Abuse of power in scholarship scandal condemned

Maud Chifamba, Zimbabwe's youngest university student when she enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe at just 14 years old, has come forward with a passionate statement condemning the alleged abuse of power by officials in scholarship programs. Her comments come in the wake of rape allegations against Old Mutual manager Musa Nyasha Dube Manyika, a matter that has sparked outrage across the nation.

Chifamba, whose studies were funded by a US$9,933 scholarship from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Chairman's Charity Fund, shared her thoughts on Facebook, reflecting on the vulnerability of students who depend on scholarships to pursue higher education. Her powerful post highlights the exploitation of young women in particular, noting how the power imbalance between scholarship providers and students often leads to abuse.

"An issue like this infuriates me; and many girls out there go through this," Chifamba wrote, referring to the alleged abuse by scholarship officials. "As a girl who received a scholarship when I was quite young, I know so many people who were victims, and the perpetrators vachizikanwa (are well-known)."

She went on to express frustration at the fear that prevents victims from coming forward, citing the risk of losing their scholarships or facing public judgment. Chifamba's post sought to shed light on the unspoken reality faced by many scholarship recipients, particularly those from financially struggling families.

"Imagine you are the first person in your family to go to university, and you come from a family that can't afford even the basics, let alone ~$1,000 per semester at UZ. Then a company like Old Mutual offers to pay for you. Your family praises God. You feel gratitude that no one really understands unless they've been stranded," she said, narrating a hypothetical scenario of a young, vulnerable student coerced into unwanted advances by a scholarship committee member.

In her scenario, the student is pressured into compliance by the promise of financial support, only to find herself subjected to sexual harassment. "He forces himself on you," she writes. "And he says if you tell, no one will believe you and the committee will withdraw that scholarship."

Chifamba emphasized that in such an imbalanced dynamic, there can be no true consent, calling the alleged actions "DESPICABLE and very SHAMEFUL." She also criticized the tendency to doubt victims and the dismissive attitudes toward their accusations, urging society to believe and support those who come forward.

"Why are you not giving the girl the benefit of the doubt?" Chifamba asked, rallying against the culture of victim-blaming. She pointed out that such abuses extend beyond the Old Mutual scholarship, mentioning other prestigious programs like the presidential scholarship and cadet fellowships, where similar stories of exploitation have surfaced.

"It's really shameful! Most of the time, it's not a one-off. People know about these behaviors but still allow the perpetrators to continue in positions of power," she said. "It is shameful that these people continue to take advantage of more vulnerable individuals."

Chifamba reflected on her own experiences, noting that she was fortunate to have strong guardians, including Professor Nyagura and CG Pasi, who ensured she was shielded from similar experiences during her studies. "They made sure everyone knew I was their child; and no one tried anything like this foolishness," she wrote.

In conclusion, Chifamba called for accountability, urging society to hold abusers responsible for their actions and to ensure that men with such "disgusting behavior" are removed from positions of authority where they can exploit vulnerable individuals.

Her powerful message adds to the growing conversation about the abuse of power in academic and professional environments and calls for greater protection and justice for those who are most vulnerable.