THE University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Senate has resolved that all students across its Kwaluseni, Luyengo, and Mbabane Campuses must resume classes with immediate effect.
This directive was communicated in an official memorandum issued yesterday by acting Registrar Richard Masuku.
The decision follows a three-day class boycott by students in protest over the death of fellow student Farido Singwa, a level two Bachelor of Humanities student.
Singwa’s body was discovered by his sister in the Mbuluzana River on Sunday morning. Prior to his passing, he had reportedly shared suicidal thoughts with his girlfriend and family members, citing overwhelming academic and emotional distress.
Family sources revealed that Singwa had attempted to switch academic programmes, however, he was informed that it was too late to do so, and that changing courses would result in the forfeiture of his scholarship.
This, they claimed, left him feeling trapped and despondent.
It is further alleged that Singwa visited the registration department the week before his death, where he was met with dismissive and unsympathetic treatment by a male lecturer.
The staff member is said to have told him that if he wished to change programmes, he would have to wait another two years—a response believed to have further deepened his sense of helplessness.
In response to the tragedy, students have called for greater accountability from university management and demanded improved mental health services.
In particular, they have insisted that the staff member alleged to have mistreated Singwa be held responsible.
At a press conference held at the Kwaluseni Campus on Tuesday, UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala confirmed that an internal investigation had been launched to determine the events leading up to Singwa’s death.
He announced that the investigative committee would comprise four members drawn from the university’s Mental Health and Counselling departments, as well as representatives from all three campuses and the dean of student affairs.
Despite the announcement of the investigation, students rejected the university’s response and continued with the boycott, further demanding action against the lecturer they claim also contributed to Singwa’s distress.
In the memo circulated yesterday, Masuku warned that should students fail to resume academic activities by today, all campuses would be closed, and students would be required to vacate the premises by 10am.
He clarified that classes for the Institute of Post-graduate Studies and Distance Education would proceed as scheduled.
Masuku also assured students that other concerns raised during the boycott were actively being addressed by the administration, and that formal responses would be communicated in due course.
