by Patience Rashai

President Mnangagwa has set a date with stakeholders from institutions of higher learning saying that there was need for government to address students’ concerns as a matter of urgency for the betterment of the country and economy.

Addressing students at the President-Student interface held at the Harare International Conference Centre this Thursday, the President said Government was keen on improving conditions in institutions of higher learning for the betterment of the economy.

“Student accommodation has for long remained a challenge which Government is currently tackling with the help of the private sector.

“We are currently developing the concept of university cities whereby cities will be built around universities, thereby creating employment, innovation, investment and improved amenities (accommodation),” said President Mnangagwa.

Over and above that he proposed that university representatives (not more than ten) come to the State House to discuss with concerned stakeholders and map the way forward.

Responding to concerns raised by ZICOSU president, Takudzwa Gambiza on payment of school fees, President Mnangagwa said it wasn’t Government policy for students to be sent home or withdrawn from writing exams for failure to pay fees.

Government will also look at the issue on restoration of students’ allowances, payment of full school fees while students are on attachment, interest rate charged by banks which they said were liaising with the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe, welfare of foreign students on scholarship, among other issues.

He also said that plans were afoot to revamp the infrastructure, accommodation and improve other services in the institutions of higher learning.  

The President also reiterated on Government’s envisaged middle income by 2030 and as such, the need for students, Government and all concerned parties to work on modalities to improve the lives of Zimbabweans.

“Last up to March 2018, the country’s per income was around US$900 and now it has leapt to US$1 011.’

Hence showing an improvement on the economy, and reiterated the need for students and Government to continue working towards the country’s development.

Patience Rashai

President Mnangagwa has set a date with stakeholders from institutions of higher learning saying that there was need for government to address students’ concerns as a matter of urgency for the betterment of the country and economy.

Addressing students at the President-Student interface held at the Harare International Conference Centre this Thursday, the President said Government was keen on improving conditions in institutions of higher learning for the betterment of the economy.

“Student accommodation has for long remained a challenge which Government is currently tackling with the help of the private sector.

“We are currently developing the concept of university cities whereby cities will be built around universities, thereby creating employment, innovation, investment and improved amenities (accommodation),” said President Mnangagwa.

Over and above that he proposed that university representatives (not more than ten) come to the State House to discuss with concerned stakeholders and map the way forward.

Responding to concerns raised by ZICOSU president, Takudzwa Gambiza on payment of school fees, President Mnangagwa said it wasn’t Government policy for students to be sent home or withdrawn from writing exams for failure to pay fees.

Government will also look at the issue on restoration of students’ allowances, payment of full school fees while students are on attachment, interest rate charged by banks which they said were liaising with the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe, welfare of foreign students on scholarship, among other issues.

He also said that plans were afoot to revamp the infrastructure, accommodation and improve other services in the institutions of higher learning.  

The President also reiterated on Government’s envisaged middle income by 2030 and as such, the need for students, Government and all concerned parties to work on modalities to improve the lives of Zimbabweans.

“Last up to March 2018, the country’s per income was around US$900 and now it has leapt to US$1 011.’

Hence showing an improvement on the economy, and reiterated the need for students and Government to continue working towards the country’s development.