Zimsec yet to pay examiners

The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) is facing accusations of failing to pay close to 8 000 Ordinary and Advanced Level examiners their dues, despite the release of examination results more than two weeks ago.

The affected examiners, who marked the 2025 examinations between December 7 and December 22, say they have not received any payments for their work, including travel and subsistence (T&S) allowances. Depending on subject and marking load, most examiners were expecting to earn at least US$400 or more.

ZIMSEC spokesperson Ms Nicky Dhlamini confirmed that some examiners had not yet been paid, but said she could only provide a detailed response after verifying which subjects were affected.

"I need to verify which subjects the examiners were marking before I can give an answer," said Ms Dhlamini.

However, sources close to the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, claim that none of the examiners have been paid.

"All the examiners were not paid," said one source. "The script rates vary by subject, with Business Studies being the highest at US$1.80 per script."

The marking exercise was conducted at various centres across the country. Ndebele was marked in Lupane, Geography in Mutare, Ordinary Level Mathematics at the University of Zimbabwe, Advanced Level Mathematics in Bindura, while Business Studies and Accounting were marked at Masvingo Polytechnic. Other subjects were handled at different centres nationwide.

According to the sources, after including T&S allowances, each examiner was expected to take home at least US$400.

"Business Studies was followed by Geography and Shona Paper 1, which were pegged at US$1.20 per script. Biology was at US$1.10, Accounts at US$1, while the rest of the subjects averaged around US$1.10," said one examiner.

Markers say the delayed or non-payment has become a recurring problem at ZIMSEC, noting that Grade Seven examiners have faced similar challenges in the past.

"This problem is perennial," said a dejected examiner. "Even Grade Seven markers have gone through the same experience. What is worrying is that ZIMSEC officials are no longer picking up our calls."

The allegations come at a time when ZIMSEC is already under public scrutiny following recent increases in examination fees, raising fresh concerns about accountability, examiner welfare and the sustainability of the country's examination system.