MASERU, Feb. 10 — A tense standoff at Lesotho College of Education (LEC) was averted yesterday as police intervened to stop a potentially violent strike, preventing injuries and further escalation.
The strike, which had been brewing over unresolved rent issues, was halted before it could get out of hand, as police swift action prevented potential injuries and damage to property.
During an interview with the Agency one of the students Refiloe Maoeng said that under normal circumstances they were supposed to get rent allowance last week but up to this day there is still no such payment.
She added that it was yesterday that students decided to take matters into their own hands and act as a way to get attention from the school about the matter so they started by setting up all the box dustbins in classes on fire and started striking.
The school reacted to the strike by calling the police and as they came it was then that students were promised that they will get their rent allowances today saying the reason for this complications is that other students changed their residence and are now registered to stay in campus therefore there has to be some changes before making payments to avoid making mistakes.
Moreover, while interviewing Rethabile Lephoto, added that the reason why they caused the strike in school premises is that their sponsor National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) has given such money to the school respective departments but they decide to keep the money and not transfer it to students.
She also said it is quite a challenge for those that are not living on campus because they struggle to pay rent and end up being forced to vacate the rooms where they are renting because of the delay .
The Lesotho College of Education (LCE) has been experiencing student unrest over unresolved grievances.
Yesterday, tensions were high as police intervened to prevent a strike, citing concerns over potential violence and property damage, preventing action, stopping potential chaos on campus.
The move averted a potentially explosive situation, with no injuries or major disruptions reported.
Ends/REM/tl