Evictions at Poly, expulsions at UZ

Evictions at Poly, expulsions at UZ

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By Staff Reporter

MORE than 200 students who failed to pay residence fees were evicted from their hostels room at the Harare Polytechnic on Thursday, a day on which the University of Zimbabwe expelled three student leaders who had led demonstrations against a 100 percent hike in tertiary fees.

The Harare Polytechnic this week also started evicting students who failed to pay their tuition fees, which were raised by more than 100 percent.

Dozens of students carrying suitcases could be seen milling around the institution Thursday, while others stood at the gate pondering their future.

Those interviewed -- some from as far as Bulawayo and Nyanga -- said even if they went to stay with relatives around Harare, it was difficult to attend lessons because of exorbitant transport costs. Others had no relations in the capital city.

Student leaders who refused to be named for fear of expulsion on Thursday said the Harare Polytechnic Hostel was home to over 800 students, of which more than 200 of them had their keys confisicated.

At the UZ three student leaders Mfundo Mlilo, Collen Chibango and Wellington Mahohoma were expelled, less than two months after being brought from another suspension through a court order. Their expulsion followed a recommendation by the UZ disciplinary committee last Friday that they be suspended for two years.

A student leader at the Harare Polytechnic said of the evictions: “Those who have remained are students who are on attachment and their fees are paid by the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef). Others who have not yet paid are playing hide and seek, but it would not take them anywhere."

Another student said: “Who will go with me to Rusape where l come from? I don't even have the bus fare."

The student said residence fees at the Harare Polytechnic were raised on short notice towards the end of February from $4, 9 million per year to $12, 6 million per term as authorities said they wanted to charge commercial rates.

He also said notices were pasted at their residencies Wednesday advising all those who had not paid up to surrender keys to the matron. The much feared college wardens moved around collecting keys in the early hours of Thursday. They maintained a heavy presence fearing a demonstration which was rumored.
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