Staff Writer
Teachers have slammed the government’s decision to force Zimsec examinations on all schools, arguing that authorities should first restore the board’s credibility through meaningful investment.
The criticism follows a recent announcement by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Dr. Takavafira Zhou, president of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), called the move imprudent and rushed.
“The biggest problem with Minister Torerai Moyo is his habit of making pronouncements without proper research or consulting key stakeholders—candidates, teachers, parents, industry, and the public,” Zhou said.
He added: “Decisions in the 21st century must be based on research and engagement, not bellicose expediency. The honest truth is that Zimsec has lost credibility from top to bottom.”
Zhou highlighted chronic examination leakages, shambolic management, and underqualified or unethical staff. He said critical equipment like printing and sealing machines is in short supply.
“Security at the Norton sample papers centre is lackadaisical. Some people simply walk in by virtue of their seniority, load question papers onto a memory stick, and leave freely.”
He also noted that Zimsec is poorly funded, cannot attract top markers, and often fails to pay markers for an entire year.
“Exams are currently run haphazardly—papers printed by unprofessional people, envelopes shoddily sealed, and packing done by personnel tempted to exploit loose seals.”
According to PTUZ, the board’s credibility has been compromised across the board: privacy, confidentiality, distribution, question quality, and marking by angry, unpaid teachers.
“The honest truth is that Zimsec has sunk so low that many candidates prefer the more expensive but credible Cambridge exams.”
Zhou accused the ministry of forcing students back to a “sinking board” just to prop it up with exam fees—without improving service.
“Worse, elite politicians, MPs, businesspeople, and cartels send their own children to private and international schools that don’t write Zimsec exams. Is this policy an attempt to create a two‑tier system—Zimsec for the masses and Cambridge for future rulers?”
His submission: “The government must invest in Zimsec, rebrand it, and restore its credibility—not take a commandist approach. A credible Zimsec will attract clients and carry out its mandate responsibly.”
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