History of Student demonstrations at NUST

Student activism has made an important contribution to the struggle for democracy in Zimbabwe. In the first years of independence students were among the most fearsome defenders of the regime.

Three broad periods of student activism can be identified. The first pro-government period was followed by a violent break with the regime in 1988, the second period saw students declare that they were `the voice of the voiceless'.

With the onset of structural adjustment programmes in the early 1990s, the privileged status of students in higher education was rapidly eroded. The third period emerged after 1995 as student activism converged with the urban revolt that was beginning to shake Zimbabwe

allAfrica.com, 2008 reported that, Students at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo rioted on campus , demanding that Robert Mugabe step down as Chancellor of the University.

2014 Nust demonstration (picure from Nehanda radio)

The demonstration is said to have turned violent when riot police entered the campus and started beating up students indiscriminately. Angry students then turned on one member of the police force who was brandishing a pistol, and stoned him. Several cars and buildings were stoned during the skirmishes. Question then is can the NUST students pull such effective demonstrations now?

2014 demonstrations pictiure by Bulawayo 24

Hell broke lose on campus, as has become the norm, at around 0900 hours when the Bere and Mehluli were captured by the campus Chief Security Officer, Banda while going about their normal business, according to an SRC spokesperson.
They were detained in the university control room and denied access, neither to fellow students nor to their lawyers. The spokesperson said Bere and Mehluli were transferred from the NUST security office at around 1300 hours he believed they were detained at Bulawayo Central Police Station. 
The two leaders earlier in the month retreated into hiding as police were hunting for them following the May 10 peaceful demonstration at NUST in Bulawayo where 53 students were arrested including the student chorister, Themba Maphendeka.  

- See more at: http://www.changezimbabwe.com/index.php/blog-mainmenu-9/1-latest/472-qright-is-mightyq#sthash.JkMXHPpX.dpuf

Hell broke lose on campus, as has become the norm, at around 0900 hours when the Bere and Mehluli were captured by the campus Chief Security Officer, Banda while going about their normal business, according to an SRC spokesperson.
They were detained in the university control room and denied access, neither to fellow students nor to their lawyers. The spokesperson said Bere and Mehluli were transferred from the NUST security office at around 1300 hours he believed they were detained at Bulawayo Central Police Station. 
The two leaders earlier in the month retreated into hiding as police were hunting for them following the May 10 peaceful demonstration at NUST in Bulawayo where 53 students were arrested including the student chorister, Themba Maphendeka.  

- See more at: http://www.changezimbabwe.com/index.php/blog-mainmenu-9/1-latest/472-qright-is-mightyq#sthash.JkMXHPpX.dpuf

read more on the issue:
http://www.changezimbabwe.com/index.php/blog-mainmenu-9/1-latest/472-qright-is-mightyq

http://www.changezimbabwe.com/index.php/blog-mainmenu-9/1-latest/472-qright-is-mightyq

http://www.thezimbabwean.co/news/39831/four-nust-students-appear-before-a-bulawayo-magistrate.html
http://allafrica.com/stories/201310250752.html

http://www.thezimbabwean.co/news/9473/student-activists-arrested-at-nustas-police-launch-manhunt-for-more.html