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ZINASU
leadership meets with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
Zimbabwe
National Students Union (ZINASU)
May 07, 2009
Today, 07 May
2009, a delegation of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
led by its Vice President, Brilliant Dube met the Prime minister
at his Monomotapa Offices at 11:00 am. ZINASU discussed with the
Prime Minister issues of concern to the union, the following are
the major issues discussed:
- the need
for a new constitution coming out of a people driven process,
- the need
to urgently open the University of Zimbabwe for lectures
- appalling
conditions of living and learning at all institutions of higher
learning in Zimbabwe
- the delay
in marking and releasing of examination results,
- unaffordable
fees in institutions of higher learning and
- poor remuneration
for teaching personnel
The Prime Minister
indicated that his office is concerned with all these matters and
they were working tirelessly to have them addressed. On the constitution,
he said his principle absolutely agreed with our view of the process.
So it is his view that the civil society, students included should
take advantage to effectively participate to influence the content
at the thematic stage to ensure that their views are aired and taken
on board. Fighting between civil society and the inclusive government
will retard the whole process or even destroy the only chance we
have of influencing the constitutional making process.
In relation
to the closure of the University
of Zimbabwe, we were informed that it was out of a realization
that the institution posed a health disaster because there is no
water, thus the UNICEF is currently drilling boreholes and putting
tanks to ensure a constant supply of water in preparation for the
re-opening of the university in August. He further informed the
delegation that they were looking also at how best to improve conditions
at all institutions and at the same time providing quality education
that is sustainable.
The Prime Minister's
office also said that they were raising funds to pay examiners so
that all the outstanding examinations can be marked and results
released as soon as possible. On the burning issue of fees he highlighted
that they were looking at the issue with the aim of slashing the
fees to affordable levels. The Prime Minister challenged ZINASU
to be pro-active and provide alternatives instead of just complaining.
ZINASU also
brought to the attention of the P.M's office the continued
suspension and arrests of students and requested the re-instatement
of student activists who were suspended and expelled on political
grounds at their respective institutions. The delegation agreed
to furnish the office of Prime Minister with the names of the affected
students. A meeting will be organized between the Prime Minister
and the Minister of Higher Education Hon Dr Stan Mudenge to further
iron out some of the issues discussed at the meeting. The student's
leadership is grateful to the Prime Minister for affording them
the opportunity to dialogue on issues affecting students. ZINASU
hopes that the issues discussed will be turned into tangible actions
rather than slogans.
Visit the ZINASU
fact
sheet
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