In a dramatic turn of events, six University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students were arrested on Monday afternoon after staging a flash protest to demand urgent action on the ongoing lecturers’ strike. The arrested students are:Narshon Kohlo: UZ ZINASU chairperson,Tafadzwe Katsande, Blessing Mtisi,Tawananyashe Hove,Nodesha Maingehama and Tariro Mtukura

The students were protesting against the university’s authorities, particularly Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo and Munyaradzi Madambi, for allegedly denying them their right to education. According to Kohlo, “We paid full tuition fees, and we expect learning services in return.” The students claim they didn’t write exams in some blocks due to a lack of lectures, and the university’s attempt to proceed with end-of-semester exams despite the strike has sparked outrage.

UZ lecturers have been on strike for over a month, demanding salary increases and improved working conditions. They’re calling for salaries to be pegged at $2,250, citing regional standards. The strike has disrupted academic activities, with lecturers refusing to attend meetings, invigilate exams, or mark scripts.

Students are growing increasingly frustrated, accusing lecturers of sabotaging their education and undermining the country’s education system. With exams approaching, pressure is building for a resolution. The students are prepared to take further action, including peaceful demonstrations, if the situation remains unchanged.

Kohlo urged authorities to act swiftly, saying, “The solution is very simple: pay our lecturers. Compensate them fairly. Pay them decent salaries and decent wages.” The arrested students were taken to Avondale Police Station, and it’s unclear what charges they’ll face. Student groups and rights activists are calling for their immediate release and prioritizing dialogue over repression
source-afrogazette