Centre News Hub
MASVINGO-Students with disabilities at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) have petitioned the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) accusing the university of violating their rights by withholding examination results despite full payment of fees by the Department of Social Welfare.
The students say the Department of Social Welfare, through the Disability Affairs Department, settled all outstanding tuition balances on their behalf.
However, GZU has allegedly continued to withhold their results.
“The most painful part is that we engaged the Department of Social Welfare and all balances were paid and cleared,” said one affected student.
“We are grateful for that. But despite full settlement, the University continues to withhold results. This leaves us confused and searching for answers. When the key has unlocked the door, the door should open.”
“It’s No Longer About Fees”
Another student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the continued withholding of results creates a perception that the issue goes beyond finances.
“The continued withholding of results creates an unfortunate perception that this is no longer about fees, but about barriers unfairly affecting students with disabilities,” the student said.
“Institutions of higher learning are expected to champion inclusion, equality and equal opportunity for all. We respectfully appeal to University authorities, particularly the Registrar’s Office, to address this matter urgently and transparently.”
Disability rights advocates argue the matter amounts to a violation of constitutional rights.
“Students with disabilities deserve the same dignity, fairness and access to academic opportunities as everyone else. Education should open doors, not build walls,” said one advocate.
“We remain hopeful this will be resolved so the University’s commitment to inclusivity can shine.”
In their petition to the ZHRC, the students are seeking urgent intervention to restore inclusion, dignity and the welfare of students with disabilities at GZU.
They also decried lack of representation in the Students Representative Council, saying it shuts out their concerns and leaves their specialized needs unaddressed.
“We remain hopeful that the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, as a beacon of justice, equality and constitutional protection, will rise to this cause and help restore fairness, inclusion and dignity for all students with disabilities at GZU,” reads part of the petition.
The students are also calling for an investigation into the university’s alleged disregard of a directive by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, which prohibits the withholding of results for students with disabilities over fee issues.
Efforts to get a comment from GZU Public Relations Officer, Mr. Anderson Chipatiso, were unsuccessful by the time of going to print. He promised to revert but had not done so.
ZHRC officials at the Masvingo offices confirmed receipt of the petition but referred all questions to the Commission’s head office. Attempts to get comment from head office were also fruitless.
