University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Diploma in Law students have been left frustrated after results for one of their modules were allegedly withheld because a part-time lecturer has not received full payment for July.
Students reported that while results for other modules had been released, marks for Introduction to Tax Law 2 remained unavailable.
They complained that, despite paying tuition fees, they were now caught in a dispute over staff remuneration.
It is alleged that UNESWA partially paid part-time lecturers for July.
The lecturer responsible for Introduction to Tax Law 2 is alleged to have withheld the results until the outstanding payment is made.
The delay has left students uncertain whether they passed the module or must prepare for supplementary examinations.
Several of them expressed disappointment, saying the situation was beyond their control yet placed them at a disadvantage.
Students said repeated attempts to access the results through the online portal had failed, with the system showing marks for other modules but not Introduction to Tax Law 2.
They added that the uncertainty was causing anxiety, especially for those needing confirmation to proceed with their studies.
The dispute follows last year’s salary payment delays that disrupted academic activities across UNESWA campuses.
In April, staff members were informed that salaries would not be paid on time due to funding challenges, sparking protests at Kwaluseni and the suspension of classes.
The current issue of partial payments to part-time lecturers has renewed concerns over staff remuneration, leaving students caught in the middle of the dispute.
Phased payments
UNESWA Registrar Max Mkhonza confirmed that payments to part-time lecturers were being made on a phased basis due to cash-flow constraints.
“This arrangement has been adopted solely because of the university’s financial position and not because there is any dispute regarding the legitimacy of the claims. UNESWA remains committed to settling all approved claims in full as funds become available,” he said.
On allegations that the Introduction to Tax Law 2 results had been withheld because of unpaid lecturer fees, Mkhonza said the university was yet to establish the facts with the relevant faculty and the lecturer concerned.
“It would be premature to confirm a direct link between the delayed payment and the release of results,” Mkhonza said.
He stressed that students should not be disadvantaged, adding that any delays in releasing results must be addressed through the university’s academic and administrative processes.
The registrar said management would engage the relevant parties to ensure that the matter was resolved quickly and that students received their results without unnecessary delay.
Mkhonza said phased payments would continue until all approved claims were settled.
“While it is impossible to commit to a single payment date for all outstanding claims, the university remains committed to honouring its obligations within its financial capacity.
“We appreciate the patience and professionalism shown by part-time lecturers during this challenging period and remain committed to safeguarding both their interests and, most importantly, the academic interests of our students.”
