Five MSU Students Suspended Amid Crackdown on Student Activism
GWERU – A recent crackdown on student activism at Midlands State University (MSU) has resulted in the suspension of five students, sparking outrage from student unions across the continent.
The students, identified as Tanaka Sibanda, Nester Moyo, Takunda Mhuka, Fanuel Gona and Keegan Mathe, were accused of conducting an unauthorized recruitment drive for the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU).
According to sources, the students were wearing ZINASU-branded t-shirts and soliciting other students to join the union without obtaining prior permission from the university administration.
The suspensions have been met with widespread condemnation from student unions. The All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) and the Southern African Students’ Union (SASU) have denounced MSU’s decision, characterizing it as an unjustified suppression of student activism.
AASU President Osisiogu Osikenyi E. expressed solidarity with the suspended students, urging Zimbabwean President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa to intervene.
Osikenyi emphasized the importance of safeguarding students’ rights to freedom of association and expression.
“We stand in solidarity with the students of Midlands State University, the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) and the subregional student body – Southern Africa Students’ Union (SASU) in their struggle for justice, equality and academic freedom,” Osikenyi stated.
