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Prime Minister re-engages ZINASU leadership over the boycott
Zimbabwe
National Students Union (ZINASU)
October 20, 2010
The mass lecture
boycott in the country's institutions of higher learning called
upon by ZINASU has registered great success as it has shaken the
corridors of power. The Prime Minister has twice met the ZINASU
executive council in a space of 24 hours. The first meeting did
not yield much results but the premier was forced to make concrete
and express commitments in today's hour long meeting held
at 1000hrs in his office.
The students
of Zimbabwe took heed of the call for a national indefinite mass
class boycott by Zimbabwe National Students Union which commenced
on the 18th of this month. The boycott forced normal business to
come to a halt in almost all higher and tertiary institutions country
wide.
At the University
of Zimbabwe this non- violent action was marked by the presence
of more police officers and armed solders than the students. There
was a similar situation in the city of Masvingo as most college
and University campuses were deserted for the past two days and
also the arbitrary arrests of 7 student leaders. Reports from the
other provinces revealed that other colleges nationwide were no
exceptions.
Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai has today reconsidered and asked for a grace period
to push for a final redress of the following grievances among other
numerous students concerns:
- The re- introduction
of the loan and grant scheme
- The immediate
and unconditional reinstatement of all college drop outs; suspended
and expelled student activists.
- An end to
the wide spread victimisation of student activists in their institutions.
- The unconditional
cancellation of student debts and immediate release of examination
results.
- Immediate
opening of the halls of residence at the University of Zimbabwe.
- Better and
sustainable remunerations for college and University lecturers.
- An upgrading
of the general welfare of the students in all institutions of
higher learning.
ZINASU is calling
off the 3 day old boycott but would be on the streets before the
end of next week if nothing satisfactory materialises from the Premier's
undertaking which are as follows:
- A tour at
the University of Zimbabwe campus to assess the state of the halls
of residence which is expected to culminate in the opening of
the halls of residence.
- A cabinet
engagement with the ministers of Finance; Home Affairs and the
minister of Higher and Tertiary Education which is to address
the issues of funding; cancellation of student arrears and put
to and end student victimisation.
Meanwhile the
seven student leaders who are detained at Chikato police station
in Masvingo are being denied court hearing after they had refused
to pay an admission of guilt fine despite that 48 hours of legal
detention have lapsed.
ZINASU condemns
this unlawful detention which depicts a clear negation of the Rule
of Law. The Union further emphasise the fact that student mobilisation
will continue despite the above mentioned commitments by the Premier
and will tirelessly continue the struggle for a Fresh Start in the
education sector.
Visit the ZINASU
fact
sheet
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