UZ Sparks Controversy Over US$3.30 Hourly Wage for Part-Time Lecturers

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has begun hiring part-time lecturers to replace its striking academic staff, offering them as little as US$3.30 per hour as the wage dispute continues.

Lecturers at UZ have been on strike for over a month, demanding higher salaries and better working conditions. In response, the university has issued three-month contracts to part-time educators under strict working conditions.

An official document from UZ’s Human Capital Management department states that new hires will receive US$3.30 per hour for 60% of their workload, while the remaining 40% will be compensated at just US$2.20 per hour, converted to ZiG currency equivalent.

The lecturers are expected to complete 60 hours per semester per module, covering lesson preparation, assignment setting, and grading.

Critics argue that the demanding workload paired with low wages raises serious concerns over fair compensation for academic professionals.

According to Pindula, concerns have been raised regarding the university’s wage structure and the broader impact of the strike on students.

The publication highlighted that the offer falls significantly below regional salary standards, sparking widespread criticism.

The Association of University Teachers (AUT) at UZ condemned the move, describing the wage offer as exploitative.

“Desperation meets despicability. This isn’t employment—it’s financial mockery,” the AUT stated.

They further argued that the hiring of temporary lecturers while the strike is ongoing violates Section 108, Sub-section 5, which prohibits replacing workers engaged in a legal strike.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo’s administration has come under heavy scrutiny for its handling of the dispute, with critics accusing the university of trampling on lecturers’ professional dignity and undermining fair employment standards.

Striking lecturers are demanding US$2,250 per month, arguing that this would bring them in line with regional pay scales.

Currently, junior lecturers earn approximately US$230, plus a small top-up in local currency.

With tensions escalating, UZ has yet to issue a formal response on whether negotiations will resume or if it will continue hiring low-cost part-time lecturers as a temporary measure.