Great Zimbabwe University US$ Fee Requirement Challenged in High Court

A Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) policy requiring students to pay 50% of their fees exclusively in US dollars is facing legal action. 

Shadreck Chidyamakuni, a Politics and Public Management undergraduate, filed an urgent chamber application at the Masvingo High Court contesting the university’s demand.

Chidyamakuni argues that GZU’s policy violates Zimbabwean regulations. He cites Section 7 (1) of the Exchange Control (Exclusive use of the Zimbabwean Dollar for Domestic Transactions) Regulations, which allows for payment in local currency (ZWL$) at the prevailing interbank rate for goods and services priced in US dollars.

Student Claims Policy is Illegal and Coercive

Represented by legal counsel Martin Mureri of Matutu Mureri Legal Practitioners, Chidyamakuni asserts that GZU’s policy is “illegal” and amounts to “manipulation and arm-twisting” of students. 

He claims the university pressures students to accept the policy by threatening their ability to register for the semester.

The application details the potential consequences for Chidyamakuni if he cannot comply. He argues that being forced to pay in US dollars would cause “irreparable prejudice” by preventing him from attending lectures, taking exams, and potentially delaying his studies.

The application quotes Chidyamakuni stating, “It is clear that I have to pay half my fees exclusively in United States dollars unless the illegal position is reversed.”

“If I do not, I would not be able to register for my semester and hence not able to attend classes with the consequence that I would not be able to sit for my examinations and the prejudice is irreparable.”