UB Student Congress Claims Protest Was Politically Hijacked

 

The Student Congress Movement at the University of Botswana (UB) has accused Moono wa Baithuti, an affiliate of the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), of hijacking last week’s student protest and attempting to control the narrative around student advocacy at the institution.

According to Student Congress President, Asalepele Kalodi, students from multiple tertiary institutions had united to protest against the rising cost of living and transport fare increases, which continue to burden learners.

Kalodi noted that Moono wa Baithuti has since “paraded the victory” of the protest as its own after the government was reportedly pressured into revising student allowances.

He maintained that credit for the protest belongs solely to students and not political affiliates such as the UDC or Moono wa Baithuti.

Another Student Congress member, Clement Kemolatlhe, said current UB student leadership is not fully independent in its advocacy, alleging that political affiliations limit their ability to openly challenge national leaders aligned to their parties.

Kemolatlhe noted that many student issues remain unaddressed because leaders are constrained by political considerations.

Meanwhile, Kalodi outlined the Student Congress Movement’s manifesto, which he presented as part of their presidential agenda aimed at improving student welfare, governance, and campus services.

Kalodi proposed the introduction of a make-up semester system through winter and summer classes, which would allow students to retake modules without delaying graduation.

He further proposed 24-hour access to essential services, including the UB clinic, psychology services, and at least one campus restaurant, alongside increased security patrols across the university.

Kalodi also proposed the installation of CCTV cameras at all campus entry points, internal roads, hostel corridors, and perimeter boundaries to enhance student safety.

He said the movement would push for the digitalisation of student services, including online check-in systems for residential blocks and the introduction of digital student IDs to improve efficiency.

On sports development, Kalodi said the BASCO leagues would be expanded into multi-sport competitions featuring athletics and esports, supported by sponsorship, professional coaching, referees, and medical personnel.

On student empowerment, Kalodi proposed the introduction of a UB Student Magazine in both print and digital formats to promote student businesses, talent, and income-generating opportunities.

He said the movement would also pursue partnerships to boost entertainment and the creative industry, bringing affordable, high-quality events to campus while promoting student artists.

Kalodi further proposed the establishment of an independent Student Accounting Committee to audit SRC operations and enhance accountability, with powers to relieve underperforming members of their duties.

He also advocated for the return of free daily data SIM cards to support academic research and online learning.

Finally, Kalodi proposed the introduction of a “State of the SRC Budget Speech” to ensure students are regularly informed about financial allocations and institutional priorities.

Moono wa Baithuti did not respond when reached for a comment at the time of going to print.