Protesting graduates hit back

The Standard 08 October 2016

Three University of Zimbabwe graduates stunned President Robert Mugabe and other senior government officials when they staged surprise protests during this year's recent graduation ceremony, demanding jobs, writes Obey Manayiti for The Standard.

The government, as represented by Jonathan Moyo, the higher and tertiary education minister, is threatening to withhold their degrees as punishment for this brazen act. The trio of Alex Mukamba, Tonderai Dombo and Tembinkosi Rushwaya, who were later taken to court and fined US$10 each for public nuisance, stand by their action saying there was nothing wrong with demanding employment creation in the country.

Despite toiling to obtain degrees and other scholarly qualifications, a majority of university and college graduates in Zimbabwe are failing to secure employment. Many of them have turned to street vending and other menial jobs to survive. Mukamba, who was studying political science, said it was necessary to challenge Mugabe and his ministers so that they know things are not well for the majority of graduates in the country.
Full report on the All Africa site

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