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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 23. 23rd September 1973

Turmoil on Rhodesian Campus

Turmoil on Rhodesian Campus

The survival of the University of Rhodesia as a multiracial institution in a nation ruled by a white minority regime has long been a precarious paradox. Relations on campus between black and white students may be something less than fraternal but generally there has been an encouraging degree of mutual toleration, sometimes even solidarity when common interests are threatened. Now a recent series of disputes, culminating on August 7 in what observers have called "the worst riot ever seen" at the University, is seriously endangering this fragile educational experiment.

The spark which seems to have touched off the original disturbances late last months was a debate in Parliament during which the University's male halls of residence were described as centres of "filth, prostitution and troublemaking." Education Minister Philip Smith joined in the criticism, warning that if the University administration did not "put its house in order" the Government would have to consider whether it could continue to devote large sums of money to the institution. The charges have been flatly denied by the University Principal, Robert Craig.

Angered by what they regarded as insulting remarks, some 300 students both black and white marched with placards on the Parliament. On this occasion, July 27, there were no incidents. But later, as the dispute grew increasingly bitter and meetings between a student delegation and the Principal failed to calm tempers, more protests occured. On August 3, students who had been accusing the University of paying nonacademic campus personnel — black workmen, messengers and domestic help — "starvation wages", attempted to organise a strike. The students locked up the kitchens, raided campus buildings and removed or hid tools and equipment used by by the personnel. Gardening implements, bicycles and dishes were all taken to the Students Union Building for "safekeeping". Police arrived with riot gear and dogs, but took no action.

The Principal, however, did take action. With Craig's approval, a disciplinary committee recommended the expulsion of six students and suspension or fines against eight others. Among the students to be expelled was the President of the Students Representatives Council (SRC), Witness Mangwende. It was after hearing the committee's recommendation that a crowd of students turned into a furious stone- throwing mob. Windows were smashed in the administration buildings, including the office of the Principal. Police reinforcements arrived, clashes followed, and in the end some 155 students were arrested. Later, five people were injured, Mangwende was also held even though he had not been present on the campus at the time.

The next day, August 8, African students staged a peaceful demonstration on campus, singing African nationalist songs and carrying placards reading, "tyranny", and accusing the police of brutal interference. They were supported by a group of lecturers who wrote an open letter to the Principal complaining about the presence of police on campus who. they charged, only made things worse. The lecturers also criticised Professor Craig for his handling of the entire situation. But the University's Executive Council confirmed the recommended disciplinary action against the student "ringleaders".

Some of the arrested students were released, but on August 16 trials were held in Salisbury for the rest of them, 99 pleading guilty to having committed acts of public violence, three pleading not guilty.