Urgent concern regarding interference in workers’ committee elections at MSU
IAM writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the ongoing interference by ViceChancellor Ngonidzashe Victor Muzvidziwa in the elections of workers’ committees at the Midlands State University (MSU).
The actions of the vicechancellor have not only undermined democratic processes but have also caused significant damage to the integrity and morale of the university community.
At MSU, there are two distinct workers' committees: Midlands State University Lecturers Association (MSULA) for the lecturers or teaching staff, and MSUNTSA for non-teaching staff.
Despite the clear constitutional and democratic procedures in place, Muzvidziwa has repeatedly refused to accept the leadership elected by the lecturers for MSULA.
Instead, he has unilaterally imposed his own leadership, disregarding the wishes of the lecturers and effectively destroying MSULA in the process.
This blatant disregard for democratic principles has led to an exodus of highly qualified lecturers who feel disillusioned and unsupported by the university administration.
Many have cited the vicechancellor’s authoritarian behaviour as the primary reason for their resignation, likening his leadership.
The academic community has unanimously condemned Muzvidziwa’s actions, describing him as someone who lacks the necessary understanding and vision of leading a prestigious institution like MSU.
Furthermore, the vicechancellor’s decision to convert the Hellenic Hall Computer Laboratory, the only research facility available to lecturers, into a shop is nothing short of a comedy show.
Despite the passage of more than four years, this shop remains nonfunctional, depriving lecturers of essential resources for their scholarly work and reducing MSU to a laughing stock within the academic community.
Most recently, the elections for MSUNTSA held on February 14 have been marred by uncertainty as the management, under the vice-chancellor’s direction, has yet to approve the committee.
It is evident that the vice-chancellor’s personal biases against unionism are influencing his decision-making process, as evidenced by his refusal to accept the duly elected president of MSUNTSA.
Equally concerning is the complicity of the Registrar of MSU, Tinashe Zishiri, who has openly supported the vice-chancellor’s interference in workers’ committee elections.
Such actions are not only contrary to the principles of fairness and transparency but also violate the Labour Act, which prohibits management from meddling in the election processes of workers’ committees.
It is imperative that the university, community, stakeholders and relevant authorities take swift and decisive action to address these egregious violations of democratic norms and labour rights at MSU.
Failure to do so will only perpetuate a culture of fear, repression and disengagement, ultimately undermining the academic mission and reputation of our esteemed institution.