Mbabane- Students at William Pitcher College (WPC) have staged protests over allegations of persistent verbal abuse by a lecturer, claiming the matter has been ignored despite reports institution’s administration.
The protest, which started last week, follows a series of allegations that the lecturer has been insulting and disrespectful towards students, allegedly calling them “fools,” humiliating them in class, and displaying what students described as “bossy” behavior.
Additionally, it is alleged the lecturer boasts about having powerful connections, which they believe has shielded her from accountability.
Students allege that the misconduct has been ongoing for several years, dating back to between 2021 and 2023. In one incident, it is claimed that a first-year student was allegedly forced to undress and change attire in front of the entire class, an act students described as degrading and unacceptable.
According to a student representative who is known to this publication but his name witheld for ethical reasons alleges that multiple reports were made to the college administration over time, but no decisive action was taken. They claim that management has been reluctant to act due to fear of the lecturer.
Moreover, there are also allegations that efforts to escalate the matter were suppressed. Students claim that a formal complaint letter was drafted but later withheld by both the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the administration.
Additionally, some allege that parents of affected students were contacted and pressured to remain silent on the issue.
The protesting students are now calling for immediate intervention from the institution’s leadership. Among their key demands are the removal of the lecturer from teaching duties, barring her from marking their work, and her early retirement.
“We want a safe and respectful learning environment,” one of the students said. “We have endured this for too long, and nothing has been done.”
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