MANZINI: Normal classes resume at the William Pitcher teacher training college tomorrow with face-to-face classes since learning for the first time since disruption by student protests early in October.
College Principal Dr. Ntombifuthi Mhlongo confirmed that the college that held its 2024 graduation yesterday, is returning to class for the first time since 9 October when students protesting outstanding scholarship allowances ran rampant.
Though the Ministry of Labour which is responsible for the scholarship fund subsequently paid most of the students, learning at the college continued online.
Meanwhile, the University of Eswatini where students similarly went riot over the same allowances in early October continues to be closed. Student leaders who confirmed that the majority of them had received allowances said they were ready to resume classes. However they are unable to because their lecturers went on strike from the 18th October. Members of the Association of Lecturers and Academic Personnel (ALAP) is pressing the university administration to restore staff medical insurance. ALAP secretary Dr. Mduduzi Shongwe says their employer has deducted staff share of the medical aid insurance contribution but has not passed it on to the insurance company. The university, he said, has also not been paying its share of the contribution in terms of the employment agreements.
The Ministry of Education has appointed a commission of inquiry to look at the many problems of the university and recommend solutions. The commission is currently sitting.
Jm/today/3.11.2024
