Zimbabwean students at Rhodes

By Mudiwa Mupotsa (FJP reporter)

Zimbabwe’s declining economy is resulting in fewer Zimbabwean students being able to afford a Rhodes education. According to the Registrars Office at Rhodes University, the proportion of Zimbabwean students enrolled at the institution has declined and is expected to continue in this way. One of the reasons for this is the universities intentional limitation of the numbers of international students, but the main reason is the current economic melt- down Zimbabwe is facing.

These students are expected to pay the full years tuition at the beginning of the academic year.

Dr Stephen Fourie at the Registrars Office says many Zimbabweans pay their fees in pounds or US dollars as paying in Zim dollars is virtually impossible.

Considering what a scarce resource foreign currency is in the struggling country, it’s a wonder how Zimbabweans still manage to make up 30- 40% of the international community at the university.

Kundai Mabeza (pictured left), a 4th year Management student from Zimbabwe, says he knows several people who have been forced to drop out because they can no longer afford the fees.

‘I’m lucky – a company pays my fees for me, and I work on campus so I get money for day-to-day stuff from there,’ he said.

Those students who are fortunate enough to have funding for the duration of their degree face a new problem once they have graduated. If they return home and seek employment there, it’s not likely they will be earning a salary which will allow them to sustain themselves.

It’s also difficult for anybody fresh out of university to get a job here in South Africa, but virtually impossible for a young foreigner. Many students then find themselves fighting for competitive post-graduate places and are in a position where they once again need to consider the sources for their funding.

 

Despite the hardships they suffer as a result of the economic situation in Zimbabwe and the current volatile situation in the country, many students are excited to return home over the vacation.

Mabeza has unfortunately not had the opportunity to do so, ‘If I could afford
it I would definitely go home. It’s just nice to be with your family for a while,’ he said. He also spoke about how heart-breaking it was to see his home country fall into shambles – a sentiment shared by numerous young Zimbabweans.

These students will have to continue to try and find more creative ways of fitting into their adopted societies if they wish to move forward with their careers in this country.

Pics: Mudiwa Mupotsa