Regional Human Capital Operations Manager – Human Capital x2 (Harare)

SAP Support Analyst (F1) – ICT: LEVEL 9 (Harare)

ABAP Developer: Level 9 (Harare)

Procurement Manager: D5 (Harare)

Financial Accountant (Harare)

Sales Consultant (Kadoma)

Cervical Cancer & Clinical Service Mentor Nurse

Laboratory Technician (Harare)

Spport Driver (Harare)

Food Security and Livelihoods Head of Department (Harare)

Accountant (Harare)

Accounting Assistants x3 (Harare)

Communications Intern (Harare)

Corporate Legal Counsel (Kamativi)

Company Secretary (Harare)

Marketing Manager (Harare)

Sales Manager (Harare)

Procurement Manager (D5)

Director Policy and Market Development (Harare)

Assistant Valuer Grade 7

Town Planner Grade 10

Till Operator x2 (Bindura)

Ambulance Technician (Bindura)

Business Development Manager

Intellectual Property Manager

Chief Research Officer (Bindura)

Teaching Assistant: Banking and Finance (Bindura)

Technical Assistant: Natural Resource Management (Bindura)

Administrator (Bindura)

Faculties Manager (Harare)

Staff Development Fellow: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology x4 (Harare)

Staff Development Fellow: Department of Construction & Civil Engineering (Harare)

Officer: Student Residential and Logistical Services (Harare)

Student Development Officers (Harare)

Information Manager (Harare)

Graphic Designer x2 (Harare)

Marketing Officer (Harare)

Technical/Copy Editor x2 (Harare)

Proofreader x2 (Harare)

Typesetter x2 (Harare)

Acquisitions Editors x2 (Harare)

General Hand (Harare)

Locum Pharmacists (Mutare & Ngezi)

Drivers x2 (Harare Campus)

Graphic Designer (Gweru)

Drivers (Harare Campus)

Artisan Supervisor – Fleet Maintenance (Gweru)

Transport and Logistics Officer - Tracking (Gweru)

SHEQ Intern/ Attaché (Bulawayo)

Nutrition Officer (Mutare)

Team Leader (Mutare)

Project Field Officer (Mutare)

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (Mutare)

Assistant Accountant-Retail (Harare)

Trainee Risk Officer (Harare)

Sales Manager (Bulawayo)

Aspiring Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president, Gift Banda (54), was arrested on Thursday on charges of forging an Ordinary Level certificate.
As reported by the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/gift-banda-arrested-over-fake-o-level-certificate/">Chronicle</a>, Banda, a former ZIFA vice-president and interim president, was taken into custody and spent the night at Western Commonage Police Station, where he assisted with investigations.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Banda, also a former Bulawayo councillor and deputy mayor, is facing allegations of forgery.
The forged document claims that Banda passed the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) tests in 1986 at Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo.
However, at that time, the school, like many others across the country, only offered Cambridge examinations, as ZIMSEC was not established until 1996.
Banda is among several high-profile individuals who have expressed interest in running for the ZIFA presidency in elections set for early next year.
One of the requirements for candidates is to demonstrate possession of five Ordinary Level passes, and it is believed that Banda does not meet this criterion.
In connection with the case, another individual, Anele Zikhali from Bulawayo, was also arrested on Thursday for allegedly producing the fake certificate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Gift Banda, who wants to be ZIFA president, got arrested. He is accused of making a fake certificate saying he passed his exams in 1986. But back then, the school only did Cambridge exams, not ZIMSEC. Banda and another person got in trouble for this. To run for president, you need five O-Level passes, which Banda might not have. He is not the only one running, but he might not be able to now because of the fake certificate issue.

Aspiring ZIFA President Gift Banda Arrested For Allegedly Forging O-Level Certificate

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has released the 2024 Grade 7 results. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said the national pass rate was 49.01%. This marks a 3.44% improvement from 2023.
The ZIMSEC Results Portal will be accessible starting today, Friday, November 29, at 4 PM via <a href="http://zimsec.co.zw" rel="noopener" target="_new">http://zimsec.co.zw</a>. Results can be collected from regional offices beginning December 2.
Announcing the results, ZIMSEC chairperson Paul Mapfumo said a national pass rate of 49.1 percent was recorded, up from 45.57% last year. Said Mapfumo:
<blockquote>
A total of 387 429 candidates sat for one to six subjects during the 2024 Grade 7 examinations as compared to 372 603 candidates who sat for the same examination in 2023 showing a 3.98% increase in candidature.
The 2024 Grade 7 Examination session recorded a national pass rate of 49.01% for candidates who sat for six subjects. This is an increase of 3.44% in candidates’ performance from last year’s pass rate of 45.57%.
The increase in pass rate can be attributed to various interventions by the Ministry Primary and Secondary Education in terms of teaching and learning.
All subjects recorded pass rates of above 50% in 2024 with Shona and Physical Education &amp; / cording above 80% respectively as compared to other subjects.
Generally, there was an increase in pass rate in all the subjects except less than one percent decrease in Shona. Xhosa was examined for the first time in 2024 and recorded a pass rate of 72 percent.
Of the 387 429 candidates who sat for the 2024 Grade 7 examination, 199 939 were female. The pass rate for female candidates was 53.68% compared to 43, 99% of males.
In the 2023 examination, female candidates were again doing better than male candidates.
</blockquote>
In related news, the Government launched the e-enrolment platform on November 1, 2024, to streamline the allocation of Form One placements for the 2025 academic year.
The Electronic Ministry Application Platform (e-map) allows parents to secure boarding school placements, with the platform set to close on December 31.
Statistics indicate that approximately 400,000 learners sat for the 2024 Grade 7 exams across Zimbabwe.
In an interview with State media, Taungana Ndoro, the Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, advised parents and guardians to avoid being overly selective when choosing schools.
He said making such choices at the last minute can lead to complications, especially if their preferred schools do not have available spaces. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
Yes, boarding places have increased as we now have over 11,000 schools nationally. Parents that decline schools thinking their children will be selected at another preferred school usually only have themselves to blame, as boarding vacancies are not guaranteed everywhere because your child passed with flying colours.
Our clarion call is parents must take up the school that offers them a vacancy because if they decline, there are no guarantees of boarding vacancies from their first priority school.
</blockquote>
The e-map system allows parents to select up to five boarding schools where they wish their children to attend.
The platform was introduced in 2016 and was designed to promote transparency in the recruitment process for Form One learners into boarding schools.
Before that, some learners were unfairly excluded from enrolment. This was due to unscrupulous school heads who profited from conducting paid entrance tests for numerous students, despite having limited vacancies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC released Grade 7 results with a 49.01% pass rate, better than last year. Results can be seen online or picked up from December 2. A new online platform helps parents choose Form One placements for 2025. Over 400,000 students took the exams. Parents should not be too picky about schools, as places are not guaranteed, especially in boarding schools. The new system helps prevent unfair practices in school admissions.

ZIMSEC Releases 2024 Grade 7 Results With 49.01% National Pass Rate

Two men from Epworth, Harare, appeared before the Epworth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing charges of violating the ZIMSEC Act. Specifically, they were accused of attempting to impersonate another person during an examination.
The court heard that on October 16, 2024, the two defendants, Paddington Chataika (36) and Joseph Murimba (33), conspired for Murimba to take the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Mathematics Paper 2 on behalf of Chataika, who was a registered candidate. As part of their plan, Chataika provided Murimba with a copy of his passport to facilitate the impersonation.
The scheme was uncovered when a whistleblower alerted ZIMSEC officials, who, along with police, went to the examination centre. They discovered Murimba in the examination room, having already completed the test.
Both defendants were convicted and sentenced to 12 months in prison, with 6 months suspended. The remaining 6 months were also suspended on the condition that they complete 210 hours of community service.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two men from Epworth, Harare were caught trying to cheat on a ZIMSEC examination. They planned for one man to take the test for the other by impersonating him. The plan failed when officials caught the impersonator in the act. Both men were found guilty and sentenced to 6 months in prison, with the other 6 months suspended. They also have to do 210 hours of community service. Cheating is wrong and they got caught breaking the law.

Epworth Men Convicted And Sentenced For ZIMSEC Examination Impersonation

An 18-year-old woman from Murisa Park, Unit O, Chitungwiza, has been sentenced to 210 hours of community service by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for forging her Ordinary Level results.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Shamiso Pretty Bvukure was arraigned before the court for contravening the Zimbabwe Examination Act.
The court heard that on October 11, 2024, the Police General Headquarters recruiting section requested verification of Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) results for several applicants.
Upon verification, police discovered that Bvukure’s results slip was forged, with alterations in Mathematics (from U to C), English Language (from U to B), Shona Language (from E to A), and History (from U to A). Combined Science and Commerce were also added to the slip.
Bvukure was arrested, subsequently appeared in court, and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended for 5 years.
The remaining 6 months were suspended on the condition that she complete 210 hours of community service.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

An 18-year-old girl named Shamiso from Chitungwiza was caught with fake exam results when she tried to join the police. She changed her grades to make them look better. She was caught and sentenced to do community service for 210 hours. The police found out about the forgery when they checked her results. Shamiso was given a 1-year prison sentence, but only has to go to jail for 6 months. She has to finish community service to avoid the other 6 months in jail.

Chitungwiza Teen Attempts To Join ZRP Using Forged O-Level Results

Thirty (30) learners at Findale School in Eastview, Harare, were unable to sit for their Ordinary Level Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exams this week after the school owner allegedly misappropriated their exam fees.
According to a report by <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/president-mnangagwa-intervenes-in-findale-school-exam-saga-30-learners-will-now-seat-for-o-level-exams/">ZBC News</a>, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has intervened to pay the examination fees for the affected learners, enabling them to write the remaining subjects.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, confirmed this development during a visit to Findale School in Eastview, Harare, on Wednesday. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
I want to thank His Excellency the President for coming to the rescue of all these learners because their fundamental right, education, had been violated through this theft by the owner of this school.
What is most important is the fact that the proliferation of unreasonable schools is a challenge to us as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and we are going to take measures against all those schools that are operating illegally.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lazarus Nembaware confirmed the centres where learners will be sitting for their examinations. Said Nembaware:
<blockquote>
We are now putting in place all the requirements so that the affected learners will start writing their exams starting tomorrow.
So starting tomorrow they must report to the centres which we have allocated them. They will write as Pirate candidates and their results will be made public.
</blockquote>
The government has vowed to take decisive measures against any schools found to be operating illegally, in an effort to prevent such incidents from recurring.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thirty students at Findale School in Harare couldn't take their exams because the school owner didn't pay the fees. The President stepped in and paid for them to take the exams. The Minister of Education thanked the President for helping the students. The head of the exam council said the students can take the exams now. The government will punish schools that operate illegally to stop this from happening again.

30 Students Fail To Sit For O' Level Exams After School Owner "Steals" Exam Fees

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has increased security measures to prevent leaks of public examination papers.
As the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) prepares to commence Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations this month, authorities aim to avoid the issues of paper leaks that have plagued previous exam sessions.
According to Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro, new security protocols include delivering exam papers to schools with compromised security just minutes before the exams begin.
Cluster centres have been established at schools with robust security infrastructure to securely store examination papers, ensuring their safe distribution to nearby schools on exam day.
Moreover, real-time monitoring will be implemented, with ZIMSEC dispatching monitors to all examination centers to detect and prevent any potential leaks. Said Ndoro (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zimsec-upgrades-examinations-security/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
We have enhanced security around examination processes and we are very confident that they will be written without any glitches, incidents or issues across the country. We can even say that the ZIMSEC exams are now more secure than those of Cambridge.
The Grade 7 examinations were conducted and completed successfully without any incident and we expect the same when it comes to the O and A level examinations.
Some of the measures that have been put in place are that ZIMSEC monitors have been deployed to all centres across the country to ensure adequate measures informed by the ZIMSEC standards are adhered to.
In terms of transport and storage of the examination material, firstly the papers are transported to provinces, districts and then cluster centres and from cluster centres they will be transported to the examination centre on the day of the exam.
When we say a cluster centre we mean a school with better security infrastructure within a certain area, that means a cluster centre in rural areas might cover up to 10 or more schools but in urban areas, a cluster will cover maybe two schools.
The morning paper will be transported in the morning and collected soon after, while the afternoon paper will be transported in the afternoon and collected the same day. The expenses will be catered for by the examination fees.
</blockquote>
This year marked the final examinations for learners under the Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA).
Starting next year, students will be assessed based on a new heritage-based curriculum, which emphasizes five pathways: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), visual and performing arts, technical and vocational education and training, humanities, and commercials.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe is taking new steps to stop exam paper leaks. Security measures include delivering papers to schools just before exams start and setting up secure centers to store exam papers. ZIMSEC will also send monitors to all exam centers to prevent any leaks. The Grade 7 exams went well with these measures. From next year, students will be graded based on a new curriculum focusing on STEM, arts, vocational education, humanities, and commerce. This year's exams are the last for Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) students.

ZIMSEC Adopts New Measures To Prevent Exam Paper Leaks

More than 532,000 students risk missing out on their Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations this year after the government failed to pay their fees under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, 19 September, Public Service Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said the government’s debt to ZIMSEC, accrued in respect of 2023 and 2024, has ballooned to US$6.4 million.
He said ZIMSEC was threatening to bar BEAM beneficiaries from sitting for the crucial examinations this year. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
An equivalent of US$6.4 million is owed to ZIMSEC as exam fees for 532,963 Grade 7, Forms 4 and Form 6 students.
Even now, I was being asked by the permanent secretary to say some students definitely are not going to write their examinations.
If we don’t give a promissory note to ZIMSEC, they will not be able to write.
</blockquote>
Moyo said BEAM was covered in the national budget for this year but disbursement has not been done. He said:
<blockquote>
In 2023, a partial payment was made in local currency totalling ZW$19.9 billion to cover fees for 434,705 primary school students.
However, no secondary schools were paid. Schools that submitted claims in United States dollars were not paid.
There are some schools which submitted and say ‘we were owed in USD, but that we have not paid’.
As of 2023, a total of USD$56.7 million, for primary and secondary schools, and US$83,825 for special schools remains outstanding. So we have huge arrears in 2023.
</blockquote>
BEAM is a government program designed to support vulnerable children in accessing basic education.
The programme primarily targets orphans, and children from low-income households who struggle to afford school fees, uniforms, and other related expenses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Over 532,000 students in Zimbabwe may miss their exams because the government hasn't paid their fees. The debt to the exam council is $6.4 million. The government promised to cover the fees but hasn't done it yet. The program helps kids who can't afford school fees. This affects primary and secondary school students with debts from previous years. If the fees aren't paid, the students might not be able to take their exams. It's an important program that helps children in need get an education.

532,000 Students At Risk Of Missing ZIMSEC Exams Due To Unpaid BEAM Fees

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) says Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates who do not have a Continuous Assessment Learning Area (CALA) mark, will not get their results even if they have written the theoretical part of the examinations, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-cala-no-results-for-o-and-a-level-learners/">The Herald</a>.
Speaking at the release of June O and A-Level results at a Press conference in Harare on Tuesday, 06 August, ZIMSEC board chairperson Professor Paul Mapfumo said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s position is that if a candidate does not have a CALA mark, then there will be no results even if the theoretical part of the examination was written.
</blockquote>
In February 2024, the Government announced changes to the education curriculum, with CALA now being called school-based projects.
At the infant level of ECD A to Grade 2, subjects under CALA were reduced from the previous 11 to six and this reduction was extended to apply at the junior level of Grades 3 to 7.
At the secondary school level, the core and compulsory learning areas were reduced from seven to five.
Meanwhile, Prof Mapfumo said a total of 32 026 candidates registered for the O-Level June 2024 examinations and of these, there were 919 school candidates and 31 107 private candidates.
He also said a total of 30 088 of the 32 026 who registered for O-Level sat for a range of subjects from one to seven in June 2024 compared to 21 683 candidates who sat for a range of subjects from one to eight in June 2023. Said Prof Mapfumo:
<blockquote>
This shows an increase of 8 405 candidates which translates to 38.76 percent and the number of school candidates was 825 while 29 263 were private candidates.
There was an increase in candidates with special needs from 14 to 38 translating to a 157 percentage increase.
</blockquote>
A total of 1,938 of the registered candidates did not sit for the examinations and were recorded as absent. Said Prof Mapfumo:
<blockquote>
The total number of candidates who sat for five or more subjects in the June 2024 examinations was 383 which is 1.27 percent of the total candidature of 30 088 and the remainder sat for less than five subjects.
Of these 383, 17 candidates passed with a Grace C or better yielding a total pass rate of 4.44 percent. In comparison, the total number of candidates who sat for five or more subjects in June 2023 was 365 which was 1.68 percent of the total candidature of 21 683 and the remainder sat for four or less. Of these, 99 candidates passed with Grade C or better yielding a pass rate of 0.46 percent.
</blockquote>
Prof Mapfumo said the total number of candidates who registered for the June 2024 A-level examination was 144 and of these, 125 were private candidates and 19 were school candidates. He said:
<blockquote>
The total number of those who sat for the June 2024 Advanced level examination was 120 as compared to 256 who sat for the same examination in 2023. There was a decrease of 136 in candidature, translating to a percentage decrease of 53 per cent.
Of these, 52 candidates wrote two or more subjects and 38 obtained a Grade E or better in two or more subjects. This translates to an overall pass rate of 31.67 per cent.
In comparison, in the June 2023 examination, 112 candidates wrote two or more subjects and 85 obtained a Grade E or better in two or more subjects.
This translated to a 75.89 per cent pass rate. These statistics show that there was a 44.22 per cent decrease in the overall pass rate.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC announced that students without CALA marks won't get their O and A-Level results. CALA is now school-based projects in the curriculum. In June 2024, 32,026 O-Level candidates wrote exams, with an increase from last year. 30,088 candidates sat for the exams, with a pass rate of 4.44%. For A-Levels, 144 candidates registered, and 120 sat for the exams, with a pass rate of 31.67%. In 2023, there were more A-Level candidates and a higher pass rate. The changes in the curriculum and lack of CALA marks impacted the results.

No CALA, No Results For O' And A' Level Candidates - ZIMSEC

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) says there were no examination paper leakages during the June 2024 public exam sittings.
The ZIMSEC mid-year public examinations took place from May 27 to June 21, 2024.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/no-exam-paper-leakages-during-june-exams">The Sunday Mail</a>, ZIMSEC public relations manager Nicky Dhlamini-Moyo said that over 32,000 candidates wrote the exams.
Dhlamini-Moyo attributed the lack of paper leakages to a combination of tight security measures around the distribution and storage of the exam materials, as well as the introduction of stiff penalties for offenders, which had deterred such malpractices. She said:
<blockquote>
The June examinations ran well, with the help of our parent ministry, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, school administrations, the national law-enforcement agencies and all stakeholders.
We did not encounter any incidents where candidates had pre-access to examination question papers in the June 2024 examination session.
For the June 2024 examinations, 144 candidates registered for the Advanced Level tests, while 32,049 candidates sat the Ordinary Level tests.
The integrity of examinations is of vested interest to all Zimbabweans. ZIMSEC has put in place various measures, which include the daily delivery of question papers to cluster centres.
We are grateful to all stakeholders and the nation as a whole for the support in keeping the examinations secure.
</blockquote>
Exam paper leakages have been a recurring issue for ZIMSEC in previous years, with the examination body and school authorities often blaming each other for the breaches.
For example, in the November 2022 exam cycle, over 100 students, teachers, and members of the public were arrested for alleged involvement in exam paper leaks.
However, Dhlamini-Moyo’s comments suggest that ZIMSEC has taken decisive action to address the issue, through enhanced security measures and stricter penalties.
The lack of any reported leakages during the June 2024 exams indicates that these efforts may have been effective in curbing the problem.
It remains to be seen whether ZIMSEC can sustain this improved track record going forward.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Exam Paper Leakages During June Exams - ZIMSEC

ZIMSEC has published the timetable for the June 2024 O’ Level examinations. The examinations management body issued a notice advising candidates to verify their subject entries and personal information with their respective examination centres.
ZIMSEC said starting from April 22, 2024, candidates can obtain their statements of entry at their examination centres.
<table style="width: 99.968%;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="width: 31.0631%;">Date</th>
<th style="width: 22.093%;">Period</th>
<th style="width: 28.0731%;">Subject</th>
<th style="width: 53.3048%;">Duration</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;">Monday, 27 May 2024</td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">English Language (01)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">1 hr 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">Combined Science (01)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">1 hr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;">Tuesday, 28 May 2024</td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">Mathematics (01)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">2 hrs 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">English Language (02)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;">Wednesday, 29 May 2024</td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">Mathematics (02)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">2 hrs 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">Commerce (01)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">1 hr 15 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;">Thursday, 30 May 2024</td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">Combined Science (02)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">Geography (01)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">1 hr 15 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.0631%;">Friday, 31 May 2024</td>
<td style="width: 22.093%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 28.0731%;">Geography (02)</td>
<td style="width: 53.3048%;">Not specified</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Period</th>
<th>Subject</th>
<th>Duration</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Monday, 03 June 2024</td>
<td>Afternoon Session</td>
<td>Heritage Studies (01)</td>
<td>1 hr 15 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tuesday, 04 June 2024</td>
<td>Morning Session</td>
<td>Sihona Language (01)</td>
<td>2 hrs 45 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>Kalanga Language (01)</td>
<td>2 hrs 45 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>Nambya Language (01)</td>
<td>2 hrs 45 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>Ndebele Language (01)</td>
<td>2 hrs 45 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>Tshivenda Language (01)</td>
<td>2 hrs 45 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>Xichangana Language (01)</td>
<td>2 hrs 45 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>Afternoon Session</td>
<td>Tonga Language (01) and Principles of Accounting (01)</td>
<td>11 hrs 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wednesday, 05 June 2024</td>
<td>Morning Session</td>
<td>History (02)</td>
<td>1 hr 15 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>Afternoon Session</td>
<td>Heritage Studies (02)</td>
<td>1 hr 15 mins</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="width: 100.112%;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="width: 26.8182%;">Date</th>
<th style="width: 20.1515%;">Period</th>
<th style="width: 36.5152%;">Subject</th>
<th style="width: 40%;">Duration</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;">Thursday, 06 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Literature in English (01)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">1 hr 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Economics (01)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">1 hr 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;">Friday, 07 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Shona Language (02)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Kalanga Language (02)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Nambya Language (02)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Ndebele Language (02)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;">Monday, 10 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Economics (02)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">Not specified</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 26.8182%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 20.1515%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 36.5152%;">Family and Religious Studies (01)</td>
<td style="width: 40%;">Not specified</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="width: 99.9741%;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="width: 25.1664%;">Date</th>
<th style="width: 17.7097%;">Period</th>
<th style="width: 43.1425%;">Subject</th>
<th style="width: 22.0208%;">Duration</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;">Tuesday, 11 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Combined Science 1/2 (4030/31)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">1 hr 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;">Wednesday, 12 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Economics (O) (4040/01)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Biology 1 (O) (4050/11)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">1 hr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;">Thursday, 13 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Family and Religious Studies 1 (O) (4076/01)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">2 hrs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Biology 2 (O) (4050/21)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">2 hrs 3 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;">Friday, 14 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Biology 3 (O) (4050/61)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">1 hr 30 mins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;"> </td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Afternoon Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Physics (O) (4030/21)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">1 hr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.1664%;">Monday, 17 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 17.7097%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 43.1425%;">Literature in English (O) (4028/01)</td>
<td style="width: 22.0208%;">1 hr 30 mins</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="width: 100.039%;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="width: 33.2162%;">Date</th>
<th style="width: 21.6169%;">Period</th>
<th style="width: 19.6837%;">Subject</th>
<th style="width: 68.1787%;">Duration</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.2162%;">Wednesday, 19 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 21.6169%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 19.6837%;">Chemistry (02)</td>
<td style="width: 68.1787%;">2 hours</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.2162%;">Thursday, 20 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 21.6169%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 19.6837%;">Physics (03)</td>
<td style="width: 68.1787%;">2 hours</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.2162%;">Friday, 21 June 2024</td>
<td style="width: 21.6169%;">Morning Session</td>
<td style="width: 19.6837%;">Chemistry (03)</td>
<td style="width: 68.1787%;">1 hour 30 minutes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<img alt="May be an image of text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent-cpt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/434660137_708257851522386_5750360808796897524_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=5f2048&amp;_nc_ohc=v1N_LvJyY-sAb5LmbsN&amp;_nc_oc=Adg_4lXOeNxKeg5oml7yAPiwz07RUsy4RS5ZjtPX2gBLsaL632gP_LWkZ4586Z-aM8U&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-cpt1-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AfBW0zkDXjfTOy6yFCfC84OIcS6lnNrm0-A2MTxXHIGbFg&amp;oe=661AB9D9"/><img alt="May be an image of text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent-cpt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/420517793_708257888189049_300477151644454247_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=5f2048&amp;_nc_ohc=OOMZg-_OYhcAb432A2t&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-cpt1-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AfDlKP3khhB31xhxCcRj7MtFt9gq42tK6vjQ3O2BwMg0SA&amp;oe=661AB7CB"/><img alt="May be an image of text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent-cpt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/421082257_708257868189051_891275123818369428_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=5f2048&amp;_nc_ohc=ZMkdbBJRip4Ab71b1de&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-cpt1-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AfC6_Zgp-i1HiigBrPMqC75lqXqAQx6qD6wKnp0PdgTBYQ&amp;oe=661A8DBC"/><img alt="May be an image of text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent-cpt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/434582078_708257881522383_7309661028658260904_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=5f2048&amp;_nc_ohc=P8eVSyj_nVgAb6t4k4Z&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-cpt1-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AfBl2wjyPQb5n7BYd0oPxHg9PKhZQSImQyIzj1CmzNf23g&amp;oe=661ABA7B"/><img alt="May be an image of text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent-cpt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/420726606_708257884855716_1574691008089783028_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=5f2048&amp;_nc_ohc=pd5l93zW_pwAb480UFP&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-cpt1-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AfAMLCz7ppzmMK2uuz7y4lTmClke0QCK7E-4C3hEPQWJbQ&amp;oe=661A85C5"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC June 2024 O' Level Timetable Is Out

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has advised prospective candidates for the 2024 June examinations that they will not be allowed to sit for the examinations without Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) marks.
In a notice, ZIMSEC also said the June 2024 examination is the last session for those who wish to re-write using 2021 CALA marks. It said:
<blockquote>
June 2024 examination registration is only for re-writing candidates who have banked CALA marks. No CALA No registration. June 2024 ZIMSEC Examination is the last session for those who wish to re-write using 2021 CALA marks.
</blockquote>
CALA is a learner assessment system that was implemented in the final term of 2021 in preparation for the 2021 ZIMSEC examinations.
Under the system, ZIMSEC candidates’ physical and behavioural skills are assessed continuously (coursework) to contribute 30 per cent to their final marks.
Summative or knowledge skills assessed during examinations contribute 70 per cent to the candidate’s final grade.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No CALA, No June 2024 Examinations Registration - ZIMSEC

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has said it is illegal to combine certificates awarded for different examination sittings.
Every year, thousands of candidates sit for Ordinary Level examinations for a second or third time in a bid to get the required 5 subjects.
In some cases, candidates pass at least five subjects in a single sitting but fail to pass English Language or Mathematics which are compulsory subjects for almost all courses at tertiary level.
As a result, some candidates end up having multiple O’ Level certificates, which is not only embarrassing but inconvenient, hence the desire to combine certificates.
In a post on its social media pages, ZIMSEC said merging certificates awarded for different examination sittings is illegal and fraudulent. It said:
<blockquote>
ZIMSEC certificates can not be combined/ merged. Combining certificates is illegal and creates fraudulent documents.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC recently announced it had released the Ordinary and Advanced Level certificates for June 2023 and dispatched them to provinces.
It advised candidates to collect their certificates from their respective schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZIMSEC Certificates Cannot Be Combined"

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced the opening of registrations for the June and November 2024 Examinations. ZIMSEC has advised guardians and candidates to visit their school or centre for registration.
The registration fees are pegged in United States dollars but candidates are allowed to pay the fees in the currency of their choice (Rand, USD, ZWL).
In a statement, ZIMSEC said those paying in ZWL will have to use the USD interchange rate of March for June registration. ZIMSEC said:
<blockquote>
For payments in ZWL, the prevailing interbank USD to ZWL exchange rate as of the 13th to 20th of March 2024, for the June session, and the 19th to the 26th of March 2024, for the November session, will be confirmed by ZIMSEC to all examination centres.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC said candidates who want to sit for the June examination should have completed their CALA requirements.
The examinations management body also said learners under the Basic Education Assistance Model (BEAM) will not be funded if they want to retake their examination. It said:
<blockquote>
Government subsidy does not apply to candidates retaking any subjects, BEAM does not support retake examinations and candidates should have fulfilled the CALA requirements for them to sit for the June and/or November examinations.
Stakeholders are encouraged to contact their respective centres for registration closing dates to avoid any inconvenience. For more information or queries kindly contact your nearest ZIMSEC Regional Office or Website www.zimsec.co.zw| WhatsApp: 0772148786 | Email: pr.infor@zimsec.co.zw.
</blockquote>
Ordinary Level candidates at public schools, local authority, and not-for-profit Mission schools will pay US$11 per subject while candidates at private schools, colleges, and private candidates will pay US$24 per subject.
Advanced Level candidates at public schools, local authority, and not-for-profit Mission schools will pay US$22 per subject while candidates at private schools, colleges, and private candidates will pay US$48 per subject.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Opens Registration For June And November 2024 Examinations

The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has reportedly not paid some of the examination markers that it engaged to mark the 2023 November Ordinary Level examinations.
The markers, who spoke to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zimsec-markers-demand-outstanding-allowances/">CITE</a> on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said they were paid US$175 of the US$375 promised for travel and subsistence allowances.
The markers alleged that they were also meant to be paid US$250 for marking itself, which they have not yet received.
They also claimed ZIMSEC closed all WhatsApp groups they were using for receiving updates.
Some of the aggrieved markers alleged they received payments in their accounts, but the payments were later reversed.
Contacted for comment by CITE, ZIMSEC public relations manager Nicky Dlamini said all examiners had been paid. Said Dlamini:
<blockquote>
Examiner payments are and have been processed accordingly. We implore any examiner who may have an anomaly to contact us for timely assistance.
As an organisation, we cannot comment on WhatsApp groups as we do not corporately create these. I
f it was amongst a group of examiners, they may seek reprieve from their administrators.
ZIMSEC is dedicated to ensuring that all examiners receive their dues timeously for the invaluable service they have provided.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022832/zimsec-fails-to-pay-exam-transporters">another report</a> claims ZIMSEC hasn’t yet paid the owners of vehicles hired to transport 2023 examination papers, five months after they rendered their services.
The vehicles were hired through the government’s Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED) at a rate of US$152 per day.
They ferried examination papers for Grade Seven, Ordinary and Advanced levels to various centres across Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC O-Level Examinations Markers Demand Outstanding Allowances

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) hasn’t yet paid the owners of vehicles hired to transport 2023 examination papers, five months after they rendered their services, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022832/zimsec-fails-to-pay-exam-transporters">NewsDay</a>.
The vehicles were hired through the government’s Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED) at a rate of US$152 per day.
They ferried examination papers for Grade Seven, Ordinary and Advanced levels to various centres across Zimbabwe.
Vehicle owners who spoke to NewsDay on condition of anonymity said that they rendered services for up to 30 days but were informed that CMED had not received the funds from ZIMSEC to pay them.
The money was to be paid in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
Contacted for comment by NewsDay, ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicholette Dlamini said CMED received the funds and “would continue to receive the funds”. She added:
<blockquote>
How or who they pay after we have remitted is not under ZIMSEC’s purview. CMED and Zimsec are parastatals which are engaged in ongoing business partnerships.
</blockquote>
However, CMED spokesperson Tarisai Muzorori said they have received part of the payment for the service rendered to ZIMSEC. She said:
<blockquote>
We have a solid working relationship with our support services and all our operations are done transparently.
Every business agreement we enter into with our stakeholders is bound by a contractual agreement that we honour to the satisfaction of the parties involved.
We have a good working relationship with ZIMSEC and any other State enterprise through our reputable and unmatched quality service provision.
CMED has received part payment for the service rendered to ZIMSEC. However, the money was disbursed to the support service providers according to the portion received.
We promise our support service providers to settle our obligation at the earliest possible time once we receive the final payment.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC introduced a new exam delivery strategy to distribute materials to exam centres on the day the examination is to be written to prevent leaks.
However, some schools and colleges received the materials late, causing delays and anxiety for candidates, with examinations starting later than scheduled.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Examinations Transporters Still To Be Paid

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has said results queries are only accepted within 42 days after the publishing of results.
ZIMSEC released the November 2023 Ordinary Level examination results on Monday, 22 January.
In a statement, ZIMSEC requests for a re-mark, queries about missing marks and about result slips indicating the candidate did not write the exam should be submitted within six weeks. ZIMSEC said:
<blockquote>
** Re-Marks: Request for remark should be submitted through and supported by the School Head where the candidate wrote examinations. The cost is US20 or the equivalent per subject. Request for remark should be made within 42 days of publication of results. 
** M symbol denotes Missing mark. This is usually due to the absence of CALA marks which should be submitted by the school to ZIMSEC. If a candidate has this symbol they should go to the school and ask for a submission of results query to ZIMSEC and submit the appropriate CALA marks. This should be done within the 42-day window period
** X symbol denotes absent- This can either be missing CALA mark or absence to one of the exams (component) which complete the Subject. A results query should be submitted by the school to ZIMSEC where the issue will be rectified after the school has submitted the missing information.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) released the November 2023 Ordinary Level results on Monday.
The results for all candidates are available online through the ZIMSEC portal accessed through their website: <a href="https://www.zimsec.co.zw/">www.zimsec.co.zw</a>.
They will be accessible on the ZIMSEC portal for only five days from 3 PM on Monday, 22 January.
Heads of examination centres were advised to collect the results for their respective schools or centres from ZIMSEC’s regional offices beginning yesterday.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said that the percentage pass rate for female candidates was at 30.1 while that of males was at 29.06.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Gives Candidates 42 Days To Submit Results Queries

The Government has warned schools that withholding results from candidates with school fees arrears will not go unpunished.
Some schools withhold ZIMSEC results from candidates with school fees arrears to force parents and guardians to pay up because in most cases, once candidates get the results, the parents will simply not clear the arrears.
However, the Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Moses Mhike reminded schools that it is illegal to withhold results. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zimsec-o-level-govt-warns-schools-withholding-results/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The policy from the ministry is very clear and we have always been saying that when it comes to examinations, the contract is between ZIMSEC and the candidate and there is no way the school comes in, in terms of withholding the results.
As a ministry, we will not tire and we will continue to outline the policy. I am also happy to say that we have been getting a lot of feedback from people who have been telling us names of the schools and we have gone in there to carry out our investigations and we have taken appropriate action.
Even during the tours that we have been doing with the minister, we emphasised that action will be taken against non-compliant schools. We will not fold our hands and we will not tire.
I would urge you to continue to supply us with the information and we will take appropriate action guided by our Statutory Instrument as guided by the Public Service Commission.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) released the November 2023 Ordinary Level results on Monday.
The results for all candidates are available online through the ZIMSEC portal accessed through their website: <a href="https://www.zimsec.co.zw/">www.zimsec.co.zw</a>.
They will be accessible on the ZIMSEC portal for only five days from 3 PM on Monday, 22 January.
Heads of examination centres were advised to collect the results for their respective schools or centres from ZIMSEC’s regional offices beginning yesterday.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said that the percentage pass rate for female candidates was at 30.1 while that of males was at 29.06.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Warns Schools Withholding ZIMSEC O' Level Results

Full statement by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council board chairman Eddie Mwenje on the release of the 2023 November Ordinary level results:
<blockquote>
22 January 2024
RELEASE OF 2023 NOVEMBER ORDINARY-LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS
Introduction
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Board and Management would like to advise the nation of the release of the 2023 November Ordinary Level examination results.
The 2023 November ordinary Level examination results will be available online today, 22 January 2024 from 1500hrs.
Candidates’ results will be accessible to all candidates and authorised personnel online through the ZIMSEC portal accessed through the ZIMSEC Website www.zimsec.co.zw.
Candidates are advised to click on their respective region where they will be redirected to the portal on which they can access their results. Please take note that this portal will be open for 5 days only.
Heads of Examination Centres will be able to collect the results for their respective schools/centres from our Regional Offices from today, Monday, 22 January 2024.
Entry and Pass rates
A total of 270 129 candidates sat for the November 2023 examinations as compared to 278 760 candidates who sat for the same examinations in 2022.
The candidature decreased by 8 631, translating to a percentage decrease of 3.1.
In 2023, a total of 185 021 wrote 5 or more subjects and 54 420 passed 5 or more subjects with a grade C or better giving an overall percentage pass rate of 29.41.
The November 2023 results show that the percentage pass rate for female candidates was at 30.1 while that of males was at 29.06.
These percentage pass rates increased by 5.03 and 3.9 respectively in favour of the girl child. The statistics show that the 2023 the overall pass rate increased by 4.35% from that of 2022.
The performance of candidates was analysed in the following categories:
<ul>
<li>School candidates;</li>
<li>Private candidates;</li>
<li>Female candidates;</li>
<li>Male candidates; and</li>
<li>Special Needs candidates.</li>
</ul>
School Candidates
School candidates who wrote five or more subjects in 2023 were 163 533 and 49 373 obtained Grade C or better in 5 or more subjects, yielding a 30.19 percentage pass rate as compared to that of 2022 where 162 813 wrote 5 or more subjects with 49 501 obtaining a Grade C or better in 5 or more subjects resulting in a percentage pass rate of 30.40. This shows that the 2023 pass rate for school candidates decreased by 0.21%.
Private candidates
Private candidates who wrote 5 or more subjects were 23 095 and 5 047 obtained Grade C or better in 5 or more subjects, which translates to a pass rate of 21.85% as compared to that of 2022 where 20 771 wrote 5 or more subjects with 3 668 obtaining a Grade C or better in 5 or more subjects resulting in a pass rate of 17.66%. This shows an increase of 4.19% in the 2023 pass rate for private candidates.
Female candidates
The total number of female candidates who sat for the 2023 Ordinary Level Examinations was 141 698 and of these 96 963 wrote 5 or more subjects with 29 094 passing 5 or more subjects, thus translating to a percentage pass rate of 30.01. The total number of female candidates who sat for the 2022 Ordinary Level Examinations was 146 106 and, of these, 97 565 wrote 5 or more subjects with 24 371 passing 5 or more subjects, thus translating to a percentage pass rate of 24.98. This shows an increase of 5.03% in the 2023 pass rate for female candidates.
Male candidates
The total number of male candidates who sat for 2023 Ordinary level Examinations was 128 431 and of these, 88 088 wrote 5 or more subjects and 25 596 passed 5 or more subjects translating to a percentage pass rate of 29.06. The total number of male candidates who sat for the 2022 Ordinary level examinations was 132 653 and of these, 86 018 wrote 5 or more subjects and 21 645 passed 5 or more subjects translating to a percentage pass rate of 25.16. The pass rate for male candidates in 2023 increased by 3.9%.
Special Needs candidates
A total of 253 special needs candidates sat for a range of subjects from 1 to 13 in 2023. Of these 159 wrote 5 or more subjects and 41 passed 5 or more subjects yielding an overall percentage pass rate of 25.79. A total of 265 special needs candidates sat for a range of subjects from 1 to 12 in 2022. Of these 151 wrote 5 or more subjects and 27 passed 5 or more subjects yielding an overall pass rate of 17.88%. The 2023 pass rate for special needs candidates increased by 7.91%.
Conclusion
We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the:
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education from District level to its Head Office;
<ul>
<li>The ZIMSEC Board and staff;</li>
<li>State Security agencies;</li>
<li>Teachers;</li>
<li>Markers; and</li>
<li>All our valued stakeholders who collaborated with ZIMSEC.</li>
</ul>
The combined effort led us to where we are today. We are releasing the 2023 Ordinary Level Examination results.
Allow me, on behalf of the ZIMSEC Board, to express my profound gratitude to all our stakeholders and clients.
Finally, the ZIMSEC Board and Management take this opportunity to wish all the candidates, the best in their future studies and endeavours.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC 2023 O' Level Results Out | Full Statement By ZIMSEC Board Chairman

Female candidates outperformed their male counterparts in the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) November 2023 Ordinary Level examinations.
ZIMSEC board chairperson, Professor Eddie Mwenje released the results this Monday at a media briefing in Harare.
The percentage pass rate for female candidates was 30.1 while that of males was 29.06. These percentage pass rates increased by 5.03 and 3.9 respectively in favour of female candidates. ZIMSEC said:
<blockquote>
A total of 270 129 candidates sat for the November 2023 examinations as compared to 278 760 candidates who sat for the same examinations in 2022. The candidature decreased by 8 631, translating to a percentage decrease of 3.1.
In 2023, a total of 185 021 wrote 5 or more subjects and 54 420 passed 5 or more subjects with a grade C or better giving an overall percentage pass rate of 29.41.
The November 2023 results show that the percentage pass rate for female candidates was at 30.1 while that of males was at 29.06.
These percentage pass rates increased by 5.03 and 3.9 respectively in favour of the girl child. The statistics show that the 2023 the overall pass rate increased by 4.35% from that of 2022.
</blockquote>
It is, however, important to note that ZIMSEC said the overall pass rate for 2023 increased by 4.35% from that of 2022.
The assertion is erroneous because the 2022 O’ Level pass rate was 28.96 per cent. This means that the 2023 overall pass rate, which ZIMSEC has said was 29.41%, increased by a paltry 0.45% and not the 4.35% announced by the examinations management body.
Some education commentators say the reason why girls continue to outperform boys is that girls have terrific handwriting and it becomes far easier to evaluate an answer sheet with great presentation.
The other reason given is that girls are better disciplined than boys, generally. Since studying for public examinations requires discipline, girls are more likely to perform better than boys.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Girls Outperform Boys In ZIMSEC 2023 O' Level Examinations

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has released the November 2023 Ordinary Level results this Monday, 22 January.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said the results will be available on the ZIMSEC portal starting at 3 PM today.
He said a total of 270 121 candidates sat for the exams in November, a 3.1% drop from the previous year’s figures.
Mwenje also revealed that the overall pass rate for 2023 is 29.41%, up from the 28.96% recorded in 2022.
Parents and guardians can check their child’s ZIMSEC O-Level results online. You can do this through ZIMSEC’s online portal and here are the steps you need to follow:
<div class="in_article">
<ul>
<li>Visit ZIMSEC’s website with the link <a href="https://dcmv1.zimsec.co.zw/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>If you are not already registered click where it says “register new user”.</li>
<li>You’ll then land on a page where you can fill out the relevant details. (If you are already registered then you can enter your details)</li>
<li>Once registered return to the <a href="https://dcmv1.zimsec.co.zw/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">home page</a> and enter your username and password.</li>
<li>You should be able to see the student’s ZIMSEC O-Level results online.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</div>

ZIMSEC 2023 O' Level Results Out

A Grade Five learner at Angels Island Private School wrote the 2023 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations and got distinctions in all her six subjects.
PraiseGod Chapepa (12) wrote English, Mathematics, Agriculture, Science and Tech, Shona, Social Science and Physical Education and Arts and obtained a distinction in each subject.
The Chitungwiza-based learner told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/grade-5-genius-gets-distinctions-in-grade-7-exams/">H-Metro</a> that aspires to be a neurologist or a lawyer because of her passion for helping the vulnerable. She said:
<blockquote>
I was supposed to be in Grade 6 next year and I wrote my Grade 7 exams where I scored six units. I felt like I could make it and I did.
I had confidence since I wanted to pursue my profession in seven years, and that’s why I decided to skip [grades].
I want to be a neurologist or a lawyer since I want to help those who are vulnerable.
I have been getting some prizes for academics, spelling, mathematics and good handwriting.
I am my role model, I love singing and I also enjoy writing scripts.
</blockquote>
PraiseGod’s mother, Melissa said she was not surprised by her daughter’s success. She said:
<blockquote>
Since she was born, we saw that she was exceptional since she is someone who always wanted to argue.
She would want everything she wanted to be done in her favour and that alone indicated to us that she was extraordinary.
She is exceptional in the family and even the day we wanted to register her, we had an extreme argument with her father over her name.
Her father insisted that the name was right so the name had a meaning from the day she was registered.
She is very critical and inquisitive and we are happy as a family and prepared to support her dream.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Grade Five Learner Gets Distinctions In ZIMSEC Grade 7 Exams

The 2023 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Grade Seven results were released on Friday, 01 December, with the pass rate increasing to 45.57%, up from 40.09% recorded in 2022, reported <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/?p=17732#:~:text=THE%202023%20Zimbabwe%20School%20Examinations,to%2045.57%20percent%20this%20year.">ZBC News</a>.
The results were announced at the ZIMSEC headquarters in Harare by the examination body’s Board Chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje.
Mwenje attributed the increase in pass rate to the return to the normal school calendar after COVID-19 disruptions among other factors. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Board and Management would like to advise the nation of the release of the 2023 ZIMSEC Grade Seven Examination results.
A total of 372 603 candidates sat for one to six subjects during the 2023 Grade seven examinations as compared to 343 169 candidates who sat for the same examination in 2022 showing a 7.89% increase in candidature.
The 2023 Grade 7 Examination session recorded a national pass rate of 45.57%. This is an increase of 5.48% in candidates’ performance from last year’s pass rate of 40. 09%.
The increase in pass rate could be attributed to the return to the normal school calendar after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the various interventions by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in terms of teaching and learning.
</blockquote>
The results can be accessed through the ZIMSEC Online Results Portal. ZIMSEC also advised that school heads will start collecting the results from their respective ZIMSEC Regional Offices from Monday, 04 December.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Grade Seven Results Out, Pass Rate Increases

The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) says the rescheduled Ordinary and Advanced Level Biology and Combined Science papers will now be written on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicky Dlamini told <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/rescheduled-o-level-examinations-set-for-this-week/">State media</a> that the subjects were postponed due to security and logistical reasons. She said:
<blockquote>
Combined Science Paper Three was scheduled on the first week of examinations but we had to reschedule to a later date to allow for logistics of delivering the paper on a daily basis as well as the deliverance of chemicals to every centre across the country.
</blockquote>
Dlamini said the same issues affected the Biology paper which was set for the same week as Chemistry and Physics. She said:
<blockquote>
We had to carter for the distribution of chemicals to all centres which is also a new security measure which Zimsec came up with.
</blockquote>
This year, ZIMSEC announced it will become the sole supplier of science chemicals and consumables to examination centres for practical exams from November 2023 onwards.
The move, however, angered stakeholders who had been supplying laboratory equipment to schools, with some claiming they had already stocked up on apparatus worth thousands of US dollars hoping to sell to schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rescheduled ZIMSEC Examinations Set For This Week

Burglars stole US$20 from Hwange Government Secondary School after failing to break into the strong room where Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) examination papers were kept.
It is thought that the burglars wanted to steal ZIMSEC exam papers.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the break-in that occurred between Sunday night and Monday morning.
ZIMSEC spokesperson told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/burglars-fail-to-steal-zimsec-examination-papers-take-only-us20-in-room-full-of-cash-and-cellphones/">Chronicle</a> that nothing was taken as the burglars “failed to get through the Chubb door”.
ZRP spokesperson in Matabeleland North Province said they are treating the matter as a case of unlawful entry.
He appealed to members of the public to assist with information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects as investigations are underway. Said Inspector Banda:
<blockquote>
This is a case of unlawful entry that occurred between 30 and 31 October and the suspect is not known.
At 5 AM Thulani Dube, a general hand staff reported for duty and discovered that the doors to the bursar, storeroom, head and deputy head offices were open.
</blockquote>
Inspector Banda said Dube alerted school authorities and a report was made to the police who attended the scene.
The suspects reportedly used bolt cutters to break padlocks and gain entry into the administration block.
They then broke down doors to the bursar’s office, head’s office and deputy head’s office.
They could not break through the chubb door into the strong room and left unnoticed.
However, they took only US$20 from the bursar’s office where they left an undisclosed amount of money untouched.
There were also computers, laptops and cellphone handsets in the office but they did not take any of them, raising suspicion that they were targeting examination material.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Burglars Fail To Find ZIMSEC Exam Papers, Take Only US$20 From Room Full Of Cash, Laptops And Cellphones

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) said that eight suspects, among them, a 52-year-old man, have been arrested for various fraudulent activities since the commencement of the 2023 public examinations. A statement released by ZIMSEC reads:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) issued a statement on the 15th of October 2023, informing the nation that some fraudsters had been marketing and selling fake 2023 November examination papers on social media platforms.
ZIMSEC wishes to give the following update on examination malpractice cases to the nation and our stakeholders as of the 23rd of October 2023,
1. At the time of writing this statement there are no ZIMSEC November 2023 Examinations Candidates who had pre-access to the 2023 question papers in as far as the Examinations which were sat for.
2. Investigations were done to weed out the fraudsters who were capitalising on unsuspecting candidates. As a result of the investigations, there have been some arrests and culprits have appeared before the courts.
a) ZIMSEC Security and Loss Control Officers with the assistance of members of the Commercial Crime Department of the Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested Cole Mutandwa of Kuwadzana after he was implicated in advertising and selling fake ZIMSEC Examination Question Papers. Mutandwa implicated Paddington Nhedza a first-year student at the Midlands State University, as the source of the fake question papers found in his cell phone. Cole Mutandwa appeared before the Magistrate at Rotten Row courts on the 18th of October where he admitted to the charge of fraud. He was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of USD100 or 3 months imprisonment.
Paddington Nhedza was brought to Harare where after being interviewed he revealed to the investigating officers that he got the fake scanned copy of Maths question paper 1 from Alishah T Mangisi an Ordinary Level student at Emmanuel Centre of Excellence located in Kuwadzana Extension. Alishah claimed to have taken the fake question paper off a WhatsApp group, Slimy Intertainment (a group for models) and forwarded it to Paddington for assistance in finding the solutions.
Paddington Nhedza appeared before a magistrate at Harare Magistrates Court on the 21st of October 2023. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to the 25th of October 2023. Alishah T Mangisi will be taken to court on the 24th of October 2023, since she was scheduled to sit for the ZIMSEC Commerce Paper on the 23rd of October 2023. All accused persons are being charged for being found in possession of articles for criminal use, as defined in section 40 of the Criminal Law (codification and reform act chapter 9:23)
b) The Investigations team arrested George Bukuta, aged 52, after being alerted by a vigilant invigilator at Life Long College who noticed that Bukuta was impersonating an examinations candidate using a passport which showed a date of birth of 05.04.1995 belonging to Shadreck Mutsau. After being apprehended Bukuta confessed that he had been paid USD200 by Shadreck Mutsau, candidate number 5036, to write Advanced level Family and Religious Studies and History on his behalf. Both parties have been apprehended and are awaiting to appear before the courts.
c) On the 20th of October 2023, the Investigations team was alerted of an attempt by Mr Simbarashe Chifura, who was conducting extra lessons at his place of residence in Budiriro 1. Mr Chifura approached Mr Edwell Tazvivinga a teacher at Danbrough College proposing a deal to smuggle a ZIMSEC Examinations answer sheet out of the Examinations room which he intended to use to write Ordinary Level Combined Science paper 2 for external candidate number 3112, Monica Mikairi. Mr Tazvivinga alerted his superiors who contacted Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials and the ZRP who set a plan to catch the culprit in the act. In the examination. Monica Mikairi was observed as she sat and did not write anything throughout the whole session. Meanwhile, Simbarashe Chifura assigned a motor mechanic, Patrick Zhanje to go and collect the answer sheet. The Police apprehended Patrick Zhanje handing over the answer sheet to Mr Chifura and took both of them into custody. The culprits appeared before the Magistrates’ court in Mbare on the 21st of October 2023.
3. In light of the above cases identified during these investigations, ZIMSEC continues to roll out strategies and measures to tighten the security wherever question papers are, in transit and in custody, pending the writing of the examinations. Investigation teams remain on the ground and vigilant to weed out any residual unscrupulous elements within and without the chain.
4. ZIMSEC applauds the vigilance and integrity of Centre Administrators and invigilators who are working tirelessly to maintain the integrity of the examinations and education system of the nation as a whole.
ZIMSEC is committed to upholding the integrity of the examination system in the country. We wish to thank the public and all our stakeholders for their interest and cooperation to ensure the integrity of our examination system. ZIMSEC wishes to thank the ZRP, state security agencies and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for working around the clock and leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators of all examinations malpractices are brought to book.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Says Eight Exam Fraudsters Arrested

The Government has said candidates who failed to write Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) examinations due to rains will be allowed to sit for their affected papers, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/government-offers-zimsec-examination-candidates-disrupted-by-rains-reprieve/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms in some rural areas caused flash floods that hindered accessibility of examination materials and consequently disrupted Ordinary and Advanced level examinations.
The matter was raised by Members of Parliament in the National Assembly.
Responding to parliamentarians, the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata said affected learners will be given the opportunity to write their examinations. She said:
<blockquote>
In response to the question that has been asked, yes, the Ministry is aware that there are some schools that could not collect their examination papers because of the flooded rivers.
The affected schools will liaise with the head office so that the children are accorded time to write their exams.
We know that the river will not be flooded for maybe three days. So, arrangements will be made for the affected learners to have their exams during the exam period.
</blockquote>
In an attempt to curb leakages of papers, ZIMSEC introduced a new system of delivering examination papers to centres on the day of writing.
However, the system, introduced this year, has resulted in some examination centres delaying exam sitting.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Offers Reprieve For ZIMSEC Examination Candidates Affected By Rain

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has demanded that teachers should be paid to invigilate the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) final examinations.
In a letter addressed to ZIMSEC, ARTUZ said teachers should be given contracts so that they get payments for doing extra work, that is, invigilating examinations. Wrote ARTUZ:
<blockquote>
By signing contracts with teachers specifically for invigilation, ZIMSEC will establish a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities involved in this role.
This will help ensure that teachers are adequately compensated for their extra efforts and time dedicated to invigilating exams.
Moreover, having a formal agreement in place will provide a legal framework that protects both parties’ rights and obligations.
</blockquote>
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017528/teachers-demand-invigilation-contracts">NewsDay</a>, ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said ZIMSEC is “exploiting” teachers by failing to pay them for invigilating public examinations. He said:
<blockquote>
Teachers are being exploited and ZIMSEC is not remunerating the teachers for their invigilation efforts.
We had held several meetings with ZIMSEC on this issue, but nothing has come out.
Now we are having a situation whereby teachers are no longer willing to invigilate as long as they are not sure whether they are going to be paid.
</blockquote>
However, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro, said invigilating ZIMSEC examinations was part of teachers’ official duties, therefore, they should not demand extra payment. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
It’s part of the teacher’s job description to invigilate from the Public Service Commission’s point of view. So briefly, it is part of their role to invigilate.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC does not pay teachers for invigilating its examinations but teachers who successfully apply as examination markers get paid for their work.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Demand Payment For Invigilating ZIMSEC Examinations

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has introduced new regulations that impose stiffer penalties on people involved in the leakage of public examinations and cheating.
Under the new regulations, individuals convicted of leaking public examination question papers could get nine-year prison sentences, while learners found guilty of the same offence will have their results nullified.
Previously, those found guilty of similar offences faced up to a year in jail but the courts prescribed community service for the majority of offenders.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/exam-cheats-face-nine-years-in-prison">The Sunday Mail</a>, ZIMSEC board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje said the new regulations will be gazetted soon. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been working on new regulations meant to curb leakages of the question papers.
We have realised that there are individuals who are taking advantage of the current regulations and making money out of the leakages.
So, with the help of the Attorney-General, we drafted new regulations that impose stiffer penalties, and they will be gazetted soon.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC public relations manager Nicolette Dlamini told The Sunday Mail that the new regulations will deter would-be offenders. She said:
<blockquote>
Anyone caught with Zimsec papers this time around is given a nine-year imprisonment sentence and there is no community service, because some people were taking advantage of the light sentences imposed by the courts, and that is why we are introducing stiffer penalties. They are charged under the ZIMSEC Act.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC says it will nullify the results of (i) candidates found in possession of question papers prior to the examination, (ii) candidates found to have had pre-access to examination papers, and (iii) candidates found to have distributed exam papers prior to the tests.
The candidates will only be allowed to write their exams “after four examination sessions”, according to the new regulations.
In 2022, 11 exam papers leaked. More than 100 people were convicted for having pre-access to the papers, among them school headmasters, teachers, police officers and learners.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Exam Cheats Risk Nine Years In Jail

The Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has said it will increase security measures for the end-of-year examinations to prevent leakages that rocked previous examinations.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zimsec-to-enhance-security-measures-for-end-of-year-exams/">CITE</a>, ZIMSEC public relations manager Nicky Dlamini stated that they have put in place new security measures to safeguard the integrity of public examinations. She said:
<blockquote>
ZIMSEC has come up with some measures to increase the security of examination material as well as during the writing of examinations.
These methods include the provision of the examination material, which was otherwise allowed to be provided for by the examination centre for schools as well as increased security at our cluster centers where we do look after our question papers.
</blockquote>
Dlamini refused to reveal the exact measures ZIMSEC has put in place to curb examination leakages saying doing so is akin to “telling a thief where exactly your cameras are in your house.”
However, CITE reported a source as saying some of the measures will include the delivery of question papers on the day of writing. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Question papers may be delivered on the day so that no one will have access to them beforehand.
These question papers will also have names of the candidates already filled on them, perhaps to prevent others from having more papers than necessary.
</blockquote>
The source added that ZIMSEC will deploy vehicles to each cluster to ensure that papers are collected immediately after writing.
Earlier this month, ZIMSEC board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje said that measures are already in place to prevent exam leakages.
He also said results for Grade Seven examinations will be released timeously this year to give parents time to prepare.
According to the Grade 7 2023 Examinations Timetable released by ZIMSEC in July, the exams are scheduled to begin on Monday 25 September 2023, with English 01.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Says To Increase Security Measures To Curb Exam Leakages

Industry players have castigated the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) over its decision to become the sole supplier of science chemicals and consumables to examination centres with effect from November 2023.
According to Examinations Circular 24 of 2023, ZIMSEC will supply examination centres that offer science practical examinations with Science chemicals and consumables from November 2023, onwards.
Industry players who had been supplying laboratory equipment to schools told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zimsec-to-become-sole-supplier-of-science-chemicals-sparking-anger-from-industry-players/">CITE</a> that they suspect “someone” received a tender from ZIMSEC because the business was profitable during exam season.
They said ZIMSEC announced the move without any consultation and several suppliers claimed they had already stocked up on apparatus worth thousands of US dollars hoping to sell to schools.
A supplier of laboratory equipment in Bulawayo who requested anonymity told CITE that the move will “kill” the private sector. Said the entreprenuer:
<blockquote>
Someone saw an opportunity to make money from this business. But closing the private sector out is killing and destroying the economy.
</blockquote>
Another proprietor claimed that this move would result in the closure of more than 150 companies at once. They said:
<blockquote>
My company has quite some stock coming from China and is worth US$60 000. Normally around April, we prepare for exam time and buy stock in preparation for the November exam season.
If we are not supplying schools, it means every one of us who has done business with schools is effectively disenfranchised.
</blockquote>
Another supplier said most laboratory and science chemical suppliers rely on schools for business while his own company serves more than 200 schools in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Masvingo. He said:
<blockquote>
There was no communication with stakeholders. In any case, ZIMSEC wouldn’t have disclosed that since it’s basically outside the law.
You don’t muzzle schools to say, “You’re only going to buy from us”.
We have been supplying schools for the past five to six years. Our problem is not ZIMSEC coming into the marketplace and selling their stuff to schools but is ZIMSEC saying it is the only one that will sell to schools?
ZIMSEC is not supplying these for free so it has nothing to do with free education but making money.
</blockquote>
Another proprietor, a Mr Masikinye, said the ZIMSEC regulations will negatively affect businesses and some people will be laid off as a result. He added:
<blockquote>
Cambridge has the capacity to supply all these things to all who write their exams yet has not said this.
There has been no problem ever since we started supplying to schools, which have been writing without any incident.
Unless ZIMSEC said we were not meeting the demand or supplying substandard teams, we could understand. But what is their reason for wanting to supply?.
That would be acceptable unless there are sensitive materials, such as slides, where ZIMSEC does not want a leak. Will ZIMSEC be able to meet the demands of every school in the country, knowing ZIMSEC and our country?
Exam time is when most companies benefit because schools don’t buy much during the year and buy in bulk for exams. Someone wants to make money because shutting us out is not a fair deal.
</blockquote>
However, ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicky Dlamini, defended the move, saying it is meant to safeguard the integrity of the examinations. She said:
<blockquote>
ZIMSEC is saying we’re supplying examination material, the same way in the same way it is the only one supplying question papers. The chemicals we are supplying pertain to our examination as ZIMSEC.
This is for standardisation purposes as well as to increase the security measures that come with our examination.
This is because the exams are a security exercise and there are issues to do with malpractice that we have been fighting for a very long time. I’m sure you would understand what has been happening with examinations.
It has nothing to do with business and everything to do with the integrity of the examination system.
Stakeholders on the market who feel prejudiced are more than welcome to come to us so we can explain to them.
ZIMSEC is a parastatal that is in charge of examinations. These are part of measures put in place to curb examination malpractices.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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