The start of the 2023 ordinary level (O-Level) examination calendar was disrupted by delays in distributing materials to exam centres putting the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) in the spotlight once again.

ZIMSEC attempted to prevent leaks by delivering the materials on the same day as the exam. However, in Mashonaland West province, some schools and colleges received the materials late, causing delays and anxiety for candidates. At Chinhoyi High School and Victoria College, the ‘O’ Level English Paper 1 exams started later than scheduled, but candidates were allowed to complete them within the designated time frames, according to NewZimbabwe.com. A candidate at Victoria College was cited as saying:

Sitting for the English Paper 1 was delayed by nearly two hours as we only started writing around 1545 hours. The unfortunate situation caused panic and unnecessary anxiety among candidates which might affect results.

It is our hope ZIMSEC puts its house in order and avoid a repeat of delays.

Delays in distributing exam materials were also reported in Mashonaland West province and other regions. Concerns were raised by parents and teachers about the impact of these delays on the quality of students’ results and the credibility of ZIMSEC’s exam administration.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) criticised ZIMSEC for corrupt practices in centralising the procurement of exam materials, leading to a one-month delay in practical exams. The union posted on X formerly Twitter:

In a desperate bid to cash in on procurement of examination materials,@zimsecOFFICIAL centralised procurement of all materials for science practicals. Same way procurement of sanitary pads was centralised. Now they can’t supply the materials and exams have to be postponed.

The ‘O’ Level Combined Science Practical Examination has been postponed by over a month due to logistical issues. A circular from ZIMSEC states that the exam, originally scheduled for October 19, 2023, will now take place on November 29, 2023. Examination center heads are instructed to inform the candidates to ensure that no one misses the exam.

ZIMSEC has a history of controversy during this time of year, including exam delays and leaks. Teachers’ unions attribute these issues to structural and ethical problems within ZIMSEC. ARTUZ highlights a flawed education system and low pay as contributing factors. ZIMSEC’s responsibility is to administer and oversee national examinations in Zimbabwe.

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