The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has finally paid Ordinary Level and Advanced Level markers their dues several months after they completed the exercise.
According to the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), the teachers were paid roughly ZWL$33 000 each.
PTUZ said the ZWL$33 000 was equivalent to US$135 when the examiners signed contracts in February but is now worth only US$55 as the local currency continues to fall in value against the major currencies. Said PTUZ:
ZIMSEC finally paid O and A Level markers their dues, about RTGS$33 000. When they signed their contracts in February, that was worth US$135. Today it’s US$55.
Both figures induce a sense of shock. Has the profession fallen from grace this much?