MANZINI: Ntombifuthi Mhlongo,the Principal of the Willliam Pitcher Teachers College has announced the closure of the college due to unpaid food allowances.
In a memorandum released by the on Tuesday afternoon, the Principal said they had to close the college due student boycotts over the unpaid food allowances.
“Unfortunately today 11th October students did not return to class instead they continued with class boycotts,violent protests,hailing insults and threats;thus compromising the safety of other students, staff members and their property as well as the College property.with all these considerations the College is closed indefinitely,” reads the memorandum in part.
Phila Buthelezi, the Minister of Labour and Social Security had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
Speaking to this Swaziland News, Colani Maseko the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) said the management had been undermining the welfare of students for a very long time.
“William Pitcher College management has been undermining the welfare of students for a very long time. The diabolic decision of closing the institution everytime when the students raise their issues will never adress them. As a union we salute the students for defending their future and for refusing to be treated as thrash. As majority stakeholders, students must know that this is their institution and they must do everything to sort out issues threatening their academic life,”said the SNUS President.
William Pitcher students going back home on Tuesday.