'Funds available for exam markers'

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Torerayi Moyo has assured that funds are available to pay teachers who will mark public examinations conducted by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC).

Speaking during Question Time in the National Assembly, Dr Moyo said the Treasury provides ZIMSEC with funding every fortnight, ensuring that all markers for Grade Seven, O-Level, and A-Level examinations will be remunerated.

"Every fortnight, ZIMSEC receives funding from Treasury and as such, we have a budget to cater for all the markers who are going to mark all the Grade Seven, O-Level and A-Level examinations. So, I am happy to inform the House that we have the funds to pay the markers," Dr Moyo said.

Grade Seven learners completed their examinations last Monday, while O-Level and A-Level examinations are scheduled to start next week. The minister's assurance comes after years of challenges in paying markers, which previously disrupted the smooth administration of examinations. ZIMSEC has reported no exam leaks in the past two years, marking a notable improvement in examination management.

In a related development, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said discussions are ongoing under the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF), which brings together Government, labour, and employers, to improve conditions of service for civil servants.

"The talks are ongoing under the TNF and we are happy with the progress made so far," Minister Ziyambi said, adding that formal announcements would be made once agreements are reached.