Latest news with #UniversityofZimbabwe
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Interview: Zimbabwean scholar says China's rural revitalization experience inspires his country
HARARE, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's success in rural revitalization can serve as an inspiration for Zimbabwe's development path, a Zimbabwean scholar said on Tuesday. Achieford Mhondera, a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the second edition of the Harare Forum for Africa (HFA) held in Harare, the southern African country's capital. Rural development is crucial to Zimbabwe's economic transformation, as the majority of its population resides in rural areas, Mhondera said, noting that China went through a similar stage of development many years ago. Given that both countries are developing economies in the Global South, Zimbabwe can learn from the practical measures China has adopted in advancing rural development, Mhondera added. He said China's "two mountains" concept, which holds that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," can provide inspiration for sustainable and ecological rural development in Zimbabwe. "You need a conducive and safe environment for development, and these are some of the things we need to learn from China's experience. If you go to the Chinese countryside, you will find lucid waters and lush mountains -- often described as mountains of gold and silver -- which can be adopted and adapted in Zimbabwe's case," Mhondera said. Drawing on China's rural revitalization efforts, particularly in modernizing agriculture and improving rural living standards, Mhondera noted that a conducive ecological environment is vital for promoting rural development. "In terms of rural development and modernization, I think the first step in the modernization process is to build a good countryside -- a beautiful, ecologically sustainable countryside," he said. He observed that rural development in China is driven by a combination of government intervention and active participation of local communities. Mhondera stressed that cooperation with China has played a crucial role in advancing rural development in Zimbabwe. "Cooperation is already underway, and there are more activities in progress," he said. He further noted that Zimbabwe and China can deepen collaboration in developing irrigation facilities, as Zimbabwe still largely relies on rain-fed agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate change. "China is helping Zimbabwe by developing the countryside, installing solar-powered irrigation systems, and sharing expert knowledge in horticulture and other agricultural practices. I think there is a need to further strengthen this cooperation and expand the model to other areas," he added. Co-organized by the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, and the China Zimbabwe Exchange Center, this year's HFA ran under the theme of Rural Development and Modernization, bringing together academics, business leaders, and government representatives to share their views on Africa's rural development.
France 24
06-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Warring parties urged to respect humanitarian law in Sudan as the crisis is worsening
In other news, the University of Zimbabwe has begun replacing its striking lecturers with adjunct staff who reportedly earn as little as three US dollars per hour. More than 100 lecturers and teaching staff have picketed Zimbabwe's main university to demand fair wages and improved working conditions. With no end in sight, exams have already been cancelled. Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating around the world! From Dakar to Dubai, Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Adha, also known as Tabaski in West Africa, one of the most sacred festivals in the Islamic calendar. However, in countries such as Sudan and Morocco, the joy of the holiday is overshadowed by crisis and uncertainty.
The Star
30-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Zimbabwean students showcase language skills at Chinese proficiency contest
HARARE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese language learners in Zimbabwe on Friday showcased their language skills during the 24th "Chinese Bridge" competition organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, the country's capital. Drawing participants from primary schools, high schools, and colleges, the competition consisted of a speech in Chinese and a talent show. Kudakwashe Makoni, a student of political science and diplomacy at the University of Zimbabwe, stood out with his grasp of the Chinese language and knowledge of Chinese culture. He told Xinhua that the Chinese language serves not only as a practical skill to learn in a globalized world, but also as a bridge between the two countries. "Learning Chinese provides huge opportunities for Zimbabweans. You can get scholarships to study in China, and also, with the rapidly growing Chinese economy, there is an opportunity for trade, so we can leverage the opportunity to create an amicable relationship between Zimbabwe and China," he said. Thandeka Risinamhodzi, a high school student from Harare, was elated to be crowned the champion in the high school students' segment. "Chinese is a very exciting language that you can learn. Learning Chinese benefits in many ways, like in Zimbabwe, most things involve the Chinese, like job opportunities," she said. Makoni and Risinamhodzi will represent Zimbabwe at the international finals of the "Chinese Bridge" competition in China later this year. In his address to the contest, Attwell Mamvuto, pro-vice-chancellor for academic affairs and administration at the University of Zimbabwe, said the competition not only celebrates linguistic excellence, but also marks the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries. "Learning a new language opens doors to new opportunities, fosters understanding, and builds bridges between people from different backgrounds. The Chinese language, with its rich history and vast number of speakers, is a particularly valuable asset. It also augurs well with the University of Zimbabwe's strategic thrust on the internationalization agenda as well as academic and cultural exchanges," he said. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the growing number of Zimbabweans learning Chinese demonstrates the language's global prominence and the importance and vitality of the enduring partnership between China and Zimbabwe. "This year, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations, which are rooted in solidarity, shared aspiration, and mutual benefit, we also celebrate decades of our joint achievements, which include the robust educational and cultural collaboration between our two countries," Zhou added.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Strike shutters Zimbabwe's main university
Representative Image HARARE: More than 100 lecturers and teaching staff picketed at Zimbabwe's main university Tuesday to back a five-week wage strike that has already forced the cancellation of exams. Lecturers at the University of Zimbabwe downed tools on April 16 to demand an increase in salary from $230 (US dollars) to $2,500 per month, the amount they were last paid back in 2018 before a massive currency change and devaluation. Zimbabwe National Students Union students joined the staff at the third picket outside the university in central Harare since the indefinite strike began. There have been no classes since the action started and students were unable to write exams due two weeks ago, Association of University Teachers (AUT) representative Obvious Vengeyi said. "The administration suspended five of AUT leaders hoping the strike will go off but unfortunately they have added fuel to the fire," he told AFP on the sidelines of the demonstration. "If they do not address our demands, this university will close its doors for the first time since it was opened in 1952," Vengeyi said. The AUT said the university employs about 1,200 lecturers and other teaching staff but only 17 were working. Earlier this month, six students were arrested and charged for protesting in support of the teachers. "We have realised that the lecturers are the cornerstone of our education so their mistreatment means that there is no progress that can happen at this university," student leader Darlington Chingwena told AFP. Lecturers are demanding their monthly salaries be pegged at $2,500, which they say is on par with other regional higher education institutions. Salaries were devalued after Zimbabwe shifted from the US dollar in 2019 to a local quasi-currency known as the RTGS (real time gross settlement). It was replaced by a new gold-backed currency launched in April 2024 with the aim of tackling sky-high inflation and stabilising the country's long-floundering economy. According to a document seen by AFP, the university -- which reportedly has around 18,000 students -- said last week it will replace the striking staff with temporary hires. str/br/ho/giv
Arabian Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Post
University of Zimbabwe Faces Backlash Over Meagre Pay for Replacement Lecturers
The University of Zimbabwe has sparked widespread criticism by offering adjunct lecturers a paltry US$5.50 per hour to replace striking academic staff, intensifying an ongoing labour dispute that has disrupted operations at the country's premier higher education institution. Lecturers, represented by the Association of University Teachers , initiated an indefinite strike on 16 April, demanding a return to pre-2018 salary levels of US$2,250 per month for junior faculty. Currently, most earn less than US$300, supplemented by a Zimbabwe Gold component that, when converted, amounts to under US$200—an effective 87% pay cut. The university's decision to recruit adjuncts at such low rates has been met with outrage from both academic and student communities. AUT leaders argue that the move undermines the quality of education and reflects a disregard for the welfare of educators. 'We have subsidised this university for more than seven years,' said AUT spokesperson Professor Obvious Vengeyi. 'On the contrary, they have plundered it.' ADVERTISEMENT The strike has led to significant disruptions, with many classes suspended and students expressing concern over the continuity of their education. Tafadzwa Katsande, a representative from the Zimbabwe National Student Union , voiced solidarity with the lecturers, stating, 'We understand your plight better because we are your children before you are our lecturers. Even if we don't attend classes for the whole semester, let it be so.' The government's response has been mixed. Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba acknowledged the legitimacy of the lecturers' grievances, noting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had approved a welfare proposal to address the issues. However, implementation has been delayed, leading to further frustration among the academic staff. In an attempt to quell the unrest, UZ suspended several AUT leaders, including President Phillemon Munyaradzi Chamburuka and Treasurer Obvious Vengeyi, citing charges of inciting unrest. These suspensions were later revoked following legal challenges and public outcry. Vengeyi commented on the revocation, suggesting it was a tactic to distract from the core issue of fair remuneration. The situation escalated when police arrested three lecturers during a peaceful protest at the university's main entrance. Those detained included Professor Vengeyi, Dr Desmond Ndedzu, and Group Captain Boncase Mwakorera. The arrests drew condemnation from various quarters, with critics accusing authorities of suppressing lawful demonstrations. Despite these challenges, the AUT remains steadfast in its demands. Lecturers have withdrawn not only their teaching services but also their participation in research and administrative duties. They have also ceased using personal resources, such as laptops and mobile data, for university-related work. The broader economic context in Zimbabwe, marked by hyperinflation and currency instability, has exacerbated the crisis. Many lecturers report struggling to afford basic necessities, with some unable to pay for their children's education or meet daily living expenses. The AUT has highlighted these hardships in communications with university management, emphasizing the urgent need for salary adjustments.
