Antony Chawagarira
HARARE — The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has rejoined the leadership structures of the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Unions (ZICOSU) after a nine-year absence, a development expected to strengthen the student movement’s presence at one of the country’s major institutions of higher learning.
This development coincided with the election of Raymond Sibanda as the University of Zimbabwe’s 2026/2027 Student Representative Council president, after he secured 1,156 votes in the presidential race.
According to official results released by the UZ Student Affairs Division on September 25, Sibanda, a law student, polled 1,156 votes, defeating Nobuhle Ncube, who received 304 votes, and Russell Kupakwashe Gutu, who garnered 202 votes.
The results were signed by Electoral Commission chairman Gladman Chinamare and Dean of Students Dr Tawanda Zinyama.
Sibanda’s election places him at the helm of the SRC for the 2026/2027 academic year, as UZ resumes a more prominent role within ZICOSU structures.
The return of UZ to ZICOSU leadership has been welcomed by supporters of the student organisation as part of efforts to rebuild and renew its presence among Zimbabwean students.
UZ is one of the country’s most prominent universities and has historically been an important centre of student organisation and debate on academic, social, and national issues.
This latest development comes as ZICOSU continues to focus its programs on issues affecting students, including education, youth empowerment, skills development, and participation in national development.
The organisation has also publicly linked its student agenda to the government’s broader development program, including Vision 2030 and initiatives being implemented under the Second Republic.
The return of UZ therefore provides ZICOSU with an opportunity to strengthen its engagement with students at a key tertiary institution while expanding its structures and programmes.
This development also places renewed focus on the role of student leadership in promoting dialogue, representing student interests, and contributing to national development.
ZICOSU national president Kudzayi Murombedzi congratulated the UZ team on the latest development, describing the return as part of the ongoing renewal of the student movement.
With Sibanda now set to lead the 2026/2027 SRC, attention is expected to focus on how the new student leadership will engage with ZICOSU and address issues affecting students at the university.
