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University of Zimbabwe fees revision a nullity
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
May 14, 2009

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) outrightly dismisses the purportedly revised fees regime at the University of Zimbabwe as a nullity. The University of Zimbabwe through the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Magosvongwe released a statement with the new fee structure.

Resident students in the science faculty will pay US$1 074 per semester, while those in the humanities faculty will pay US$804. Fees for non-resident students studying sciences have been pegged at US$674 while those in the humanities will pay US$404.

We reiterate our position that the fees are too high and out of reach to the majority of students whose parents are civil servants and earning a meager allowance of US$100 a month. It should also be on record that the USD1074 they are demanding from science students is only US$126 less the Presidents and Prime Minister's annual package. Where do the authorities expect the students to get this money from?

ZINASU is also disappointed by this government's failure to priority the welfare of students. The Ministry of Higher Education's Key result areas and targets as outlined in the 100 day plan which was launched yesterday by Prime Minster Tsvangirai and Vice President Mujuru mentioned nothing with regards to students' welfare.

We strongly remind the three Principals namely ZANU PF geriatric leader Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara of MDC, University Vice Chancellors and college Principals that tertiary institutions are not private enterprises. Tertiary institutions are public institutions and therefore they should be funded by the government NOT students.

We further dismiss the narrow and parochial claims by the ailing Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Dr Mudenge that the greatest challenge facing the UZ is the shortage of water, typical of ivory tower analysis - ZANU PF way of thinking.The university is faced by multi faceted problems ranging from inadequate and out dated study and research material, outdated curriculum, dilapidated infrastructure, ranging from toilets, libraries, halls of residence, laboratories not forgetting the most contentious issue of tuition fees.

Further, we remind the government of the day that education is not a commodity. Education is not for sale. No to privatization of Education. We will continue with our peaceful protests until sanity retains in our institutions.

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