THE University of Eswatini (UNESWA), Kwaluseni Campus has been closed indefinitely.
The campus’ immediate closure was announced by the Registrar Bonginkosi Mkhonza through a memo that was issued last Thursday.
He said the closure was necessitated by unsanctioned student protests last week.
Mkhonza also cited concerns over student safety and the protection of university property.
According to the memo that was issued in the afternoon, students from the Kwaluseni Campus had to vacate the premises the following day, Friday by 10am.
Before the closure, the students had briefly demonstrated at the Kwaluseni Campus in demand of a mid-semester study break. They said they needed the break for academic reflection and improved mental health. This was despite the fact that the scheduled study break period was effectively utilised during intervarsity games held in Lesotho from March 9 to 13.
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Prior to attending the games, students had reportedly agreed that they would waive the study break, as the time meant for rest would be consumed by their participation in the event.
Last Monday, Student Representative Council (SRC) Secretary General Sabatha Zikalala said the council would register the students’ request for a study break in a UNESWA Senate meeting that was held on Wednesday.
However, on Wednesday afternoon, Mkhonza issued a memo notifying the students that after consideration, the request for a break, which in turn would result in a reviewed almanac, had been declined. This outcome did not sit well with the students who reportedly continued engaging in the protest at the Kwaluseni Campus.
“Senate will issue further directives on Monday,” the notice read.
Further clarification from SRC President Mncobi Mamba revealed that the study break controversy stemmed from a shift in the academic calendar.
He explained that intervarsity games traditionally coincided with the semester break, meaning students would attend the games while on official break.
