No clear timelines for Grade 7 results release, says Zimsec

THE Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) says it is unable to reveal the timelines and dates when Grade 7 examination results are expected to be released next year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The examinations were successfully completed last week despite threats by teachers that they would not invigilate if they were not paid for the service.

Zimsec spokesperson Nicky Dlamini last Friday told NewsDay that marking of the Grade 7 examinations and release of results would be guided by COVID-19 protocols in the country, which prohibit gatherings.

"It's not easy to determine when the Grade 7 results will be out because of COVID-19 protocols, which have disturbed the schedule. We will have to wait for 14 days before marking commences because it involves gathering several people," Dlamini said.

On submission of Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (Cala) projects, Dlamini said to date, Zimsec did not have reports of a school that failed to submit its work.

She urged schools to desist from the practice of holding on to examination results of students that would have failed to pay fees.

"It's a contract between us and the candidates. Schools should not hold on to the results for non-payment of fees. Instead, they should find a way of recovering their money for school fees," Dlamini said.

Meanwhile, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro has said schools will close on December 17 for the 2021 third term and reopen next year on January 11.

"Schools must be more vigilant as the country is facing a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have challenges at schools due to COVID-19. The education sector will not be spared by the fourth wave we encourage schools to be more vigilant in following all COVID-19 protocols," he said.