Back to Index

State of the education sector - Week ending April 17, 2009
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
April 20, 2009

Bulawayo

Armed anti-riot police assault students

Students at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) yesterday 16 April 2009 demonstrated over the high top up fees that they were ordered to pay by the end of the day. The college administration plastered posters all over campus advising students that failure to pay by end of day would result in them being barred from sitting for examinations scheduled for Monday 20th of April. The students were addressed by their S.R.C. president Kurayi Hoyi, Samson Nxumalo the Secretary General and the former secretary-general Vivid Gwede before marching to the offices which were guarded by heavily armed anti- riot police. They clashed with the protesting students, several students were injured with two being hospitalized and 30 students were arrested and detained at Bulawayo Central Police. This is the second time that the students have demonstrated over the high fees.

Harare

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) to remain closed

On the 14th of April 2009 the Vice-Chancellor Mr. Levy Nyagura made an announcement on national television that the University of Zimbabwe would remain closed until August 2009, no exact date was given. This is the second time this year that the university has failed to open. The Vice Chancellor cited shortages of basic necessities like water and sanitation. He also noted that the students' halls of residences were inhabitable and needed renovations before occupation. Lecturers have not been conducting lectures due to poor remuneration and will only resume work after their plight has been addressed. The fees structure for the next semester was announced and the lowest will pay USD300 for arts and humanities, the highest will pay USD450 for sciences.

Bindura

Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) ends semester

Bindura University of Science Education closed on the 9th of April 2009. All the students successfully managed to sit for their examinations that started on the 30th of March and ended on the 9th of April 2009. Students who had not fully paid their tuition were permitted to sit for their examination s on condition that, results will be released to them after full payment of the balance. The college authorities announced the fees structure for the next semester. The fees are ranging from USD465 for humanities being the lowest and USD515 for sciences being the highest. The university is set to reopen for the next semester on the 4th of May 2009.

Manicaland

Tertiary institutions close for vacation

All tertiary institutions except for Africa University have closed for vacation. All the Teachers colleges and Magamba Training College will open on the 4th of May 2009, Zimbabwe College of Forestry and Forestry International Training Centre are yet to be advised on when the next term will start. Authorities also announced fees structures for next semester to enable students to source funds for the semester. However they are still beyond the reach of many. The fees announced are ranging from USD300 for Arts and Humanities to USD450 for Sciences.

University election results update - Great Zimbabwe University

Great Zimbabwe University held students' representative council elections. On 16th of April 2009. The elections were conducted freely and fairly and were also reported to be done in a peaceful manner.

President - Zooro Dumiso
V.President - Hamadziripi Mapwanyire
Secretary General - Charlton Chatambudza

Councilors

Guyo Pedzisai
Nope Wonder
Sibanda Moite
Elizabeth Masedze
Hweta Grace
FR Simon Chaputsira
Tawanda Masabaika
Nomore Nhema
Walter Moyo
Melody Machavanga

ZINASU congratulates the comrades and encourage them to engage the authorities to work hand in hand and to also work tirelessly in the development of the college and in addressing issues that affect students urgently and fairly.

Visit the ZINASU fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP