The Zimbabwe National Students’ Union (ZINASU), under the leadership of President Emmanuel Sitima, has intensified its call for a comprehensive clean-up of Zimbabwe’s governance system. Speaking at a national clean-up campaign held in Harare’s Copa Cabana, Sitima emphasized that the government itself needs a clean-up to eradicate corruption, incompetence, and mismanagement.
“It’s not only the streets of this country that are not clean, but the governance system of this country is not equally clean,” Sitima declared. He criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration for diverting funds that could have significantly improved students’ welfare, specifically highlighting the controversial US$87 million goat scheme awarded to Zanu PF affiliates Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu. “Where are the goats?” he questioned, underscoring the misuse of public funds.
Calling Out Corruption and Mismanagement
Sitima called for the removal of corrupt and incompetent officials, stating that such measures are essential for national progress. “Let’s clean up incompetence in the government system, let’s clean up corrupt elements who plunder for this country to move forward. As students, we say no to this corrupt system,” he urged.
ZINASU pointed out that millions of dollars intended for higher and tertiary education have been lost in dubious procurement deals during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds could have been used to enhance educational infrastructure and resources, but instead, they were misappropriated. The union also targeted Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Amon Murwira for failing to deliver on promises of functional innovation hubs for students.
“He has failed as Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, yet he was awarded the second-best performing minister in the country, even though students lack access to innovation hubs, a crucial aspect of education in this country,” Sitima stated.
Struggling Students and Misplaced Priorities
Sitima highlighted the dire situation faced by over 13,000 students at Madziwa and Nyadire teachers’ colleges. These students, he noted, are supposed to benefit from the funds that were instead looted. The stolen money could have provided essential resources such as internet connectivity and laboratory equipment, which are currently lacking.
Hard-pressed students in tertiary institutions are struggling to pay for tuition fees, accommodation, and food. This financial strain has led some female students to turn to prostitution to survive, as government grants that once supported them have dried up. The administration has cited a lack of financial capacity to revive the students’ grant program, yet is simultaneously embroiled in corruption scandals.
Sitima condemned the government’s contradictory stance. “Ironically, the same administration that pleads financial incapacity to support students is implicated in rampant corruption and mismanagement,” he said. The ZINASU leader’s call to action resonates with a broader demand for systemic change and accountability within the government, urging it to prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
Source: New Zimbabwe
