University of Zimbabwe Lecturers Launch Massive Strike Over Dismal Salaries Below US$250 After Tax
Harare, Zimbabwe – In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the academic and political spheres, lecturers at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), represented by the Association of University Teachers (AUT), have announced a massive strike to protest their shockingly low salaries—amounting to less than US$250 per month after tax. This industrial action, set to commence on April 24, 2025, follows a High Court order and a brief meeting held on April 23, 2025, between AUT representatives Dr. Onesimo Kadare and Professor Vengeyi, as revealed in an official letter from AUT to the Harare Suburban District Police.
The letter, penned by AUT Vice President Dr. Onesimo Kadare, formally notifies the Officer in Charge at Harare Suburban District, Masawi, of the impending picketing action. It states that AUT members will protest on April 24 and 25, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., demanding better pay and improved working conditions. The lecturers are calling for the support and protection of the Zimbabwe Republic Police during this period, with Dr. Kadare and Professor Vengeyi designated as the liaison persons for the event.
The root of this unrest lies in the dire financial situation faced by UZ lecturers, who, despite their critical role in shaping the nation’s future, are paid a pittance. Sources within AUT reveal that after tax deductions, most lecturers take home less than US$250 per month—a figure that is woefully inadequate given Zimbabwe’s soaring cost of living. This amount, barely enough to cover basic necessities, has left many lecturers struggling to make ends meet, forcing some to take on side jobs or rely on family support to survive.
The strike comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s education sector is already grappling with systemic challenges, including underfunding, outdated infrastructure, and a brain drain of talent to better-paying opportunities abroad. For years, university lecturers have voiced their frustrations over poor remuneration, but their pleas have largely fallen on deaf ears. The decision to strike, backed by a High Court order referenced in the letter (Case No. HCH1844/25), signals a breaking point for these academics who feel undervalued and neglected by the government.
AUT’s call to action is not just a demand for better salaries but a broader cry for the government to prioritize education and recognize the indispensable role of lecturers in national development. The planned picketing is expected to draw significant attention, with students and other labor unions likely to rally in solidarity. However, the strike also raises concerns about potential disruptions to the academic calendar, leaving students in a precarious position as they prepare for examinations and coursework deadlines.
The letter to the police underscores AUT’s commitment to a peaceful protest, emphasizing the need for dialogue and resolution. Yet, the lecturers’ resolve is clear: they will no longer accept salaries that fail to reflect their expertise and dedication. As the strike looms, all eyes are on the government and university administration to see how they will respond to this crisis. Will they address the lecturers’ grievances with meaningful reforms, or will this standoff deepen the rift between educators and the state?
For now, the University of Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads, with the future of its academic staff—and the students they teach—hanging in the balance. The coming days will reveal whether this strike sparks a much-needed change or becomes another chapter in the ongoing struggle for fair treatment in Zimbabwe’s education sector.
