The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has dismissed four executive members of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), escalating tensions in the ongoing lecturers’ strike, which has now entered its 71st day. The lecturers are demanding a salary increase from US$230 to US$2,250.
Those fired include AUT President Munyaradzi Chamburuka, Secretary-General Bornface Mwakorera, Organising Secretary Justin Tandire, and Spokesperson Obvious Vengeyi. The university cited unauthorised use of the Great Hall for a union-related ballot as the official reason for the dismissals.
Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com on Wednesday, Vengeyi said the university’s claim of unauthorised use of the venue was unfounded. “We received dismissal letters following disciplinary proceedings. We were suspended on the 6th of May, and the letters said the dismissal is effective from the date of suspension,” he explained.
Vengeyi said the AUT formally requested use of the Great Hall for a ballot scheduled for April 2. Despite not receiving a formal response from the registrar, he claimed the university proceeded to unlock the venue, provided a legal officer, and deployed security personnel to oversee the proceedings.
“The university opened the hall on the ballot day and provided security and legal oversight. Two days later, they said we used the hall without permission,” Vengeyi said, suggesting the dismissals were a premeditated move to break the strike.
All four AUT leaders had been on suspension since early May and faced disciplinary hearings. According to Vengeyi, the university charged them under Schedule D of its code — which allows for dismissal on a first offence — making it clear the administration was targeting union leadership.
Despite their dismissal, the AUT leaders say they remain undeterred and will continue with strike actions and seek legal redress. “We are still AUT members. We will continue our picketing and our legal team is already exploring avenues for recourse. We knew this was coming. It was always their intention to fire us in the hope of ending the strike,” said Vengeyi.
The UZ strike, which began in late March, has drawn attention to worsening conditions for academic staff in Zimbabwe’s public universities. Lecturers are demanding a significant salary adjustment, citing rising inflation and economic instability that has eroded their earnings. Current salaries stand at just over US$230 per month, an amount lecturers argue is insufficient given their professional qualifications and responsibilities.
With the AUT leadership now dismissed and the strike still ongoing, the situation signals deepening divisions between university authorities and academic staff. The lecturers have vowed to persist with industrial action until their demands are addressed, while the university has yet to publicly comment on possible negotiations or a roadmap to resolution.
