ZimEye.org
By Moses Muchemwa
May 10, 2009
Harare (ZimEye) – THE government of Zimbabwe has failed to raise US$4 million to pay 2008 public examination markers, the ZimEye has learnt. This has in turn plunged into doubt the completion of the marking process.
Secretary for Education, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr Steven Mahere confirmed that his ministry was broke and could not fund the marking of the examinations. Earlier this year his senior, David Coltart refused to take a government bought Mercedes benz citing that his ministry is too poor to afford such luxury.
“We have no money to pay the markers and we actually owe them money. If we can get US$4 million today I guarantee you that in two weeks those result will be out,” Coltart’s Secretary, Mahere said.
He said the ministry was scouting for potential donors who might be willing to pay the markers.
“We are talking with the donors and we hope to get the money this month in order to pay the markers. They are now holding us to ransom because we have failed to fulfill previous promises,” he added.
The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council ‘s ‘Ordinary’ and ‘Advanced’ level examination script markers are still said to be unpaid.
The teachers were promised USd1 per script.
“We call on the schools to use a performance based approach when it comes to enrolling pupils for form 1 as well as the Advanced level. The process is already going on around the country and we hope they bear with us as we finalise the marking process,” noted Mahere.
The country’s education system is facing collapse due to mismanagement in the past 29 years under President Mugabe’s administration. David Coltart’s ministry has maintained its desperate cry for financial relief but to no avail.