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ZINASU President arrested
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
August 05, 2009

Harare

Zimbabwe National Students Union President, Clever Bere, was arrested this afternoon after addressing students at the University of Zimbabwe outside the campus main library. Hundreds of students had gathered at the library for a general meeting organized by ZINASU to chart the way forward on the issue of tuition fees which a majority of students have failed to raise. During his address President Bere had called upon the students to remain vigilant and united so that our existence as students is not threatened. The government was also called upon to prioritise education and improve the welfare of students in tertiary institutions. The university on Monday 3 August 2009, placed notices informing students who have not paid fees that there are barred from attending lectures and using the library. From the statistics from the bursars office it's now clear that three quarters of students have failed to raise money for tuition fees. Today's arrest is a clear indication that freedom of expression on campuses is still to be guaranteed in this country despite the coming of the inclusive government. We appeal to Ministry of Home Affairs and college authorities to deal with students in a more civilized manner and allow students to gather and discuss their issues without being victimised. Lawyers have already been deployed to follow up the arrest. We will be updating you as soon as we get more information.

Masvingo

About 300 Great Zimbabwe University students today staged a peaceful protest over high tuition fees, lecturers strike and the failure by the college to release results for examinations written last semester. The students gathered at the college administration block demanding an address by the Vice Chancellor Professor Maravanyika who unfortunately failed to turn up. The students were addressed by ZINASU Legal Affairs secretary Courage Ngwarai, ZINASU General Councilor and NUST SRC President Kurai Hoyi and Great Zimbabwe University student leader Gamuchirai Mukucha.The protest was part of the of the ongoing National Campaign Against the Privatization of Education in Zimbabwe (NACAPEZ).

Nb: The fees are ranging from $405 to 500 per semester.

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