28 students suspended at Bulawayo University

By Violet Gonda
21 March 2006

The National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo is reported to have suspended 28 students for taking part in demonstrations over fee increases. The suspensions are pending a hearing set for the 28th of March. Among the suspended are 5 student leaders who are accused of leading the protests. Last week the University of Zimbabwe expelled four student leaders under similar allegations.

A statement issued by the Student Solidarity Trust said the SRC President Beloved Chiweshe, Secretary General Mzwandile Ndlovhu, Former SRC Presidents Iasac Chimutashu and Benjamin Nyandoro and Lawrence Mashungu, the National Vice Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Students Christian Movement, were among the 28 suspended.

The students are accused of charges ranging from conduct harmful to the interests of the University, demonizing and castigating government and the Vice Chancellor of NUST, to malicious injury to property. Government officials have consistently victimised students by denying them the right to protest. Students believe the charges are trumped up as an excuse to crush dissent. The Student Solidarity Trust says students are being victimised as a result of demonstrations over fee hikes that erupted when the term started last month.

The statement said: “The students at the National University of Science and Technology, have been in perpetual protest at the college since the semester started, at the massive fee increments by government which students have termed “Operation Murambashasha”, and have demonstrated at least 4 times this semester.”

Several students were arrested as a result.

Meanwhile the expelled student leaders from the University of Zimbabwe have resolved to fight the expulsions both legally and politically, and have stated that they will not allow the unjustified expulsions to deter them from performing duty and service to the Students Union.