NUST POLITICS TO ATTACHMENT TIMES 2015-16: 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.