Don’t engage us if you can’t pay, ZIMSEC told

Teachers who marked the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC)’s O’ and A’ Level examinations are in disagreement with their boss over the delays in marking payments.

Speaking to the media, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) Secretary-General Goodwill Taderera said ZIMSEC should not engage their members if they can not pay them as per agreed.

“We have always said Zimsec must engage teachers when they have the money to pay them,” said Taderera

ZIMTA SG further described the delays by the examination council as bad labour practice.

“It is bad labour practice to engage somebody and not pay them,” he added.

Responding to the matter, ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicki Dlamini acknowledged that they owe the markers.

“Our ‘O’ and ‘A’ level examiners have not been paid, as we are speaking there are payments that are being processed so as to rectify the situation.”

Dlamini further blamed the effects of Covid 19 which has affected the cash flow.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there were issues with the cash flow. It is prudent to note that this is the first time in many years that this delay has happened.”

In March, teachers who were marking exams reportedly downed tools due to payment issues prompting ZIMSEC to issue a statement saying the money that was deposited into the markers’ bank accounts were part payments.

The November 2020 Advanced (A’) level examination results were announced over three weeks ago while a week has passed since Ordinary level results were released.

However, teachers who marked the examinations are yet to be paid their dues by the examination council, and they are not happy.