Three UZ Lecturers Arrested Over Strike

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Three lecturers from the University of Zimbabwe were arrested on Wednesday and are currently detained at Avondale Police Station, following their participation in a protest against poor working conditions at the institution.

The academics are members of the Association of University Teachers, which had declared an indefinite strike starting April 16. The arrested lecturers are being represented by lawyer and former legislator Munyaradzi Gwisai, who is also a fellow lecturer at UZ.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights posting on their X account, updated saying, “Enjoyment of labour rights, guaranteed in the Constitution continue to be curtailed as ZRP has arrested and detained 3 trade unionists and UZ lecturers Boncase Mwakorera, Desmond Ndedzu, Obvious Vengeyi. The trio is represented by Kelvin Vada and Emmanuel Lawrence Chibwe of ZLHR Lawyers. The three are detained at Avondale Police Station. More details to follow…”

In a letter dated April 14, the AUT, through its Secretary General Group Captain (Rtd) B. Mwakorera, had formally notified the police of their intention to picket peacefully on campus grounds. Despite the notification, the lecturers were arrested on the first day of the industrial action.

“This strike is not just about salaries. It is about dignity, justice and the right to quality education,” the AUT said in a strongly worded statement to stakeholders. “We are withdrawing not only our labour but also our tools of work. We shall henceforth stop participating in research, teaching and university service.”

The AUT is demanding the restoration of pre-October 2018 salary levels, where a junior lecturer earned US$2,250 per month. Currently, lecturers are reportedly being paid US$230 and a Zimbabwe Gold component equivalent to less than US$200.

“For seven years we have endured humiliation. We can’t afford to pay fees for our own children at the same university. We can’t afford lunch or transport. We now walk to work,” the statement read.

In their communication to students and guardians, the lecturers reiterated their commitment to the profession, but stressed that the situation had become untenable.

“We are your educators, and we love our profession. But there comes a time when business as usual is no longer possible,” the AUT said. “We shall not invigilate, mark, or consult until our dignity is restored.”

The association also appealed for solidarity from students, guardians, non-academic staff, and security personnel, insisting their struggle was not only legal, but just.

“Let us exercise maximum discipline during picketing. We are peaceful and patriotic. We have subsidized this university for more than seven years,” said Mwakorera.