UZ Drops Charges Against Six Students Who Backed Striking Lecturers

The University of Zimbabwe has lifted the suspension of six students following a review of disciplinary measures.

The students, Narshon Kohlo, Blessing Mtisi, Nodesha Maingehama, Tafadzwa Katsande, Tawana Hove, and Tariro Mtukura, are members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), UZ Chapter.

They were suspended in May after staging a campus demonstration in solidarity with lecturers who went on strike on April 16.

The students were accused of organising a flash protest demanding a swift resolution to the industrial action.

In letters dated 9 July 2025, Registrar Munyaradzi Madambi confirmed the university had lifted the suspensions following reconsideration of the disciplinary actions. The letters read:

Reference is made to your suspension from the University of Zimbabwe dated 7 July 2025.

Please be advised that the University has reconsidered its position and decided to lift your suspension from the University of Zimbabwe and also withdraw the Student Disciplinary matter which had previously been levelled against you.

It is sincerely hoped that you have atoned, for your behaviour, which seriously threatens the integrity and reputation of the University. We anticipate that you desist from engaging in behaviour that may put the University into disrepute.

By copy of this letter, the Manager, Examinations and Certification is requested to reactivate your E-mhare account and release your results.

All other relevant Departments of the University are advised to take the necessary steps to facilitate the resumption of studies by the student.

Several prominent voices spoken out against the suspension of the students by the University of Zimbabwe.

Emmanuel Sitima, the ZINASU president, condemned the suspensions, calling them a “blatant abuse of administrative power” and a violation of constitutional rights.

Gift Ostallos Siziba, an opposition politician and youth leader described the suspensions as a “glaring manifestation of administrative injustice” and accused the university of acting as an extension of ZANU-PF’s authoritarianism.

Obert Masaraure, a trade union leader criticised the government’s use of “repressive ordinances” to silence dissent.

Pride Mkono, a former ZINASU president, himself a past victim of suspension, warned that the crackdown reflects a recurring trend of suppressing student activism in Zimbabwe.