The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has dismissed a report claiming that it has launched a skilled worker programme for students without Ordinary Level qualifications.
On Monday, State media quoted NRZ instructor Jatiwa Mudiwa, who aid that the programme provides students with valuable life skills through automotive and other technical courses, even for those lacking O’ Level qualifications in English, Mathematics, or Science.
According to the report, Mudiwa made these remarks during a career expo held at Thembiso Primary School in Bulawayo last Friday.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, March 6, NRZ’s Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Andrew Kunambura, clarified that the organisation does not offer such courses.
Kunambura further explained that, following the publication of the story, NRZ had been inundated with inquiries from the public about the alleged programme. He added:
<blockquote>
NRZ wishes to advise that it does not offer such a programme and that entry requirements for all programmes offered at our Technical College are principally Five Passes at Ordinary Level, inclusive of Mathematics and English Language.
Moreover, advertisements are issued in the public press whenever there is an intake and these adverts specify clearly all the requirements for each programme.
We greatly appreciate the interest by members of the public to enroll at our esteemed institution which churns out highly skilled graduates that easily integrate into both the formal and informal sectors on successful completion of their courses.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is saying that they did not start a program for students without O' Levels. They say the program is not real, even though an instructor mentioned it at a career expo. NRZ's requirements are actually 5 passes at O' Level, including Math and English. They appreciate the interest, but want to make it clear that the false program does not exist. If anyone wants to join NRZ's Technical College, they need to meet the real entry requirements.

NRZ Denies Launching Skilled Worker Programme For Students Without O' Levels

Two learners, including one who had attained six A’s in their O-Level exams, lost their lives on Wednesday afternoon while on their way to collect their results at Mt St Mary’s High School in Hwedza.
The victims, named as Denzel and Wayne, were part of a group of students travelling from Harare to the school when their kombi overturned.
Both Denzel and Wayne were residents of the capital city, with Denzel’s funeral wake being held in Mabvuku and Wayne’s in Southlea Park.
Denzel, who had reportedly scored an impressive 6A’s, 3B’s, and a C in his O-Levels was among the promising young minds whose bright futures were tragically cut short.
The injured students were rushed to Mt St Mary’s Hospital for treatment, as authorities at the school confirmed the devastating incident.
A parent who spoke to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/school-tragedy-two-o-level-students-die-in-kombi-crash-one-of-the-students-had-six-as-three-bs/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIAQ6tleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUyByaxL9boxi9gU8ZBzpiBpSw_-QHpVSflugpnPtRISpMMfFA_tU_tmIg_aem_O0dGq2i1Q14yAyY7nfiQQA">H-Metro</a> about the tragedy expressed a sense of fear, saying the announcement of children’s academic results has become a daunting task, as people seem to be doing everything in their power to hinder the success of these young learners.
According to the school’s development committee chairman, Mr A. Nyasha, the accident happened at Chizema Shops, just before Mkondwa school, some 15 kilometres before the students’ destination. He said:
<blockquote>
Our thoughts are with the families, and friends of our boys who couldn’t make it. This is a very difficult time for everyone in our school community and us as parents.
We would like to thank the hospital staff for dedicating all their efforts to saving the lives of our children and that of our fellow parent who was also on board that kombi.
I would also want to thank our responsible authorities and the entire teaching staff for promptly responding when the news filtered at school, our kids included.
They showed very serious attachment to their former schoolmates. Hope the authorities that be will find ways to console them.
</blockquote>

Two students, Denzel and Wayne, died in a car accident on their way to get their exam results. Denzel scored well, with 6 A's and 3 B's. The accident happened before they reached their school. Other injured students were taken to the hospital. Parents and the school community are sad about the tragedy. They are thankful for the hospital staff and teachers for helping. They hope the authorities will help them through this difficult time. It's a sad time for everyone.

Two Students Die In Kombi Accident On Way To Collect O-Level Results. One Student Had Six As, Three Bs

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has adopted a new constitution that now makes it mandatory for all prospective candidates for its presidency to possess a minimum of five Ordinary Level subjects.
The new constitution was ratified by congress on Friday, 18 October.
In a post-Annual General Meeting press conference, ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairman Lincoln Mutasa said that the new constitution will enable ZIFA elections early next year.
He said candidates for the ZIFA presidency must now have five ‘O’ Levels to ensure qualified leadership. 
Mutasa also encouraged players to balance their football careers with academic pursuits if they aspire to lead ZIFA in the future. He said:
<blockquote>
When one applies for a job, there are certain requirements needed, and we are not looking for star players to head the association. We need people with the requisite knowledge for the job.
</blockquote>
Several names have surfaced as potential candidates for the ZIFA presidency, such as Walter Magaya, Marshall Gore, Ellen Chiwenga, Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba, Richard Mazodze, and Martin Kweza.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA, the Zimbabwe Football Association, now requires presidential candidates to have at least five O-Level subjects. The new rule was approved in a meeting and will allow elections next year. The chairman of ZIFA encourages players to study as well as play football. This will help ensure that the future leaders of ZIFA are qualified for the job. Many potential candidates have been mentioned for the upcoming elections. This change is to make sure that the people in charge of ZIFA know what they are doing.

ZIFA Presidential Candidates Must Have Five O-Levels

The start of the 2023 ordinary level (O-Level) examination calendar was disrupted by delays in distributing materials to exam centres putting the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) in the spotlight once again.
ZIMSEC attempted to prevent leaks by delivering the materials on the same day as the exam. However, in Mashonaland West province, some schools and colleges received the materials late, causing delays and anxiety for candidates. At Chinhoyi High School and Victoria College, the ‘O’ Level English Paper 1 exams started later than scheduled, but candidates were allowed to complete them within the designated time frames, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zimsec-o-level-exams-sittings-delayed-by-nearly-2-hours-as-2023-session-gets-to-a-shambolic-start/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>. A candidate at Victoria College was cited as saying:
<blockquote>
Sitting for the English Paper 1 was delayed by nearly two hours as we only started writing around 1545 hours. The unfortunate situation caused panic and unnecessary anxiety among candidates which might affect results.
It is our hope ZIMSEC puts its house in order and avoid a repeat of delays.
</blockquote>
Delays in distributing exam materials were also reported in Mashonaland West province and other regions. Concerns were raised by parents and teachers about the impact of these delays on the quality of students’ results and the credibility of ZIMSEC’s exam administration.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) criticised ZIMSEC for corrupt practices in centralising the procurement of exam materials, leading to a one-month delay in practical exams. The union posted on X formerly Twitter:
<blockquote>
In a desperate bid to cash in on procurement of examination materials,@zimsecOFFICIAL centralised procurement of all materials for science practicals. Same way procurement of sanitary pads was centralised. Now they can’t supply the materials and exams have to be postponed.
</blockquote>
The ‘O’ Level Combined Science Practical Examination has been postponed by over a month due to logistical issues. A circular from ZIMSEC states that the exam, originally scheduled for October 19, 2023, will now take place on November 29, 2023. Examination center heads are instructed to inform the candidates to ensure that no one misses the exam.
ZIMSEC has a history of controversy during this time of year, including exam delays and leaks. Teachers’ unions attribute these issues to structural and ethical problems within ZIMSEC. ARTUZ highlights a flawed education system and low pay as contributing factors. ZIMSEC’s responsibility is to administer and oversee national examinations in Zimbabwe.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

O-Level Exams Delayed As ZIMSEC Tries New Ways To Avoid Paper Leaks

Government officials are considering whether or not to continue with the 5 subjects Ordinary Level pass benchmark that has been in place for decades.
Acting Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Peter Muzawazi raised the issues recently while addressing stakeholders who attended a recent parliamentary committee workshop on education strategic planning.
He asserted that the government was re-assessing the requirement that pupils need to re-write subjects they would have failed even when they intend to pursue a career in arts. Said Muzawazi:
<blockquote>We are debating on whether we should maintain the current benchmark of regarding only those who have attained five Ordinary Level passes as having passed and having others re-writing for 10 years even if they would have passed three art subjects and are hoping to take art as their profession.</blockquote>
Currently, an Ordinary Level pupil should have five passes including English and Mathematics to be deemed to have passed and be eligible to proceed to Advanced Level.
The tragedy is that less than 40 per cent of students who sit for the O’ Level exams attain the required 5 subjects in a single sitting.
<h4>More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/ministry-ponders-review-of-5-o-level-pass-benchmark/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

5 O' Level Passes Benchmark Could Be Scrapped

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Zimsec chairperson Eddie Mwenje said candidates can now view their results on the online portal introduced this year.
The online option will be through the Zimsec website www.zimsec.co.zw and instructions on how to access the results are available on the Zimsec examinations portal page. Alternatively students can collect the results from their respective centres.
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