Chronicle Editor
Thembinkosi Khumalo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) has elected Midlands State University (MSU) student Benon Ncube as new leader during elections which were marred by skirmishes in Bulawayo yesterday.
Police had to briefly intervene to calm down the tensions as rival groups almost exchanged blows before the polls.
Ncube took over from Takudzwa Godfrey Ngadziore.
He will be deputised by Busiso Khanye while the secretary-general’s post went to Joseph Nyamayaro.
Ncube polled 49 votes beating Kian Kanhenga and Pritchard Paradzayi who got 24 and 22 votes respectively.
Speaking after the polls, Ncube said the election was a reflection of what students want especially going forward.
“I am going to be serious about addressing the issues of fees because we have been going through Covid-19 and the institutions (tertiary) seem to ignore that part, they always demand their monies and failure to pay the consequences are that students are forced to defer,” he said.
Ncube added that the new committee will look at other issues affecting students such as accommodation problems.
Outgoing president Ngadziore said despite a few skirmishes, he was happy that the elections went on smoothly and the students were practicing democracy.
“There is a consensus here that the process was fair, no acts of violence and no sinister behaviour. I am proud once again to witness the beginning of new and fresh ideas. I am leaving but I will always be there for the students,” he said.
The elections were attended by student executives from different tertiary institutions from across the country.
Online Reporter