Mbabane – Emergency Medical Rescue College (EMRC) has defended its accreditation, staff qualifications and handling of student allowances amid public criticism, insisting that it is ready to resume teaching and learning despite the ongoing disruption.
In a media statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, the college attributed the interruption mainly to the student living allowance, saying it was an issue that fell outside its control.
The response comes against the backdrop of previously reported student protests over outstanding allowances.
“The College wishes to emphasize that it remains fully prepared to resume teaching and learning activities. We are ready to welcome the students back,” management stated.
The college maintained that the interruption was mainly linked to the student living allowance, adding that payment depended on full registration and the submission of the required documentation. It said all the required documents had been submitted and that payment would be made in due time, as communicated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
On staff qualifications, EMRC defended the competence of its academic and support personnel, maintaining that employees were appointed according to the qualifications, competencies and experience required for their respective positions.
“Every programme offered by EMRC is fully accredited by Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC),” the statement reads.
The college said its programmes appeared on ESHEC’s public register of accredited programmes, which students, parents and members of the public could consult to verify their accreditation status.
It further stated that it held institutional accreditation, which examines whether academic and administrative staff possess the qualifications required for their positions.
“The competence of the staff members has therefore been tested twice, once for each programme and again for the institution that houses them,” management stated.
However, the statement did not identify the specific social media allegations concerning staff qualifications or name any staff members whose credentials may have been questioned.
The college also addressed concerns surrounding clinical practice allowances, clarifying that it did not receive these funds and that responsibility for processing work-based and clinical-type allowances rested with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
“EMRC does not receive clinical practice allowance,” the statement reads.
Management said it had submitted a request for the allowances to the ministry and that the SRC had been informed of the step taken. It added that the ministry had confirmed that the allowances were governed by national policy and the programme structure determined by ESHEC.
On the interruption of learning, the college said the student living allowance remained the main obstacle to resuming academic activities.
“The interruption of learning at this time is driven mainly by one matter that sits outside the College’s control: the student living allowance,” management stated.
The college maintained that the SRC and student body were aware of the requirements governing payment and the status of the submitted documentation.
Despite the concerns, EMRC reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality education and training, saying student safety, welfare and academic development remained central to its responsibilities.
“The College remains open to constructive engagement and is committed to addressing legitimate concerns through dialogue and established institutional channels,” the statement reads.
Management encouraged students, stakeholders and members of the public to consult verified information and official communication from the institution when seeking clarification.
Discussion about this post