By Thokozani Mazibuko
Shocking reports have surfaced, revealing that some students at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) have been forced into sex work to combat hunger and financial hardships.
It was during the UNESWA administration’s appearance when the Somntongo Member of Parliament, Sandile Nxumalo, called on the institution to revisit its past to address the current challenges faced by students today.
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“While I was admitted at the university many years ago, we all stayed and were accommodated inside the facility and there were no issues of hunger and sex work.
As I am speaking now, this allowance has made the situation worse as some students have resorted into sex work due to hunger.
Consider accommodating all students in the university boarding and see if it will not work,” MP Nxumalo implored the UNESWA administration.
The University of Eswatini administration appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday to address concerns related to the well-being of students and the institution’s financial management.
During the meeting, it was brought to light that several UNESWA students have resorted to engaging in sex work to make ends meet, highlighting the stark realities of socio-economic struggles faced by some individuals within the university community.
In response to these alarming revelations, Sandile Nxumalo, the Member of Parliament for Somntongo, emphasized the importance of revisiting the past and acknowledging historical injustices that may have contributed to the current hardships faced by students.
He urged the university administration to take proactive measures to rectify these wrongs and provide support to students in need, thereby ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all.
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It should be noted that the issue of students being forced into sex work due to hunger sheds light on the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the youth population in Eswatini, particularly within the higher education sector.
It is worth mentioning that as stakeholders continue to address these complex issues, it is imperative for institutions like UNESWA to prioritize the well-being and welfare of their students,
and to work towards creating sustainable solutions to alleviate financial burdens and prevent vulnerable individuals from resorting to desperate measures.