ZINASU Condemns Crackdown On Student Activists

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has condemned what it describes as a “systematic campaign of repression” targeting student activists, following a wave of suspensions and expulsions at major state universities.

ZINASU President Emmanuel Sitima, speaking on Wednesday, accused higher education institutions of weaponising disciplinary processes to suppress constitutionally protected freedoms.

Sitima said students at Midlands State University (MSU), Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) have been targeted for mobilising peers, participating in WhatsApp group discussions, and expressing solidarity with striking lecturers. Said Sitima:

These punitive measures… constitute a flagrant violation of both domestic and international human rights law.

Sitima cited the dismissal of five students at MSU for mobilisation efforts, disciplinary action at GZU over online discussions, and the recent suspension of six University of Zimbabwe UZ students for participating in peaceful protests—some of whom have yet to receive formal hearings.

ZINASU argued that these actions violate key provisions of Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution, particularly those guaranteeing freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

Sitima also pointed to international legal instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect the same fundamental freedoms now allegedly under threat. Said Sitima:

To penalize students for exercising these rights is to betray the fundamental ethos of university education.

The ZINASU president has called for the immediate reinstatement of all affected students, an independent inquiry into the alleged misuse of university disciplinary processes, and firm assurances from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education to uphold and protect student rights.

Sitima also revealed that ZINASU is engaging with civil society organisations to develop a coordinated response to what the union describes as the “blatant violation” of students’ constitutional freedoms.