BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
KWALUSENI – The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) has officially cleared the lecturer who had been accused of mistreating the late student Farido Singwa, citing a lack of evidence following an internal investigation.
Speaking at a press conference held at the institution’s Kwaluseni Campus on Tuesday afternoon, Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala confirmed that the probe found no proof to substantiate claims that the lecturer had insulted or harassed the 22-year-old Humanities student.
“The investigation has cleared the UNESWA lecturer of all allegations. No evidence was found to confirm the claims,” said Prof Thwala, addressing members of the media, university staff, student leaders, and the grieving public.
He further explained that the university would continue to engage the lecturer concerned as part of internal procedures, but emphasized that allegations circulating on social media and in print had not been supported by facts.
“University authorities have cleared the lecturer of all allegations following a thorough investigation into remarks allegedly made to a student who tragically took their own life,” said Prof Thwala.
“The probe found no evidence to substantiate claims, and as such, we are guided by what the facts show.”
Farido Singwa’s passing in April sent shockwaves across the country, prompting strong reactions and accusations of institutional neglect, student victimisation, and lecturer misconduct.
In response, the UNESWA Senate commissioned a formal investigation on April 8, 2025, to establish the circumstances surrounding Farido’s academic, emotional, and personal challenges.
Delivering the findings, Prof Thwala said the student was facing multiple stressors, including financial hardship, emotional distress, and a lack of access to psychosocial support.
“At the time of his death, Farido was unregistered and deeply affected by both academic pressure and personal setbacks,” he revealed.
The investigative committee, comprising Dr F.S. Shabalala, Mr B.N. Msibi, Dr R. Mafumbate, and Ms N.B. Simelane, interviewed key university officials, including SRC President Siboniso Seyama, roommate Mandla Shongwe, Student Counselling staff, and Mr M. Ngubeni from the Faculty of Humanities.
According to the report, there was no confirmation that Farido was directly mistreated by the accused lecturer. However, the committee found systemic gaps in the university’s support system. “He struggled with course dissatisfaction, mounting debt, and a lack of consistent guidance,” said Prof Thwala.
Mr Ngubeni, Faculty Administrator, reportedly provided evidence that Farido had been seeking assistance with changing his programme but was frustrated by delays and miscommunication.
The Student Counselling Office also confirmed that the late student had not officially registered for support, despite showing signs of distress.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged these gaps and committed the institution to implement a set of key recommendations.
These include proactive mental health awareness campaigns, stronger induction programmes for lecturers, enhanced teaching evaluations, and mandatory counselling orientations for first-year students.
“We owe it to Farido and to every other student to improve how we support those who struggle quietly,” said Prof Thwala.
As the press conference wrapped up, emotions remained palpable across the hall. Among the attendees were the Dean of Student Affairs, Registrar, members of the SRC, and fellow students, many of whom hoped the university would learn from the tragedy.
Farido Singwa’s story has sparked national conversations about mental health, student wellbeing, and accountability in higher education.
Tuesday’s report may have cleared one individual, but it has equally raised broader questions about the collective responsibility institutions hold in protecting their learners.
