Ministry closes down GTC

The students were warned by Education Minister Jacob Nkate in writing on Wednesday that if they did not return to class by 9am yesterday he would, in accordance with the provisions of section 27 of the Education Act, close the college and expect all students to vacate college premises by 11 am the same day. However, the students did not heed the instruction and heavily armed Botswana Police officers descended on the GTC campus to eject them if they resisted. The students, who had been holding peaceful demonstrations, took their bags and left for their respective homes after crowding at the gates and raising their hands in surrender while shouting: "Kill us if you can." 

The latest developments came about after the Student Representative Council (SRC) turned down a meeting called by ministry officials that was supposed to be held today, arguing that they wanted Minister Nkate to address them in person and not through correspondence.