ARTUZ issues ultimatum to ZIMSEC

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has given the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) a 24-hour ultimatum to settle outstanding allowances owed to examiners involved in the ongoing national examinations, warning that failure to do so could disrupt the marking process.

In a letter addressed to ZIMSEC chairperson Paul Mapfumo, ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said the examinations body still owes teachers about 70 percent of their transport and subsistence allowances. He described the delays as a form of financial exploitation, arguing that educators have shown patience despite operating under increasingly difficult economic conditions.

Masaraure said the ultimatum followed the submission of a petition to ZIMSEC at 11am, after which authorities made a partial payment of about 30 percent an hour later. He said the move demonstrated that resources were available but not being prioritised. ARTUZ warned that continued non-payment posed a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of Zimbabwe's national examinations, as experienced teachers were becoming reluctant to participate in marking exercises.

The union cautioned that if the outstanding balance is not settled within the stipulated time, examiners would withdraw cooperation, potentially triggering legal action and nationwide resistance from education professionals. ARTUZ also called on government to abolish batch payments, arguing that staggered disbursements erode the value of allowances through inflation. It urged authorities to reform ZIMSEC's funding model to ensure examiners are paid promptly and in full upon completion of their duties.