Maths, Science not obligatory for A-Level, tertiary enrolment

Students who do not pass Mathematics or Science subjects at Ordinary Level will be allowed to continue enrolling for Advanced Level and other courses because there is no law barring them yet, Parliamentarians heard on Wednesday.

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the leader of Government business in Parliament, said there was no policy yet, making it obligatory for students who completed Ordinary level to go on work-related learning before furthering their education.

He said this during a question and answer session in the National Assembly, while fielding questions from backbenchers.

MDC representative for Matabeleland South, Ms Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga, raised concern that students from Matabeleland Province would be disadvantaged if Government barred students without Mathematics and Science subjects from proceeding with their education.

She said most students from Matabeleland provinces had no Mathematics and Science subjects because there were no qualified teachers for those subjects.

"The honourable member is referring to some debate," said VP Mnangagwa. "There is no policy I am aware of that has been passed in the nation to that issue. I am aware that there have been some statements issued to that effect. I believe that debate is continuing and if policy is settled on, I have no doubt that the House will be informed about the decision."

Mashonaland West MP, Mrs Concilia Chinanzvavana, also asked if it was feasible for Government to demand that Ordinary Level graduates go on attachment when university students were struggling to get places for work-related learning.

Said VP Mnangagwa: "It is an issue that is under debate. There is no policy that has affirmed that. It is the debate which we would want members like her to contribute to, so that collectively, we can come to a decision that is accepted by all."

VP Mnangagwa said Government was committed to see Air Zimbabwe competing with other airlines in terms of its service delivery.

He said it was disheartening that the airline had earned a bad reputation of failing to meet its flight schedules resulting in travellers shunning it.

MPs also raised concern with the continued absence of ministers during question time in Parliament.

National Assembly Speaker, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, chipped in saying Parliament was disappointed with the continued snub by ministers without excuses.

VP Mnangagwa said he was not aware where the other ministers were.

He also said there was nothing wrong with the recent tourism carnival that was held in Harare at the weekend since it was an opportunity for different nations to exhibit their cultures.

He said Zimbabwe would, however, not embrace the culture of nakedness since it offended the Zimbabwean culture.

VP Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe earned some money from the event.

He said Government was working flat out to find accommodation for his counterpart, VP Phelekezela Mphoko who reportedly had been staying in a hotel since his appointment.

He said there was no Government policy that ministers must distribute sex enhancers to the public amid reports that Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Nyasha Chikwinya and Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Major Wadyajena distributed sex enhancers to people in his constituency at the weekend.

He was responding to a question on whether there was Government policy that ministers could distribute such things.

"You know there is no such policy that passed through here. If there is anywhere it happened, put it in writing so that we ask those who are accused of doing it to respond."