The Zimbabwe State Universities’ Union of Academics and the Zimbabwe State Universities Allied Workers’ Union recently sent a memorandum to President Robert Mugabe warning him that the eight state-controlled universities may shut down. As inflation in Zimbabwe hits 42 million percent, the salary for university lecturers no longer covers transportation and other living expenses. This coupled with the poor working conditions and brain drain, is causing academic and non-academic staff members to boycott going to work. University World News interviewed Sam Chabikwachairman of the National University of Science and Technology Educators’ Association, “The government must realise that education production is the key of every sector. If they do not appreciate that: tough luck, they have a problem on their hands. There is no point in returning to work when we are hungry.” Mugabe serves as the chancellor to all state-controlled universities.
