Outcry over missing O' Level results in Matebeleland North

Stakeholders in Matebeleland North have expressed growing concern over missing Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level results at several schools in the province, including those in remote areas such as Binga. The issue has sparked frustration among parents and students, with some having to resit exams multiple times without receiving their results.

Never Nyaunzwi, the Provincial Coordinator for the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), revealed that parents of affected students are losing hope after their children's results fail to materialize. Some students have written exams more than once, only to be met with the same outcome - missing results.

The issue was first raised last year when a concerned parent sought assistance from Nyaunzwi regarding their child's missing results. After contacting the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council, the results were eventually published a week later, but Nyaunzwi discovered that the problem arose due to a failure to link the Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) results with the written examination results.

"The problem began last year when a parent came to me seeking help. I contacted Zimsec, and after a week, the results were finally released. It was revealed that the CALA for the learner, who had supplemented their results, was not properly linked with the written exams," Nyaunzwi explained.

The situation appears to have worsened, with Binga alone reportedly having more than seven candidates with missing results. Nyaunzwi shared the case of one parent whose child had written the same subject in both June and November 2024, but still had no results to show for it.

Kelvin Moyo, the Chairperson of the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association, expressed that he was unaware of the issue. However, he promised to investigate further. He noted that while O'Level results were made available online last week, the physical collection of results would only begin on Monday. Moyo highlighted logistical challenges, including the long distance to collection centers and the dangers posed by the rainy season and flooded rivers.

Moyo also pointed out that Mosi-oa-Tunya Secondary School, which has an enrollment of over 1,000 students, faces overcrowding, making the exam process more difficult. He revealed that efforts were underway to build a school hall that could serve as an examination center, alleviating congestion.

Zimsec spokesperson Nicholete Dlamini addressed the issue, stating that missing results were relatively rare and could often be attributed to discrepancies with the CALA results. She emphasized that students who have missing results should fill out grievance forms at their respective schools. The schools will then forward the forms to Zimsec for further investigation.

"It's not about the candidate numbers. If the CALA results are missing, no results will be issued. Affected students should submit grievance forms with all the relevant details at their schools. The schools will forward these forms to Zimsec, and the situation will be addressed to ensure the student receives their results once the data is uploaded to the system," Dlamini explained.

She also reminded students who supplement their results to ensure that they provide the correct details when registering, as every exam sitting has its own database. Any discrepancies in the information provided could lead to complications in obtaining results.

As stakeholders in the region await resolutions, the issue of missing results remains a point of concern, especially for students who are left in limbo as they await the resolution of these administrative challenges.