Harare Correspondent
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) is urgently working to rectify a scheduling blunder that placed two mid-year Ordinary Level examination papers on a public holiday. The exams, initially set for Monday, May 26, included the English and Combined Science papers, but this date coincides with a holiday due to Africa Day falling on a Sunday.
In Zimbabwe, when a public holiday occurs on a weekend, it is observed on the following Monday. This year, with Africa Day on May 25, candidates were left bewildered by the overlap.
ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicky Dlamini acknowledged the mistake and confirmed that the dates had been amended.
“The dates were revisited, and any exams scheduled for May 26 initially were brought forward to May 23,” she stated in an interview.
Despite the correction, concerns linger regarding whether all candidates, particularly private candidates who operate outside the traditional school system, have been adequately informed of the change.
“It is the duty of exam centres to reach out to all candidates registered with them to keep them updated on changes to the exam calendar,” Dlamini explained.
To ensure communication, ZIMSEC has sent a circular to all schools alongside the statements of entry.
“All candidates will be advised by their centres. ZIMSEC is also communicating through its various channels,” she added.
However, Dlamini did not have specific figures available regarding the number of school candidates versus private candidates who will be affected by the exam date change.
As ZIMSEC continues to address this issue, the organization faces scrutiny over the need for improved communication and organization in the examination process.
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