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ZINASU condemns the suspension of the Vice-President
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
October 30, 2012

The Zimbabwe National students Union is shocked and appalled by the suspension of Believe Tevera (ZINASU Vice-President) from the Midlands State University on 29 October for writing a letter to the editor which was published in the Newsday on the 24th of the same month. The letter called students to action as a means of addressing their plight. ZINASU condemns the suspension which is a clear infringement of freedom of expression which is guaranteed in the country's current constitution and numerous international conventions.

The suspension of the Vice President comes hard on the heels of the ZINASU spokesperson's studies being put in abeyance earlier this year. The spokesperson was reinstated after taking the University of Zimbabwe to court. Other members of the ZINASU executive who are currently serving politically motivated suspensions include the president Pride Mkono and the Secretary General Tryvine Musokeri.

Since time immemorial tertiary institution heads who are afforded excessive powers by the acts of parliament that govern their institutions have been using suspensions and expulsions as tools to stop student leaders from executing their duty of representing students and fighting for their rights. But I would like to inform all Vice-Chancellors and Principals that their attempts to cow us into abandoning the students' struggle through suspensions are as futile as flogging a dead horse, siphoning an empty barrel or trying to steal cattle from an empty kraal.

Despite all victimization ZINASU remains clear, unwavering and tenacious in its quest to champion the cause of students. You can suspend a student leader today but tomorrow another one will take his/her place. ZINASU demands the unconditional reinstatement of Believe Tevera. If this demand is not met the MSU admin should prepare to be taken to court for wrongful suspension. We will never bow down to the whims and caprices of authoritarian administrations nor will we be submissive and obsequious in the face of clear and brazen abuse of power.

The Zimbabwe National Students Union is calling on all progressive forces to release statements condemning this callous, monstrous and unjustified act by the Midlands State University. All this is happening whilst our secretary general is languishing in Hwahwa prison; our Union is under attack. We call on all progressive forces to show us solidarity in these tough times of persecution. Injure one Injure all.

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