The demonstration, led by members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), was sparked by the ongoing absence of lecturers from classrooms. The lecturers are demanding a return to their 2018 salary level of $2,250 per month, arguing that their current wage of $219 is not sustainable.

The protest, which began with students singing and chanting peacefully outside the administration offices, escalated into a confrontation with police, leading to the arrest of the student organisers.

“The situation is dire. Lecturers are not teaching, and students are being denied their right to education despite paying full tuition,” said one protester. “Our demand is simple; restore the pre-2018 salaries and bring our lecturers back to class.”

Lecturers have also been vocal in recent weeks, staging their own demonstrations. They say the government’s takeover of university employment has resulted in a dramatic salary drop, leaving many unable to afford basic necessities, including transport to work. A lawyer representing the lecturers was reportedly arrested during a previous protest.

Students say they fear the academic year could be derailed if the impasse continues. With no classes taking place, examinations may be postponed indefinitely.

“We cannot pretend everything is normal when our education is in crisis,” another student said. “Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo and Registrar Dr Munyaradzi Madambi must act. It is unacceptable to expect learning to continue when lecturers are not being paid a living wage.”

Despite the arrests, ZINASU has vowed to maintain pressure on the university’s leadership and government authorities until lecturers return to work.

--ChannelAfrica-