The Standard
3 March 2012
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) has failed to pay Ordinary and Advanced level examination markers due to serious cash flow problems, The Standard has been told.
One examiner last week said the failure by Zimsec to pay the allowances was inconveniencing the teachers who dedicated their time marking the examinations.
“We were told that we would get our money, seven days after marking the final papers, but it’s now a month after the results are out and most pupils have gone for Lower Sixth and we are still waiting,†the examiner said.
“We were given a few dollars a month after marking and no explanation has been given for the outstanding balance.â€
The examiner said it was outrageous that Zimsec breached a contract, whose terms the organisation set without consulting the markers.
“We do not negotiate the contract, but just sign one they create unilaterally,†he said.
“One would think they could fulfill their own terms, but they have the impunity to breach the contract.â€
The markers were supposed to be paid between 90 cents and US$1,20 per each paper they marked. Markers who were expecting between US$600 and US$700 but got only US$300.
Zimsec director Happy Ndanga said his organisation communicated its position to the examiners.
“We have communicated with them and do not know why we should talk to the newspaper,†Ndanga said. “They know why there is a delay and how they will be paid.â€
The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart last week confirmed the non-payment of examiners adding that they were still waiting for funds from treasury.
“The failure to pay is part of a major cash crisis within Zimsec,†Coltart said. “Treasury has not released money for Zimsec to pay. Payment will be done once Zimsec gets the money.â€
Coltart said the Ministry of Finance had not indicated when the money was likely to be availed.