Student Politics and Activism in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Student activism has made an important contribution to the struggle for democracy in Zimbabwe. In the first years of independence students were among the most fearsome defenders of the regime. Three broad periods of student activism can be identified. The first pro-government period was followed by a violent break with the regime in 1988, the second period saw students declare that they were `the voice of the voiceless'. With the onset of structural adjustment programmes in the early 1990s, the privileged status of students in higher education was rapidly eroded. The third period emerged after 1995 as student activism converged with the urban revolt that was beginning to shake Zimbabwe. This article assesses the role of student activism in Zimbabwe.

‘Hustling Out of Unemployment’: Livelihood Responses of Unemployed Young Graduates in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

“…In addition, youth (particularly students) have been in the forefront of protests against the government in struggles for political and economic transformation (Mlambo, 2013; Zeilig, 2008). Such action, however, attracted accusation of betrayal and lack of appreciation of ‘the privilege of being ‘born free’ by the government and ruling party (Oosterom, 2018: 490).…”

Managing Political Behavior of University Students

“…In the first years of independence students were among the most fearsome defenders of the regime (Baranowski & Weir, 2010). All facets of personality captured by the Big Five framework matter for citizen politics, and that personality effects operate on virtually all aspects of political behavior (Zeilig, 2008). Awareness of and identification with non-news television formats which suggests that sources such as TV talk and reality shows may be important sources of political discourse and even civic engagement among the students (Mondak & Halperin, 2008).…”

Settlers, Sell-outs and Sons of the Soil: The Creation of Aliens in Zimbabwe and the Challenge for Higher Education

“…At the Earth Summit in Johannesburg in 2002, President Mugabe echoed this view while attacking the then British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, "So Blair, keep your England and let me keep my Zimbabwe" (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2009b, p. 1139. The high participation of students and staff in civic organization and opposition politics has been widely observed (Chikwanha, 2009;Chimanikire, 2009;Zeilig, 2008) and hence the harsh treatment they have been receiving from ZANU PF.…”