AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: DOES IS IT HAVE A PLACE IN OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS?

In 1995 the government of Zimbabwe gazetted that prospective female students at the country's universities be admitted for study at lower entry points than their male counterparts. This was meant to level the playing field for the girl child who spends a lot of time doing domestic chores unlike the boy child who has plenty of time to study.

While this was a noble and appropriate initiative, in some quarters this has created some stigma in that the females who are admitted on lesser points than boys are made to feel as if they do not deserve to be there by those who have the required the qualifying points. This demotivates them as they are looked down upon.

It is interesting to note that for example, the minimum number of points a student should have to qualify for study at the UZ is 2 points. However, because of stiff competition for the few available places the entry point had to be raised so that only the best could attain varsity education, and not necessarily that someone with 3 points is dumb. It is hoped that with the increase in the number of universities across the country, the entry points will come down so that all those who would have passed their A'Levels even with 2 points can access varsity education locally. This being the case, then there will not be any need for affirmative action.