adminMichael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Students at Kwekwe Polytechnic College on Wednesday staged a demonstration at the institution’s campus demanding that the authorities cut tuition fees during industrial attachment.
The protest was triggered by Kwekwe Poly acting principal Engineer Callisto Muzongondi’s announcement of an increment in attachment tuition fees from $85 to $235.
Students broke into song and dance and some waved placards denouncing Eng Muzongondi’s administration calling for the return of Ms Joice Mbudzi, who retired last year.
Students on attachment also joined the peaceful protest. The college’s Student Representative Committee (SRC) president Mr Shelton Kanhukamwe refused to talk to the media saying they were still engaging the college’s administration.
“Yes things are not okay here, but we cannot talk to the media at the moment as we are still engaged in talks with the authorities.
“We might jeopardise the talks if we talk to the media. But I guarantee you everything is under control,” said Mr Kanhukamwe.
Students who talked to this reporter, however, said that they were not happy with Eng Muzongondi’s administration, which they accused of undermining the needs of the students and defying the ministry by raising tuition fees.
“Firstly, we want the tuition fees for students on attachment to be reduced to $85. He should explain to us why one should pay $235 in this harsh economic environment,” said one student, who refused to be identified.
Another student said they were being denied access to the college bus, which was being abused by college staff.
“We walk long distances from Mbizo and Masasa, yet the college has a bus. We should be allowed to board the bus. I don’t think we will fail to contribute 25 cents each towards fuel. We fail to understand the reason why the bus was purchased,” he said.
Another student also blamed the authorities for neglecting the plight of students.
Contacted for comment, Eng Muzongondi said the situation had returned to normal, adding that the issue raised by students had been addressed.
“Everything is back to normal and as we speak lessons are underway. It is unfortunate I cannot comment further than that. You should seek comment from our parent ministry,” said Eng Muzongondi.
Meanwhile, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Desire Sibanda has announced the slashing of tuition fees for students on attachment to 40 percent of the normal tuition fees.
Online Reporter