Non Partisan stance of ZINASU: Expression of ignorence and cowerdice

A couple or more weeks ago, l came across a certain article in one of our local news papers which was directed to the former prime minister and the president of the largest opposition party in Zimbabwe Dr Richard Morgan Tsvangirai.

It was from a ZINASU president one of the students union in this country. The writer was boastful enough that he began with reminding the MDC president that ZINASU is apolitical and MDC shouldnt be part of it or interfere with the student body. The writer who boasted as the president speaking to another president went on to caution and threaten with unspecified action to the former prime minister if he continue to infiltrate or if his party members brand ZINASU as an extension of the MDC.

Besides being too senseless the latter gave the opportunity to the reader to reflect on its writer. It shows how the student body was infiltrated and manipulated by the very powers which suffocates the student. It shows how the objective and thrus of student movement has been reduced and dragged into the mud by zanupf. The latter vindicates the assertion that ZINASU has bein infiltrated by zanupf. Apart from other ridiculous conclusions that can be drawn from the latter, the latter shows how cowardice is now glorified and viewed as a principle whilist bravery of the student bodies of the 80s and 90s is now viewed as an out dated methods of activism. One needs to take a look at the history of students unions in the past, first from abroad and then locally in a far more informed manner. I am sure a few examples will help not only those who read the latter but others also who didnt know how useful can be a student movement be in face of national upheavals and struggles for freedom and emancipation from oppressive polices and incompetences in service delivery. Particularly those who think it is modesty and smart to make it apolitical.

History will never disregard the role played by the students in the gigantic process of the unification of Germany, students partnered the unionists and played a very imperative role in the history of the Germany for tis unification to complete, likewise in ltaly. If the students fight for a greater cause augmenting the national politicians for the national good, in the mind of a right thinking man that is more smarter than to be arrogant and be a stand alone. A political party can stand without a student body and register successes but a student body will never achieve far or long term goals without augmentation of a vibrant political party thats why zanupf doesnt lose sleep over student cries anymore worse from zinasu. This is visible in fees hikes that continues to go unabetted, shortages and expensive residential areas, etc. The reason is it knows that its a bull dog which has long lost its teeth.

In 2014 more than 300 universities and colleges gathered at the "2014 Collegiate Panel Discussion: Youth Voices on Korean Unification" on August 14th at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. to affirm their generational desire for the unification of Korean Peninsula. They registered their voices in solidarity with nationalist movements which also wanted unification. I imagine if it was here, where a nation needs a unanimous convergence to remove a corrupt and incapable gvt, a certain informed boy driven by cowerdice, profiteering and racketeering is agitating against student involvement in serious issues of removing their burden once and for all.

In Zimbabwe students played serious national roles. The history of student activism is dated as back as 1973, during the colonial era, the famous Chimukwembe demonstration against racism, favouratism, oppression and against white minority rule is a foundation and an example to follow for all time to come that student activism is not apolitical rather a national political movement in model and function. Whoever disputes this or fund in support of this wtetched lie is somewhat profiteering in disarming the students body. Our students, strong in their resolve are proud combatants in the liberation struggle alongside other war comrades. Were they not students who demonstrated and campaigned against one party state in 1988 which was advocated by this gvt under fraudulent means? The failure of this dastardly crime was averted by the students alongside other civic organisations during that time.

Students also stood up and demonstrated the death of Samora in 1986. They also stood up against essap and its horrible consequences in the 90s. Apart from that students have also demonstrated against a number of scandals in the 90s in gvt and parastatals. When the MDC was formed students were a recognised body and from it other students later became heroes and icons in opposition politics, like Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Who is today a role model and pride of the living products of student body in Zimbabwe.

We know of cause the 1990 UZ amendment act which clipped the wings of the student, how activities and activism was controled by the state. This ceases to be an excuse ones ZINASU begins celebrates its own detoothing throughout latters to opposition party president.

Students! Resist the call by that ignorant boy. Remain focused and remember there is a struggle to be completed, a struggle that awaits, whose victory has fruits after being a student. Gone are the days when you demonstrated for more meat, clean plates, more sadza and more books and more time to read in the library,. Such is just luxury which cannot be anticipated at this moment. Rally behind the party which shall provide for the student of tomorrow and for your life after being a student. Rally behind the party you helped to establish!!!

(Believe Chikomo is a political writer who developed much interest in History and matters of governance)
Contact: bilivchikomo@gmail.com