MANZINI: Popular Tholumuzi 'Gubevu’ Simelane, the former President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) at the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) has finally graduated with a Primary Teacher’s Diploma (PTD) after facing serious political persecution.
The students rights activist was suspended for three (3) academic years for carrying a sling during a strike action for allowances in November 2019 , in his final year at the university by the then Vice Chancellor Professor Winnie Nhlengetfwa. He was suspended alongside the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) Colani Maseko who was suspended for five (5) academic years.However, they were later reinstated after successfully challenging the matter in court.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Friday evening, the former SANU SRC President said his problems at the University began after he successfully hosted the first ever Fresher's Ball at the christian institution.
“I was told such events were not allowed in the university and I was asked to write a letter to show cause why I shouldn’t be charged, that was the beginning of my problems.I was later charged and suspended for three (3)academic years just for carrying a sling during a strike action where we were demanding for allowances", he said.
Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi had warned students who are involved in the pro-democracy movement that government will not consider them for scholarships.
Reached for comments, Colani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) thanked comrade Gubevu for his resilience despite staying at home for fifteen (15) months after they were both suspended from the university.
“What is so inspiring about Gubevu is that he remained a committed member of the SNUS despite the persecution.All Students should draw inspiration from him , one of our values as the SNUS is academic excellence. Unfortunately all these certificates are useless under this current undemocratic regime, nevertheless they will be useful under a democratic Government,” said the SNUS President.
Graduate Tholumuzi Gubevu Simelane.