TEACHERS in Masvingo who marked the 2013 Grade 7 examinations are disgruntled over the paltry $2 payment that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) has paid them so far saying the money made a mockery of their profession. TATENDA CHITAGU, OWN CORRESPONDENT
Marking of the public examination was completed in 12 days.
The teachers said they were shocked to be handed $2 at the end of the marking exercise at Masvingo Teachers’ College and initially refused to take the money, but changed their minds after being addressed by a Zimsec official who cooled down tempers.
“That is a mockery of our profession. How can you explain to your wife that you were away for 12 days just to return home with $2? That is very unfair. It was better if they had given us a reasonable amount even if they are to pay the remainder later,” said one of the affected teachers.
However, Zimsec Masvingo regional director Silvanos Dandira said the $2 was just a transport allowance for teachers from urban areas and insisted that they would be paid their dues for marking the exams.
“There could be disgruntlement, but the truth of the matter is that it was just for transport. Those from rural areas got more, including their lunch allowances,” Dandira said.
“It was resident marking and they were provided with food. We got a directive from head office and the situation is the same for all markers countrywide. It is not a Masvingo case alone.”
He insisted that the markers will get more money in due course.
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“Something more is coming, but I cannot disclose the figures to the Press. The markers know that and they agreed to those figures in the contract that they signed,” he said.
