Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) students who had paid for on-campus accommodation have been told to vacate their hostels, sparking anger among student leaders who say the decision prioritises conference logistics over education.
The affected students, including final-year learners working on dissertations, were moved to Chinhoyi High School at short notice. The university says the hostels need renovations ahead of the Zanu PF 23rd National Conference expected in October. However, the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) CUT chapter has condemned the eviction as a disregard for student welfare and academic stability.
ZINASU CUT chairperson Hillary Masango accused management of treating students like temporary placeholders, with no prior consultation or proper notice. He warned that the relocation creates safety concerns and disrupts study schedules, particularly for those at critical stages of their programmes.
“Education is a right, not a privilege,” Masango said, adding that student leaders would not remain silent while administrative decisions upend learners’ lives.
The renovations are reportedly intended to upgrade accommodation for delegates attending the ruling party’s conference. CUT Director of Public Relations and Communications Shadreck Nembaware was not reachable for comment at the time of publishing.
The development raises broader questions about the balance between hosting national political events and protecting students’ access to stable learning environments in Zimbabwe.
