The different Arts and Culture policies, Acts, Bills and the Constitution of Swaziland recognizes Culture as the foundation of the nation and as a unifying factor of the people and the nation. The government of Swaziland commits also to promote all forms of national and cultural expressions mainly through the arts, traditional celebrations and traditions festivals and ceremonies which attract a lot of people from outside the country. In this different legal framework, the different groups in Swaziland expresstheir diverwity in the dances and song song, while some other ceremonies calls for unity and oneness. The Mass media, publications, libraries, and other heritage institution are also expected to play their role in the expression of diversity as stated in the Swaziland National Council of Arts and Culture Policy. This policy states that culture and development should go hand in hand and embraces the concept of changing.
The best way the people of Swaziland can express themselves is through art especially song, dance, poet etc. In these it is where freedom of expression is well displayed. The Policy therefore guides the practice of freedom of expression through promotion of inclusion and participation for all citizens in Swaziland as a guarantee for social cohesion and peace. It also emphasizes the appreciation of cultural diversity and recognizes it as an opportunity towards widening the range of options open to every citizen to express themselves and development both socially and economically at the same time.
The Policy on Culture also allows for international cooperation with various neighbouring countries. As a result of such there are some MoUs being drafted between Swaziland and neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique on how to best develop the people of these countries through art.
In the case of Swaziland, the role that culture plays in development and sustainable development of the country is appreciated. Most Swazis live by selling art locally or selling to vendors who again sell the art in neighbouring countries. Through culture and arts, the people of Swaziland are able to increase their control over their lives and resources through informed participation the making of art and in in decision making process, in harnessing and preserving their environment and in building a society that is socially just. The policy on culture therefore guides people participation in determining the cultural life they desire to pursue.
One element that needs to be explored is in Swaziland is the contribution culture have on the GDP. It is quite clear that culture and Arts contributes a lot to the GDP and plays a major role in meeting some of the MDGs.