BPRA condemns the commercialisation of education following the threat by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to defer students who failed to pay their fees by 13 February 2012, a deadline stipulated by the institution. Education is slowly becoming a reserve for the elite as institutions shun disadvantaged students.
Not all students are under the cadetship programme that assists vulnerable students with fee payments. The majority of the Zimbabwean population is not formally employed while those that are, earn salaries that are below the poverty datum line. NUST is situated in Bulawayo, a city facing the numerous effects of deindustrialisation including high unemployment rates. Due to this parents and guardians cannot afford to clear tertiary education fees, which are at least $500, and pay bills. Deferring students that have failed to pay their fees and forcing them to automatically defer to their previous academic year is a costly set back that might force many to withdraw from tertiary education. This therefore perpetuates a vicious circle of poverty.
In solidarity with Zimbabwe National Students’ Union (ZINASU), BPRA recommends that the government should reintroduce the students’ grant system. The system will not only alleviate the suffering of the parents in raising fees but will also assist students to progress. While BPRA consults Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights it also urges the responsible authorities to ensure an extension of this semester’s registration period and allow students to make binding long term payment plans. NUST authorities should also consult widely (students, parents, guardians, stakeholders) and produce a standard policy regarding registration requirements.
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