The Director: Zimsec
CC: -Minister of Primary and Secondary Education – Mr C Mathema
– Perm Sec Mrs T Thabela
*Re: Registration of Candidates for June and November 2020*
Dear Sirs and Madam
I am writing on behalf of learners, parents and school administrators who are being compelled to continue venturing out of their homes in an effort to fulfil your directives, and in the process endangering themselves, their families and others.
We have previously advised that in support of the President’s quarantine directive, the registration process be shelved until such time as the nation certifies itself safe from the scourge of the Corona virus. This advice has been made mindful of the notice from your good offices that “Zimsec has provided an electronic platform for the submission of candidate entry data and proof of payment”.
Truth is you know that this is impossible, at worst and too difficult, at best, to fulfil. Schools were closed at less than two working days’ notice as a result of the urgent situation brought by the Covid-19 epidemic, for which we don’t blame anyone.
It is a fact that in relation to the November 2020 examinations, a small proportion of the candidates had paid the exam fees at the time schools were closed, and most schools had not started capturing the data related to that. On top of that, banks were also instructed to close for 21 days like everyone else.
That being the case, it beats us why Zimsec and MOPSE have continued to bury their heads in the sand and continued with the business-as-usual attitude when it is known that parents and candidates cannot go and pay the exam fees at banks until the 21-day quarantine period is over.
A lot of parents and learners are in panic mode and do not know what to do. Some have actually taken the risk to go and pay fees at schools, congregating at those schools and exposing themselves to the danger of Corona in a self-defeating attitude.
It is also a fact that more than three-quarters of the schools in our country have no internet connection, being mostly rural, which means that school heads need to travel to the nearest internet access point.These are the most unsafe places to visit at this time.
We understand ZIMSEC’s need to be efficient in its preparations for the examinations. What we don’t understand is the Dutch courage being exhibited in the face of Corona virus. Such reckless bravery is shocking, to say the least. If these underpaid professionals fall sick or perish in the line of duty will we see their families getting compensation like is done for the Defense forces who perish on duty?
Honourable Minister, Cde Director and Madam Perm Sec we do not wish you ill, but please, let’s shelf the registration process for November until this problem is over. Nobody will blame you if the registration process starts in earnest even as late as June. Zimbabwe is our country and we can extend deadlines and still accomplish our tasks when everyone is safe.
The announcement by Zimsec that the deadline for the November registration remains 9 April is adding to the panic of parents and learners stuck at home.
We recommend that the registration process be shelved until parents can access banks, and exam committees at schools can access the schools.
We trust you will find this recommendation in order and in good faith.
<br
Yours faithfully
R Majongwe
PTUZ Secretary-General
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