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President's statement of solidarity to the suspended students
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
April 23, 2009

I note with grave concern the continued persecution, arrests, suspensions and all forms of victimization to all of you as our National Campaign against Privatization of Education in Zimbabwe (NACAPEZ) gathers momentum.

It is sad that such barbaric acts continue despite the fact that an inclusive government which among its responsibilities, was supposed to open up the democratic space, allowing freedom of assembly, association, expression as well as academic freedoms.

I am aware that students at the National University of Science and Technology, NUST have been denied access to the exam room on the grounds that they did not pay tuition fees. On the several occasions where students protested against this form of apartheid being orchestrated by the authorities, scores have been arrested. As if that is not enough, thirteen including the SRC president Kurayi Hoyi, Secretary General Samson Nxumalo and former SRC Secretary General Vivid Gwede have been suspended pending hearing, becoming the first group of students to be suspended pending hearing. I condemn this fascist behavior.

In Masvingo over thirty students were arrested this week alone as protests intensify. ZINASU Secretary for Legal Affairs, Courage Ngwarai addressed students on Monday the 20th of April 2009, got arrested, and released the same day as students invaded the police station. On Tuesday, he was arrested again and is still languishing in police cells. We demand his urgent release and that of all students currently in detention.

The situation is the same at the Midlands State University, MSU as university administration threatens to chase students out of the exam room if they fail to settle their fees before the start of the exam session.

I wish to express my heartfelt solidarity to all affected students and urge you to remain resolute. I can assure you, if we remain united, steadfast and fearless, victory is certain.

To all the victimized students, I share with you the pain and distress.

An injury to one is an injury to all

Resolute,
Clever Bere

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