By Cde Sikhosana Bambazonke
ZIMSEC examiners have downed tools over poor wages in a rare show of people within the teaching profession.
With immediate effect, they have suspended the marking of November ‘O’Level and ‘A’ Level examinations.
The decision follows what teachers describe as insulting remuneration.
Peanuts, they say, were thrown in their faces.
Along with unreasonable allowances came confusing and punitive conditions, including issues around T and S payments.
Markers resolved that no work will proceed while the insult stands.
ZIMSEC, they argue, has long operated like a cartel.
Thuggish,untouchable and oblivious to the damage caused by its disastrous policies and chikorokoza-style conduct.
Teachers say the repression is deliberate, suppression routine and the denigration systematic.
ZIMSEC, they insist, is complicit in undermining the profession.
Examiners warn of a dangerous alternative. Monkey treatment produces monkey work.
A rushed “do-and-go” approach will corrode the integrity of examinations. The damage, they say, will be lasting.
They also note a glaring contradiction.
Education administrators do not consume the same education they administer. Citizens, they argue, must confront this anomaly as a long-term solution.
It is an open secret that ZIMSEC demands US dollars for registration and services.
However, when it comes to paying markers, the script flips.
Suddenly, payment is in ZIG.
A currency teachers describe as a symbol of poverty and inflation.
Markers say they will not return to duty unless conditions improve.
Non-resident examiners are forced to pay for transport and food out of pocket.
Costs that should be covered by ZIMSEC become personal burdens.
The complacency, they say, borders on arrogance.
It reflects poor administration and exposes an institution struggling to run a national examination process.
The 24-hour ultimatum expired at 11:30 today.
Markers say they will honour the midnight resolution.
Some likened their working conditions to a Siberian cold-war prison.
