Concerns raised over ‘flawed’ new universities legislation

Legal think-tank Veritas has attacked the Amendment of State Universities Statutes Bill, saying it is defective, and implied that Zimbabwe government has no respect for academic freedom, writes Harriet Chikandiwa for Newsday.

The government gazetted the bill, which seeks to streamline operations of universities, on 7 January. The bill will amend 13 acts establishing institutions of higher learning. These amendments will apply to the university councils and not the university bodies or matters relating to the appointment of university staff.

But Veritas said the bill was deeply flawed. “The bill will increase the government’s control even further by requiring ministerial approval for the appointment of university bursars (finance officers) and librarians,” Veritas said.
Full report on the Newsday site