THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD AVOID RIOTS IN UNIVERSITIES

Sir,

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to voice out my concern on the many issues affecting students in the country’s tertiary institutions.

I have been running away from this topic for years not because I have nothing to say but due to the fact that it was hard to find the perfect way to put it.

For years there has been concern on the students who now and again engage in a number of class boycotts and strikes, demanding their allowances. Yes, our education is in crisis no matter how much we can try to hide it. I do know that government does not have the funds but I honestly think that there is something that can be done.

All over the world it’s encouraged that all governments should invest in the future of young people and one of the ways of doing so is by providing education. Education is supposed to be the right of every child.
It is therefore saddening that almost every year we have students taking to the streets because government has not released their allowances.

As a concerned citizen, it pains me to see our future leaders having to stage protests and destroying property just because they want to get what belongs to them.

Government needs to stop acting like everything is well. Instead, it must ensure that we do not witness the same protests every year. If it happens once, government needs to find ways of ensuring that it does not happen the following year. There is a need to find a lasting solution to this and that is what I expect government to do.

Honestly, I do not like the way that this matter is handled. The use of violence during the protests is not the lasting solution. I am shocked that even the so-called Parliament has not set up a committee to probe the challenges faced by tertiary institutions, leading to the many strikes and protests. How come MPs always rush to establish probe committees when it comes to other issues? Why is education neglected like this?

A probe to investigate the administration of the Phalala Fund was established and another one to investigate how the country could benefit if it legalised dagga for medicinal purposes. How about doing the same for the tertiary students? Are they not children of EmaSwati? Don’t they deserve a bright future?

Government should take a lead in this issue, stop watching the protests from their seats in their comfortable offices but take action.
After doing so, they need to conduct a study on how many of those who graduate do get jobs or are able to start their own businesses.

It is disheartening that government has become shortsighted on issues that are supposed to be a priority if the country is to achieve First World status. The value of everything is undisputed and every child deserves the right to a proper career so that tomorrow we can see our country developing economically, financially and otherwise.

Concerned citizen
Sandlane

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