ZINASU factional fighting turns ugly

By Lance Guma
08 March 2010

The battle between two factions of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) turned nasty over the weekend with accusations that MDC youths allegedly assaulted leaders from one faction opposed to the constitution making process. Last year ZINASU split into two groups, one supporting the MDC and the government constitution making process and the other opposed to it and supported by the National Constitutional Assembly and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions.

The memorial service for the late Susan Tsvangirai at Glamis Stadium in Harare on Saturday was allegedly marred by MDC youths who attacked the ZINASU executive, seen as opposing their party in the power struggle. A statement issued by the NCA claimed that the attacks left 4 student leaders injured, including President Tafadzwa Mugwadi, Secretary General Kurayi Hoyi, Treasurer Tafadzwa Kutya and the Secretary for legal Affairs Archieford Mudzengi, who was said to be in a serious condition.

Meanwhile the other faction, led by Joshua Chinyere, has dismissed the charges of violence and threatened legal action. National spokesman Wisdom Mgagara said ‘It’s unfortunate that some misguided college drop -outs can make a joke out of a very serious national event. All legitimate civil society leaders were given a platform to give solidarity speeches.’ He dismissed the charges of violence at the memorial event, adding that ‘ZINASU is in the process of seeking legal redress against all these hooligans who are putting the name of the Students Union into disarray.’