Takudzwa Munemo
By Online Reporter
A labour dispute is brewing at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) as lecturers, who recently ended their strike and resumed work, accuse the administration of retaliatory tactics. After a four-month strike, some lecturers returned to their posts at the beginning of the semester, but tensions remain high, fueled by uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
Reports suggest that the lecturers have not yet received their salaries despite reporting back to work, raising concerns about punitive measures against those who participated in the strike. One lecturer, speaking anonymously, claimed that the delay in reinstating them on the payroll might be a deliberate effort to frustrate them into quitting.
Adding to the tension, the leadership of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), which represents the lecturers, was suspended and dismissed, leaving the educators without a unified voice. The suspended leaders have appealed their case to the Labour Court.
The administration’s decision to recruit new faculty members has further unsettled the lecturers, who fear for their job security amid ongoing negotiations for improved salaries and working conditions. A dean involved in the hiring process confirmed that recruitment documents are being circulated across campus, heightening concerns among the existing faculty.
One lecturer revealed that many returned to work to safeguard their jobs while waiting for other unions to finalize their voting processes, which are expected to conclude in September. Once complete, the lecturers hope to resume collective action as a united front.
UZ Vice-Chancellor Paul Mapfumo has previously criticized the striking lecturers, calling them “retrogressive,” further straining relations between the faculty and administration. Mapfumo was unavailable for comment.
Students have also expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation. Accounting student Munashe Chichetu criticized the lecturers for merely assigning work instead of fully engaging in their teaching responsibilities. He argued that their half-hearted efforts are impacting students the most.
The striking lecturers, who earn a base salary of US$230 per month, are demanding an increase to US$2,250 to restore their pre-2018 wage levels. The strike, which began on April 16, 2025, severely disrupted academic activities, leaving both students and staff struggling with its effects.
In the 1980s, the University of Zimbabwe was among the best institutions in Africa, heavily subsidized by the government with additional support from donors. During that era, the government also provided grants to university students, a stark contrast to the current situation.
