On March 12, 2025, Midlands State University (MSU) expelled Takunda Mhuka for recruiting students to join the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) without permission from the university administration.

On February 25, MSU’s administration suspended Mhuka, along with four other students – Tanaka Sibanda, Nester Moyo, Fanuel Gona, and Keegan Mathe – for allegedly violating the university’s Rules of Student Conduct and Discipline by conducting the ZINASU recruitment drive. ZINASU is the largest student movement in Zimbabwe and is often in opposition to Zimbabwe’s government.

Mhuka was expelled after a disciplinary hearing on March 12. At the time of writing, the four other students were still waiting for their disciplinary hearings.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the expulsion of a student for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of association – conduct which is expressly protected under international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, such incidents have a chilling effect on academic freedom and undermine democratic society generally. Universities have a responsibility to refrain from wrongful disciplinary action taken against students for exercising their rights to academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of association.

Sources:
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2025031210051956
https://www.afrogazette.co.zw/five-msu-students-suspended-amid-crackdown-on-student-activism/
https://x.com/crimewatchzw/status/1897224244884336688/photo/2
https://x.com/Zinasuzim/status/1900562672732479873