Government scrambles to pay striking lecturers

The cash strapped government said last week it had released outstanding salaries of university lecturers and support staff as it scrambled to prevent the riots which rocked the University of Zimbabwe from spreading to other institutions, reports NewZimbabwe.

Anti-riot police had to be deployed at the University of Zimbabwe after students went on a rampage as lecturers and non-academic staff downed tools over unpaid February salaries. The institution was then closed for a week. Similar strikes have also affected Midlands State University, National University of Science and Technology and Great Zimbabwe University.

Higher Education Minister Oppah Muchunguri told reporters that the outstanding salaries would be paid by the end of last Tuesday. The minister said the decision to close the University of Zimbabwe had also been reversed, insisting lectures would continue the next day.
Full report on the All Africa site