The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) is threatening a nationwide shutdown of higher tertiary institutions,threatening action within seven days if the Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Amon Murwira fails to address their concerns.
ZINASU President Emmanuel Sitima expressed deep frustration with the Ministry’s lack of engagement saying “We are incredibly frustrated by the Ministry’s refusal to enter into a dialogue with us. These excessive tuition fees are forcing students out of school, and it has to stop.”
This situation directly contradicts Section 75 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which guarantees free and accessible education for all school-going learners.
The union is demanding a meeting with the Ministry to discuss solutions that will prevent further student dropouts and ensure affordable education in the country.
Stima said their concerns need to be addressed with urgency.
“If the Ministry does not respond within the next seven days, ZINASU will have no choice but to shut down universities and colleges across the country until our grievances are addressed.”
“We held a multi-stakeholder meeting in February that included the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, but the Ministry simply chose not to attend,” Sitima said.
ZINASU is calling for the Ministry to acknowledge the student body’s perspective.
“We want our voices to be heard. The policies that govern our education directly impact us, and we deserve to have a say in shaping them. Minister Murwira seems to believe he has a monopoly on solutions, but that’s simply not the case.”
The union’s concerns are rooted in the financial strain placed on students, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds.
“Our members are the sons and daughters of peasants and civil servants struggling to make ends meet.
“These exorbitant fees are pushing them to desperate measures, forcing them to defer studies, drop out altogether, or even resort to crime and prostitution just to stay in school,” said Sitima.
