Two members of the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Students Representative Council (SRC) who were recently expelled have claimed that they are being targeted by authorities for their allegiance to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa.
Munashe Masiyiwa and Allan Chipoyi who served as UZ SRC Secretary General and president respectively were expelled from the body after being given votes of no confidence.
The duo’s expulsion from the SRC body came after they led demonstrations last year over a steep increase in tuition fees.
Masiyiwa said he was expelled from the UZ SRC body purely based on his affiliation with CCC. He told NewZimbabwe:
It has nothing to do with politics, nothing to do with legality, it is all political and being fuelled by Zanu PF sympathisers in the administration. It is based on the premise that we support CCC, we support young people to register to vote.
We are definitely going to appeal, and we are going to engage the administration to respect the constitution. They should understand that students before they are students are citizens first. We have that right to seek for change. We are going to appeal to the High Court
Masiyiwa has been a vocal member of the newly established youth wing of CCC which is led by former Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) leader Takudzwa Ngadziore.
The youth wing has been at the forefront of campaigns ahead of upcoming general elections.
Masiyiwa accused the UZ administration of working in cahoots with ZANU PF-affiliated Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU) to topple them.
According to the letter of expulsion the duo were booted out for failing to appear for meetings. Reads the letter:
The above-named Individuals are not acting in the best interest of the students hence as SEC we no longer have confidence in their leadership. Upon the Promulgation of this letter, the above have been removed from SEC with Immediate effect.
They shall not conduct or hold any office or SRC business. The above Constitutional provisions substantiate the resolutions made by the Student Executive Council.
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