UZ Moves to Replace Striking Lecturers Amid Salary Dispute

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) is seeking to hire experts to replace striking lecturers who have refused to return to work without a salary increase, further escalating tensions in the country’s higher education sector.

Lecturers at UZ have been on an indefinite strike for the past two months, demanding their salaries be raised to US$500 from the current US$230, plus a local currency component of around US$200.

However, reports indicate that their initial demand was US$2,500, reflecting concerns over Zimbabwe’s rising cost of living and persistent inflation.

The prolonged labour dispute has severely disrupted teaching and research at the nation’s oldest university.

In a circular issued to faculty deans, UZ authorities requested updates on the status of teaching and learning, urging them to submit details of modules where lecturers are absent and recommend potential experts who could be engaged as adjunct instructors to take over courses.

Additionally, the university has asked departments to ensure postgraduate students continue receiving supervision despite the ongoing strike.

The Association of University Teachers (AUT) has strongly criticized UZ’s move, calling it an attempt to sideline lecturers rather than addressing their concerns.

The labour dispute has attracted government intervention, with the Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister issuing a Show Cause Order, which UZ used to declare that academic business must continue despite the strike.

Meanwhile, students have expressed frustration over the crisis, with the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) publicly supporting lecturers’ demands.

Many students fear that their education is at risk due to the standoff between faculty and university management.

According to NewsDay, the standoff could set a precedent for other universities facing similar challenges as Zimbabwe’s economy continues to struggle, raising concerns over the future of higher education funding and academic stability.

While UZ attempts to maintain normalcy, the effectiveness of its strategy remains uncertain, as the strike shows no signs of ending.

Analysts suggest that unless a sustainable resolution is reached, the institution may face further disruptions, negatively impacting students and the quality of education.