Harare , (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) has been commended for its robust security measures and efficient management of examinations.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education made the commendation on Monday after touring the ZIMSEC printing facility in Norton, about 45 kilometers west of the capital.
The visit was aimed at providing legislators with a deeper understanding of ZIMSEC operations, particularly its examination printing processes.
The committee members were highly impressed with the security protocols in place, which are designed to prevent examination paper leaks and ensure the integrity of the country’s education system.
Committee chairperson Supa Mandiwanzira expressed satisfaction with the professionalism that ZIMSEC staff displayed and the level of organisation at the facility.
“We were thoroughly impressed by the setup and the security measures implemented to prevent any leakage of documentation, particularly for the printing of Grade 7, O-Level, and A-Level examinations,” he said.
Mandiwanzira added that the dedication of ZIMSEC management and staff was evident in their meticulous handling of sensitive examination material, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the education system.
ZIMSEC has introduced comprehensive measures to safeguard examinations, ensuring that all processes, from printing to distribution, are handled with strict oversight.
The committee observed that the security measures in place at the Norton facility are comparable to those of high-level national institutions. Mandiwanzira humorously likened ZIMSEC operational efficiency to that of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), praising its ability to ensure that examination papers reach every school countrywide on time.
“They could effectively function as another Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, given their ability to deploy examination papers to every school across the country on time, ensuring that exams are conducted simultaneously, whether at 9 AM or 10 AM,” he said.
Committee members also noted ZIMSEC’s growing regional influence, as two neighbouring countries have expressed interest in setting up ZIMSEC examination centres, with the international engagement seen as testament to the credibility and reliability of the examination body.
Despite the praise, the committee acknowledged that ZIMSEC faces several challenges, particularly financial constraints, with one the most pressing issues raised being the payment of examination markers, a problem that has persisted due to delayed disbursements from the Treasury.
Mandiwanzira warned that such delays could undermine the integrity of the examination process, as they might demotivate the professionals responsible for assessing students’ performance.
“The delay in paying examination markers is a serious concern. If not addressed, it could compromise the credibility of the entire examination system,” he stated.
The committee urged the government to prioritise ZIMSEC’s financial needs to ensure the smooth running of national examinations. It also emphasized the importance of continued investment in security infrastructure to maintain the high standards observed at the Norton facility.
New Ziana
