The University of Zimbabwe lecturers have taken their grievances public, staging demonstrations outside campus grounds to protest what they describe as unsustainable compensation.
With monthly earnings equivalent to just USD 230 (approximately ZAR 4,181), professors argue their expertise warrants fair remuneration. The labour action has directly impacted students, with examination grading suspended indefinitely due to the work stoppage.
University of Zimbabwe Lecturers Strike After Court Win
High Court Justice Benjamin Chikowore ruled in favour of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), affirming their constitutional right to industrial action. The landmark decision explicitly permits protest activities, including organised marches, placard displays, and solidarity gatherings within designated campus zones.
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Some of the lecturers had been arrested when they first started their strike. Three of the UZ lecturers were arrested at the institution’s gate. However, the court ruled in their favour and ordered the institution to respect their right to protest.
WATCH | Lecturers and professors at the University of Zimbabwe are protesting outside the campus, saying their pay is too low. They earn only US$230 which is around 4,181 rand a month. Students have been told that their exams will not be marked because of the strike. pic.twitter.com/sa8ly98AFp
— Crime Watch Zimbabwe (@crimewatchzw) April 24, 2025
The court-mediated agreement establishes clear protest parameters:
- Dedicated liaison officers to coordinate with law enforcement
- Trained marshals to maintain orderly conduct
- Designated protest zones at key university entrances
Legal Precedent Extends Beyond Academia
Legal representative Munyaradzi Gwisai emphasised the ruling’s broader implications:
“This judgment solidifies constitutional strike rights that will resonate across Zimbabwe’s labour landscape, establishing crucial protections for all organised workers.”
The decision follows earlier police intervention, which saw AUT leadership briefly detained on minor charges, which are now being contested in court.
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Ongoing Labour Tensions
The current standoff marks the latest chapter in Zimbabwe’s higher education labour disputes. Faculty are demanding salary adjustments that reflect the country’s economic realities. The academic community watches closely as negotiations continue, recognising the outcome’s potential to influence labour relations nationwide.
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The post WATCH: University Of Zimbabwe Lecturers Strike Against Poor Salaries After Court Victory appeared first on iHarare News.
