The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has issued an ultimatum, giving the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Amon Murwira, seven days to engage in dialogue. Failure to respond positively could result in nationwide shutdowns and street protests, according to the student body.
ZINASU has listed a number of complaints that they want the government to take care of. One major worry is the recent increase in college and university tuition, which some claim violates students’ rights to an education.
ZINASU has listed a number of complaints that they want the government to take care of. One major worry is the recent increase in college and university tuition, which some claim violates students’ rights to an education.
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When Zimbabwean institutions implemented a payment plan that required students to pay 60% to 70% of their tuition in US dollars and the remaining balance in local currency determined by the interbank rate, there was a furor.
ZINASU Vice-President Rumbidzai Hlangabeza voiced grave worry about the financial burden this places on families and how it affects educational accessibility. The outrageous costs are apparently forcing a lot of students to postpone or give up on their education completely.
Hlangabeza underlined the difficulty parents and guardians endure, especially those with low-paying jobs in the public sector. She claimed that many industrious families cannot afford the cost of tuition fees.
