HARARE - Four students from Great Zimbabwe University were last week served with suspension letters for allegedly inciting violence and leading demonstrations at the institution in August this year.According to Student Representative body, Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), the four students: Misheck Chimboti, Hardlife Jangure, Vongai Maibva and Tafadzwa Kutya will only be able to return to the college in February next year. The student body condemned the suspension as undemocratic and demonstrative of the authorities unwillingness to recognise the rights of students.
The suspensions and other forms of human rights violations in colleges and in the country generally are a clear indication of the lack of political will and progress towards democratic reforms. They are inconsistent with the mandate of the inclusive government of opening up democratic space, said the statement. Over the past few years demonstrations at Zimbabwes colleges have been ruthlessly quelled by the Robert Mugabe administration with students being arrested and suspended for exercising their democratic rights. With the formation of the inclusive government students hoped that a new era had dawned.
The union strongly feels let down by the MDC wing of the inclusive government which we thought would effectively push for students rights. Instead of focusing on the important business of the government, MDC officials are busy meddling in the business of the students union. We are very worried by the intolerant behaviour of these officials, who find it difficult to accept criticism and the union warns those involved to stop this unwelcome involvement forth with, read the statement from ZINASU.
One of the students who was suspended from GZU, Tafadzwa Kutya, said: I dont believe that this is happening at a time when the country now has an inclusive government. The suspension has, however, made me strong and strengthened my resolve to continue fighting for students rights and academic freedom.
Post published in: News