On April 9, 2025, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) suspended Darlington Matola for criticizing the university’s administration in a WhatsApp group.

Matola had been involved in protesting mandatory student payments for medical aid. After he criticized GZU’s administration in a WhatsApp group, the university suspended him for two semesters. On May 23, the Zimbabwe National Student Union announced that it had filed an application for a review of Matola’s suspension, accusing GZU of irregularities in its decision-making regarding Matola’s case.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the suspension of a student for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression – 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. Universities have a responsibility to refrain from wrongful disciplinary action taken against students for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, such incidents have a chilling effect on academic freedom and undermine democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250415225626504
https://x.com/Boykatape/status/1910302440647258580
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1155958656565867&id=100064552304849&set=a.460981469396926