The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) says it is working with key stakeholders to ensure that the Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT) reopens.
This follows a five-week closure that has left students frustrated and concerned about their academic future.
Acting Principal Secretary in the ministry Nhlanhla Dlamini said they were actively engaging relevant stakeholders to address the issues, emphasising that it was not in the ministry’s interest for the college to remain closed for an extended period.
The college has been closed for five weeks, with students claiming that there has been little or no official communication regarding the situation or when academic activities would resume.
The prolonged closure has raised anxiety among students, particularly those who are expected to graduate or complete their programmes this year.
The matter was also raised in Parliament following questions directed to the Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo.
Among the questions raised was why ECOT sometimes failed to hold graduation ceremonies.
In his tabled response, the minister said the ministry continued to closely monitor developments within tertiary institutions, particularly where disputes threaten academic stability.
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He highlighted that many disruptions in colleges often stem from disagreements between students and their financiers rather than conflicts directly involving the institution.
“The ministry is closely monitoring the situation in our colleges with the potential to support them and to minimise the risks of boycotts,” he said.
The ministry further explained that in situations where disputes arise between students and the institution itself, it stepped in to monitor developments more closely in order to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Despite these assurances, students affected by the ECOT closure remain uncertain about when learning would resume.
Some have expressed concern that the continued shutdown could delay their academic progress and affect future employment or further studies.
The ministry also indicated that broader efforts relating to the operations of colleges and possible institutional adjustments were ongoing, subject to approvals from the Ministry of Public Service.
Additional Context
Extended closures in tertiary institutions can have long-term implications on graduation timelines, workforce entry, and student financial stability, particularly for those nearing completion of their studies.
