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University stops lessons as lecturers strike
The Herald (Zimbabwe)
October 10, 2008

http://www.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=1923&cat=1

Midlands State University has stopped lessons until further notice after lecturers went on strike last week. In a statement to students yesterday, MSU registrar Mr Godfrey Gurira said lectures could not begin after the institution opened on September 29 because lecturers had not turned up for duty.

Mr Gurira said the semester had begun and urged students to register while waiting for the impasse to be solved.

"As far as the university is concerned, the semester has commenced and that the Senate has been called to discuss the situation and map out a way forward by way of coming up with proposals on how to deal with the situation.

"In the meantime, students are encouraged to take advantage of the current situation by ensuring that they complete all registration formalities, " he said.

Association of University Teachers' spokesperson Mr Munetsi Ruzivo yesterday said the situation was worrisome.

"We are meeting on Tuesday next week to map a way forward. We really wonder if we are to open, and how that will be done," said Mr Ruzivo.

Zimbabwe State University Lecturers' Association president Mr Government Phiri said their last engagement with the authorities had ended in deadlock.

"Right now, there's no teaching going on at universities because of many problems, with the major one being staff salaries.

"Lecturers just cannot report for duty, this is different from a strike," said Mr Phiri.

Zimbabwe National Students' Union president Mr Clever Bere said students were the most affected by the situation at state universities.

"The few lecturers that remain at universities are not motivated; they are getting the lowest salaries in the world.

"They are there physically, but in spirit they are not there," Mr Bere said.

"We expect our universities to be like other universities."

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