ZINASU members clash in Harare

Zimbabwe National Students Unions (ZINASU) executive members today disrupted a press conference orgainized by ZINASU president, Gilbert Mutubuki, accusing him of convening the event without their knowledge associating with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Renewal party.

Business came to a standstill at the Media Centre, when rowdy ZINASU members led by some members of the Mutubuki-led executive stormed the press conference room blocking him for addressing journalists.

  

Mutubuki and a colleague were violently removed from the top table by ZINASU members and had to be protected by security guards the venue of the press conference.

ZINASU ecretary general, Obey Sithole, told VOA Studio 7 the blocked the press conference because it was not sanctioned by the executive. But Mutubuki accused his ZINASU colleagues of hiring MDC Tsvangirai formation activists to disrupt his press conference.

ZINASU spokesman Avoid Masiraha hit back accusing Mutubuki of preaching MDC Renewal politics in the organization.

He further accused Mutubuki of trying to replace all executive members with those members aligned to his party saying they will block his attempts.

MDC Renewal spokesperson, Jacob Maumee, said the MDC T cannot dictate who the students must align to adding the students body is a thinking mass and it gravitates towards those they think have are a viable option.

MDC -T spokesperson Obert Gutu said his was a democratic party, which respects people’s freedom of association.

He added that while his party would persuade people it would not force people to join it.

In 2009 ZINASU split over a decision whether or not to support the MDC-T in the constitution making process. -Voice Of America Studio 7.

 
Pride Mkono(extreme-right) with other ZINASU members
http://www.channelzim.net/

http://harare24.com/index-id-news-zk-27456.html

http://www.southerneye.co.zw/2013/10/08/zanu-pf-poll-rigging-opens-can-worms/

http://www.kubatana.net/directory/830/zimbabwe-national-students-union-zinasu/?like=Z&details=Tel&orgcode=zim020

NATIONAL TRIBAL POLITICS AFFECTING NUST

Failure by students in Matebeleland to get places at NUST has in recent years sparked debate between the leaders and the institution, the Bulawayo elders think by so doing the academic institution is furthering the marginalisation  phenomenon.

This is a contentious issue that most Newspapers  seem to have ignored and hid behind the reason that Ndebele people do not want to learn, they only want to go to South Africa.

DR Grace (picture from Zimeye)

Recent media reports on Dr Amai Grace Mugabe's campaign have seen the rise of this phenomenon as she stresses the assumption that "Ndebele men are only good at marrying and making babies".

This is seen by most Ndebele people as an insult and as a bad label because it's effects are felt by their children who are students at Nust as people make fun of such issues around campus.

This also affects students performance as even lecturers make fun out of it. The engineering department as Nust is highly constituted by Shona people, which most people would argue and say " Are they the only people capable of being engineers".

Most people feel that these tribal politics are further intensified by the government, which they say fails to use its peace and reconciliation commission effectively.

In the absence of public gesture by government, in the absence of a ceremony of truth, justice and forgiveness, without due compensation from those that sent trucks of death to Lupane and Tsholotsho, it is left to the ordinary citizens to take the lead. 

The government for years pretended that nothing happened in the 80s, human rights groups unearthed several cases of rape, torture and murder but all this was swept beneath the carpets of important offices. The closest we have come to a presidential apology is flippant reference to the murderous eighties as ‘a moment of madness.’ Really? That’s all it was? "A moment of madness."

It is impossible to save a gangrenous limb if he that bares it dismisses it as just a bruise .Perhaps that is the reason the wounds have not healed.Students do not need these old politics cropping into their future.

Why not create a generation that does not hate each other by not stereotyping each other? Why not address the Gukurahundi issue once and for all? Why not make a conducive environment for the future leaders to imitate good governance? 

What students need is an environment where tribal politics have no place, a future filled with happiness and respect for every citizen in Zimbabwe.

Grace Mugabe Stories

http://www.newzimbabwe.com/columns-18475-Grace+and+Zanu+PF%E2%80%99s+Ndebele+provocation/columns.aspx

http://www.nehandaradio.com/2014/10/14/men-matabeleland-interested-sex-lazy-grace-mugabe/

http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/zimsit-m-bulawayo24-news-matabele-men-only-good-at-making-babies-dr-mugabe/

http://www.myzimbabwe.co.zw/news/1604-matabeleland-men-are-only-good-at-impregnating-women-dr-grace-mugabe-says.html

https://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/10/15/grace-mugabe-insensitive-removed-reality/

http://www.zimeye.com/grace-mugabe-angers-zapu/

Further to that, Dr Mugabe also accused men from Matabeleland South for not developing themselves but just interested in going down south to Johannesburg to do menial jobs. This is the second time in under 2 years that the first family has attacked the people from Matabeleland for the great trek to South Africa.
- See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-55646.html#sthash.oIYdLZ8V.dpufhttp://www.zimdiaspora.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=8521:storm-over-shona-students-in-the-nust-new-candidates-list&Itemid=18

Further to that, Dr Mugabe also accused men from Matabeleland South for not developing themselves but just interested in going down south to Johannesburg to do menial jobs. This is the second time in under 2 years that the first family has attacked the people from Matabeleland for the great trek to South Africa - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-55646.html#sthash.oIYdLZ8V.dpuf

Further to that, Dr Mugabe also accused men from Matabeleland South for not developing themselves but just interested in going down south to Johannesburg to do menial jobs. This is the second time in under 2 years that the first family has attacked the people from Matabeleland for the great trek to South Africa - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-55646.html#sthash.oIYdLZ8V.dpuf

First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe says that man from Matabeleland are only good at marrying and making babies instead of developing their areas - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-55646.html#sthash.oIYdLZ8V.dpuf

First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe says that man from Matabeleland are only good at marrying and making babies instead of developing their areas - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-55646.html#sthash.oIYdLZ8V.dpuf

First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe says that man from Matabeleland are only good at marrying and making babies instead of developing their areas - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-55646.html#sthash.oIYdLZ8V.dpuf

Failure by students from Matebeleland to enroll at NUST has in recent years sparked debate by leaders in the region who are accusing the institution of furthering the marginalization of the region. - See more at: http://www.umthwakazireview.com/index-id-news-zk-183.html#sthash.hBChvj0A.dpuf

Failure by students from Matebeleland to enroll at NUST has in recent years sparked debate by leaders in the region who are accusing the institution of furthering the marginalization of the region. - See more at: http://www.umthwakazireview.com/index-id-news-zk-183.html#sthash.hBChvj0A.dpuf

Failure by students from Matebeleland to enroll at NUST has in recent years sparked debate by leaders in the region who are accusing the institution of furthering the marginalization of the region. - See more at: http://www.umthwakazireview.com/index-id-news-zk-183.html#sthash.hBChvj0A.dpuf

Failure by students from Matebeleland to enroll at NUST has in recent years sparked debate by leaders in the region who are accusing the institution of furthering the marginalization of the region. - See more at: http://www.umthwakazireview.com/index-id-news-zk-183.html#sthash.hBChvj0A.dpuf

MDC CALLS ON STUDENT BODIES TO THEIR UNITED MDC RALLY

The two giant political parties in Zimbabwe are seen most of the time vying for youth support in most of their projects, hence student bodies are forced to align themselves to certain political parties for funding and other benefits.

Not surprising as most would think, it is well known that these giant political parties have their puppets running politics for them at Universities under the SRC.

No wonder the UMDC rally set for the 1st of march is said to feature "motivational" speeches from student bodies.

UMDC poster ( poster adapted from whatsapp profile picture"

This is seen  by most students as an infringement on the SRC's sense of autonomy as a student body.

As it is there is an ongoing strike to which some students think its quite a noble idea for these politicians to show youths in Universities that they really matter by intervening and offering help.

Throughout Zimbabwe’s 35 years of democracy, students have functioned as an episodic oppositional force. They have periodically demonstrated against the government’s policies which they view as violating their freedom and dignity.

At times they demonstrated in solidarity with whichever group had grievances against the government but most of the time, they demand the improvement of their own conditions as students. 

This included constantly checking the environment so as to ensure their employment prospects. They in fact occupy significant political space and yet their ultimate aim appears to be the carving out of a desirable future for the university’s educated.

In a country where the government is highly suspicious of its people, it should try by all means to ensure good relations with its people and try by all means to engage the future leaders by making sure the rights of the people are not deliberately trampled on.

It is therefore up to the students to critique as it is not ideal for students to be represented by a person who has "other duties" which are not in tune with the students he/she represents.

THIRD WEEK INTO STRIKE, NUST ADMINISTRATORS SILENT

Nust administration building ( picture taken from Bulawayo 24)

It has been three weeks without the conventional classes having their lessons as lecturers say they will never go back to the class unless the Government pays them their bonuses. 

NUST students have had the worst three weeks as the University administrators are seen to have turned a blind eye to the strike as if nothing is happening on Campus.No announcements pertaining to the strike are seen on the  National University of Science and Technology website.

“The strike has paralysed our studies and we have not even covered much of what we are supposed to learn this semester. We feel aggrieved because we paid our fees in full but we are made to suffer by both the lecturers and the university management,” said one conventional student at NUST.

Majority of the students at the Institution are renting out accommodation at up to US$400.00 per semester with the strike, this means there could be an extension in their stay which means they have to inn-cure unplanned costs. According to Media Centre online this then means that students end up opting for bad ways to raise money for their stay in Bulawayo.

For daily students who bode commuter omnibuses everyday this means they also waste US$2 everyday in transport for no lectures,

This has been seen by most people as a deliberate violation to the right to education and an infringement on the constitutional right to education.

The University administrators are silent, the government too seems not to care. What then is the future of students in most state institutions. The question then becomes " what sort of government neglects its future leaders? How will the students become leaders without the relevant education? what nation is Zimbabwe building?" 

Lecturers have vowed never to go back to work unless they receive their bonuses like other civil servants.

a letter signed by lecturers at a meeting held at Nust (letter taken from an online source)

articles to read on
http://www.herald.co.zw/varsity-lecturers-down-tools/
http://nehandaradio.com/2015/02/12/university-lecturers-go-strike/http://www.newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk/2015/02/lecturers-go-on-strike.html

IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN: SHADOWLIT NDOU SIDIJA

His excellency Shadowlit Ndou( picture from Shadowlit)

Birth Name: Shadowlit Ndou Sidija

Date of Birth: October 15 1989

Home Town: Beitbridge

Status: In a Serious relationship

Hobbies: watching movies,going out especially to nature reserves.

Some present day politicians display inborn talent and skill. Most of our elites have forgotten the fact that "example is more valuable than advice."

The NUST President is known for his good looks and his love for  fashion as he is seen in different matching suits all the time.

He is an outspoken young men with a zeal for politics and the betterment of NUST students.

" I am working on the Zim Asset model, that is attainable through encouraging Entrepreneurship." said Ndou " We are trying by all means to help students to be self sufficient and loosen the burdens on their parents." 

Most people look at him and see an ideal leader as he tries by all means to lead by example, today he was handing condoms to all students on Campus, " I Know we doing this so why not protect ourselves."

He is enthusiastic about the Zim asset issue as he is heard saying that Nust students should "think in other terms" and live up to the University motto.

This can only be attained if the clubs on campus are functional and they receive funding from the Institution so that they are fully achieve this.

In his time in office he had ton deal with the acting dean of students, Mz Magida, who he says strongly despised him and was to some point a hindrance to his plans. He also cited time constraints as some of the hindrances to implement working policies for Nust.

"Given an opportunity to work a normal year I would achieve a lot," said the President

When asked about how he would assist the conventional students who are currently not learning , he boldly said " I am going to Harare today I will talk to Olivia Muchena, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development as the Chairman of the National Students board ( a board that looks at issues that local University administrators cannot address).

DO WE NEED ZICOSU AND ZINASU

Students' representative council (SRC), also known as a students' administrative council, represents student interests  in the government of a University or other educational institutions. Generally the SRC forms part of a broader students' association which may include other functions such as societies, entertainments (in the form of a Students' union) and sports (in the form of a sports' union).

Universities may have a statutory obligation to receive representation from the SRC and it is usual for student representatives from the SRC to form part of university structures including the University court , academic senate and other bodies.

The background behind the formation of these student representative bodies is highly commendable as they bring about a lot of transparency in the government of Universities.

However, with the case of Zimbabwe Universities, the SRC's presence is not felt as they fail to execute their mandatory duties.

Students feel that these student bodies only partake in SRC elections so that they have funds to finance their own businesses which do not have anything to do with University students.

It is common knowledge that the two most powerful parties in all Universities in Zimbabwe are Zimbabwe Congress Of Students Union (ZICOSU)  which has close ties with Zanu PF and Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)  which has close ties with MDC, how can such student bodies represent students whilst they have to impress their "Bosses" too, surely no one can ever serve two masters.

NUST President at the Valentines dinner (picture by Michelle Mulingo)

NUST needs a student representative body that is independent from all" National Politics", this will ensure that students welfare is taken care of. A body that will not just receive students' $5 and buy suits and cars  but use it for the betterment of the University.

Students need a body that will not allow National politics to interfere with the smooth running of the University, a united and focused student movement that will deliver  much needed improvement of educational standards  which we all aim to achieve.

 vidoes adabted from youtube

Also read related posts

 http://zimbabwefocus.com/index-id-politics-zk-1.html

 https://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/10/07/graces-phd-divides-student-unions/

http://www.thezimbabwean.co/news/12839/zinasu-resolves-to-rally-behind-morgan-in-presidential-run-off.html

http://www.voazimbabwe.com/content/zinasu-mdct-students-conflict-interference-clash/1775640.html 

http://www.femalestudentsnet.org/index.php/news-and-alerts/93-fsn-condemns-zinasu-zicosu-rivalry

Politics of Sport

The National University of Science and Technology's (NUST) future is uncertain as the government goes against its promises to develop the Institution.

This comes after the shift in what could have benefited the Institution in a number of ways, some think it was because of politics at play.

Last year's 6th Edition of the Africa Union Sports Council region 5 under 20 youth games were supposed to be held at NUST, no one knows what transpired that led to the events being held at other locations out of the original agreement.

Some argue that the shifting of the venue is more political than realistic.

 The NUST venue was initially proposed by the former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture David Coltart who belongs to the MDC T party and changed with the coming in of the New Zanu PF Minister of Sports, Arts and  Andrew Langa who also had his own "partisan" plans which did not have NUST in mind.

Students and other members of the NUST community have then questioned  the Government about  its changes in venues since the  Minister of Sports  Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa,  boldly said " NUST will be our venue for the 1 200 athletes we still maintain that".

 NUST( picture from Bulawayo 24)

In addition, NUST was supposed to benefit in terms of infrastructure as new student residential flats were to be built to carter for the visiting athletes.

This would have gone along way to meet NUST's student accommodation deficit as  it only provides accommodation for about 300 students which does not tally with the number of students attending the University.

The change in venue also robed the institution of a much needed upgrade of its sports facilities which would have accompanied its status as a host for the games.

New equipment,(balls for all foot and hand games, rackets, hockey sticks etc) that the university would have been provided  for  use in training exercises of the visitors and in the actual games are some of the resources that NUST failed to obtain with the shifting of the games to other locations.

This would have been a welcome boon to the institution's ailing and poorly equipped sports department.

All of this brings to the fore issues of  how the welfare of vital institutions in the Bulawayo region, euphemistically labeled as a stronghold of the MDC party , has taken a backseat to serve partisan interests. 

 http://www.thezimbabwean.co/news/zimbabwe-news/65821/games-village-a-windfall-for.htmlhttps://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/05/30/region-v-20-youth-games-budget-reviewed/ http://www.southerneye.co.zw/2014/06/04/nust-host-sadc
http://www.thezimbabwean.co/news/zimbabwe-news/65821/games-village-a-windfall-for.html/http://www.herald.co.zw/boost-for-youth-games/

Where is the money going?

Halo there am a NUST politics blogger with interests in politics happening on campus, brace yourselves for a long enjoyable ride.

It might be a cliche but very true, "when elephants fight it is the grass that suffers".

This is the situation in most universities in Zimbabwe as there is an ongoing strike over unpaid bonuses. This leaves a lot of students unhappy as they were forced to pay fees before attending lectures. Lectures that never got to be. The same time last year there was a similar strike but the target was parallel students.

The question then is why is the government allowing such things to happen, why not secure a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow now. One also asks; "where are the fees going?" Why are lecturers not paid?

The Government's failure to pay civil servants is now a well known to all Zimbabweans, but then the fact that university students are forced to pay all fees before lessons commence leads one to question the management of funds.

Other problems faced by universities particularly NUST include failure to finish constructing buildings on campus.

Most NUST students are heard murmuring questions about the unfinished buildings and have never been answered as to what or who their fees is financing given the fact that there are unfinished buildings on campus whilst other universities are seen to be flourishing with  state of the art infrastructure.

This is one of the buildings at Midlands state university in Gweru.Unlike NUST it does not have any unfinished buildings which some students claim that the politics of marginalisation are at play.(picture from Bulawayo24)

Given the fact that midlands has two intakes and the government makes a lot of money there than at NUST.

Some students argue that that is the reason why they get more favors from the government than NUST which only has one intake a year.

Lupane state university situated in the rural Lupane area exhibits the best designs in terms of infrastructure.( picture from Bulawayo24)

 The picture shows it all, it is a new school and normally it is ideal to finish building an old school than to start a new one. People argue that NUST has strong ties with the opposition party that is why the government is now sidelining all its operations.

NUST unfinished buildings (picture by Michelle Mulingo)

The development of NUST seems to have become a project that the government does not intend to complete.What is influencing this read more of these issues in my next post 

.http://www.thezimmail.co.zw/2014/08/20/nust-hit-by-underfunding/