THE University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has suspended six students for rallying their colleagues to participate in a protest against the university administration.
UZ vice-chancellor Paul Mapfumo said Narshon Kohlo, Blessing Mtisi, Nodesha Maingehama, Tafadzwa Katsande, Tawana Hove and Tariro Mtukura violated the institution’s rules and regulations after they were found guilty of “holding an unlawful demonstration” at the university halls of residence on May 12 this year.
“You were moving from one hall of residence to another, one dining hall to another addressing fellow students and inciting them to join you to hold placards and chant slogans against the university administration,” Mapfumo said.
“Accordingly and in light of the seriousness of the allegations detailed above, I have found it necessary in terms of section 8(3) of the UZ Act, to suspend you with immediate effect . . .”
The section stipulates that students should not engage in any conduct, whether on or off-campus, that is reasonably likely to harm the interests of the university, its staff or fellow students.
Kohlo said they were suspended for “exercising our constitutional rights to demonstrate, demanding quality education and fair remuneration for our lecturers”.
“This will not go unchallenged and we shall continue fighting against injustice for what it is. We will not be intimidated or silenced by these gimmicks,” Kohlo said.
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UZ lecturers have been on an indefinite strike demanding a salary increase and improved working conditions.
They are demanding at least US$2 500 for the least paid lecturer up from US$230 per month and a ZiG component of less than US$200 when converted.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe National Students Union condemned the suspension of its members.
The union described the university administrators as “overpaid bureaucratic puppets who have sunk to new depths of latrine-grade governance”.
