Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-Great Zimbabwe University outspoken student, Robert Matola has taken the higher learning institution to the High Court challenging his suspension.
Matola who is also Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) leader in Masvingo and being represented by prominent human rights lawyer, Omen Mafa will appear at the High Court on 15 September for determination on his suspension which he says is unlawful.
The development has ignited fresh momentum within the Masvingo chapter of the ZINASU, whose leaders have declared that the matter represents a turning point in their fight against what they describe as “oppressive systems” in higher education institutions across the country.
Matola, a part 4.1 Media and Cultural Studies student and the current provincial spokesperson for ZINASU in Masvingo, was suspended earlier this year following a series of disciplinary hearings linked to his student activism.
University authorities accused him of inciting students to protest and violating institutional regulations.
However, Matola and his allies maintain that the charges were politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices at the campus.
After months of hearings and appeals, Matola has now taken his case to the High Court, where he is challenging the legality of the suspension. His legal team led by Omen Mafa argues that the move infringes on constitutional rights to academic freedom of association and expression.
On 9 April, GZU suspended Matola for two semesters for allegedly posting “disparaging remarks” against the university management, and allegedly inciting other students on a WhatsApp group.
The disciplinary action taken against Matola followed after he advocated against students having to make mandatory payments towards medical aid. He has also been critical of the university’s administration and management on the Students Barracks WhatsApp group.
Earlier this year, Midlands State University (MSU) instituted punitive measures against five students whom they accused of recruiting others to join an unregistered organisation.
Four of the students, Nester Moyo, Tanaka Sibanda, Fanuel Gona and Keegan Mathe, were suspended for three semesters, while a fifth, Takunda Mhuka, was expelled following hearings held between 12 and 21 March. This came after the five students had already been suspended for weeks pending
the hearings.
Activists insist that institutions of higher learning should nurture democratic engagement rather than punish it.
