Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has strongly criticized University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo for dismissing striking lecturers and suspending student activists who supported their cause. Biti accused the university head of displaying both arrogance and incompetence in handling the ongoing labour dispute.
The condemnation follows the recent suspension of six students affiliated with the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU). The students were punished for staging a demonstration in May in solidarity with UZ lecturers, who have been on strike since April 16, demanding better pay and working conditions.
Earlier this month, UZ authorities terminated the contracts of four leaders from the Association of University Teachers UZ, reportedly for using the university’s Great Hall without official approval. Many saw this as an attempt to suppress the industrial action.
Biti described the disciplinary actions against both students and lecturers as “a clear demonstration of leadership failure” and denounced Professor Mapfumo as “an arrogant and inept Vice Chancellor,” claiming he reflected the broader “ignorance and authoritarianism” of the current political leadership.
“Universities should be spaces of intellectual excellence,” Biti said, “not extensions of a corrupt ruling elite. What we are witnessing is a disgraceful politicisation of academic institutions.”
The striking lecturers are calling for their salaries to be raised from a reported US$250 to US$2,250, alongside demands for improved teaching and research conditions.
Meanwhile, former opposition MP Gift ‘Ostallos’ Siziba also voiced his disapproval, urging UZ authorities to reverse the student suspensions and address the grievances of underpaid educators.
“We fully support ZINASU’s position and demand justice for both students and lecturers who have suffered months of neglect and exploitation,” said Siziba. “We cannot allow the future of our youth or the credibility of our academic institutions to be destroyed.”
