Dualism's dilemmas: citizenship and migration in contemporary eSwatini

One of the main characteristics of 'Swatiness' has been embracing lived dualisms in all aspects of life, including the much-debated cultural dualism of traditionalism and modernity which, although not unique to eSwatini, is more emphasised in this small southern African kingdom. This article discusses examples from research on eSwatini citizens living in South Africa and foreign-born residents of eSwatini, to show how exclusionary singular forms of bureaucratic identification via national identity cards are endangering the flexibility and creativity which are distinctive of Swati socio-cultural life. These bureaucratic forms run counter the inclusive, relational and negotiated dimensions of older conceptions and practices of citizenship and belonging.