DCU students campaign to save Shepherd

A CAMPAIGN to prevent the deportation of a DCU student who fears for his life should he have to return to Zimbabwe has been backed by university President Prof Brian MacCraith.

Shepherd Machaya – a second year Management of Information Technology and Information Systems student – received the deportation order in September, a few days before he was due to go back to college.

Machaya fled Zimbabwe nine years ago as a result of the torture he faced. Machaya told DCU student newspaper, College View, that he feels his life would be in danger should he have to return to Zimbabwe.

“They tortured me. I was tortured,” he said. 

Machaya says he was attacked because he was vocal against the leading political party, ZANU–PF. He described one individual who he said had "ZANU–PF in his heart" as “vicious like an animal”. 

"Unfortunately, one of my friends, he even died.”

Machaya said police in Zimbabwe have little power as the country is controlled by the army.

"Many people don't really know what happens in Zimbabwe," he said. "Zimbabwe is not a safe country."

Machaya completed a PLC in Computer Science in Portlaoise College in 2017, as well as over 10 other online qualifications, including one in UX Design. 

He first applied to DCU through the Central Applications Office and received offers from other universities but had his heart set on DCU.

Machaya said he fell to his knees and thanked God when he found out that he was one of 10 applications out of the 62 submitted to be accepted for the scholarship. 

“You just want something, then all of a sudden that something happens. And when that something happens it doesn’t disappoint you, from day one you don’t get disappointed.”

DCU Students’ Union launched the ‘Save Our Shepherd’ campaign as an emotive appeal. They have circulated a petition, currently signed by over 13,000, and written an open letter to Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan.

DCU SU President Vito Moloney Burke said the students didn’t want to say they didn’t do enough to help Machaya.

"He's done so much to contribute to this country and develop himself as an individual,” he said.

“I just can’t stop think about what will happen if we’re not successful.”

The President of DCU, Prof Brian MacCraith, has voiced his support for Shepherd’s case.

“I am calling on the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan to review Shepherd’s case with a view to allowing him to remain in Ireland in order that he may complete his course of studies at DCU,” he said.

DCU became Ireland’s first ‘University of Sanctuary’ two years ago. The designation, with the aid of significant philanthropic support, has established a number academic scholarships, with a particular focus on those seeking asylum in reception centres in Ireland.