I had in the past requested the Swazi public to help tell the world that Swaziland is indeed a country with skills like most first world countries. There surely are limitations to why Swaziland is often overtaken by events or even overshadowed by other neighboring countries when it comes to online representation. I have evidence to that Swaziland almost invisible online particularly when it comes to professional genres. For example, when you go to Google and search ‘Swaziland motivational Speakers’, you sure cannot get a list from Swaziland but you would either be misdirected to neighboring countries, which gives a false impression on Swaziland.

 

Because I am one, I’m not ashamed to tell the world today that I am one out of many motivational speakers that are based in Swaziland. I know several others who may still be unrepresented online. I made efforts in months to persuade Swaziland professionals to make efforts towards building their visibility by inviting them to write on post articles in this blog but it seems there is no breakthrough so far. I however will believe in the parable that saving one fist from the sea is worth it. As commonly said, ‘Rome was not built in a day’.

 

I will post this article and many more will follow to contribute towards making Swaziland professionals visible online. It does seem like fighting a loosing battle but I surely know that it will make a difference.

 

Possible limitations to Swaziland visibility online include the following;

 

  1. Small surface area – Swaziland is smaller than the smallest province in South Africa. I was chatting to a Zimbabwean friend the other day and she told me that Swaziland is smaller that the Bulawayo region. This does have an impact to why there wont be as much Swazi websites up as compared to South Africa. Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
  2. Technology advancement – It’s sad to have realized over a long time that Swaziland is reactive than proactive in responding to newly invented technology. For example, Swaziland has only jumped into broadband in mid 2008. This is just one of the examples, but there are many more including that of mobile phone services and laboratories.
  3. Brain Drain – Even though Swaziland is a small country, but you will find her represented in almost all countries of the world often at managerial positions if not at the top. I know that this not only a disease that is eating on Swaziland only but to Africa as a whole.

 

If time and resources allowed, I’d put up a Swaziland online directory of Swaziland professionals and the services they can offer. Swaziland has people to add on the list in many fields including the following:

 

  1. Architecture – If you get the opportunity to visit Swaziland, you’ll be surprised at the architectural expertise demonstrated by the lovely structures both in town centers, suburbs, semi-urban and even within rural communities.
  2. Journalism – We have several media houses including dailies, periodicals and magazines. Even though small, we have two official television stations and three official radio stations.
  3. Web-designers – Even though I thought it was needless to say, but because of this article, I must say that it is possible to pick from Swaziland one of the best designers in the region. Several are represented online.
  4. Attorneys – When you get into most of the operating offices for attorneys, you’ll clearly see that professionalism and image matters for survival.
  5. Music – Because of the diversity of this industry, Swaziland does appear out of picture when it comes to music. I must however say that there are music schools, studios and professional artists from Swaziland. Not only are music artists successful in Gospel but even in other genres like kwaito, house, reggae, choral, etc.

 

It gets me on my feet to see Swaziland ranking so poorly online. I shall commit to keep adding on the list and keep hoping that Swaziland will eventually be presented to be exactly what she truly is online.

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