Over 200 lecturers and students at the University of Zimbabwe protested low wages on Monday, marking a three-month strike amidst the country’s severe cost-of-living crisis.
The lecturers, demanding their salaries be raised from \$230 to \$2,500 per month (their 2018 pay), highlighted the nation’s soaring 90%+ inflation.
Union representative Obvious Vengeyi stated the university hasn’t offered a solution since mid-April and rejected a recent ministry proposal for smaller raises, calling it unfair.
The strike has disrupted classes, canceled exams, and cast doubt on graduation.
Students like Wadzanai Rupuwu feel their education is being stolen.
While the university has brought in temporary staff, students criticize their lack of experience, with student leader Darlington Chingwena stating, “Our future has been stolen.”
This ongoing unrest comes as Zimbabwe recently introduced a gold-backed currency to stabilize its struggling economy.