A storm is brewing at the University of Zimbabwe as students stare into an uncertain academic future—caught in the crossfire of a deepening lecturers’ strike.
The UZ Students Representative Council (SRC) has penned a desperate appeal to the Dean of Students, pleading for the postponement of end-of-semester examinations.
“It is no longer a secret to us and hopefully to you that the institution has been adversely affected by the recent lecturers’ strike,” reads the letter from the SRC, seen by NewZimbabwe.com.
Lecturers, who once earned US$2,250, are now taking home a paltry US$230.
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Their protest rooted in demands for fair wages and better working conditions has stalled learning, leaving students without lectures, course materials, or guidance.
“The disruption has significantly hindered our ability to prepare adequately for these assessments, as we have not received the necessary instructional materials and subject expert guidance from our lecturers during this period,” the SRC emphasized.
In an effort to salvage their academic standing, the students have suggested a rescheduling of exams or a merger between Block C and Block D assessments:
“This would provide a more equitable opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the course material, despite the interruptions to their learning.”
Despite promises from Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba over a week ago that government would address the lecturers’ concerns, the Association of University Teachers (AUT) at UZ says no action has followed.
As the deadlock drags on, frustration mounts and the clock ticks closer to exam day students are now left hoping the university will listen before it’s too late.
