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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Talks, dialogue, negotiations and GNU - Post June 2008 "elections" - Index of articles
ZINASU
position on the inter-party deal
Zimbabwe
National Students Union (ZINASU)
September 17, 2008
The Zimbabwe
National Students Union (ZINASU) welcomes, albeit with prudence,
the signing of the interparty deal
by representatives of the three political parties in Parliament.
The Union is cautious of the deal because of the lessons drawn from
history, Zanu PF has a reputation of unfaithfulness and crudeness.
As a Union of students we are elated that Zanu PF and the two MDC
formations have responded to the needs of the suffering masses of
Zimbabwe and indeed that of students. The agreement provides a framework
for resolving the crisis of governance, economic and social service
collapse, political and human rights abuses characterizing Zimbabwe.
The students'
leadership is engaged in nationwide consultations with its membership
to get responses to the deal after which a comprehensive response
on their views will be given. The union will be able to provide
an inclusive response after these consultations. The Union however
reinforces its demands which are as follows:
- Improvement
in living and learning conditions for students - Student
loans that cover tuition and subsistence "learn now and pay
later scheme"
- Restoration
of academic freedoms
- People driven
constitution that guarantees education as a human right
- Professionalization
of learning institutions
- Favorable
remuneration schemes for teachers and lecturers
- Lifting of
suspensions and expulsions for student leaders
- Repeal of
repressive legislature - Posa,
AIPPA,
Broadcasting
Act and University Ordinances
- Elimination
of gender inequalities, by enacting gender sensitive institutional
laws and policies.
We are particularly
impressed with the following issues contained in the agreement which
also form our benchmarks for a reasonable deal:
- A draft constitution
in 18 months
- Restoration
of economic stability and growth
- Comprehensive,
transparent and non partisan land audit
- Promotion
of equality, national healing and unity
- Addressing
the humanitarian crisis
- Free political
activity
- Professionalizing
state institutions
The union will
push for the recognition of these demands by the all inclusive government
and in the meantime the Zimbabwe National Students Union will finalize
work on an alternative education policy which it will lobby parliament
to consider adopting. It will also produce a report on the state
of the education sector. We remain the watchdog of government and
will continue working hard to complement its efforts towards improving
the quality of education and day to day life of students and Zimbabweans.
Visit the ZINASU
fact
sheet
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