By Ncaba Ntshakala
TENSIONS are high at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Luyengo Campus following an altercation between a security guard and a student. The incident came to light through a circulating video on social media, sparking concerns among the students.
Tensions between students and security guards have been ongoing at the institution, although the exact cause of this specific altercation remains unclear. Campus sources have indicated that the security guard involved has been relieved of his duties while an investigation is conducted.
Since there is no Student Representative Council (SRC), the current electoral team is alleged to have taken the matter seriously and committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. The university statutes emphasize its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of violence or mistreatment on their campuses.
The regulations assure student body that appropriate measures will be taken once a person is mistreated or violently attacked. Sources close to the matter expressed that this incident has raised discussions around the need for improved communication and conflict-resolution strategies between students and security guards on the three campuses.
A UNESWA staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity said that efforts are underway to address these longstanding issues and find sustainable solutions that promote mutual respect and understanding within the university community. UNESWA recognises the importance of building trust and fostering positive relationships between students and security personnel.
They aim to address the root causes of conflicts and create an environment where everyone feels safe and respected. The university on its statutes encourages anyone who may have witnessed or experienced any form of abuse or misconduct within the campus to come forward and report it.
“UNESWA remains committed to prompt and fair action in addressing such incidents, as they strive to maintain a supportive and harmonious campus atmosphere for all,” said the staff member.
In the circulating video, the guard is seen bashing the student badly and the cause of their fight is not known. Security services in the University are provided by three different companies for each company which includes SAS Security Services at Kwaluseni and another company at Luyengo.
These companies replaced Guard Alert Security Company which pulled out its services from the institution in less than 10 months of operating, citing that UNESWA failed to meet contractual obligations. Guard Alert and the University have a long-standing relationship since the security company was once contracted by the institution before being replaced by 4HIM security. Again, they were engaged last year for their services after UNESWA terminated 4HIM security services which they also cited that the company was failing to meet contractual obligations.
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The University has three campuses, namely Kwaluseni which is the main campus, Mbabane campus and Luyengo campus where the faculty of agriculture and faculty of consumer science are housed. The campus is located between Malkerns and Bhunya.
The faculty houses the departments of Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering, Agricultural Economics and Management, Agricultural Education and Extension, Animal Science, Consumer Sciences, Crop Production and Horticulture.
The faculty offers undergraduate degree majors in agricultural and biosystems engineering, agricultural economics and agribusiness management, agricultural education, agronomy, animal science, animal science (dairy), and horticulture. A source close to the matter said that there have been growing concerns about the issues between students and security guards.
She claimed that some have been reported to the management of the university. The University of Eswatini is alleged to be facing financial challenges. It was reported that the government intervened and cancelled the institution’s income tax debt which amounted to E1.3 billion.
According to the Auditor General’s Compliance Audit Report for the financial year which ended March 31, 2021, and tabled in Parliament on February 18, 2022, the institution was facing imminent risk of insolvency, and had its income tax debt if the government had not intervened.
