Heavily-armed state forces stopped students in Swaziland
from marching on government to protest about the non-payment of tuition fees
and scholarships.
More than 100 students today (16 August 2012) gathered at
the University of Swaziland campus in the kingdom’s capital Mbabane, but they
were blocked from leaving for about four hours by police and prison wardens.
Eventually the students gave up and went home.
The students hoped to march on the Labour and Social
Security to deliver a petition concerning a continuing scholarship crisis.
The students resolved to continue a class boycott that
started this week until the Swaziland Government pays all tuition fees and allowances
for government-sponsored students. No first year students have received
sponsorships this year.
The students are also demanding that all first year and
transferring students be allowed to register by the university pending
government’s response to the demands.
The Centre for Human Rights and Development, Swaziland,
reported, ‘The University of Swaziland which opened in the beginning of this
week has been marred with protests and class boycotts which have disturbed the
beginning of lectures. The students’ protest action follows many other similar
activities by civil servants and teachers who demand a salary increase from the
cash stripped Swaziland government. Protesters have been met with violence and
brutality in most of these protest activities.’
See also
STUDENTS BOYCOTT CLASSES
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