SWAZILAND STUDENT UNREST SPREADS

Student unrest is spreading across Swaziland.

Yesterday (14 February 2012), the Swaziland College of Technology (SCOT) was closed indefinitely, following class boycotts by students.

Meanwhile, boycotts of classes are ongoing at the University of Swaziland.

Both sets of students are angry with the Swazi Government for not paying them their due allowances. Swaziland is on the brink of financial meltdown and the government is finding it increasingly difficult to pay its bills.

Armed police fired teargas on students at SCOT where about 120 third-year students are demanding about E7 000 each which they said was supposed to have been part of their allowances while they were on attachment with different companies during the last academic year.

SCOT principal Casper Dube decided to close the college indefinitely.

Local media report that about 50 officers and four police Casper vehicles were parked at the entrance of the college. Close to 50 other officers were found stationed inside SCOT carrying guns and batons.