Kudzai Madenga
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the student community, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is reportedly planning a significant increase in tuition fees for the upcoming semester, pending Ministry approval.
This proposal comes on the heels of a recent adjustment where the registration fee threshold was initially raised from 50% to 75% but later moderated to 60% after student protests.
The announcement of yet another potential fees hike has left students grappling with the reality of their financial constraints. “We’re already struggling to make ends meet and pay fees, and now they want to increase it again? It’s like they don’t care about our wellbeing and future,” expressed one frustrated student.
The backlash has been swift, with the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) stepping into the fray. Chairperson Wisdom Vhomo has voiced strong opposition, stating, “The fees hike will demoralize students and exacerbate the number of students who will defer because how do they expect sons and daughters of civil servants and vendors to afford it?”
Last year’s requirement to pay 50% of fees upfront just to register and write exams led to numerous deferrals, and this new proposal threatens to repeat that scenario. Another student highlighted broader implications, noting, “The proposed fees hike has potential consequences such as low enrollment rates, more deferments, and difficulties in balancing fees with other essential expenses like accommodation and groceries.”
The gender implications were also pointed out, with concerns about female students potentially being pushed into making dire choices to fund their education. “This poses a concern about the impact of the fees hike on female students who may be forced to consider alternative means to make ends meet,” he added.
Since 2022, GZU has incrementally raised fees each year, with the administration arguing that these hikes are essential for enhancing service delivery. However, students challenge this claim, pointing out that basic services like WiFi, which is crucial for academic success, often suffer from poor connectivity or outright failure, hampering their ability to complete assignments on time.
In response to the ongoing discontent, plans are afoot to organize a mass student petition aimed at restoring the registration threshold back to 50% when the new semester begins. This action underscores the growing tension between GZU’s administration and its student body over the affordability and necessity of these fee adjustments.
As the debate over the fee hike at Great Zimbabwe University continues, the student body remains united in their call for reconsideration, hoping to mitigate the financial burden on their education. The outcome of this situation will likely set a precedent for how student voices are heard in matters affecting their academic lives and financial stability.
