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Government Justifies Exorbitant Varsity Fees Hikes

by Kudakwashe Vhenge


By Lloyd Takawira 

Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Hon Ray Machingura has defended the recent university fees adjustments arguing that the cost are justified as they cater for the day to day operations of institutions of higher learning.


Despite uproar from students and parents, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. Raymore Machingura speaking to senator  in the  sanatorium house  last week said that an increase in the price of fuel, food and data has triggered  the fees adjustments.


“Our fees are in two phases. We have what we call tuition fees and there are other fees which are called ancillary which are for your child’s upkeep and maintenance of the school. What happens is that if fuel, food and data go up, all that will lead to an increase in fees. We have tried to avoid an increase in tuition fees but when the ancillary fee goes up, all fees go up,” he said.


However students have remained adamant that the fees are exorbitant with Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU) now romping in the powerful Zanu PF youth league to fight in their corner. 


Speaking after meeting Zanu PF youth league leadership, Zicosu  leader Pijiwest Nhamburo highlighted that the fees hike will affect students’ access to higher education.

“We have noted that the increase in fees will affect most of our members who are students, we do need the government to assist us in that regard,” said Nhamburo.


Zanu PF Acting Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Mr Tendai Chirau promised to engage government on behalf of the students.

“There are many takeaways which came out including that the 110 million dollars set aside for students’ loans be activated and this obviously will help our students,” said Chirau.


Speaking to Bustop TV News, the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) vowed to mobilize and resist the fees increase arguing that they are beyond the reach of many impoverished students. 


Last week government  approved fees increases of up to 250 percent for universities. Some State universities have announced their new fees structure which will see students paying between $25 000 and $40 000 per semester. The fees were hiked from an average of $9 000.

Universities have said the new fees will be effected next semester.

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