V-c slaps campus ban on the press

February 16, 2001

The University of Zimbabwe has barred journalists from interviewing academics on campus without the permission of vice-chancellor Graham Hill.

The move follows a ban on political meetings on campus and a threat to destroy university property by war veterans angered by an academic's views.

In a memo to the university's security chief, Professor Hill wrote:

"Persons from media organisations are not allowed on campus without prior permission and written approval from the vice-chancellor... Any person found failing to comply with this directive will face disciplinary action."

Information officer Elizabeth Karonga said the personal views of academics interviewed by reporters were being taken as official comments by the university. Also, in Zimbabwe's volatile political environment, the university was concerned about the rights and safety of staff and students.

Another factor was an incident involving an academic whose published views had angered war veterans, the former liberation struggle soldiers who have occupied thousands of white-owned farms around Zimbabwe and caused much violence.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The war veterans threatened to destroy university property, and we have no doubt they would have manhandled the academic had they got hold of him."

The university's student council and the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists attacked the ruling.

Register to continue

Why register?

  • Registration is free and only takes a moment
  • Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
  • Sign up for our newsletter
Please
or
to read this article.

Sponsored

Building tradition

Distinguished history in mathematics

In the 9th and 10th centuries, during Islam's Golden Age, scholars in the region produced important advances in algebra and...

Promoted by King Abdulaziz University
Sponsored

Cultivating digital literacy

How colleges and universities can teach essential skills for success in the age of automation and digital transformation
Promoted by Adobe
Sponsored

Featured jobs

Professional Officer (All Levels) in Diagnostic Radiography

SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SIT)

Electrician

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE

Lecturer in Social Psychology

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY
See all jobs
ADVERTISEMENT