broadly to include not only countries or other such jurisdictions, but also firms, social groups, or other organizations. The discussion will be taking place as follows: Date: 12 May 2012 Time: 14h00 Venue: 2nd Floor, Cosatu House, cnr Simmonds and Jorissen Streets, Joburg Looking forward to a good discussion with you all!